url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-celebrates-legislative-accomplishments-for-virginia-from-2024,Video: Kaine Celebrates Legislative Accomplishments for Virginia from 2024,2024-12-31,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"Video Available Here

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following video highlighting wins for Virginia he secured in 2024. In the video, Kaine discussed various pieces of legislation he introduced that are now law, actions the Biden-Harris Administration took—following Kaine’s urging—to make our communities healthier and safer, and new ways laws he helped enact, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, are continuing to bring massive investments and new jobs to the Commonwealth.

“I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish this year, but I know that there’s still so much more work to do,” Kaine said. “… I look forward to building on this year’s progress, traveling around Virginia, showing up for you, listening to you, and then standing up for you in the years ahead. See you on the road in 2025.”

Kaine’s 2024 accomplishments include:

Legislation he successfully helped pass into law, including:

The Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that enhances Social Security benefits for more than 50,000 Virginians, including firefighters, police officers, and other dedicated public servants;

The BOLD Act to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease;

The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, to honor the diplomats who helped save Jewish people during the Holocaust;

The BRIDGE for Workers Act to help more Americans find good-paying jobs;

The bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), to reauthorize a program Kaine helped create in 2014 in honor of Gabriella Miller, a Virginian who spent her life advocating for children with cancer, to advance lifesaving research;

And—also alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)—the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act to help address Parkinson’s Disease.

Historic investments that have come to Virginia thanks to legislation Kaine helped pass, including:

A $275 million investment in Micron’s Manassas facility, which will create over 1,000 jobs;

A $1.35 billion investment from Microporous LLC to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create thousands of jobs in Southside;

$380 million in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to become carbon-neutral by 2040;

A $681 million investment from LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which will create hundreds of jobs in Chesapeake;

An investment that’s expected to be over $400 million from Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Chesterfield County;

An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Over $154 million in federal funding for affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

Steps Kaine successfully advocated for the Biden-Harris Administration to take to make our country healthier and safer, including:

The FDA issuing final guidance to raise the tobacco age to 21;

Expanded coverage of IVF and other fertility services for federal workers;

The Department of Labor implementing new standards to limit miner’s exposure to silica dust;

And the closure of the gun show loophole, enhancing gun safety.

A full transcript of the video is below:

Hey, everybody, Senator Tim Kaine here.

It’s hard to believe 2024 is almost over. As I reflect on the past year, I want to take some time to celebrate some of what we’ve been able to accomplish together.

This year, I was able to pass several bills through both chambers of Congress including:

The BOLD Act to help combat Alzheimer’s Disease;

The Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act, honoring diplomats who helped save Jewish people during WWII and the Holocaust;

The BRIDGE for Workers Act to help more Americans find good-paying jobs;

And—alongside Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton—the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act to help address Parkinson’s Disease.

In 2024, we also had historic investments come to Virginia thanks to legislation I’ve helped pass, including:

A $275 million investment in Micron’s Manassas microchip processing facility, which will create over 1,000 jobs;

A $1.35 billion investment from Microporous LLC to build a new manufacturing facility, which will create thousands of jobs in Southside in the Danville region;

$380 million in federal funding for the Port of Virginia so it can become carbon-neutral by 2040;

A $681 million investment from LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, creating hundreds of jobs in Chesapeake;

A new Topsoe manufacturing facility, expected to bring more than $400 million in investments and create at least 150 new jobs in Chesterfield County;

Over $154 million in federal funding for affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

I’m proud that I was also able to successfully advocate for steps the Biden-Harris Administration took to make our country healthier and safer, including:

The FDA issuing final guidance to raise the tobacco age to 21, based on a bill that I authored with Senator McConnell a few years ago;

Expanded coverage of IVF and other fertility services for federal workers;

The Department of Labor implementing new standards to limit miner’s exposure to silica dust;

And the closure of the gun show loophole, enhancing gun safety all across this country.

I’m proud of everything we’ve been able to accomplish this year, but I know that there’s still so much more work to do.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

I look forward to building on this year’s progress, traveling around Virginia, showing up for you, listening to you, and then standing up for you in the years ahead.

See you on the road in 2025.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-celebrate-inflation-reduction-acts-2000-per-year-cap-on-out-of-pocket-prescription-drug-costs-for-americans-with-medicare,"Warner & Kaine Celebrate Inflation Reduction Act’s $2,000 Per Year Cap on Out-Of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs for Americans with Medicare",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) celebrated a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act that will go into effect on January 1, 2025 to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for Americans with Medicare Part D. The cap will apply to individuals’ combined, total costs for covered drugs—regardless of how many medications they need. Some estimates have shown that Virginians on Medicare will save an average of $440.62 on out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs thanks to this cap.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has already made a huge difference in the lives of Virginians. It’s capped the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, lowered health care and energy costs, brought millions of dollars in investment to Virginia, and created manufacturing jobs—all while lowering the deficit,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that beginning in 2025, Americans on Medicare will have a $2,000 per year out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs. Many seniors currently pay thousands of dollars a year for medications they need, so this provision is crucial to saving them money. We will keep working to build on this progress and ensure that Virginia harnesses all the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also expected to announce 15 more Medicare Part D drugs for negotiation. The IRA allowed CMS to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for the first time—a move Warner and Kaine had long pushed for. This year, the Biden Administration announced negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs for patients covered by Medicare Part D. The negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs, which will go into effect in 2026, will save $1.5 billion for Americans with Medicare Part D and $6 billion in the federal budget in the first year of implementation.

Many other provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the senators voted to pass in 2022, have already gone into effect to lower health care costs and expand clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and across the country.

Health Care:

Black lung benefits: The law permanently extended the black lung excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. In Virginia, thousands of miners and their families have received benefits through the trust fund since it was established, including approximately 2,600 Virginians in 2021. Click here to learn more about what this means for miners and miner retirees like Mr. James Gibbs, a Bristol native, the At-Large International Vice President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and Kaine's guest to the 2023 State of the Union.

$35 cap on the cost of insulin: Out-of-pocket costs for insulin—regardless of how much a patient needs—are capped at $35 per month under Medicare. Thanks to the IRA, 36,461 Virginians on Medicare who use insulin now pay no more than $35 per month. Click here to learn how seniors like Mrs. Marguerite Bailey Young of Fredericksburg, who was Warner’s guest to the 2023 State of the Union, are benefiting from the $35 cap.

Free vaccines for Medicare recipients: People with Medicare no longer have to pay to receive most vaccines under Medicare Part D, which includes vaccines for shingles, HPV, MMR, diphtheria, and pertussis. In 2023, over 230,000 seniors in Virginia received a recommended vaccine free of cost.

Extension of ACA subsidies: During the pandemic, Congress enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. The IRA extended these enhanced subsidies through 2025 to help make Virginians’ health insurance more affordable. 350,008 Virginians with ACA coverage are receiving assistance to lower the cost of their premium. In 2022, Virginians saved an average of $508 per month on their health insurance premium.

Lower Premiums for More Than 500,000 Virginians: There are additional provisions that went into effect to limit annual premium increases for Americans, including more than 500,000 Virginians enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Penalties on drug manufacturers that increase prices: Manufacturers are required to keep the increase in the cost of their drugs at or below inflation.

Clean Energy:

Boosts to clean energy investments: Clean energy manufacturers can apply for expanded tax credits that incentivize investment in and production of renewable energy technologies like solar power and offshore wind. The IRA set aside $4 billion in credits for businesses that make these investments in energy communities that have seen closures of coal mines or retirements of coal-fired power plants in recent years. This means that communities in Virginia, especially Southwest Virginia, are well-positioned to benefit from many of these tax credits and funding opportunities. In 2023, Kaine hosted an event at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap to discuss how Virginia can best harness the clean energy tax credits, economic development, and job creation opportunities created by the legislation.

Improvements to home energy efficiency: Homeowners can receive up to 30 percent back through tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements to their home—generally up to a maximum of $1,200 per year but potentially up to $3,200 if improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, or biomass stoves.

Simplified Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits: The IRA allows qualified individuals to get a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of new EVs or a tax credit of up to $4,000 for certain used EVs and plug-in hybrids purchased through a dealership. Virginians who buy an EV from a participating dealer can now choose to receive their tax credit for that purchase at the point-of-sale instead of after filing their taxes.

Federal funding to help low-income and disadvantaged communities more easily access solar energy: The IRA brought over $156 million in federal funding to Virginia to support solar energy development in low-income areas, which will lower energy costs for families and create good-quality jobs while tackling the effects of climate change.

The IRA has also expanded clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and brought a series of corporate investments to Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms. This will create over 330 jobs.

An over $400 million investment by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County that will manufacture solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC), a crucial component for producing clean hydrogen. This will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks and a federal grant award of over $208 million to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A046445E-BBF0-4B67-AE86-F68A477CFE95,"Warner & Kaine Celebrate Inflation Reduction Act's $2,000 per Year Cap on Out-of-Pocket Prescription Drug Costs for Americans with Medicare",2024-12-30,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) celebrated a provision of the Inflation Reduction Act that will go into effect on January 1, 2025 to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $2,000 per year for Americans with Medicare Part D. The cap will apply to individuals’ combined, total costs for covered drugs—regardless of how many medications they need. Some estimates have shown that Virginians on Medicare will save an average of $440.62 on out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs thanks to this cap.

“The Inflation Reduction Act has already made a huge difference in the lives of Virginians. It’s capped the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, lowered health care and energy costs, brought millions of dollars in investment to Virginia, and created manufacturing jobs—all while lowering the deficit,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled that beginning in 2025, Americans on Medicare will have a $2,000 per year out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs. Many seniors currently pay thousands of dollars a year for medications they need, so this provision is crucial to saving them money. We will keep working to build on this progress and ensure that Virginia harnesses all the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act.”

In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is also expected to announce 15 more Medicare Part D drugs for negotiation. The IRA allowed CMS to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for the first time—a move Warner and Kaine had long pushed for. This year, the Biden Administration announced negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs for patients covered by Medicare Part D. The negotiated prices for the first 10 drugs, which will go into effect in 2026, will save $1.5 billion for Americans with Medicare Part D and $6 billion in the federal budget in the first year of implementation.

Many other provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the senators voted to pass in 2022, have already gone into effect to lower health care costs and expand clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and across the country.

Health Care:

Black lung benefits: The law permanently extended the black lung excise tax at a higher rate, providing more certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. In Virginia, thousands of miners and their families have received benefits through the trust fund since it was established, including approximately 2,600 Virginians in 2021.

$35 cap on the cost of insulin: Out-of-pocket costs for insulin—regardless of how much a patient needs—are capped at $35 per month under Medicare. Thanks to the IRA, 36,461 Virginians on Medicare who use insulin now pay no more than $35 per month. Click here to learn how seniors like Mrs. Marguerite Bailey Young of Fredericksburg, who was Warner’s guest to the 2023 State of the Union, are benefiting from the $35 cap.

Free vaccines for Medicare recipients: People with Medicare no longer have to pay to receive most vaccines under Medicare Part D, which includes vaccines for shingles, HPV, MMR, diphtheria, and pertussis. In 2023, over 230,000 seniors in Virginia received a recommended vaccine free of cost.

Extension of ACA subsidies: During the pandemic, Congress enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to help lower health care premiums for millions of Americans. The IRA extended these enhanced subsidies through 2025 to help make Virginians’ health insurance more affordable. 350,008 Virginians with ACA coverage are receiving assistance to lower the cost of their premium. In 2022, Virginians saved an average of $508 per month on their health insurance premium.

Lower Premiums for More Than 500,000 Virginians: There are additional provisions that went into effect to limit annual premium increases for Americans, including more than 500,000 Virginians enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Penalties on drug manufacturers that increase prices: Manufacturers are required to keep the increase in the cost of their drugs at or below inflation.

Clean Energy:

Boosts to clean energy investments: Clean energy manufacturers can apply for expanded tax credits that incentivize investment in and production of renewable energy technologies like solar power and offshore wind. The IRA set aside $4 billion in credits for businesses that make these investments in energy communities that have seen closures of coal mines or retirements of coal-fired power plants in recent years. This means that communities in Virginia, especially Southwest Virginia, are well-positioned to benefit from many of these tax credits and funding opportunities. In 2023, Kaine hosted an event at Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap to discuss how Virginia can best harness the clean energy tax credits, economic development, and job creation opportunities created by the legislation.

Improvements to home energy efficiency: Homeowners can receive up to 30 percent back through tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements to their home—generally up to a maximum of $1,200 per year but potentially up to $3,200 if improvements include heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, or biomass stoves.

Simplified Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits: The IRA allows qualified individuals to get a tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of new EVs or a tax credit of up to $4,000 for certain used EVs and plug-in hybrids purchased through a dealership. Virginians who buy an EV from a participating dealer can now choose to receive their tax credit for that purchase at the point-of-sale instead of after filing their taxes.

Federal funding to help low-income and disadvantaged communities more easily access solar energy: The IRA brought over $156 million in federal funding to Virginia to support solar energy development in low-income areas, which will lower energy costs for families and create good-quality jobs while tackling the effects of climate change.

The IRA has also expanded clean energy manufacturing in Virginia and brought a series of corporate investments to Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms. This will create over 330 jobs.

An over $400 million investment by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County that will manufacture solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC), a crucial component for producing clean hydrogen. This will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks and a federal grant award of over $208 million to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1B86752D-AA8A-4990-9663-4F0FC6B3E504,Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on the Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter:

“Jimmy Carter blazed a trail from the peanut fields of Plains, Georgia to the Navy, the Governor’s Mansion, the White House, and to a remarkable post-presidential career – modeling leadership, philanthropy, and love of country every step of the way. We lost a giant.

“Jimmy Carter gave me my first job out of law school, and I have deeply admired his service since leaving the Oval Office. His dedication to building homes through Habitat for Humanity has always brought back warm memories of my father, who also volunteered with the organization well into his eighties. Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us – a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-social-security-fairness-act,Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of Social Security Fairness Act,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded the Senate passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to strengthen Social Security benefits by eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

“Virginia’s firefighters, police officers, and other dedicated public servants deserve the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to have cosponsored and voted for this legislation to help deliver on that principle, and encourage President Biden to sign it into law as quickly as possible.”

The Social Security Fairness Act will enhance retirement benefits for more than 50,000 Virginians, primarily those who worked for state and local government, whose benefits were unfairly reduced by the WEP and GPO provisions.

Companion legislation is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-congressional-passage-of-legislation-to-keep-government-funded-until-march-14,Warner & Kaine Statement on Congressional Passage of Legislation to Keep Government Funded Until March 14,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation to prevent a government shutdown and extend government funding at Fiscal Year 2024 levels until March 14. The legislation also includes $110 billion in disaster relief to support communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which the senators advocated for:

“We are relieved Congress passed legislation to avert a government shutdown, which would have had disastrous consequences for federal employees, government contractors, and millions of Americans who rely on government services. We are also glad that it included federal funding we pushed for to help communities in Southwest Virginia recover from Hurricane Helene and additional support for the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs. However, we are disappointed that Republicans turned their backs on an original bipartisan proposal that would have included provisions to lower prescription drug costs. We are also frustrated that the majority of our Republican colleagues did not want to fully fund the government for Fiscal Year 2025 and instead kicked the deadline into the new year. Short-term continuing resolutions create unnecessary harm for federal departments and agencies—particularly those in the national security space—because they don’t allow them to meet today’s challenges and plan for the future. In the coming months, we will continue working to pass Fiscal Year 2025 government funding legislation that supports Virginians and includes funding for community projects across the Commonwealth.”

This is the second time that Congress has failed to pass a full-year government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2025. On September 25, the senators voted to pass legislation to temporarily fund the government through December 20. Warner and Kaine have previously introduced legislation to prevent government shutdowns.

The continuing resolution (CR) includes $110 billion in funding for disaster relief to support communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including Southwest Virginia. Warner and Kaine have been vocal about the need for significant federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and have repeatedly urged Congress to pass a supplemental funding package. The disaster supplemental provides full federal funding to rebuild the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is currently estimated to cost approximately $660 million. The bill also includes full funding of $125 million to conduct necessary repairs at Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Additionally, the bill includes $2.2 billion to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, a priority that Warner long advocated for.

In October, they successfully urged the Biden Administration to submit a supplemental funding request to cover the costs associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The senators also successfully pushed for the disaster supplemental to include robust funding for public lands to address damage to the Creeper Trail and other federal lands in Southwest Virginia. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they also successfully advocated for an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Warner and Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia.

It also includes $5.69 billion in funding for the Virginia-class submarine program and provides the necessary incremental funding for the Columbia-class submarine program. While Congress has already invested significant federal funding in the submarine industrial base in recent years, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs face significant delays brought on by residual workforce challenges and supply chain disruptions. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is critical to the fulfillment of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) partnership, through which the U.S. will sell at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia to boost security in the Indo-Pacific. Kaine, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, has led efforts in Congress to address submarine production and other shipbuilding delays.

Finally, it includes an extension of COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities through March 2025, ensuring that many seniors can continue receiving telehealth services. Warner and Kaine advocated for this extension.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1806A917-C1FF-4C33-8EE4-D6EE94935F66,Warner & Kaine Statement on Congressional Passage of Legislation to Keep the Government Funded Until March 14,2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation to prevent a government shutdown and extend government funding at Fiscal Year 2024 levels until March 14. The legislation also includes $110 billion in disaster relief to support communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which the senators advocated for:

“We are relieved Congress passed legislation to avert a government shutdown, which would have had disastrous consequences for federal employees, government contractors, and millions of Americans who rely on government services. We are also glad that it included federal funding we pushed for to help communities in Southwest Virginia recover from Hurricane Helene and additional support for the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs. However, we are disappointed that Republicans turned their backs on an original bipartisan proposal that would have included provisions to lower prescription drug costs. We are also frustrated that the majority of our Republican colleagues did not want to fully fund the government for Fiscal Year 2025 and instead kicked the deadline into the new year. Short-term continuing resolutions create unnecessary harm for federal departments and agencies—particularly those in the national security space—because they don’t allow them to meet today’s challenges and plan for the future. In the coming months, we will continue working to pass Fiscal Year 2025 government funding legislation that supports Virginians and includes funding for community projects across the Commonwealth.”

This is the second time that Congress has failed to pass a full-year government funding bill for Fiscal Year 2025. On September 25, the senators voted to pass legislation to temporarily fund the government through December 20. Warner and Kaine have previously introduced legislation to prevent government shutdowns.

The continuing resolution (CR) includes $110 billion in funding for disaster relief to support communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including Southwest Virginia. Warner and Kaine have been vocal about the need for significant federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and have repeatedly urged Congress to pass a supplemental funding package. The disaster supplemental provides full federal funding to rebuild the Virginia Creeper Trail, which is currently estimated to cost approximately $660 million. The bill also includes full funding of $125 million to conduct necessary repairs at Radford Army Ammunition Plant. Additionally, the bill includes $2.2 billion to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, a priority that Warner long advocated for.

In October, they successfully urged the Biden Administration to submit a supplemental funding request to cover the costs associated with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The senators also successfully pushed for the disaster supplemental to include robust funding for public lands to address damage to the Creeper Trail and other federal lands in Southwest Virginia. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, they also successfully advocated for an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Warner and Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia.

It also includes $5.69 billion in funding for the Virginia-class submarine program and provides the necessary incremental funding for the Columbia-class submarine program. While Congress has already invested significant federal funding in the submarine industrial base in recent years, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs face significant delays brought on by residual workforce challenges and supply chain disruptions. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is critical to the fulfillment of the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) partnership, through which the U.S. will sell at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia to boost security in the Indo-Pacific. Kaine, Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, has led efforts in Congress to address submarine production and other shipbuilding delays.

Finally, it includes an extension of COVID-era Medicare telehealth flexibilities through March 2025, ensuring that many seniors can continue receiving telehealth services. Warner and Kaine advocated for this extension.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1A87814E-7CEB-4704-960B-21B2543813EF,"Wexton, Warner, and Kaine Applaud Senate Passage of a Bill to Designate George C. Marshall House as a National Park Service Affiliated Area",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of legislation to designate the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as an affiliated area under the National Park Service (NPS). The lawmakers have advocatedfor years for an official designation, which would provide new resources to preserve and celebrate General Marshall’s legacy at the site, including technical assistance to support restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and new programming.

“Dodona Manor has a clear historic value to our nation and turning it into an affiliated area under NPS is a fitting way to honor General Marshall’s life and legacy,” said the lawmakers. “We’re glad our legislation to help make that happen was passed by the Senate today and hope to see this designation come to fruition.”

General Marshall led a lifetime of public service, serving as Chief of Staff to the Army during America’s entry into World War II, as Secretary of State where he orchestrated the historic Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe following the war, and as Secretary of Defense after the onset of the Korean War.

Dodona Manor is currently registered as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior and has been designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Virginia Landmark.

The Marshall House has been an integral part of the Leesburg community for over two centuries. General Marshall and his wife Katherine purchased the property in 1941 as a weekend retreat house, and regularly spent time at the property throughout General Marshall’s tenure as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

Today, the property hosts international exchanges, historical exhibits, community events, and educational programming about the life and legacy of the Marshall family.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BA4B418B-C0DC-4797-BE27-4C1D363BDB12,"Wexton, Warner, and Kaine Applaud Passage of their Bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act",2024-12-21,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) celebrated the Senate passage of their bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0. The bill reauthorizes federal funding for the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First), which the senators helped create to support lifesaving research of treatments and cures for childhood cancer since 2015. The bill was included in a draft government funding agreement that was reached earlier this week, but was later torpedoed by Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and President-elect Donald Trump.

The legislation is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, who lived in Virginia’s 10th District and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and passed away in 2013 at the age of 10. Her passionate advocacy for lawmakers to “stop talking, start doing” led to the passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and creation of Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund in 2014.

“For as long as I have been serving in Congress, I’ve been fighting to pass the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 and extend critical funding for childhood cancer research,” said Wexton. “I’m so proud that we’ve finally gotten this lifesaving bill through Congress and on its way to be signed into law. This bipartisan bill will build on the groundbreaking work of the Kids First program and deliver much-needed resources to better understand, treat, and hopefully one day cure childhood cancer. No family should have to face the fear and pain of their child’s cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Senator Tim Kaine and the remarkable advocacy of Ellyn Miller and the Miller family in honor of Gabriella and her fight, to build support for this bill.”

“Gabriella Miller was a courageous Virginian who gave her all to advocating for those whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer,” said Kaine. “I’m honored to have worked with the Miller Family and Congresswoman Wexton on this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a crucial pediatric cancer research program that was created in her honor. I’m glad the Senate passed it today and urge President Biden to sign it into law as quickly as possible.”

“By reauthorizing the research program bearing Gabriella Miller’s name, we are helping to honor her memory, giving hope to families facing devastating diagnoses, and ensuring that future generations have access to the life-saving treatments they deserve,”said Warner.

In 2014, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which the senators championed, was signed into law by President Obama, establishing the Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund and authorizing $12.6 million in annual funds for childhood disease research through Fiscal Year 2023. Since then, Kids First has taken tremendous steps towards understanding childhood cancer, such as establishing the Gabriella Kids Resource Center—a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries. The language included in the bill reauthorizes the Kids First program for five years.

Cancer continues to kill more children in the United States than any other disease. Over 15,000 children a year are diagnosed with cancer, with that number tragically having gradually risen in recent decades. Pediatric cancers often differ from adults in the type, how they spread, and how it is treated, and many children do not respond well to conventional adult treatments, which frequently cause long term health issues and disabilities even in circumstances where the cancer is successfully cured. Yet while children face special hurdles when it comes to fighting cancer, less than 8% of current government funding for cancer is geared specifically towards developing treatments and cures for childhood cancer and other rare diseases.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-wexton-kaine-and-warner-applaud-senate-passage-of-gabriella-miller-kids-first-research-act-20,"VIDEO: Wexton, Kaine & Warner Applaud Senate Passage of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) celebrated the Senate passage of their bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0. The bill reauthorizes federal funding for the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First), which the senators helped create to support lifesaving research of treatments and cures for childhood cancer since 2015. The bill was included in a draft government funding agreement that was reached earlier this week, but was later torpedoed by Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and President-elect Donald Trump.

The legislation is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, who lived in Virginia’s 10th District and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and passed away in 2013 at the age of 10. Her passionate advocacy for lawmakers to “stop talking, start doing” led to the passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and creation of Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund in 2014.

“For as long as I have been serving in Congress, I’ve been fighting to pass the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 and extend critical funding for childhood cancer research,” said Wexton. “I’m so proud that we’ve finally gotten this lifesaving bill through Congress and on its way to be signed into law. This bipartisan bill will build on the groundbreaking work of the Kids First program and deliver much-needed resources to better understand, treat, and hopefully one day cure childhood cancer. No family should have to face the fear and pain of their child’s cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Senator Tim Kaine and the remarkable advocacy of Ellyn Miller and the Miller family in honor of Gabriella and her fight, to build support for this bill.”

“Gabriella Miller was a courageous Virginian who gave her all to advocating for those whose lives have been touched by childhood cancer,” said Kaine. “I’m honored to have worked with the Miller Family and Congresswoman Wexton on this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize a crucial pediatric cancer research program that was created in her honor. I’m glad the Senate passed it today and urge President Biden to sign it into law as quickly as possible.”

“By reauthorizing the research program bearing Gabriella Miller’s name, we are helping to honor her memory, giving hope to families facing devastating diagnoses, and ensuring that future generations have access to the life-saving treatments they deserve,” said Warner.

Broadcast-quality video of Kaine calling for the bill’s passage on the Senate floor is available here.

In 2014, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which the senators championed, was signed into law by President Obama, establishing the Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund and authorizing $12.6 million in annual funds for childhood disease research through Fiscal Year 2023. Since then, Kids First has taken tremendous steps towards understanding childhood cancer, such as establishing the Gabriella Kids Resource Center—a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries. The language included in the bill reauthorizes the Kids First program for five years.

Cancer continues to kill more children in the United States than any other disease. Over 15,000 children a year are diagnosed with cancer, with that number tragically having gradually risen in recent decades. Pediatric cancers often differ from adults in the type, how they spread, and how it is treated, and many children do not respond well to conventional adult treatments, which frequently cause long term health issues and disabilities even in circumstances where the cancer is successfully cured. Yet while children face special hurdles when it comes to fighting cancer, less than 8% of current government funding for cancer is geared specifically towards developing treatments and cures for childhood cancer and other rare diseases.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-celebrate-passage-of-bills-to-name-post-offices-after-madeleine-albright-and-john-mercer-langston,Warner & Kaine Celebrate Passage of Bills to Name Post Offices after Madeleine Albright and John Mercer Langston,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today celebrated the Senate passage of bills they introduced to rename two United States Postal Service (USPS) offices in Loudoun County and Petersburg.

“Madeleine Albright and John Mercer Langston were trailblazers who overcame tremendous barriers in their respective fights for human rights and social justice. We are thrilled to see these bills get full congressional approval, which brings us one step closer to enshrining these important legacies in Loudoun County and Petersburg. We look forward to seeing President Biden sign these bills into law,” said the senators.

The first bill would designate the Loudoun County post office, in Purcellville, as the ""Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Post Office Building.” The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), honors Secretary Albright, the first female Secretary of State and former Ambassador to the United Nations.

The second bill would designate the Petersburg post office as the ""John Mercer Langston Post Office Building."" The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), honors the Louisa County native and 19th century abolitionist and attorney, who served as one of the first Black Americans to hold elective office in the United States.

These post office facilities are located at 220 North Hatcher Avenue in Purcellville, Virginia and 29 Franklin Street in Petersburg, Virginia.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/wexton-warner-and-kaine-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-to-designate-george-c-marshall-house-as-a-national-park-service-affiliated-area,"Wexton, Warner & Kaine Applaud Senate Passage of Bill to Designate George C. Marshall House as a National Park Service Affiliated Area",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded the unanimous Senate passage of legislation to designate the General George C. Marshall House in Leesburg, known as Dodona Manor, as an affiliated area under the National Park Service (NPS). The lawmakers have advocated for years for an official designation, which would provide new resources to preserve and celebrate General Marshall’s legacy at the site, including technical assistance to support restoration efforts, accessibility improvements, and new programming.

“Dodona Manor has a clear historic value to our nation and turning it into an affiliated area under NPS is a fitting way to honor General Marshall’s life and legacy,” said the lawmakers. “We’re glad our legislation to help make that happen was passed by the Senate today and hope to see this designation come to fruition.”

General Marshall led a lifetime of public service, serving as Chief of Staff to the Army during America’s entry into World War II, as Secretary of State where he orchestrated the historic Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe following the war, and as Secretary of Defense after the onset of the Korean War.

Dodona Manor is currently registered as a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior and has been designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia as a Virginia Landmark.

The Marshall House has been an integral part of the Leesburg community for over two centuries. General Marshall and his wife Katherine purchased the property in 1941 as a weekend retreat house, and regularly spent time at the property throughout General Marshall’s tenure as Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

Today, the property hosts international exchanges, historical exhibits, community events, and educational programming about the life and legacy of the Marshall family.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E69F3865-BBDF-4F51-A933-79F13FCE3372,Warner & Kaine Celebrate Passage of Bills to Rename Post Offices after Madeleine Albright and John Mercer Langston,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today celebrated the Senate passage of bills they introduced to rename two United States Postal Service (USPS) offices in Loudoun County and Petersburg.

“Madeleine Albright and John Mercer Langston were trailblazers who overcame tremendous barriers in their respective fights for human rights and social justice. We are thrilled to see these bills get full congressional approval, which brings us one step closer to enshrining these important legacies in Loudoun County and Petersburg. We look forward to seeing President Biden sign these bills into law,” said the senators.

The first bill would designate the Loudoun County post office, in Purcellville, as the ""Secretary of State Madeleine Albright Post Office Building.” The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), honors Secretary Albright, the first female Secretary of State and former Ambassador to the United Nations.

The second bill would designate the Petersburg post office as the ""John Mercer Langston Post Office Building."" The bill, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA), honors the Louisa County native and 19th century abolitionist and attorney, who served as one of the first Black Americans to hold elective office in the United States.

These post office facilities are located at 220 North Hatcher Avenue in Purcellville, Virginia and 29 Franklin Street in Petersburg, Virginia.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-hyde-smith-applaud-senate-passage-of-their-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-historic-american-battlefields,Kaine & Hyde-Smith Applaud Senate Passage of their Bipartisan Bill to Protect Historic American Battlefields,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) successfully secured the Senate passage of their bipartisan American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, legislation to protect America’s historic battlefields. Specifically, the bill would make updates to strengthen the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), a program within the National Park Service (NPS) which promotes the preservation of significant historic battlefields and sites of armed conflict across the United States. The program has preserved more than 35,000 acres of historic land in 20 states, including Virginia and Mississippi.

The bill was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last year and is now headed to President Biden’s desk.

“From Yorktown to Appomattox to the Pentagon, you can’t map America’s military history without Virginia,” said Kaine. “I’m glad to have worked with Senator Hyde-Smith to secure the Senate passage of our legislation to bolster the American Battlefield Protection Program because preserving these sites is crucial to ensuring that Americans can visit them and learn about our country’s history. I urge President Biden to sign it. ”

“Mississippi is home to some of our nation’s most significant and historic battlefields, and this legislation will make it easier to protect these hallowed grounds for future generations,” Hyde-Smith said. “Senator Kaine and I recognized that the American Battlefield Protection Program could be more applied to protect the sites where so many pivotal moments of American history took place. I look forward to this legislation becoming law.”

The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act would:

Permit non-profits and tribes to directly apply for ABPP grants. Currently, only state and local governments are eligible to apply for ABPP funding.

Ensure Battlefield Restoration Grant funding is available for all battlefields. ABPP administers four grant programs: Preservation Planning, Battlefield Land Acquisition, Battlefield Restoration, and Battlefield Interpretation. Current law only allows land preserved by a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant to be eligible for a Restoration Grant, which provides funds to return Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War landscapes back to day-of battle conditions, enhancing the visitor experience. This provision would remove this requirement and allow properties that were not acquired by a Battlefield Land Acquisition Grant to be eligible for Restoration Grant funding. This would mean Ball’s Bluff in Leesburg, Sailor’s Creek in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties, Cedar Creek in the Shenandoah Valley, and several other state- and nonprofit-owned battlefield parks in Virginia are eligible for Restoration Grant funding.

Clarify eligibility of Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Sites for Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants (BLAG). Current law allows battlefields and sites associated with the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 to be eligible for ABPP funding. This change would clarify that only battlefields are eligible.

Create a process for expanding and updating historic battlefield boundaries. Currently, only lands identified in NPS maps are eligible for ABPP Battlefield Land Acquisition funding, and any updates to these maps must be approved by Congress. This means that if there is new archaeology or research that shows the historic extent of a battlefield is different from NPS’s original maps, the land cannot be preserved under ABPP. For example, the Green Springs Battlefield in James City County is larger than it was originally thought to be. By creating a better process for expanding and updating the historic boundaries of battlefields, it’ll be easier for certain sites to receive ABPP funding.

The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Boozman (R-AR), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

Companion legislation was led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) and Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-announce-senate-passage-of-chesapeake-national-recreation-area-act,"Kaine, Colleagues Announce Senate Passage of Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), alongside Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ben Cardin (D-Md), announced the unanimous passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Act by the United States Senate. The bipartisan, bicameral bill would unite a series of voluntarily contributed sites and iconic Bay properties under the National Park Service (NPS) to create a Chesapeake National Recreation Area (CNRA). The creation of the CNRA would spur more federal resources for environmental conservation, celebrate the Chesapeake’s diverse cultural and economic history, foster sustainable and equitable access to the Bay, and support responsible economic growth in the region. After passing this major hurdle, the CNRA Act must next be passed by the House and signed by the President in order to become law. Co-legislation was led in the House of Representatives by Congressman John Sarbanes (D-MD-03).

“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure full of rich history and plays a crucial role in the region’s ecology and economy. I’m thrilled that the Senate passed our legislation to create a unified Chesapeake National Recreation Area to honor that legacy and help foster responsible stewardship and economic growth in the watershed region,” said Kaine. “I urge our colleagues in the House to pass this legislation as quickly as possible so it can be sent to the President’s desk for signature.”

""The Senate's passage of the Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act marks a crucial milestone in our ongoing efforts to safeguard the Chesapeake Bay for the well-being and enjoyment of future generations. This achievement reflects years of bipartisan, bicameral collaboration and the dedicated work of countless stakeholders, including the National Park Service, who have helped shape the vision for the CNRA. I am grateful to all those who have contributed to this effort and look forward to the continued partnerships that will ensure the Bay remains protected, accessible and celebrated for years to come,"" said Sarbanes.

“The Bay is a treasure to Maryland and to the entire country. And with today’s passage of our Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act, we’re one step closer to recognizing its importance and the opportunities it holds on the national stage. The CNRA will provide greater resources for conversation, increase public access, and support economic opportunity around the Bay. We’ll continue working to get this legislation across the finish line,” said Van Hollen.

“Generations of Marylanders’ stories are connected by memories formed while working, playing and living on the Chesapeake Bay. Creation of a Chesapeake Bay National Recreation Area will honor and build on those legacies by making resources more accessible, allowing visitors to better interact with the watershed and understand the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Senator Cardin. “With the expertise of the National Park Service and other key stakeholders on natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Bay,” said Cardin.

“Today, the Senate took a historic step to celebrate and protect the Chesapeake Bay. Establishing the Chesapeake National Recreation Area will enhance conservation, improve access for the public, and preserve this national treasure for generations to come. While there’s more work to do, today the Senate sent a powerful signal about our intent to get this done, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it across the finish line,” said Warner.

The CNRA will increase diverse public access to the Chesapeake Bay and strengthen the culture of stewardship across the region. Additionally, the CNRA will highlight the stories that often go untold – those of Indigenous peoples; free and enslaved Blacks; the role the Bay played in the earliest days of the Maryland and Virginia Colonies; the key part the Bay has played, and continues to play, in the region’s economy; and the story of watermen and -women who are essential to the economic success and health of the Bay region. Everyone who resides in the region has an important role in Bay conservation and culture.

The Chesapeake National Recreation Area Act was drafted in collaboration with NPS and the lawmakers’ CNRA Working Group, and in alignment with the ten guiding principles laid out in June 2022. It also incorporates stakeholder feedback on the lawmakers’ discussion draft, released in November 2022. The nearly six-month public comment period also included several listening sessions with groups such as local elected officials, neighborhood community organizations and interested parties across the watershed.

Following thorough review of the feedback provided, Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes officially introduced the CNRA Act in July 2023.

Senator Van Hollen and Congressman Sarbanes garnered support for the legislation from a wide array of over 100 stakeholders spanning local elected officials, environmental and historical preservation groups, economic development organizations, racial justice advocates, seafood and outdoor recreation businesses, and many more. The full list of supporters can be viewed here.

Following the introduction of the legislation, further modifications were made based on feedback from the National Park Service (NPS) and bipartisan staff of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee staff to align the CNRA with established precedent in order to ensure the amended legislation received the Committee’s support. It was passed by Committee on November 19, 2024.

More information about the CNRA can be viewed here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-29-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-affordable-housing-in-charlottesville,Warner & Kaine Announce Over $29 Million in Federal Funding to Support Affordable Housing in Charlottesville,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $29,151,778.41 in federal funding for Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to preserve long-term housing affordability for residents of the Southwood Mobile Park. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Grant program, which supports communities in their efforts to maintain, protect, and stabilize manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities.

“Every Virginian deserves access to safe, affordable housing,” the senators said. “We are glad that this federal funding will help support homes and communities in Charlottesville, and we will keep working to support housing accessibility throughout the Commonwealth.”

Nationwide, over 22 million Americans live in a manufactured home—homes that are factory-built and then installed on a lot, making them a more affordable option for homeownership compared to new-construction homes. However, while residents often own the home, they typically lease the land underneath it. This can put residents at risk of losing their home if the land changes ownership. Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity purchased the Southwood Mobile Park in 2007 to help prevent such displacement and has been working since then to make critical repairs and infrastructure improvements, while working to build a community where the residents ultimately own the land under their homes. This funding will help advance that goal.

Warner and Kaine have long advocated for safe, affordable housing for Virginia families. In April 2023, Kaine, a former fair housing attorney, visited with residents of Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity builds and spoke to them about their experiences. The senators previously secured $1,015,000 to make necessary infrastructure improvements in the Southwood Mobile Park in the FY2022 Appropriations bill. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $98 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness assistance and over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth. This year they also announced over $13 million in federal funding to address lead-based paint hazards in homes across Virginia.

The senators have pushed for legislation to expand access to affordable housing. The senators have introduced the Downpayment Toward Equity Act, legislation to help first-generation homebuyers buy a home. Warner and Kaine have also introduced bicameral legislation to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers build generational wealth more rapidly by offering a 20-year mortgage for roughly the same monthly payment as a traditional 30-year loan.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-youngkin-receive-classified-briefing-regarding-unexplained-drone-sightings-in-virginia,"Warner, Kaine, Youngkin Receive Classified Briefing Regarding Unexplained Drone Sightings in Virginia",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and Governor Glenn Youngkin received a classified briefing at the Capitol from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and the FBI regarding the ongoing investigation into the unexplained drone sightings in Virginia. Following the briefing, they issued the following statement:

“While we appreciate the agencies taking the time to update us on the situation, this briefing was insufficient and unsatisfactory. It has been more than a year since these sightings over key military facilities in Virginia and the lack of answersabout the nature, intent, and origin of these incidents is completely unacceptable.The safety of Virginians remains our top priority, and we are determined to continue pressing for additional details as well as greater coordination with state and local officials. We will be staying in close contact with the relevant federal and state agencies to ensure that these concerns are pursued vigorously.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=76BE9899-B381-4A63-A17B-6C3FF7DA2C79,Warner & Kaine Announce Over $29 Million in Federal Funding to Support Affordable Housing in Charlottesville,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"Washington – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, (both D-VA) announced $29,151,778.41 in federal funding for Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to preserve long-term housing affordability for residents of the Southwood Mobile Park. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) Grant program, which supports communities in their efforts to maintain, protect, and stabilize manufactured housing and manufactured housing communities.

“Every Virginian deserves access to safe, affordable housing,” the senators said. “We are glad that this federal funding will help support homes and communities in Charlottesville, and we will keep working to support housing accessibility throughout the Commonwealth.”

Nationwide, over 22 million Americans live in a manufactured home—homes that are factory-built and then installed on a lot, making them a more affordable option for homeownership compared to new-construction homes. However, while residents often own the home, they typically lease the land underneath it. This can put residents at risk of losing their home if the land changes ownership. Greater Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity purchased the Southwood Mobile Park in 2007 to help prevent such displacement and has been working since then to make critical repairs and infrastructure improvements, while working to build a community where the residents ultimately own the land under their homes. This funding will help advance that goal.

Warner and Kaine have long advocated for safe, affordable housing for Virginia families. In April 2023, Kaine visited with residents of Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity builds and spoke to them about their experiences. The senators previously secured $1,015,000 to make necessary infrastructure improvements in the Southwood Mobile Park in the FY2022 Appropriations bill. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $98 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness assistance and over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth. This year they also announced over $13 million in federal funding to address lead-based paint hazards in homes across Virginia.

The senators have pushed for legislation to expand access to affordable housing. The senators have introduced the Downpayment Toward Equity Act, legislation to help first-generation homebuyers buy a home. Warner and Kaine have also introduced bicameral legislation to help first-time, first-generation homebuyers build generational wealth more rapidly by offering a 20-year mortgage for roughly the same monthly payment as a traditional 30-year loan.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9500B375-F6B3-476F-A6AF-4C43644D527B,Warner and Capito Introduce the Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act. This bill aims to streamline processes, reduce cost-burdens to rural home owners and small developers, and provide affordable housing incentives.

“By expanding access to historic tax credits, we can preserve our nation’s rich heritage while also incentivizing the construction of more affordable housing. I’m proud to join Senator Capito in introducing this legislation to bring new life to abandoned buildings and grow the housing stock in in rural communities,” Senator Warner said.

“Being a rural state shouldn’t mean losing out on private investment incentives like tax credits to help us preserve our communities’ history and revitalize local economies,” Senator Capito said. “I have enjoyed working with the dedicated group of West Virginians who brought this issue to my attention and who provided important perspectives during the creation of this legislation. The Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act will help level the playing field for communities in West Virginia by attracting investment for economic expansion and additional housing supply.”

Currently, many historic tax projects are not economically viable in small and rural areas, giving a disproportionate advantage of the credit to large urban developments. The costs associated with the credit as-is severely limits rural areas, and especially largely rural states like West Virginia, from being able to use the credit to rehabilitate and revitalize historic properties.

Through improvements to the credit included in the Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act, rural Historic Tax Credit projects will be more financially feasible and will result in a higher number of these projects being completed in rural areas and states.

The Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act:

Makes historic tax credit projects in rural areas eligible for an increased credit from the current 20% to 30%.

Includes an additional increase in the credit to 40% for affordable housing creation.

Allows the credit be used in addition to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Allows small rural projects to claim the credit in the first year of use.

Allows transferability of the credit to a third-party.

Eliminates basis adjustment to simplify credit transaction.

This bill is supported by the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, The Historic Tax Credit Coalition, Main Street America, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Click here for more on what others are saying about the bill.

Click here to view a one-pager on the bill.

Click here for full bill text.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-tillis-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-counter-violence-in-the-western-hemisphere,Kaine & Tillis Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Counter Violence in the Western Hemisphere,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee responsible for the Western Hemisphere, Human Rights and Global Women’s Issues, and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Co-Chair of the Senate Human Rights Caucus, introduced the Countering Violence in the Western Hemisphere Act, bipartisan legislation to mitigate violence in the Western Hemisphere—including intimate partner violence, sexual assault and harassment, femicide, and other crimes such as sex and labor trafficking. 17 of the 25 countries in the Western Hemisphere have the highest rates of femicide in the world. This violence is often perpetrated by partners, gangs, and drug traffickers, and many countries in the hemisphere do not have local law enforcement or criminal justice system capacity to adequately and urgently address it. This violence destabilizes communities and is a root cause of migration from Central America.

“Gender-based violence is both an urgent human rights issue and a critical national security challenge for the United States because it contributes directly to instability and migration,” said Kaine. “We need to do more to ensure all people can live in communities free of violence and wanton criminality, hold the perpetrators of such violence accountable, and help our regional partners sustainably stem critical drivers of mass migration. This bipartisan legislation will help us do that.”

“The United States must work to end violence against women and children globally, and play a proactive role in addressing this crisis,” said Tillis. “By empowering local law enforcement and community organizations in Latin and South America, we can help break the cycle of violence, ensure accountability, and provide victims with the support they deserve. This legislation reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable and advancing human rights across the globe.""

Specifically, the bipartisan Countering Violence in the Western Hemisphere Act would support foreign assistance programs and diplomatic initiatives to counter these types of violence in the Western Hemisphere by:

Codifying the reporting of gender-based violence in the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.

Urging the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to direct funding to local women-led non-profit organizations and partners that are focused on countering violence against women and children, supporting survivors, boosting economic empowerment and security of women, and expanding resources to prevent violence in the Western Hemisphere.

Expanding and strengthening the implementation of financial savings groups for women such as Village Loan Savings Associations.

Strengthening State Department and USAID collaboration with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies to conduct training to report, prevent, investigate, and prosecute instances of gender-based violence in the Western Hemisphere.

Increasing U.S. contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.

Expanding research partnerships and educational exchange opportunities for scholars, researchers, and students to engage with nongovernmental organizations and private sector institutions that work on issues relating to violence against women and children.

Requiring State and USAID to formally assess the impact of these types of violence in driving migration, and identifying strategic gaps in the U.S. response.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-fiscal-year-2025-national-defense-bill,Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chair of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded the Senate’s passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). As a member of SASC, Kaine worked to secure key provisions in the legislation to advance U.S. national security, support servicemembers and their families, benefit Virginia’s defense community, and boost efforts to work collaboratively with allies and partners. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

“As a senator from Virginia and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m proud to go to bat every year to advocate on behalf of Virginia’s servicemembers and defense community. We are facing a number of global challenges, and this legislation is critical to ensuring our military remains the strongest in the world. It includes key provisions I secured to improve quality of life for servicemembers and their families, support improvements at military installations across Virginia, and advance our national security interests. It also makes important shipbuilding investments, including by authorizing funding for Virginia-class submarine construction, a substantial portion of which happens in Hampton Roads. I will keep working with my colleagues to pass full-year government funding legislation for Fiscal Year 2025 as soon as possible,” said Kaine.

Kaine successfully secured the following provisions:

Pay Raises: Authorizes a 4.5% pay raise for military personnel and an additional 10% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers with paygrades E-1 through E-4, resulting in a 14.5% total pay raise. Authorizes a 2% pay raise for Department of Defense (DOD) personnel.

Shipbuilding Investments:

Authorizes funding for one Virginia-class submarine, incremental funding authority for a second Virginia-class submarine, and funding for additional material and support for the submarine industrial base.

Authorizes funding for the Columbia-class submarine program.

Authorizes funding for carriers, surface vessels, undersea vessels, aircraft, and munitions.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy to promote the development of a skilled manufacturing and high-vocational trade workforce to support the expansion of the defense industrial base.

Authorizes funding for a recruiting, marketing, and public messaging campaign to expand the maritime workforce.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to consider novel methods for recruiting and developing the defense industrial base workforce, including replicating established training programs and educating service-oriented populations about the variety of opportunities for national service.

Supports investments in shipyard infrastructure and the defense industrial base.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to assess U.S. sealift capability to include an evaluation of the maritime infrastructure.

Military Construction: Authorizes $540,481,000 for military construction (MILCON) projects in Virginia.

$180,000,000 for barracks at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

$81,000,000 for a dormitory at Joint Base Langley-Eustis

$52,610,000 for long weapons storage at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

$52,110,000 for the Conventional Prompt Strike Weapons Maintenance, Ops & Storage Facility at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

$47,130,000 for the Conventional Prompt Strike Test Facility at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown

$36,800,000 for the Metro Entrance Pedestrian Access Control Point at the Pentagon

$35,000,000 for Special Operations Forces Human Performance Training Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

$23,000,000 for Area Maintenance Support Activity/a Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Richmond

$16,000,000 for unaccompanied housing at Naval Air Station Oceana

$10,000,000 for Dry Dock 3 Modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

$4,080,000 for a Child Development Center at Naval Air Station Oceana

$2,751,000 for a Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story

Health Care:

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide data on servicemember suicides by military occupational skill (MOS). This will allow DOD to identify which military career fields have higher per capita suicide rates.

Authorizes TRICARE health providers to provide tele-mental health care services to military personnel and their dependents regardless of the location of the provider or patient.

Establishes the Defense Intrepid Network for Traumatic Brain Injury and Brain Health to provide clinical care to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate servicemembers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms from blast overpressure or blast exposure, and other mental health conditions.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a report on the Department’s efforts to diagnose, treat, and measure traumatic brain injuries throughout a member’s service from the time of entry until transition to veteran status.

Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a review and research on DOD efforts to address traumatic brain injuries related to blast overpressure and exposure. Kaine has introduced legislation and urged the Biden Administration to mitigate and protect servicemembers from these injuries.

Increases the maximum accession bonus for the Health Professions Scholarship Program from $20,000 to $100,000 to recruit more medical and dental providers.

Military Housing:

Authorizes increased funding to repair and improve enlisted barracks across the services.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a policy for the services to provide free internet to servicemembers living in barracks.

Authorizes servicemembers who are below the grade of E-6, do not have dependents, and are assigned to sea duty to be paid a Basic Allowance for Housing.

Child Care and Education for Military Families:

Provides for competitive rates of pay for child development programs’ employees to improve recruitment and retention.

Includes a provision based off of Kaine’s bipartisan bill to extend the maximum student to teacher ratio directive for Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools around the world. Sets the maximum teacher to student ratio at 1:18 for grades K-3 and maintain an average of 1:24 for grades 4-12 across all DODEA schools.

Authorizes funding for Impact Aid, including funding to support military children with severe disabilities. Impact Aid reimburses school districts for the cost of educating children who reside on military installations or have a parent that works on a military installation or federal property. Because military families may not pay certain state or local taxes where they are stationed, Impact Aid helps offset these costs and is critical to supporting schools.

Military Spouses:

Permanently grants authority to DOD to make transferring professional licenses between states easier for military spouses.

Extends the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, which provides employment support to military spouses through a paid fellowship program.

Extends the authority to hire military spouses in noncompetitive appointments in the civil service.

Countering Fentanyl: Includes the Strengthening Tracking Of Poisonous Tranq Requiring Analyzed National Quantification Act (STOP TRANQ), bipartisan legislation Kaine led alongside U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to add a statutory requirement for the State Department to include reporting on xylazine, or “tranq,” in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), a country-by-country report that tracks efforts to counter all aspects of the international drug trade. Tranq is a powerful sedative that is increasingly used as an additive to fentanyl.

Resilience of Military Installations: Authorizes funding for the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program to support base resiliency. Kaine called for robust funding for REPI.

Support for Veterans: Extends and authorizes funding for the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program to help transitioning servicemembers and veterans become K-12 teachers.

U.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific:

Authorizes funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

Requires a plan for the establishment of joint force headquarters subordinate to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in Japan.

Authorizes the Indo-Pacific Security Assistance Initiative and authorizes DOD to provide defense articles and services to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) Partnership: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan Coordinating AUKUS Engagement with Japan Act to require AUKUS coordinators at the State Department and DOD to engage with the Japanese government, as well as consult with counterparts in Australia and the U.K. to assess Japan’s potential for inclusion in key advanced technology cooperation activities under the AUKUS framework. Kaine has been a strong champion of AUKUS in Congress.

Taiwan: Authorizes the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities.

Israel: Authorizes funding for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow.

Ukraine: Requires a report on DOD efforts to identify, disseminate, and implement lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

Iran: Requires congressional notification for any weapons or related materials transferred by Iran to an Iranian-linked group or second country. Requires an annual report on actions the U.S. is taking to counter and deter weapons transfers.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems:

Authorizes DOD to support civil authorities to detect, identify, and monitor uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that cross international land borders of the United States.

Requires the establishment of a counter-uncrewed aircraft system (c-UAS) task force to review guidance relating to c-UAS activities.

Requires a strategy for countering drone technologies, referring drone offenses for investigation and prosecution, and assessing resources or authorities necessary for drone incursion response.

Directs the Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on respective service plans for counter-UAS capabilities.

Counternarcotics: Requires DOD to report on improvements to combatant command coordination to its counternarcotic and counter-transnational organized crime activities.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing:

Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to support the U.S. Coast Guard in executing existing maritime laws to combat transnational crimes, including IUU fishing.

Includes a key provision from bipartisan legislation Kaine introduced to expand existing authorities to allow the U.S. government to work with partners and allies around the world to support the enforcement of maritime law enforcement agreements that combat IUU fishing.

Countering Human Trafficking: Includes a provision from Kaine’s bipartisan bill authorizing the State Department to investigate human trafficking.

Support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Includes several provisions from Kaine’s bipartisan legislation to encourage growth of research partnerships between HBCUs and federal agencies to advance development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Response to Conflict in Sudan Act: Includes Kaine’s legislation to bolster and coordinate the U.S. response to the worsening conflict in Sudan by creating and codifying the Office of the Special Envoy for Sudan at the U.S. Department of State. The Envoy would be confirmed by the Senate.

COMMAND Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan bill to require commissioned officers to receive training on the U.S. Constitution, including instruction on civilian control of the military.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-lead-democratic-colleagues-in-reintroducing-bicameral-legislation-to-expand-support-for-magnet-schools,"Kaine, Colleagues Lead Democratic Colleagues in Reintroducing Bicameral Legislation to Expand Support for Magnet Schools",2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, along with U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representatives Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) reintroduced the Magnet Schools Accessibility, Growth, and Nonexclusionary Enrollment Transformation (MAGNET) Act, legislation to strengthen support for magnet schools. The bill would require the federal Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant to prioritize applicants that plan to establish whole-school magnet schools, emphasize inter-district diversity, and propose strategies to improve diversity and academic performance across schools and districts. It would also authorize a new grant program housed under MSAP, the Supplemental Diversity Grant (SDG), which aims to continue supporting the work of existing magnet programs aspiring to improve their diversity-related goals.

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 across zip codes. More than 3.5 million students attend magnet schools nationwide, but as school districts become increasingly segregated by race and income, this legislation updates the MSAP grant to expand access to funding and ensure it supports magnet schools with the greatest impact on improving diversity and academic performance. In Connecticut, 86 magnet schools serve nearly 40,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 across 29 districts.

“As a former parent of public school students and a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, ensuring that Virginia’s students have the resources they need to thrive is one of my top priorities,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to be joining with my colleagues in introducing the MAGNET Act, which will help increase racial and socioeconomic diversity in our magnet schools and further strengthen our school districts.”

""Connecticut's magnet schools are proof that desegregating our classrooms improves academic outcomes for everyone,"" said Murphy. “Expanding access to these schools across the country will ensure every kid – no matter their zip code – can get a quality education. I’m glad to reintroduce this legislation to support existing magnet schools and help other districts get new programs off the ground.”

“Thousands of kids in Connecticut benefit from the diversity and specialized curriculum at magnet schools, and even more students stand to gain access to these educational opportunities with our bill. Expanding resources for magnet schools will give parents even greater choice within the public school system and set more students up for success,” said Blumenthal.

“Magnet schools foster diversity, promote academic excellence, and help provide access to quality learning opportunities regardless of the student’s zip code,” said Booker. “The MAGNET Act will expand funding for magnet schools that are working to improve diversity so we can ensure students from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds all have the opportunity to thrive.”

“The magnet school model breaks down social barriers to learning in our nation and promotes academic success and healthier communities. Our bill will help establish high-quality successful magnet schools and expand existing programs so all students and families can reap the benefits of a magnet school education,” said Courtney.

“Students deserve access to high-quality public schools, including magnet programs. Funding constraints and lack of investment often block students from these educational opportunities so we must be creative in our approach to solutions.” said Hayes. “The MAGNET Act will enable public schools to invest in high-quality programming for more students. This legislation will also create new magnet programs and opportunities for vulnerable and underserved students.”

The MAGNET Act is endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers (AFT); Capitol Region Education Council; Center for Educational Equity, Teachers College, Columbia University; Civil Rights Project at UCLA; Integrated Schools; Magnet Schools of America; National Coalition on School Diversity; Poverty and Race Research Action Council.

Full text of the bill available HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-wins-for-virginia-in-bipartisan-water-infrastructure-bill,Warner & Kaine Applaud Wins for Virginia in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded congressional passage of the S.4367, the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which will help maintain clean drinking water across the country and includes key provisions to support the local oyster industry, strengthen Virginia’s coastal resiliency, improve recreational access to Virginia’s waterways, and encourage the dredging of the Chesapeake Bay to support tourism and recreation, among other Virginia priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden to be signed into law.

“We’re proud that the legislation headed to the president’s desk provides funding and resources for water infrastructure projects across Virginia,” said the senators. “It includes key provisions to keep our communities healthy and safe and combat the effects of rising sea levels and increased flooding from significant weather events while investing in tourism, recreational development, and Virginia’s oyster industry.”

Added the senators, “We are especially pleased that this bill will honor civil rights attorney Reuben Lawson’s legacy of social justice by renaming the federal building in Roanoke in his memory.”

The legislation would help repair aging drinking water, wastewater, and irrigation systems across the country, in addition to supporting the following Virginia priorities:

Includes Warner and Kaine’s legislation to rename the federal courthouse in Roanoke the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building” in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson.

Increases the authorized funding levels for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program from $100 million to $120 million.

Encourages shallow draft dredging in the Chesapeake Bay, which is critical for tourism, recreation, and the fishing industry.

Adds the City of Norfolk to the Temporary Relocation Assistance Pilot Program to boost the city’s climate resilience.

Authorizes the Army Corps to conduct a feasibility study on enhancing downstream recreation activities for Gathright Dam, Lake Moomaw, and the Jackson River in Alleghany County.

Authorizes $1.3 million for a wastewater infrastructure project in King William County.

Authorizes $1 million for wastewater infrastructure, environmental infrastructure, and water quality improvements in the vicinity of the Potomac River.

Greenlights proposed feasibility studies for projects at Cedarbush Creek in Gloucester County, Chickahominy River in James City County, Timberneck Creek in Gloucester County, York River in York County, and flood risk management in James City County.

Expedites completion of maintenance dredging of the federally authorized navigation channels Parrotts Creek, Jackson Creek, and Horn Harbor, Va.

Expedites completion of a flood risk management study for the Kanawha River Basin in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Establishes an expedited completion track for Virginia Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.

Establishes an expedited completion track to modify the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project to include Anchorage F.

Establishes an expedited completion track for and requires the federal government to pick up 90% of the cost of conducting a feasibility study to identify a potential secondary water source for the Virginia-DC-Maryland region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/wexton-and-kaine-applaud-inclusion-of-gabriella-miller-kids-first-research-act-20-in-government-funding-bill,Wexton and Kaine Applaud Inclusion of Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 in Government Funding Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) celebrated the inclusion of their bipartisan Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 in the continuing resolution to fund the government. The bill reauthorizes federal funding for the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program (Kids First), which has supported lifesaving research of treatments and cures for childhood cancer over the past nine years.

The bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Gabriella Miller, who lived in Virginia’s 10th District and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and passed away in 2013 at the age of 10. Her passionate advocacy for lawmakers to “stop talking, start doing” led to the passage of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and creation of Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund in 2014.

“For as long as I have been serving in Congress, I’ve been fighting to pass this lifesaving bill and extend critical funding for childhood cancer research. I’m so proud that we’ve successfully included this in the must-pass funding package set to be voted on this week,” said Wexton. “This bipartisan bill will build on the groundbreaking work of the Kids First program and deliver much-needed resources to better understand, treat, and hopefully one day cure childhood cancer. No family should have to face the fear and pain of their child’s cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful for the remarkable advocacy of Ellyn Miller and the Miller family in honor of Gabriella and her fight, to build support for this bill.”

“Gabriella Miller was a fighter and activist who dedicated her life to fighting childhood cancers like her own. I was proud to help create the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program in her honor in 2014 to help fund lifesaving pediatric cancer research, and to partner with Congresswoman Wexton to pass our legislation to reauthorize that program for seven years,” said Kaine. “I’m deeply appreciative of the Miller family’s advocacy and support throughout this process, and will keep doing all that I can to honor Gabriella’s legacy.”

In 2014, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act was signed into law by President Obama, establishing the Ten-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund and authorizing $12.6 million in annual funds for childhood disease research through Fiscal Year 2023. Since then, Kids First has taken tremendous steps towards understanding childhood cancer, such as establishing the Gabriella Miller Kids First Data Resource Center – a comprehensive data resource for research and patient communities meant to advance discoveries. The language included in this year’s government funding continuing resolution reauthorizes the Kids First program for seven years.

Cancer continues to kill more children in the United States than any other disease. Over 15,000 children a year are diagnosed with cancer, with that number tragically having gradually risen in recent decades. Pediatric cancers often differ from adults in the type, how they spread, and how it is treated, and many children do not respond well to conventional adult treatments, which frequently cause long term health issues and disabilities even in circumstances where the cancer is successfully cured. Yet while children face special hurdles when it comes to fighting cancer, only a small fraction of current government funding for cancer is geared specifically towards developing treatments and cures for childhood cancer and other rare diseases.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3DC14127-521C-4DF4-82AB-3CB206A83AF4,Warner Praises Passage of the FY25 Intelligence Authorization Act,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released a statement after the Senate approved the Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending the legislation to the president’s desk for his signature. The IAA authorizes funding, provides legal authorities, and enhances congressional oversight of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC).

“The annual intelligence authorization bill helps ensure that intelligence agencies have the authorities and resources they need to protect against rapidly evolving conflicts and threats,” said Chairman Warner. “This year’s IAA enhances the IC’s ability to identify and counter emerging technological threats posed by adversarial nations, including foreign adversaries’ efforts to use and dominate areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology. The IAA also improves engagement between the IC and the private sector, promotes designations of foreign ransomware organizations as hostile cyber actors and furthers the Committee’s efforts to ensure the IC can attract and expeditiously on-board a talented, diverse, and trusted workforce to meet the emerging challenges we face.”

Background:

The IAA for Fiscal Year 2025 authorizes funding for the IC and ensures that it has the resources, personnel, and authorities it needs to protect our country and inform decision makers, while ensuring continued robust congressional oversight. The bill’s provisions focus on the following key areas:

Increases oversight of the national security threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including its attempts to evade sanctions, as well as its military capabilities, and investments in, and attempts to dominate, supply chains.

Enhances the IC’s ability to identify and counter adversary threats relating to biotechnologies, including by improving and modernizing the roles, missions, and objectives of the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center and by standardizing the IC’s processes for collecting and analyzing biological data.

Improves the IC’s response to foreign ransomware organizations, including by promoting the designation of leading ransomware groups as hostile foreign cyber actors.

Enhances policies relating to AI, including by establishing an AI Security Center within the National Security Agency to advance AI security research.

Expands the IC’s ability to procure, transition, and incorporate emerging technologies, including by enhancing public-private talent exchanges.

Increases the IC’s focus on the growing threats to the United States by ISIS and affiliated terrorist organizations.

Requires the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence of the Department of Energy to advise National Laboratories regarding visitors and assignees who pose counterintelligence risks.

Builds upon the Committee’s efforts relating to energy security by requiring a strategy to improve information sharing between the IC and the private sector regarding foreign adversary-based threats to U.S. critical minerals and other energy-related projects abroad.

Requires the IC to conduct an assessment of the likely course of Russia’s brutal war in Ukraine, and the effects of Western support to Ukraine.

Requires the IC to conduct an assessment of the lessons learned by the IC with respect to the Israel-Hamas war.

Improves oversight related to the Western Hemisphere, specifically when it comes to national security implications of visa-free travel by certain foreign nationals.

Enhances insight into the Venezuela Maduro regime’s relationship with state sponsors of terrorism and foreign terrorist organizations.

Increases support for IC recruitment and integration.

Extends the requirement for annual reports on strikes against terrorist targets.

Requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office regarding unidentified anomalous phenomena reporting and Federal agency coordination.

Reforms management of controlled access programs to improve congressional oversight.

Maintains strong congressional oversight of and enhances protections for IC whistleblowers.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B841CD23-B4EE-4D92-BB72-7C1984A20BE3,Warner & Kaine Applaud Wins for Virginia in Bipartisan Water Infrastructure Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded congressional passage of the S.4367, theWater Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which will help maintain clean drinking water across the country and includes key provisions to support the local oyster industry, strengthen Virginia’s coastal resiliency, improve recreational access to Virginia’s waterways, and encourage the dredging of the Chesapeake Bay to support tourism and recreation, among other Virginia priorities. The legislation now heads to President Biden to be signed into law.

“We’re proud that the legislation headed to the president’s desk provides funding and resources for water infrastructure projects across Virginia,”said the senators. “It includes key provisions to keep our communities healthy and safe and combat the effects of rising sea levels and increased flooding from significant weather events while investing in tourism, recreational development, and Virginia’s oyster industry.”

Added the senators, “We are especially pleased that this bill will honor civil rights attorney Reuben Lawson’s legacy of social justice by renaming the federal building in Roanoke in his memory.”

The legislation would help repair aging drinking water, wastewater, and irrigation systems across the country, in addition to supporting the following Virginia priorities:

Includes Warner and Kaine’slegislation to rename the federal courthouse in Roanoke the “Reuben E. Lawson Federal Building” in honor of the life and legacy of civil rights lawyer Reuben Lawson.

Increases the authorized funding levels for the Chesapeake Bay Oyster Recovery Program from $100 million to $120 million.

Encourages shallow draft dredging in the Chesapeake Bay, which is critical for tourism, recreation, and the fishing industry.

Adds the City of Norfolk to the Temporary Relocation Assistance Pilot Program to boost the city’s climate resilience.

Authorizes the Army Corps to conduct a feasibility study on enhancing downstream recreation activities for Gathright Dam, Lake Moomaw, and the Jackson River in Alleghany County.

Authorizes $1.3 million for a wastewater infrastructure project in King William County.

Authorizes $1 million for wastewater infrastructure, environmental infrastructure, and water quality improvements in the vicinity of the Potomac River.

Greenlights proposed feasibility studies for projects at Cedarbush Creek in Gloucester County, Chickahominy River in James City County, Timberneck Creek in Gloucester County, York River in York County, and flood risk management in James City County.

Expedites completion of maintenance dredging of the federally authorized navigation channels Parrotts Creek, Jackson Creek, and Horn Harbor, Va.

Expedites completion of a flood risk management study for the Kanawha River Basin in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.

Establishes an expedited completion track for Virginia Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.

Establishes an expedited completion track to modify the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project to include Anchorage F.

Establishes an expedited completion track for and requires the federal government to pick up 90% of the cost of conducting a feasibility study to identify a potential secondary water source for the Virginia-DC-Maryland region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C2C33BFC-7356-4976-9E08-05DA0E2B540D,Warner Applauds Passage of Virginia Priorities in Annual Defense Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, applauded congressional passage of the nation’s annual defense bill, which includes key priorities for Virginia, as well as a number of Warner-championed measures. The legislation now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“I’m glad to see the Senate vote to pass our nation’s annual defense bill, which delivers critical funding to equip our nation’s military, provide for our veterans, and strengthen our national security amid a complicated landscape of emerging threats,” said Sen. Warner. “I look forward to seeing the president sign this legislation. In the meantime, I will continue to deliver for Virginia by working prevent a costly government shutdown ahead of the holiday.”

The legislation supports $895.2 billion in funding for our nation’s defense and a number of other measures supported by thesenator, including –

Servicemembers and the civilian defense workforce:

Authorizes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers, a move that will dramatically improve quality of life for the men and women of our armed forces and their families.

Contributes to better living conditions for servicemembers by broadening eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) – a supplemental monthly payment for qualifying service members on active duty – to 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

Improves investment in military facilities by setting a statutory minimum level of investment for each military department. This will ensure adequate maintenance, sustainment, restoration, and modernization.

Invests in unaccompanied military housing by adding $177 million in military construction design funds to accelerate replacement of poor and failing barracks.

Provides better recourse for servicemembers facing maintenance issues in barracks by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide a digital maintenance system to residents that allows them to submit maintenance work orders, similar to what is required of military family housing. It also requires DoD to develop and implement standard criteria for a digital facilities management system that will track individual facility maintenance conditions as well as required and planned maintenance actions at the individual building level.

Bridges the digital divide for servicemembers by requiring the Secretary of Defense to develop a policy for the military services to provide free internet to those living in barracks.

Fully funds childcare fee assistance programs, a move that will address wait lists for eligible families in need of fee assistance.

Improves access to childcare for servicemembers by authorizing $29.7 million to fund various Child Development Centers – including several across Virginia.

Provides additional support for the children of servicemembers in the exceptional family member program by requiring DoD to initiate a pilot program to establish inclusive playgrounds at military installations for children with special needs.

Strengthening our military:

Authorizes 14 military construction projects in Virginia, totaling more than $500 million. In Hampton Roads, that includes projects for the Navy at Little Creek, Oceana, Naval Station Norfolk, Yorktown, and Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It also includes a project for the Air Force at Langley-Eustis.

Authorizes five dedicated spending requests personally championed by Sen. Warner, which will help accelerate the construction timeline of the following projects, by moving them forward in the Navy’s annual construction plan:

$2.75 million for design of a Child Development Center (CDC) at JEB Little Creek-Ft Story

$5.68 million for design of a CDC at MCB Quantico

$4.08 million for design of a CDC at NAS Oceana

$1.2 million for design of a CDC at NS Norfolk

$16 million for design of unaccompanied housing at NAS Oceana.

Authorizes $33.5 billion in shipbuilding funding for the procurement of seven battle force ships, including one Virginia-class submarine, with incremental funding authority for a second ship and funding for additional material and support; and full funding of the Columbia class ballistic missile submarine program.

Strengthening our nation’s defense and cyber defense capabilities:

Requires the NSA Director to establish an Artificial Intelligence Security Center within the National Security Agency,which would promote secure artificial intelligence adoption practices for managers of national security systems and elements of the defense industrial base. It would also develop guidance to prevent or mitigate counter-artificial intelligence techniques.

Provides $17.5 billion for science and technology programs, including $100 million for research at HBCU and Minority Serving Institutions.

Requires measures to improve the cybersecurity of mobile devices used by DoD in order to mitigate cyberattack risks against mobile devices and other threats that could undermine national security and defense operations.

The bill includes a Warner-authored provision to require a pilot program proposal for a small modular reactor (SMR) on an installation of at least 60 megawatts of power. That proposal would be due to Congress by next June.

Countering aggression by adversaries like Russia and China and strengthening democratic influence across the world:

Includes language require a multi-agency analysis of national security risks posed by CCP-linked drone companies. This language was based on legislation authored by Sen. Warner that he has pushed to restore American leadership in the drone industry and ensure that China can’t spy on Americans or otherwise disrupt key functions of drone technology.

Provides funding for the FCC’s Supply Chain Reimbursement Program. This program, based on Senator Warner’s United States 5G Leadership Act of 2019, provides important funding for telecommunications carriers, especially those carriers serving rural areas, to remove and replace dangerous PRC-sourced telecommunications network equipment. Sen. Warner has been a leading voice in Congress about the national security risks posed by PRC-controlled telecommunication companies. This provision is estimated to deliver over $2.5 million in needed funding for local providers in Virginia.

Authorizes a Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, modeled after the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, to enable Taiwan to maintain sufficient self-defense capabilities consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.

Requires the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), within 90 days of this bill’s enactment, to provide Congress with an assessment of the likely course of the war in Ukraine through December 31, 2025. The report must include information on the ability of Ukraine’s military to defend against Russian aggression if the United States continues or discontinues military and economic assistance; the ability and willingness of other countries to continue or discontinue military and economic assistance to Ukraine; and the impacts of Russia’s potential defeat of Ukraine on United States national security and foreign policy interests, including the potential for further aggression from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Establishes a DNI and Secretary of Defense Working Group to identify and share lessons that the United States intelligence community has learned from the Ukraine conflict.

Includes a Warner and Kaine-led provision to codify the Sudan Special Envoy role for two years, and to provide additional support and resourcing for that office.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-cassidy-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-illegal-unreported-and-unregulated-fishing,"Kaine & Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, bipartisan legislation to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Predatory IUU fishing disrupts international trade and undermines maritime security, marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and food and economic security. It often involves forced labor, human trafficking, unsafe working conditions, and other human rights abuses. It also has negative impacts for the U.S., which is a major harvester, importer, and consumer of seafood, because it creates unfair competition for fishermen who abide by international fishing laws.

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing has devastating consequences on global security, our economy—including Virginia’s seafood industry—and marine conservation efforts,” said Kaine. “The People’s Republic of China is a particularly egregious perpetrator of IUU fishing violations, and the PRC’s lawless behavior warrants a coordinated response from the U.S. government and our international partners. This bipartisan legislation takes important steps to deter IUU fishing by the PRC and other bad actors, and hold those participating in IUU fishing accountable for their actions.”

“Illegal fishing practices abroad threaten Louisiana. Seafood production is a driver of our economy and way of life,” said Dr. Cassidy. “By cracking down on unfair competition from IUU fishing, we can preserve jobs, protect our local economies, strengthen national security, and safeguard marine habitats.”

IUU fishing includes a range of activities that violate national and international fishing laws, including fishing without a license for certain species, failing to report catches or making false reports, using prohibited fishing gear, or conducting unauthorized transfers of fish to cargo vessels.

IUU fishing has become a particular challenge in the Western Hemisphere. IUU fishing in the region costs nearly $2.7 billion in lost revenue annually. It makes up more than 20 percent of all catches in Latin America. The increasing presence of illegal Chinese fishing vessels has significantly contributed to the rise in IUU fishing in the hemisphere and around the world.

Specifically, the bipartisan Protecting Global Fisheries Act would:

Expand existing authorities to allow the U.S. government to work with partners and allies around the world to support the enforcement of maritime law enforcement agreements that combat IUU fishing.

Authorize the President to impose visa, asset, and financial sanctions on foreign persons or foreign vessels found responsible or complicit in IUU fishing and the sale, supply, purchase, or transfer of endangered species.

Require the Departments of State and Defense to regularly provide briefings to Congress on efforts and strategies to combat IUU fishing.

Assert that the United States will prioritize countering IUU fishing in collaboration with friendly countries and via international forums.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senate-republicans-block-kaine-warner-and-van-hollen-effort-to-pass-bill-to-protect-federal-workers,"Video: Senate Republicans Block Kaine, Warner, & Van Hollen Effort to Pass Bill to Protect Federal Workers",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA), alongside U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), spoke on the Senate floor and pushed for a unanimous consent agreement in the Senate to pass the Saving the Civil Service Act, legislation led by Kaine to prevent any position in the federal civil service from being reclassified outside of merit system principles without the express consent of Congress. The agreement was blocked by Senate Republicans. The senators’ push comes as President-elect Trump plans to reinstate and expand Schedule F, a classification of federal workers that would make it easier for any administration to hire political loyalists and fire qualified experts.

“[Federal workers] work to ensure critical resources and services are provided in countless communities across America. They work to keep Social Security up and running, manage veterans’ benefits, research medical diseases, and develop cures and vaccines,” said Kaine on the Senate floor. “Our nation has recognized the value of a non-partisan and merit-based system to carry out federal government functions. Having a dedicated civil service based on merit rather than political loyalties is in the best interest of everyone. It not only promotes professionalism and reduces cronyism, it also promotes stability.”

Kaine continued, “There have been attempts in recent years to erode the independence of the federal civil service… I’m here on the floor where I will – in a minute – request Senate passage of the Saving the Civil Service Act. This bill upholds the merit system principles to ensure that the federal government is equipped with the most qualified and experienced individuals.”

“One of the great strengths of our democracy is that we have an independent, merit-based civil service… The vast majority of federal workers that I interact with, most could have done better in the private sector,” said Warner. “They do this work because of this sense of public service. You get rid of a merit-based system and do it all for political patronage – who would join that kind of government?”

“This is a critical piece of legislation to protect one of America’s best innovations, which is the idea of a nonpartisan, merit-based federal workforce – one that serves all Americans regardless of political affiliation,” said Van Hollen. “We've heard a lot about the need for more government efficiency, and count me in. But I will not support, and we will not support, something that under the cover of the claim of government efficiency, is simply a Trojan Horse to undo our merit-based system and turn it into one based on political cronyism – because that leads to corruption, which will erode the public's confidence and the quality of service that our federal civil servants provide.”

Earlier today, the senators held a press conference calling on Congress to protect federal workers. They were joined by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), as well as American Federation of Government Employees President Everett Kelly, National Federation of Federal Employees Executive Director Steve Lenkart, and International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson.

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS OF PRESS CONFERENCE AND FLOOR SPEECHES ARE AVAILABLE HERE

During his first term, President-elect Trump signed Executive Order 13957, creating Schedule F in the excepted government service. The excepted government service is any federal or civil service positions that are not in the competitive service or the Senior Executive Service. This executive order, had it not been repealed by President Biden in January 2021, would have required agency heads to reclassify “policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating” positions to a newly created Schedule F category of federal employees that would remove their due process rights and civil service protections. Currently, new presidents can make about 4,000 political appointments, approximately 1,200 of which must be confirmed by the Senate. This reclassification could increase the number of political appointments from 4,000 to approximately 50,000.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-unanimous-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-remove-unnecessary-burdens-and-costs-to-relocate-contaminated-chincoteague-water-wells,Warner & Kaine Applaud Unanimous Senate Passage of Legislation to Remove Unnecessary Burdens and Costs to Relocate Contaminated Chincoteague Water Wells,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded unanimous Senate passage of the Contaminated Wells Relocation Act, which will provide NASA with the authority to negotiate an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague to address costs associated with relocating water wells, reimburse for those costs, and give local control of the water supply back to the Town of Chincoteague. Several wells in Chincoteague are located on NASA property, and have been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been tied to various cancers and other adverse health effects. While the well water is currently being treated to remove PFAS and is safe to drink, these treatments must occur regularly which is an ongoing cost for NASA. This bipartisan legislation would permanently sidestep the contamination while saving the federal government money.

“We’re glad that the Senate unanimously passed our bill to cut red tape and allow NASA and the Town of Chincoteague to negotiate an agreement to address the costs of relocating contaminated water wells,” said the senators. “We hope the House will follow and pass this legislation.”

Warner and Kaine have consistently and ardently supported clean drinking water infrastructure in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which the senators voted to pass, included historic funding to address PFAS contamination.

Companion legislation is led in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8C059871-61D2-4E79-ADDB-CBBDC9D94D31,"Warner, Risch, Colleagues Push Biden Administration to Hold External Actors Accountable for Exacerbating Sudan Crisis",2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-DE), Todd Young (R-IN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mike Rounds (R-SD), wrote to President Biden, urging him to take more decisive action against foreign entities fueling the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

The violence in Sudan has led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Since the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April 2023, it’s estimated that the conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand individuals, and in the region, more than 25 million Sudanese are in need of immediate assistance. According to recent reporting, foreign entities, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia, are providing a critical financial lifeline to the belligerents to the conflict and fueling the war. In their letter, the senators highlighted the administration’s current efforts to end this crisis, but stressed the need to do more regarding foreign influence in the war, specifically pointing to the role of illicit gold trading in financing the conflict.

The senators wrote, “We are deeply concerned that Sudan’s illicit gold trade enables lucrative revenue streams that perpetuate the documented atrocities and worsens the devastating humanitarian crisis in the country. Sudan, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has a gold industry worth billions of dollars. The RSF controls Sudan’s richest gold mines, including in Jebel Amir. Over the past decade, the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti) Dagalo, have established dominance over Sudan’s gold trade, using ‘front companies and banks based in Sudan and the UAE’ to finance weapons, propaganda, and alliances with armed groups. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has identified gold operations as ‘a vital source of revenue for the Dagalo family and the RSF.’ This revenue fuels violence, as documented by the United Nations.”

Detailing the involvement of the foreign countries in this illicit practice, the senators continued, “The UAE is a major hub for smuggled Sudanese gold entering global markets. Between 2012 and 2022, Emirati companies reportedly received over 2,500 tons of illicit African gold worth approximately $115 billion. Sudan’s gold exports predominantly route to the UAE, but their true scale is obscured by significant smuggling and undervaluation. Despite its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list” in February 2024, the UAE’s gold sector remains vulnerable to money laundering. Reports have further linked Sudanese gold smuggled through the UAE to Russia’s Wagner Group, which uses these funds to support operations in Africa and Russia’s war in Ukraine, undermining international sanctions and exacerbating Sudan’s conflict.”

Sen. Warner has been a leading voice in the Senate about the need for increased diplomatic and humanitarian support for Sudan since the war erupted. In May 2023, Sen. Warner requested that the Biden administration issue a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Sudan, which was subsequently issued. Later that month, Sen. Warner urged the administration to offer all available support for humanitarian efforts in the region – and to be forward leaning on prioritizing local and community-based response efforts – and to appoint a Special Envoy to Sudan tasked with coordinating and leading U.S. diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. In December 2023, Sen. Warner continued public calls to the Biden administration to appoint a Special Envoy to Sudan, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello was subsequently appointed to the position. Last month, Sen. Warner also joined Sens. Risch and Coons in introducing the Sudan Accountability Act. He has also continued his efforts to provide support to Sudan and the Sudanese diaspora, regularly communicating with Special Envoy Perriello, and meeting with the Sudanese community in Virginia.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Mr. President,

We urge immediate action by your administration to target foreign external actors and foreign business entities fueling the gruesome atrocities in the Sudanese conflict, including those smuggling gold from Sudan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries. We also urge your Administration to expeditiously coordinate with allies and partners to strengthen the international response to the conflict, including through multilateral investigations and sanctions, to ensure all responsible actors are held to account.

For over 19 months, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused devastating harm to the Sudanese people. The conflict in Sudan has claimed tens of thousands to potentially over one hundred thousand lives, with preventable diseases and starvation emerging as the leading causes of death from April 2023 to June 2024. The violence has displaced more than 11 million people, leaving approximately 25 million people—half of Sudan’s population—in urgent need of food and critical assistance. It has also fueled uncontrolled outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. As U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated in September, millions of Sudanese are “on the verge of generational famine.”

We recognize the ongoing efforts of the United States, particularly the work of Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, to end the conflict, ensure humanitarian access, and hold the two warring parties and their supporters accountable. Specifically, we applaud your administration’s actions to designate SAF and RSF members to the Office of Foreign Asset Control’s (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals List, and to announce a blocked pending investigation action against seven UAE companies for potentially violating U.S. sanctions on Sudan. However, the Administration must do more to hold to account not only the warring parties, but also external actors providing support to both sides of the conflict, including the UAE, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as foreign business entities helping to finance both sides of the conflict.

For example, we are deeply concerned that Sudan’s illicit gold trade enables lucrative revenue streams that perpetuate the documented atrocities and worsens the devastating humanitarian crisis in the country. Sudan, one of Africa’s largest gold producers, has a gold industry worth billions of dollars. The RSF controls Sudan’s richest gold mines, including in Jebel Amir. Over the past decade, the RSF and its leader, Mohamed Hamdan (Hemedti) Dagalo, have established dominance over Sudan’s gold trade, using “front companies and banks based in Sudan and the UAE” to finance weapons, propaganda, and alliances with armed groups. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has identified gold operations as “a vital source of revenue for the Dagalo family and the RSF.” This revenue fuels violence, as documented by the United Nations.

The UAE is a major hub for smuggled Sudanese gold entering global markets. Between 2012 and 2022, Emirati companies reportedly received over 2,500 tons of illicit African gold worth approximately $115 billion. Sudan’s gold exports predominantly route to the UAE, but their true scale is obscured by significant smuggling and undervaluation. Despite its removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s “gray list” in February 2024, the UAE’s gold sector remains vulnerable to money laundering. Reports have further linked Sudanese gold smuggled through the UAE to Russia’s Wagner Group, which uses these funds to support operations in Africa and Russia’s war in Ukraine, undermining international sanctions and exacerbating Sudan’s conflict.

We therefore urge your administration to expand efforts by OFAC to fully leverage existing executive authorities and congressionally authorized enforcement mechanisms to hold accountable individuals and entities destabilizing Sudan. More decisive action is needed to target the business entities and external actors fueling the conflict, particularly under the authority of Executive Order 14098 and the Global Magnitsky Act. In particular, the U.S. should identify any additional UAE entities violating U.S. sanctions relating to smuggling of gold and ensure those entities are held to account.

Finally, strengthening international coordination is essential to effectively implement and monitor investigations into the atrocities by both sides of the conflict and by external entities. We should also ensure multilateral and comprehensive sanctions against business entities supporting the conflict, including entities profiting from Sudan’s illicit gold smuggling. The United States must enhance diplomatic engagement with external actors enabling the conflict while taking concrete steps to dismantle the illegal financing and smuggling networks that sustain it.

In the final months of your administration, we look forward to working with you to enhance U.S. efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, address the humanitarian crisis, hold accountable those responsible for atrocities, and stop the actors fueling this crisis inside and outside Sudan.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expand-access-to-health-care-for-veterans,Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Health Care for Veterans,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded unanimous Senate passage last week of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation Kaine cosponsored that will cut down on wait times for veterans seeking health care, expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for veterans—allowing them to remain in their homes and communities—and improve pay for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care employees.

“We have a responsibility to care for our nation’s veterans and ensure they can access high-quality health care,”said Kaine. “I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed this bipartisan legislation I cosponsored to allow veterans to more quickly access care, stay in their homes as they age, and provide much-needed support to VA health care workers. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill as quickly as possible.”

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is named in honor of former Senator Elizabeth Dole, who has been a leader in supporting veterans and their caregivers.

Specifically, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act would:

Require the VA to coordinate with local Programs for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which provide HCBS, to help ensure any veteran enrolled in the VA health system can access such services. Currently, many veterans who are covered by a VA health plan and need HCBS do not have these services available in their communities.

Require the VA to develop a plan for timely scheduling of appointments at medical facilities, to include same-day appointments.

Improves pay for VA health care employees, by giving the VA the authority to provide retroactive pay to health care employees who exceeded annual pay caps between January 8, 2006, and December 31, 2017; require each VA physician, podiatrist, optometrist, and dentist to get an annual pay evaluation; and give the agency additional flexibility to offer recruitment, retention, and relocation bonuses to these professions.

Bolster veterans homelessness assistance by increasing the per diem rate the VA can pay to organizations that provide short-term housing from 115% of costs to 133%. Additionally, the VA would be able to provide unhoused veterans with bedding, shelter, food, hygiene items, blankets, and rideshare services to medical appointments.

Expand access to home and community-based alternative care programs to veterans at all VA medical facilities, including veterans living in U.S. territories and Native veterans enrolled in Indian Health Service (IHS) or tribal health programs.

Increase the amount the VA will pay for health care from 65% to 100% for alternatives to nursing home care, such as home health care, adult day care, and assisted living.

Create a centralized website to share information and resources related to home and community-based programs and help veterans and caregivers determine their eligibility.

Require the VA to review staffing, resource needs, and accessibility needs to ensure they are appropriately serving veterans and caregivers.

Create a pilot program to provide home health aide services for veterans who reside in communities with a shortage of home health aides.

Require the VA to establish a warm handoff process—a transfer of care from one health care provider to another in front of a patient, their family members, and/or caregiver—for veterans and caregivers who are discharged from or ineligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. This improves communication and the relationship between patients and providers.

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-urge-senate-leadership-to-rein-in-pbms-and-lower-prescription-drug-costs-for-virginians,Warner & Kaine Urge Senate Leadership to Rein in PBMs and Lower Prescription Drug Costs for Virginians,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and a bipartisan group of colleagues sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging passage of the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act, which includes legislation Warner and Kaine led that would help lower drug costs for Virginians and Americans as a whole.

The legislation is made up of various bills passed by both the Senate Finance Committee, of which Warner is a member, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, of which Kaine is a member. Through his work on the Finance Committee, Warner worked to secure provisions in the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act and the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act. Included in these bills are multiple Warner-authored bipartisan proposals, including the PBM Reporting Transparency Act, which would hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) accountable for providing good value to seniors and Medicare by making public information about the contracts between PBMs and Medicare prescription drug plans. It also includes the IMPROVE Part D Regulations Act, which would require the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to conduct patient-focused listening sessions about potential improvements to Medicare Part D, as well as the Ensuring Accurate Payments to Specialty Pharmacies Act, which would require HHS to survey specialty pharmacy drug acquisition costs to ensure Medicaid programs don’t reimburse too much or too little for drugs. This legislation also requires CMS to make sure that PBMs aren’t standing in the way of fair reimbursements for smaller pharmacies, such as long-term care pharmacies and home infusion pharmacies that serve medically complex patients.

Through his work on the HELP Committee, Kaine worked to secure provisions in the legislation to prohibit gag clauses in PBM contracts to ensure that patients have access pricing tools to compare costs before paying for a prescription. PBMs are the middlemen between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and insurance companies. Since their profits are linked to the list price of drugs, PBMs have an incentive to buy and sell the most expensive drugs.

“The need to act is more severe now than ever before. In 2023 there were over 300 independent pharmacy net closures—almost one per day. Unfortunately, that trend has only grown in 2024. Pharmacies across the country have been forced to close their doors because PBMs have continued to reimburse them significantly less than it costs the pharmacy to even purchase the drug. This is unsustainable, especially for small family businesses. The impacts of these closures only hurt already-struggling communities by decreasing the number of quality health care providers and likely increasing costs for seniors,” the senators wrote in the letter.

Warner and Kaine have long advocated for legislative action to lower prescription drug costs, including being key votes to pass the Inflation Reduction Act—legislation that allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices for seniors and people with disabilities, establishes a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for seniors covered under Medicare Part D, and caps insulin at $35 per month. Last year, Kaine introduced the bipartisan Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging (DRUG) Act to lower drug costs and prevent massive PBMs from price-gouging consumers. On the same day, Kaine introduced the bipartisan Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act, which would protect patients from harmful insurance and PBM practices that raise out-of-pocket drug costs. Kaine has also introduced the Medicare-X Choice Act, which would improve health care coverage and lower costs for Americans.

The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), John Boozman (R-AR), Jim Risch (R-ID), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Angus King (I-ME), John Cornyn (R-TX), Jon Tester (D-MT), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mike Braun (R-IN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Susan Collins (R-ME), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Gary Peters (D-MI), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Patty Murray (D-WA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell,

We write to encourage you to include critically-needed Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reforms in any legislative vehicle that may be brought up for a vote at the end of the 118th Congress.

A number of committees in both the Senate and the House have passed meaningful legislation that would rein in certain PBM practices that harm patients and local pharmacies. In the Senate, the Senate Finance Committee nearly unanimously passed the Modernizing and Ensuring PBM Accountability Act and the Better Mental Health Care, Lower-Cost Drugs, and Extenders Act, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee passed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act, the Commerce Committee passed the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, and the Judiciary Committee passed the Prescription Pricing for the People Act. These proposed policies would increase transparency, realign incentives for PBMs and patients, ensure pharmacies are adequately reimbursed, and ensure that patients benefit from decreased drug costs.

To not advance these important policies before the end of this Congress would be a waste of substantial progress made and would deny patients and pharmacists across the country the relief they deserve.

In December of last year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wrote to PBMs and plans: ‘We are hearing an increasing number of concerns about certain practices by some plans and [PBMs] that threaten the sustainability of many pharmacies, impede access to care, and put increased burden on health care providers.’ More recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released an interim report which noted that ‘PBMs can often exercise significant control over which drugs are available, at what price, and which pharmacies patients can use to access their prescribed medications,’ and filed a complaint alleging that ‘PBMs have abused their economic power by rigging pharmaceutical supply chain competition in their favor, forcing patients to pay more for life-saving medication.’

The need to act is more severe now than ever before. In 2023 there were over 300 independent pharmacy net closures—almost one per day. Unfortunately, that trend has only grown in 2024. Pharmacies across the country have been forced to close their doors because PBMs have continued to reimburse them significantly less than it costs the pharmacy to even purchase the drug. This is unsustainable, especially for small family businesses. The impacts of these closures only hurt already-struggling communities by decreasing the number of quality health care providers and likely increasing costs for seniors.

Should any long-term policy priorities be attached to an end-of- year spending package, PBM reforms should be included in order to end the 118th Congress with success that will help protect pharmacies and decrease costs for patients across the country.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-legislation-to-rename-lynchburg-veterans-affairs-clinic-after-local-wwii-hero-passes-house-heads-to-president,"Warner, Kaine Legislation to Rename Lynchburg Veterans Affairs Clinic After Local WWII Hero Passes House, Heads to President",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) to rename the Lynchburg VA Clinic after Private First Class Desmond T. Doss, a highly revered Medal of Honor recipient from Lynchburg who saved dozens of lives in World War II, passed the U.S. House of Representatives today in a voice vote and is now headed to the president’s desk for signature.

“Private First Class Desmond Doss was a true American hero. Renaming the Lynchburg VA Clinic after him is a fitting tribute to a man who demonstrated unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers and to his country,” said the senators. “We are proud to see this legislation head to the president’s desk to be signed into law so that future generations of Virginians can be reminded of and inspired by Desmond Doss’ bravery and service.”

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Private First Class Doss was inducted into the Army in April of 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a Seventh-Day Adventist, Private First Class Doss could have tried to refuse enlistment on grounds of being a conscientious objector. Instead, he enlisted as a self-described “conscientious cooperator,” going on to pursue medical roles in the Army.

While serving with his platoon in 1944 in Guam and the Philippines, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for exceptional valor in aiding wounded soldiers under fire. Later on, during the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 wounded infantrymen atop the area known by the 96th Division as the Maeda Escarpment or Hacksaw Ridge – an act of heroism that earned him a Medal of Honor, awarded by President Harry Truman. Private First Class Doss was wounded four times in Okinawa, and was evacuated on May 21, 1945, aboard the USS Mercy and was brought to Hawaii.

The legislation to rename the local VA clinic previously passed the Senate in August with the support of a number of veterans organizations and groups, including: the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council Inc.; Salem VA Medical Center; American Legion Post 16; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 196; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1607; Marine Corps League Detachment 759; Military Order of the World Wars, Piedmont Chapter; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Desmond T. Doss Post 12179; the National Center for Healthy Veterans, Valor Farm; and Monument Terrace Troop Rally. The legislation was sponsored in the House by U.S. Rep. Bob Good (R-VA).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=50834DB5-A145-48FB-91C3-24E505259312,"Warner, Kaine Legislation to Rename Lynchburg Veterans Affairs Clinic After Local WWII Hero Passes House, Heads to President",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Legislation introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) to rename the Lynchburg VA Clinic after Private First Class Desmond T. Doss, a highly revered Medal of Honor recipient from Lynchburg who saved dozens of lives in World War II, passed the U.S. House of Representatives today in a voice vote and is now headed to the president’s desk for signature.

“Private First Class Desmond Doss was a true American hero. Renaming the Lynchburg VA Clinic after him is a fitting tribute to a man who demonstrated unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers and to his country,” said the senators. “We are proud to see this legislation head to the president’s desk to be signed into law so that future generations of Virginians can be reminded of and inspired by Desmond Doss’ bravery and service.”

Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Private First Class Doss was inducted into the Army in April of 1942 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a Seventh-Day Adventist, Private First Class Doss could have tried to refuse enlistment on grounds of being a conscientious objector. Instead, he enlisted as a self-described “conscientious cooperator,” going on to pursue medical roles in the Army.

While serving with his platoon in 1944 in Guam and the Philippines, he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for exceptional valor in aiding wounded soldiers under fire. Later on, during the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 wounded infantrymen atop the area known by the 96th Division as the Maeda Escarpment or Hacksaw Ridge – an act of heroism that earned him a Medal of Honor, awarded by President Harry Truman. Private First Class Doss was wounded four times in Okinawa, and was evacuated on May 21, 1945, aboard the USS Mercy and was brought to Hawaii.

The legislation to rename the local VA clinic previously passed the Senate in August with the support of a number of veterans organizations and groups, including: the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council Inc.; Salem VA Medical Center; American Legion Post 16; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 196; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1607; Marine Corps League Detachment 759; Military Order of the World Wars, Piedmont Chapter; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Desmond T. Doss Post 12179; the National Center for Healthy Veterans, Valor Farm; and Monument Terrace Troop Rally. The legislation was sponsored in the House by U.S. Rep. Bob Good (R-VA).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/12/13/2024/warner-and-kaine-applaud-final-passage-of-legislation-to-address-hazing-on-college-campuses,Warner & Kaine Applaud Final Passage of Legislation to Address Hazing on College Campuses,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, legislation they sponsored to improve the reporting and prevention of prevalent hazing on college campuses. Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths on America’s college campuses, including that of Adam Oakes, a Virginia Commonwealth University student who died in a fraternity hazing incident in 2021.

“Our hearts are with the Oakes family, who lost their son Adam to a tragic incident of campus hazing in 2021,” said the senators. “No family should have to go through what they have been through. This law will improve transparency and accountability around incidents of campus hazing and hopefully help to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Adam Oakes’ life. We are proud to see it heading to the president’s desk.”

Specifically, the Stop Campus Hazing Act will:

Improve hazing reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report;

Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs; and

Help students and their parents make informed decisions about joining organizations on campus by requiring colleges to publish on their websites the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them.

Warner and Kaine have long worked to stop the scourge of hazing. The Stop Campus Hazing Act incorporates provisions from their Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act, legislation they introduced in 2022.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=79983D42-16B3-47F8-A1C7-73CE54DD9519,"Warner, Kaine Applaud Final Passage of Legislation to Address Hazing on College Campuses",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded Senate passage of the Stop Campus Hazing Act, legislation they sponsored to improve the reporting and prevention of prevalent hazing on college campuses. Since 2000, there have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths on America’s college campuses, including that of Adam Oakes, a Virginia Commonwealth University student who died in a fraternity hazing incident in 2021.

“Our hearts are with the Oakes family, who lost their son Adam to a tragic incident of campus hazing in 2021,” said the senators. “No family should have to go through what they have been through. This law will improve transparency and accountability around incidents of campus hazing and hopefully help to prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Adam Oakes’ life. We are proud to see it heading to the president’s desk.”

Specifically, the Stop Campus Hazing Act will:

Improve hazing reporting by requiring colleges to include hazing incidents in their Annual Security Report;

Prevent hazing by establishing campus-wide, research-based hazing education and prevention programs; and

Help students and their parents make informed decisions about joining organizations on campus by requiring colleges to publish on their websites the institution’s hazing prevention policies and the organizations that have violated them.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long worked to stop the scourge of hazing. The Stop Campus Hazing Act incorporates provisions from their Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act, legislation they introduced in 2022.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-his-bipartisan-bill-to-combat-alzheimers-disease-becoming-law,Kaine Applauds his Bipartisan Bill to Combat Alzheimer’s Disease Becoming Law,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, applauded his bipartisan BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act becoming law. This legislation reauthorizes critical funding for public health initiatives that combat Alzheimer’s disease and preserve brain health, which Kaine successfully got signed into law in 2018.

“I’ve seen the heartbreaking impacts of Alzheimer’s disease firsthand, which is why I worked to pass this bipartisan legislation to provide more funding for public health initiatives that will help combat this disease,”said Kaine. “This law is going to benefit millions of Americans with Alzheimer’s, and I’m grateful the President signed it into law quickly.”

Approximately 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and the United States spends more than $345 billion per year, including $222 billion in costs to Medicare and Medicaid, to manage the disease. Barring any major breakthroughs to prevent, slow down, or cure Alzheimer’s, the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s is expected to double by 2050, costing the nation more than $1.1 trillion per year.

The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act reauthorizes funding over the next five years to support:

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Public Health Centers of Excellence dedicated to promoting effective Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving interventions, as well as educating the public on Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and brain health. The three current Centers have established themselves as national resources and are supporting nationwide implementation of the actions outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Healthy Brain Initiative's Road Map. Each center is focused on a key issue related to dementia—from risk reduction to early detection to caregiving.

Public Health Cooperative Agreements with the CDC that are awarded to State Health Departments to help them meet local needs in promoting brain health, reducing risk of cognitive decline, improving care for those with Alzheimer’s, and other key public health activities. 43 Public Health Departments, including Virginia’s, across the United States are now promoting a strong public health approach to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with the support of BOLD awards.

Data Grants to improve the analysis and timely reporting of data on Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline, caregiving, and health disparities at the state and national levels.

With Kaine’s support, funding for the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer Act has grown from $10 million in Fiscal Year 2020 to $34 million in Fiscal Year 2024. In 2019, the Virginia Department of Health received over $900,000 in funding from BOLD Program Awards. This investment has allowed for great progress in revising the Commonwealth’s Dementia Roadmap guide for people impacted by dementia. In 2023, the Virginia Department of Health received a second BOLD award from the BOLD Public Health Programs initiative. This award provides over $2 million over five years to address provider education through projects and trainings such as Project ECHO, EssentiALZ trainings, and community health worker bilingual trainings.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-325-million-to-upgrade-school-buses-across-virginia,Warner & Kaine Announce $32.5 Million to Upgrade School Buses Across Virginia,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $32,557,965 for Virginia public schools to replace old, polluting school buses with new, zero-emission models. The funding is made possible by the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, which was created through the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation strongly supported by Warner and Kaine.

“We’re thrilled to see this funding going towards ensuring that Virginia’s students are headed to school in new and nonpolluting school buses,” the senators said. “Laws like our Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law continue to work together to make improvements that keep our air cleaner and our infrastructure stronger for generations to come.”

The funding is broken down as follows. Final project details and funding amounts may change as schools finalize their project needs:

$16,722,965 for Roanoke City Public Schools to replace 50 school buses.

$12,900,000 for Fairfax County Public Schools to replace 43 school buses.

$2,935,000 for Henrico County Public Schools to replace 10 school buses.

Warner and Kaine have strong records supporting federal funding for upgrades to school buses and other infrastructure across Virginia. The senators’ bipartisan infrastructure law awarded a historic $5 billion for school bus upgrades across the country, with about half of awards still to come. Through that law and additional federal grant programs, the senators have previously announced awards to upgrade hundreds of school buses across several school districts in Virginia. They have also announced significant funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B62CED98-F9F2-41F9-8C9D-696B0ADDEEAC,Warner & Kaine Announce $32.5 Million to Upgrade School Buses Across Virginia,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $32,557,965 for Virginia public schools to replace old, polluting school buses with new, zero-emission models. The funding is made possible by the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, which was created through the Inflation Reduction Act, legislation strongly supported by Sens. Warner and Kaine.

“We’re thrilled to see this funding going towards ensuring that Virginia’s students are headed to school in new and nonpolluting school buses,” the senators said. “Laws like our Inflation Reduction Act and bipartisan infrastructure law continue to work together to make improvements that keep our air cleaner and our infrastructure stronger for generations to come.”

The funding is broken down as follows. Final project details and funding amounts may change as schools finalize their project needs:

$16,722,965 forRoanoke City Public Schools to replace 50 school buses.

$12,900,000 forFairfax County Public Schools to replace 43 school buses.

$2,935,000 forHenrico County Public Schools to replace 10 school buses.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have strong records supporting federal funding for upgrades to school buses and other infrastructure across Virginia. The senators’ bipartisan infrastructure law awarded a historic $5 billion for school bus upgrades across the country, with about half of awards still to come. Through that law and additional federal grant programs, the senators have previously announced awards to upgrade hundreds of school buses across several school districts in Virginia. They have also announced significant funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Commonwealth.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-call-for-the-extension-of-expanded-medicare-coverage-of-telehealth-services,"Kaine, Colleagues Call for the Extension of Expanded Medicare Coverage of Telehealth Services",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and a bipartisan group of 100 lawmakers called for the extension of expanded Medicare coverage of telehealth services to be included in government funding legislation that Congress is working to pass by the December 20 deadline. The telehealth provisions, which are set to expire at the end of the year, were originally included in COVID-19 relief legislation and allow Medicare beneficiaries across the country to utilize telehealth services and expand the types of health care providers that are eligible to provide telehealth services. In the letter to congressional leaders, the lawmakers request the measures be extended or made permanent.

“Expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services is set to expire on December 31, 2024. As you work to advance a year-end appropriations package, we urge you to extend coverage as much as possible so that all Medicare beneficiaries retain access to these services,” wrote the lawmakers.

They continued, “Telehealth provides essential access to care and improves outcomes, including reduced emergency department utilization and improved medication adherence. Medicare beneficiaries have come to rely on expanded access to telehealth services and are satisfied with the care they receive. While there is overwhelming support for Congress to enact permanent telehealth legislation, we must provide patients and clinicians with long-term certainty to support continued investment in technology and clinical models to meet the evolving health care needs of Medicare beneficiaries.”

Kaine has long fought to expand telehealth services. Last year, Kaine introduced the CONNECT for Health Act of 2023, which would expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services, allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth, remove unnecessary in-person visit requirements to access telemental health services, and more. This June, Kaine also reintroduced the Medicare-X Choice Act, legislation that would create a public option by expanding on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare and increase access to affordable health insurance for families, individuals, and small businesses.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson, and Minority Leader Jeffries:

Expanded Medicare coverage for telehealth services is set to expire on December 31, 2024. As you work to advance a year-end appropriations package, we urge you to extend coverage as much as possible so that all Medicare beneficiaries retain access to these services.

Telehealth plays a critical role in health care delivery – a fact that Congress has recognized by expanding coverage during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency. Most recently, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Congress enacted a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth services coverage. Committees of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives have recently recognized the need to protect patients’ access to telehealth services by voting to advance an additional two-year extension on a bipartisan, unanimous basis.

We ask you to prioritize provisions that remove geographic restrictions on telehealth services and permit the home and other clinically appropriate settings as originating sites. Congress should also expand the authority for practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services. Rural and underserved communities rely on telehealth services, and Congress should recognize federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics as telehealth distant site providers. Additionally, Congress should allow the use of telehealth in the recertification of hospice care. Finally, telehealth has transformed mental and behavioral health care, now accounting for 40 percent of telehealth services provided under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Therefore, Congress should permanently repeal the six-month in-person visit requirement for telemental health services. It should also reject similar policies that create barriers to care.

Telehealth provides essential access to care and improves outcomes, including reduced emergency department utilization and improved medication adherence. Medicare beneficiaries have come to rely on expanded access to telehealth services and are satisfied with the care they receive. While there is overwhelming support for Congress to enact permanent telehealth legislation, we must provide patients and clinicians with long-term certainty to support continued investment in technology and clinical models to meet the evolving health care needs of Medicare beneficiaries. We appreciate your collaboration and leadership on this issue and look forward to working with you to ensure access to telehealth services is retained by the end of 2024.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-receives-distinguished-public-service-award-from-secretary-of-the-navy,Kaine Receives Distinguished Public Service Award from Secretary of the Navy,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), was awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award for his dedication to ensuring the highest quality of service and quality of life for servicemembers during his decade-long tenure on SASC and for outstanding contributions to the Navy and the Marine Corps. Awarded by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, the DPS award is the highest award the Secretary can bestow on a civilian outside of the Department of the Navy.

The award includes the following citation: “For exceptional public service to the Department of the Navy as a Member of Congress and the Senate Armed Services Committee, from 2013 to 2024. Senator Kaine's dedicated service to our Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the Nation's interests around the globe. His leadership on personnel and readiness policy focused on Quality of Service, ensuring Service Member access to health care, child care, and education. Senator Kaine's efforts in support of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States Agreement and the revitalization of the defense industrial base to support shipbuilding, have ensured that the Navy-Marine Corps team remains the most capable force in history. With grateful appreciation for his many years of public service to the Nation and his outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Honorable Tim Kaine is awarded the Department of the Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award.”

Click here to download the above photo of Del Toro and Kaine

In 2017, Kaine received a distinguished civilian award from Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, following his advocacy to strengthen religious inclusivity in the Army.

As a member of SASC, Kaine serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Seapower and as a member of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support. Kaine has successfully worked to secure key Virginia priorities, including authorizing over $800 million for military construction projects in Virginia in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as it passed out of the committee and securing over $590 million for Virginia military projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA. Kaine is also a leading advocate for the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) partnership, which strengthens U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific region and brings job creation and economic growth to Hampton Roads through increased production of Virginia-class submarines.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-and-hoyer-lead-bicameral-letter-calling-for-pay-parity-for-federal-civilian-employees,"Kaine, Warner, & Hoyer Lead Bicameral Letter Calling for Pay Parity for Federal Civilian Employees",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05) led a bicameral letter calling for pay parity for federal civilian employees. President Joe Biden’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes a 4.5% pay raise for military personnel and a 2% pay raise for federal civilian employees. In the lawmakers’ letter to the President, they request that he submit a revised pay plan that would provide a 4.5% pay increase for the entire federal workforce. Over the past two decades, federal pay parity has been upheld by previous Administrations of both parties.

“We write concerned about the lack of parity between the proposed military and civilian pay raises in your Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request (PBR),” wrote the lawmakers. “This deviation between military and civilian employee pay increases upends historical bipartisan support for pay parity across the federal workforce.”

“Specifically, we request you issue a revised alternative pay plan seeking a 4.5% pay increase for the entire federal workforce, including military and civilian employees alike,” the lawmakers continued. “By aligning military and civilian pay raises for 2025, you will recognize the efforts of the entire federal workforce.”

The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Fetterman (D-PA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), as well as U.S. Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD-02), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), John Sarbanes (D-MD-03), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), and David Trone (D-MD-06).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear President Biden:

We write concerned about the lack of parity between the proposed military and civilian pay raises in your Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request (PBR). Although you submitted an alternative pay plan in August, it continued to support a differential pay increase: 4.5% for military employees and 2% for civilian employees. This deviation between military and civilian employee pay increases upends historical bipartisan support for pay parity across the federal workforce. Although we understand this decision was made under the constraints put in place by the Fiscal Responsibility Act caps, we believe it is imperative you revise your budget to align military and civilian employee pay raises. Specifically, we request you issue a revised alternative pay plan seeking a 4.5% pay increase for the entire federal workforce, including military and civilian employees alike.

Our nation’s servicemembers and civilian employees both work tirelessly to keep us safe and run the critical operations of the government. Of the federal workforce, more than 2.2 million civilian employees work to ensure resources and services are provided to countless communities across America. By aligning military and civilian pay raises for 2025, you will recognize the efforts of the entire federal workforce.

Our request is grounded in longstanding tradition and precedent. For example, on December 8, 2016, President Barack Obama submitted an alternative federal pay plan to Congress that increased the federal civilian pay raise to the same level as military employees. We implore you to move swiftly to submit a revised alternative pay plan that supports our entire federal workforce.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. We believe this request is fair and timely. We hope you are able to continue to uphold the longstanding bipartisan tenet of federal pay parity.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-speaks-on-senate-floor-to-express-support-for-birthright-citizenship,Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor to Express Support for Birthright Citizenship,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF KAINE’S FLOOR SPEECH IS AVAILABLE HERE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a civil rights lawyer and former constitutional law professor, delivered a speech on the Senate floor to express his strong support for the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship provision and his opposition to President-elect Trump’s recent declaration that he will attempt to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. by executive order on the first day of his term. The President-elect proposed revoking birthright citizenship during his first term in office, which Kaine denounced.

“I rise today to discuss a fundamental question: who is a citizen of the United States?” Kaine asked. “My comments are inspired by an interview given recently by the President-elect in which he announced that he would try to end birthright citizenship on day one of his presidency.”

Kaine then went on to share the history of the citizenship clause in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” The amendment was ratified in July 1868 following the Civil War and overturned the Supreme Court’s Dred Scott decision by granting citizenship to everyone born on U.S. soil regardless of race. The Supreme Court reaffirmed the constitutionality of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment in the 1898 decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark.

Kaine continued, “Birthright citizenship means that you are a U.S. citizen if you are born in America. Your right to citizenship does not depend upon the status of your parents.”

“I would argue that the U.S. has been the leader of a global movement to embrace birthright citizenship,” said Kaine. “In future weeks, I’ll return to the Senate floor to describe the many benefits that birthright citizenship has bestowed on our nation, and I’ll do so by telling the stories of Americans born to immigrant parents whose contributions have enriched this country and even enriched the place we stand today—the United States Senate.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-13-million-to-assess-and-plan-for-clean-up-efforts-from-helene-related-damages,Warner & Kaine Announce $1.3 Million to Assess and Plan for Clean-Up Efforts from Helene-Related Damages,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $1,300,000 in federal funding to assess damages and make plans to restore outdoor recreation sites impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding will evaluate sites across 17 counties and four independent cities, including the Creeper Trail, the Clinch and New River boat ramps, and other key trails, campgrounds, parks, bridges, and trestles.

“Virginia’s parks, trails, and public spaces make our Commonwealth beautiful and contribute immeasurably to local economies,” the senators said. “We’re glad that this federal funding is going towards assessing the terrible damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. We’re also pushing as hard as we can for a full disaster aid bill to fund additional projects to restore our parks and public spaces and meet the many additional needs of impacted communities across Southwest Virginia.”

Many outdoor recreation sites were severely damaged during the flooding from Hurricane Helene, which has suppressed tourism and other critical economic development projects for local economies across Southwest Virginia. This funding will go towards assessing damages in Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties, as well as the independent cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.

Warner and Kaine have been staunch advocates for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Warner recently celebrated passage of legislation he cosponsored to get a tax break for Southwest Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Warner also led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter, which Kaine signed, calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Warner also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and Warner and Kaine pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. Together, Warner and Kaine have directly pushed on Senate leadership to pass this disaster supplemental as soon as possible. At the outset of the flooding, Warner and Kaine also urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Warner and Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia to tour damage and discuss federal support.

The funding is made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal agency that focuses on the 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-to-reauthorize-older-americans-act,Warner & Kaine Applaud Senate Passage of Bill to Reauthorize Older Americans Act,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) applauded unanimous Senate passage of legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA), which authorizes a wide range of programs and services to help older Americans age in their homes and communities. The legislation includes an increase in authorized funding and key provisions Kaine secured as a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, including his Strengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act to improve the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which designates staff and trained volunteers as representatives to advocate for residents of nursing homes and other long-term care (LTC) facilities.

“I’ve long been proud to advocate for elder Virginians, including through efforts to ensure that they can receive the care they deserve, and have their end-of-life wishes known and honored,” said Warner. “I’m proud to see the Senate pass this legislation, which reauthorizes crucial social service programs that seniors and caregivers rely on.”

“I’m glad the Senate unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, which has helped seniors be able to age in their homes and communities with dignity. I’m especially proud that this legislation included my bill to strengthen advocacy for long-term care residents and a provision I fought for to better support the direct care workforce,” said Kaine. “I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this bill as soon as possible.”

The reauthorization included several provisions championed by Kaine, including:

Strengthening Advocacy for Long-Term Care Residents Act: Includes Kaine’s bill with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) to strengthen the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program by instructing the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to establish categories of duties for volunteers and appropriate training requirements for volunteers based on those categories, reaffirm Congress’ intent that the Ombudsman program should be led by a full-time National Director, and require a study and report with a recommendation for the number of ombudsmen per LTC facility bed.

Direct Care Workforce Training: Includes a provision of Kaine’s Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act instructing ACL to create a technical assistance center to support the recruitment, training, and retention of direct care workers. In 2022, ACL established this center. This provision codifies the existence of this center in statute and expands its work to include supporting family caregivers.

Support for Area Agencies on Aging: Includes language to ensure proper implementation of a statute that allows Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to contract with outside entities to bring in revenue that AAAs reinvest in their work to serve older Americans.

A version of the Older Americans Act reauthorization passed out of the Senate HELP Committee earlier this year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=1D525562-64CF-4C2A-8994-E22D56DD66DF,Senate Intelligence Chairman Warner on FBI Director Chris Wray,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his intent to step down:

“As the FBI’s leader, Chris Wray has always prioritized the mission of the FBI over politics. Throughout his tenure as Director, he has worked to ensure that the Bureau remains independent and focused on its essential responsibilities to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law.

“While I’m disappointed that he will be stepping down before completing his 10-year term, I understand that Director Wray is simply trying to do what he has always done – which is act with integrity – and I thank him for the principled leadership he brought to the FBI and for his service to the country.

“As we look ahead to the process of confirming a new leader for the FBI, it is essential that the next Director be someone who shares Director Wray’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law, so that the men and women of the FBI can continue their vital work safeguarding national security, fighting crime, and ensuring justice for all.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A58EEEF5-92A1-4704-A0DA-7909AA58C577,Lawmakers Applaud Congressional Passage of Bills to Reduce Burdensome Health Care Reporting Requirements for Employers,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), John Thune (R-SD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Todd Young (R-IN) today applauded the passage of two bills to protect the privacy of Americans and remove burdensome health care reporting requirements by allowing certain communications to be filed electronically.

“Health care for Americans has only gotten better and more accessible since the passage of the Affordable Care Act — just ask anyone who faced lifetime limits or was denied insurance because of a pre-existing condition. These two pieces of legislation will make needed adjustments to modernize and streamline ACA reporting requirements to ensure that they don’t needlessly compromise the privacy of Americans or get in the way of their access to health care. I’m proud to have introduced these pieces of legislation and look forward to seeing them signed by President Biden,” said Sen. Warner.

“Small businesses in South Dakota and across the country have been forced to comply with overly burdensome administrative requirements from the Affordable Care Act,” said Sen. Thune. “These bills would eliminate convoluted paperwork and streamline the current reporting requirements to ensure businesses can focus their resources on serving their customers and employees.”

“Employers shouldn’t have to jump through unnecessary hoops to provide health care coverage for their employees,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “These bills provide flexibility to employers, streamline health insurance reporting, and make communication more secure for employees and employers alike. I urge the president to sign them into law as soon as possible.”

“Under current law, overreaching compliance requirements create uncertainty and stress for employers in Indiana and across the nation. Our bipartisan bills will help reduce these unnecessary burdens and increase efficiency,” said Sen. Young.

The Employer Reporting Improvement Actwill protect Americans’ privacy and ease compliance burdens on employers. Among other steps, it will modernize communication by allowing employers to electronically file certain documents. It will also protect privacy by clarifying that the IRS can accept full names and dates of birth in lieu of dependents’ and spouses’ Social Security numbers. In addition, it will ease compliance burdens by extending the time period (from 30 days to 90 days) during which an applicable large employer can appeal a penalty for not offering adequate, affordable health insurance to all full-time employees. Finally, it will enact a six-year statute of limitations for the IRS to levy penalties under the Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the ACA.

ThePaperwork Burden Reduction Actwill reduce the number of physical forms that employers have to mail to employees as part of complying with the ACA. Currently, employers and health insurance providers that provide minimum essential coverage must report this information to the IRS for each covered individual and provide a copy of this information to the covered individual (through 1095-B or 1095-C tax forms, depending on the coverage type) by January 31 of each year. Current IRS regulations allow employers to provide only 1095-B forms electronically. ThePaperwork Burden Reduction Act will codify the current IRS policy by allowing the 1095-B to be provided electronically and would extend this to 1095-C, limiting unnecessary physical paperwork.

The Employer Reporting Improvement Actand the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act were approved by the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year and now head to President Biden’s desk for his signature.

Full text of theEmployer Reporting Improvement Actis availablehere. Full text of thePaperwork Burden Reduction Actis availablehere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=EDF8AE84-6331-44FB-A2D0-643DE72242A7,Warner & Kaine Announce $1.3 Million to Assess and Plan for Clean-Up Efforts From Helene-Related Damages,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced$1,300,000in federal funding to assess damages and make plans to restore outdoor recreation sites impacted by Hurricane Helene. The funding will evaluate sites across 17 counties and four independent cities, including the Creeper Trail, the Clinch and New River boat ramps, and other key trails, campgrounds, parks, bridges, and trestles.

“Virginia’s parks, trails, and public spaces make our Commonwealth beautiful and contribute immeasurably to local economies,”the senators said. “We’re glad that this federal funding is going towards assessing the terrible damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. We’re also pushing as hard as we can for a full disaster aid bill to fund additional projects to restore our parks and public spaces and meet the many additional needs of impacted communities across Southwest Virginia.”

Many outdoor recreation sites were severely damaged during the flooding from Hurricane Helene, which has suppressed tourism and other critical economic development projects for local economies across Southwest Virginia. This funding will go towards assessing damages in Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties, as well as the independent cities of Bristol, Galax, Norton, and Radford.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been staunch advocates for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Sen. Warner recently celebrated passage of legislation he cosponsored to get a tax break for Southwest Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Sen. Warner also led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter, which Sen. Kaine signed, calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). Sen. Warner also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and Sens. Warner and Kaine pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. Together, Sens. Warner and Kaine have directly pushed on Senate leadership to pass this disaster supplemental as soon as possible. At the outset of the flooding, Sens. Warner and Kaine also urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. Sens. Warner and Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia to tour damage and discuss federal support.

The funding is made possible by the Appalachian Regional Commission, a federal agency that focuses on the 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-applauds-275-million-in-chips-act-funding-to-expand-microns-chip-manufacturing-facility-in-manassas,Kaine Applauds $275 Million in Chips Act Funding to Expand Micron’s Chip Manufacturing Facility in Manassas,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Commerce has signed a preliminary agreement for $275 million in federal funding from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act for Micron Technology to expand its manufacturing facility in Manassas.

“I’m thrilled that Micron was selected to receive significant federal funding from the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act we passed to expand its chips manufacturing facility in Manassas,” said Kaine. “Ensuring the U.S. can produce chips is critical for the U.S.’s economic competitiveness and national security. This investment will allow us to make more chips here at home, support jobs, and strengthen our supply chains. I’ll continue working to boost domestic manufacturing across Virginia and our country.”

Broadcast-quality video of Kaine discussing the announcement is available here.

Chips or semiconductors are required in nearly everything with a switch—from cars, computers, and phones to televisions, LED lightbulbs, and washing machines. The U.S. has been a global leader in semiconductor design, research, and development, but it has fallen short in production.

The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act was passed to boost domestic chips manufacturing and prevent chip shortages by offering private companies a tax credit for investments in domestic chips manufacturing facilities and making $52 billion in funding available to produce more chips in America.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-renew-calls-to-protect-press-freedom-in-gaza,"Kaine, Colleagues Renew Calls to Protect Press Freedom in Gaza",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, (D-VA) alongside a group of 11 senators renewed calls to the Biden Administration to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the ongoing crisis. In the letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the senators underscored the dangerous conditions for reporters, the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists, and the need for accurate and independent reporting from the area. They also raised concerns about violence against journalists in Lebanon and the West Bank and highlighted the vital role press freedom plays in democracy around the world.

“Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory,” the senators wrote.

They continued, “The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.”

Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Kaine has been a vocal supporter of press freedom around the world. In May, Kaine introduced a Senate resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and reaffirming the vital role of free and independent press in promoting democracy and human rights. Kaine also led the bipartisan International Press Freedom Act of 2021, legislation that would promote global press freedom by creating a Coordinator for International Press Freedom at the State Department and use existing funding to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against journalists overseas.

The letter was cosigned by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), George Helmy (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretary Blinken,

We appreciate your continued engagement with Congress as you work to resolve the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and secure the release of all hostages. We write today to follow up on the December 2023 letter to President Biden about the lack of press freedom related to the conflicts. It is crucial for you to work with the Israeli and Egyptian governments to allow all interested journalists to report with appropriate protections and without restriction from Gaza. We appreciate the State Department’s response to the letter which reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to protecting journalists during armed conflict. However, the situation on the ground in Gaza has gotten worse since last December. Crackdowns and violence against journalists in the West Bank have steadily increased as well.

We recognize the longstanding challenges to press freedom in Gaza predate Hamas’s unspeakably brutal attacks on October 7, 2023. Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, has a record of harassing, obstructing, torturing, and using physical violence against journalists in Gaza. Several journalists were among the 1,200 people killed on October 7th. We strongly condemn Hamas’s actions, both in its repression of the Palestinian people and its violent attacks against the Israeli people. However, we must hold our closest democratic allies and partners to a higher standard than a terrorist organization when it comes to protecting the bedrock democratic value of freedom of the press.

Over one year into the war, the Israeli government continues to ban journalists from entering Gaza independently, despite standing calls from Israeli and foreign press in the country. With the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, all interested journalists must be allowed to report without restriction from Gaza. As a Haaretz editorial asserts, “By blocking journalists from Gaza, Israel not only prevents coverage of the war’s horrors but also hinders real-time scrutiny of Hamas’ claims – a key Israeli interest.” The Foreign Press Association in Israel calls “...for unfettered and independent access to Gaza. To Israel, we say enough with the excuses. It is time to let us in.” We urge you to prioritize journalists’ immediate access to Gaza with guarantees from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to ensure that it does not target them in its operations.

Since October 7, 2023, over 130 journalists have been killed, the vast majority of whom were Palestinians killed in Gaza. The lack of safe working conditions for journalists in Gaza makes it almost impossible to have an accurate understanding of the humanitarian devastation taking place in the territory. Nevertheless, local reporters have continued working despite being displaced repeatedly, losing family members, experiencing hunger, and living under constant threat of violence. Israel has also injured scores of Palestinian journalists and detained dozens, some of whom have been placed in arbitrary administrative detention without access to due process.

Journalists face safety threats from the IDF outside of Gaza as well. As you are aware, on October 13, 2023, IDF strikes hit a group of journalists in southern Lebanon. These strikes killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah, injured Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist and U.S. citizen Dylan Collins, and caused severe injuries to another AFP journalist at the scene, Christina Assi, who lost her right leg. The journalists were wearing helmets and jackets clearly marked with the word “press” as they filmed from a location on top of an exposed hillside when they were struck by tank rounds. The IDF has not released a review or investigation into the incident.

Violence against journalists in the West Bank is on the rise as the IDF increases its operations. According to the United Nations (UN), there were at least three incidents in September 2024 alone where Israeli security forces fired live ammunition at journalists or their vehicles while they were reporting in the West Bank. Journalists are at risk of being detained and harassed, making it increasingly difficult to operate in the West Bank. On September 22, the IDF raided and closed Al Jazeera’s office in the West Bank for at least 45 days. This followed the IDF’s decision in May to close Al Jazeera’s offices in Israel. The network remains banned and it is unclear what actions the U.S. government has taken on this issue beyond expressing concern.

The United States must make clear to Israel that targeting media organizations and members of the press is unacceptable. It is also important that the United States support UN efforts calling for accountability and protection of journalists in Gaza and the West Bank. The absence of U.S. government support for accountability efforts by the UN and press freedom defenders only undermines U.S. leadership. Promoting press freedom globally, protecting journalist safety, and advancing international laws and norms are essential to sustaining a rules-based international order.

Considering our profound concern for the safety of journalists and demand for justice for targeted attacks on journalists, we respectfully request detailed responses to the following questions:

What specific steps has the State Department taken to secure access for international journalists, including Americans, to Gaza?

Has the State Department urged Israel to permit entry to journalists willing to travel to Gaza for reporting? If so, in what ways, by whom, and how often?

Has the State Department expressed support for Israeli journalists and international correspondents in Israel seeking to gain independent access to Gaza? If so, in what ways, by whom, and how often?

Has the State Department advocated for equipment for journalists, including cell phones and cameras, to be allowed into Gaza?

What steps has the State Department taken to ensure that the IDF – a major recipient of U.S. security assistance – reforms its rules of engagement (ROEs) to mitigate harm to journalists in Gaza and the West Bank?

If the IDF is unwilling to change ROEs in ways that lessen harm to journalists, what steps are you considering taking to show U.S. government disapproval and secure policy changes that end the pattern of violent attacks on journalists?

Is it your assessment that the Israeli government has thoroughly investigated allegations of any wrongdoing, ensuring immediate and transparent accountability for any abuses?

Is it your assessment that Israeli government’s actions in Gaza are in accordance with international humanitarian law?

What support has the State Department provided to help injured journalists leave Gaza for medical care?

What steps have you taken to seek full accountability for the killings of journalists by the IDF?

What steps have you taken to ensure accountability for the October 13, 2023 attack that injured Mr. Collins and killed Issam Abdallah in southern Lebanon?

Do you have information about the status of the reported Israeli investigation into the incident?

Do you have confidence that any Israeli investigation would result in effective accountability and serve to deter future IDF attacks on journalists?

What specific steps has the State Department taken to secure the release of journalists in administrative detention?

Has the U.S. Embassy assessed allegations of mistreatment in Israeli custody of journalists?

Have you discussed allegations of mistreatment of detained journalists with Israeli authorities, including IDF leaders?

What steps have you taken to identify the whereabouts of missing Palestinian journalists? Have you asked the Israeli government if missing journalists are in their custody?

Is it your assessment that the Israeli government has thoroughly investigated allegations of any wrongdoing, ensuring immediate and transparent accountability for any abuses or violations related to detentions?

What steps has the State Department taken to advocate the importance of press freedom within Israel?

Have you or other State Department officials raised your concern over the closing of Al Jazeera in Israel and the West Bank to the Israeli government? If so, what responses have you received?

What is the State Department assessment of the impact on global press freedom of countries – especially closely allied democracies, like Israel – of placing restrictions on, detaining, or allowing violence against journalists?

We appreciate your response to these questions and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BAB36778-5353-4349-A1B4-CBFEC3B01711,Warner Announces $275 Million Manufacturing Investment for Virginia Thanks to CHIPS Law He Wrote,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce has signed a preliminary agreement for up to $275 million in federal funding for Micron Technology to expand and modernize its manufacturing facility in Manassas, Va. The funding is the result of bipartisan legislation Warner wrote and successfully passed into law over many years to expand American production of semiconductor chips.

“I am proud to announce that $275 million should soon be headed to Virginia for Micron Technology to manufacture more cutting-edge semiconductors here in Virginia,” said Sen. Warner, Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “Making more of these chips in America will strengthen our national security and create jobs, which is why I pushed to pass this funding through Congress, why I am working with Micron and the Biden administration to secure this investment in Virginia, and why I’m going to be making the case to the incoming administration that we need to keep investing in domestic manufacturing of critical and emerging technologies like semiconductors.”

Nearly everything that has an “on” switch – from cars to phones to washing machines to ATMs to electric toothbrushes – contains a semiconductor, but just a small percentage of these ‘chips’ are currently made in America. Sen. Warner first introduced the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act to restore semiconductor manufacturing back to American soil in 2020, and 2022, Congress passed into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which included billions in funding championed by Sen. Warner to implement the law he wrote to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

As a result, the Department of Commerce has signed a Preliminary Memorandum of Terms (PMT) with Micron Technology for up to $275 million in proposed funding to expand and modernize its facility in Manassas. The proposed project would onshore Micron’s 1-alpha technology to its Manassas facility, significantly increasing output of more efficient, more powerful chips. Micron’s project in Manassas would create over 400 manufacturing jobs and up to 2700 community jobs at the peak of the project.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A4AE581B-6524-4D69-BA7E-BAE948C35727,Statement of Sen. Mark R. Warner On Open AI’s Efforts to Integrate Additional Safety and Security Measures,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on Open AI’s new safeguards against malicious misuse of their artificial intelligence products:

“I’m pleased to see OpenAI heed my call for additional safeguards as it releases powerful new features like video generation – including specific measures I have advocated for, including adding new detection mechanisms for violative outputs, clear mechanisms to identify and catalogue synthetic content, and public-facing reporting mechanisms for victims of impersonation campaigns and other Terms of Service violations to seek redress. Ultimately the efficacy of these new policies will be measured in the kinds of resources OpenAI invests in enforcing them, but I appreciate these new steps.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-welcomes-draft-fda-guidance-to-improve-accelerated-approval-process-for-lifesaving-drugs,Kaine Welcomes Draft FDA Guidance to Improve Accelerated Approval Process for Lifesaving Drugs,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Help, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement regarding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) issuance of draft guidance, in accordance with bipartisan legislation Senator Kaine championed, to provide clarity regarding the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway, an important regulatory mechanism that speeds up development of treatments for patients with serious and life-threatening conditions:

“I applaud the Food and Drug Administration for taking this important step—following my urging and legislation—to provide the clarity needed to help critical medicines reach the market faster via the accelerated approval pathway, while also ensuring safety and transparency. This will play an essential role in ensuring individuals with serious and life-threatening conditions have access to care. I will continue to advocate for patients and keep pushing to ensure they can access the medicines and treatments they need.”

This guidance is subject to a 60 day public comment period before it can be finalized.

Kaine and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) previously introduced the Modernizing Accelerated Approval Act, legislation that was passed by the HELP Committee to make significant improvements to the accelerated approval pathway. Similar language was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, signed into law in December 2022.

The accelerated approval pathway—which was established by the FDA in 1992—helps new treatments reach patients with serious illnesses more quickly. Under this regulatory process, manufacturers must meet the same “substantial evidence” standard as regular approval. Accelerated approval can be granted, however, if there is “substantial evidence” that a new drug can improve a marker—such as reducing tumor size for cancer patients or reducing viral loads for HIV patients—that can predict a drug’s effectiveness at treating the underlying condition. After the drug is made available to patients, the manufacturer is still required to complete studies confirming the drug’s benefits.

Kaine has long championed legislation to help Virginians access the medicines they need. Earlier this week, Kaine introduced the bipartisan Protecting Our Essential Medicines Act, which would help address drug shortages and vulnerabilities in the prescription drug supply chain by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a list of the country of origin of certain critical drugs marketed in the United States. Last month, Kaine introduced the End Drug Shortages Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help reduce the prevalence and severity of drug shortages.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-budd-introduce-bill-to-boost-military-readiness_environmental-conservation-through-military-land-use-program,Kaine & Budd Introduce Bill to Boost Military Readiness & Environmental Conservation Through Military Land Use Program,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Incentivizing REPI Sales Act, bipartisan legislation that would help maintain military readiness, promote environmental conservation, and increase bases’ resiliency to weather events by providing financial incentives for landowners to sell land to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environment Protection Integration (REPI) Program. Specifically, the legislation would exclude the appreciated land value from federal capital gains tax for landowners who sell land or property for the purposes of the program.

“Building and maintaining resilient bases is crucial to our national security. I’ve long supported the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program, which helps us do that while also promoting conservation of public lands and critical habitat. I’m proud to work with Senator Budd in introducing this legislation to incentivize participation in the REPI program and will continue to do all that I can as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to support our military installations,” said Kaine.

“As global threats continue to grow and adapt, our military must maintain its readiness and lethality through realistic training at home installations. The REPI program has been used successfully to conserve land around military installations while promoting environmental protection. I’m proud to partner with Senator Kaine to provide financial incentives to landowners so that REPI participation grows and military readiness is strengthened,” said Budd.

“For decades, the Readiness Environmental Protection Integration, or REPI, program has successfully facilitated partnerships to preserve landscapes for both conservation value and their contributions to national security. These land protection projects help support the military community while also preserving off-base habitats for threatened and endangered species. As the demands of development increase and intensify amongst the remaining available landscapes around these installations, these REPI agreements will be a win for both conservation and national security,” said Jennifer Morris, CEO of the Nature Conservancy.

The REPI Program supports cost-sharing agreements between the military services, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and private conservation organizations to avoid land use conflicts near military installations. The REPI Program is a key tool used by the DOD to protect the military’s ability to adequately train, test, and operate because it helps preserve natural areas that are vital for keeping skies dark for night training, while also protecting the habitats of endangered species and facilitating nature-based approaches to mitigate flooding and severe weather.

Kaine has long been committed to ensuring the U.S. military has the resources needed to keep our country safe and prepared, including by advocating for crucial resiliency efforts. Last year, Kaine applauded the selection of the Hampton Roads region as the first defense community in the Interagency Regional Coordinator for Resilience Pilot Program—a move he advocated for. In June 2024, Kaine successfully secured key provisions to support Virginia’s servicemembers and defense community in the Committee-passed Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including the authorization of an additional $10 million for the REPI Program and a provision to direct the DOD to brief the Senate and House Armed Services Committees on risks related to any disasters that threaten military installations and surrounding civilian infrastructure.

Full text of the Incentivizing REPI Sales Act is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-and-good-introduce-legislation-to-support-construction-of-wintergreen-emergency-road,"Kaine, Warner & Good Introduce Legislation to Support Construction of Wintergreen Emergency Road",2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bob Good (R-VA-05) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would support the construction of an emergency road for Wintergreen residents. There is currently only one road in and out of Wintergreen, which has sparked concern among Wintergreen officials and residents. The proposed road would be built near Milepost 9.6 and connect Laurel Springs Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

“It’s critical that first responders be able to quickly get where they need to go during an emergency, but Wintergreen residents currently only have one road for entry and exit, which poses a major challenge,” said Kaine. “That’s why we’re introducing this legislation, which would enhance public safety by taking the first step in building another road for Wintergreen residents.”

“Currently there is only one road in and out of Wintergreen. This greatly hinders the ability of first responders to get into town, and impacts public safety for all residents,” said Warner. “This legislation would take the first step towards fixing this problem, making sure Wintergreen residents are not left in the lurch during serious emergency situations.”

”For too long, a National Park Service legal interpretation prevented the Wintergreen community from receiving the permission it needed to ensure the safety of its residents,"" said Good. ""I am pleased to have worked with the Park Service and Senators Kaine and Warner on this bipartisan, bicameral effort to make the Virginians in Wintergreen safer from the threat of natural disasters. Bureaucratic precedent must never compromise the safety of Americans, so I am glad that this bill can finally remedy that.""

Specifically, the bill would clarify that the Secretary of the Interior has the authority to grant a permit to build the road, as long as alternative routes that do not cross federal land have been evaluated, and environmental reviews and an analysis of expected fire behavior during an emergency are completed.

Full text of the Senate bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=036304F4-1F90-4268-9E50-8EF2A4828976,Warner Applauds Passage of Measure He Sponsored to Provide Financial Relief for Southwest Virginia Following Hurricane Helene,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) applauded the congressional passage of legislation he cosponsored to provide tax relief for individuals affected by storms in Southwest Virginia.

“Since my time as governor of the Commonwealth, I’ve fought for the people of Southwest Virginia, who are too often overlooked. I’m proud to see the full Congress vote to approve legislation I cosponsored to provide tax relief for those struggling under the weight of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. I will keep doing everything I can at the federal level to pass a full disaster relief package and support Southwest Virginians affected by severe weather events,” said Sen. Warner.

Specifically, the provision cosponsored by Sen. Warner would allow taxpayers to fully deduct qualified disaster casualty losses that exceed $500 and are attributable to federally-declared disasters beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending 60 days following the date of enactment.

In Southwest Virginia, many families affected by Hurricane Helene are facing massive out-of-pocket costs due to not having flood insurance or adequate homeowner’s insurance. This measure will provide needed assistance to those families in particular, allowing them to deduct nearly the full cost of those losses from their taxes and receive speedy assistance in the form of larger refunds during tax season. Currently, taxpayers can deduct losses only when those combined losses exceed 10 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.

The Warner-sponsored provision passed as part of a broader tax package designed to provide tax relief for Americans impacted by recent natural disasters, including various hurricanes and wildfires. This package now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.

Sen. Warner has been a staunch advocate for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Most recently, he led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). He has also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. In November, Sen. Warner also spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to Damascus, a community along the heavily-impacted Creeper Trail, and the long road to recovery to get the trail operational and support the communities and businesses that rely on it.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=172842E4-4A42-456E-A4EA-1556376DD624,Sen. Warner Kicks off the Holiday Season with Tree Trimming Party,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO FROM SEN. WARNER'S TREE DECORATION

SANTA’S WORKSHOP – Consider the Senate halls decked! Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) welcomed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from Weyanoke Elementary in Fairfax County to his Capitol Hill office to kick off the holiday season with carols, milk and cookies, and decoration of the office Christmas tree. This year’s tree, a 14-foot Fraser fir, is from Mt. Rogers Tree Farm in Grayson County, Va.

Students helped Sen. Warner decorate his tree with handmade ornaments while serenading members of his staff with classic carols such as “Jingle Bells.”

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” Sen. Warner said. “As we head into the holiday season, meeting and celebrating with these kids is a great reminder of why I do this job.”

Sen. Warner has hosted students from across the Commonwealth to help him get in the holiday spirit nearly every year since taking office in 2009.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-cotton-introduce-legislation-to-help-address-drug-shortages-and-supply-chain-vulnerabilities,Kaine & Cotton Introduce Legislation to Help Address Drug Shortages and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Protecting Our Essential Medicines Act, bipartisan legislation to help address drug shortages and vulnerabilities in the prescription drug supply chain by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a list of the country of origin of certain critical drugs marketed in the United States.

“While we’ve taken steps in recent years to increase domestic manufacturing of prescription drugs—including in Petersburg, Virginia—we need to do more. I’m glad to join Senator Cotton in introducing this legislation to help address drug shortages and decrease our reliance on pharmaceutical products manufactured in other countries,” said Kaine.

“Americans deserve to know where their life-saving medicines come from. This legislation requires greater transparency in the sourcing of critical drugs, helping to protect patients and strengthen trust in our healthcare system,” said Cotton.

The Protecting Our Essential Medicines Act would:

Direct the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an interagency task force in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to identify:

Drugs that are critical to the health and safety of U.S. consumers;

Drugs for which a shortage would have adverse health outcomes on patients with chronic conditions; and

Countermeasures classified as qualified pandemic or epidemic products.

Direct the task force to create a public list, which would describe the top three countries from which the U.S. imports each drug, and a confidential list, which would include information regarding drugs or pharmaceutical ingredients that are produced in countries designated as a foreign entity of concern, including China.

As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Kaine has long committed to mitigating drug shortages and increasing the accessibility of critical drugs. Last month, Kaine and Cotton introduced the End Drug Shortages Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help reduce the prevalence and severity of drug shortages. During his tenure, Kaine has strongly supported the Virginia Advanced Pharma Manufacturing (APM) Cluster, a consortium in the Richmond/Petersburg area led by the Virginia Biotechnology Research Partnership Authority that helps ensure critical drugs are manufactured here in America. Kaine helped form and grow the Authority while he was on Richmond City Council, served on the Authority’s board as Richmond’s mayor, and appointed its board members as governor. In October 2023, Kaine announced that the APM Cluster received a Tech Hub designation, which was made possible by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act Kaine helped pass. In September 2022, Kaine announced $52.9 million in federal funding for the cluster from the American Rescue Plan, which he voted to pass. In September, Kaine visited Phlow Pharmaceutical Corp. in Petersburg following his bipartisan push for increased federal funding to create high-paying jobs and increase onshore manufacturing of critical drugs.

Full text of the Protecting Our Essential Medicines Act is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-14-million-in-federal-funding-to-protect-children-and-families-from-lead-exposure,Warner & Kaine Announce Over $1.4 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Children and Families from Lead Exposure,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, (both D-VA) announced $1,450,000 in federal funding to address lead-based paint hazards in homes across Virginia. Many older homes still have lead-based paint on walls, which is dangerous when it peels and chips. Young children are most susceptible to lead poisoning and can face long-term developmental delays if exposed. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, which provides federal funding to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes.

“Lead poisoning can pose long-term health issues for those exposed,” the senators said. “This funding will help to protect Virginians from lead-based hazards and help ensure they have safe housing.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$750,000 for the City of Roanoke

$700,000 for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will be distributed across Virginia by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

Warner and Kaine have long advocated for safe, affordable housing for Virginia families. This funding builds on the $11.6 million in federal funding the senators announced in October to address this issue. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $98 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness assistance and over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0041632F-39CE-469B-BB12-9743AA7A3F89,Warner & Kaine Announce over $1.4 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Children and Families from Lead Exposure,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, (both D-VA) announced $1,450,000 in federal funding to address lead-based paint hazards in homes across Virginia. Many older homes still have lead-based paint on walls, which is dangerous when it peels and chips. Young children are most susceptible to lead poisoning and can face long-term developmental delays if exposed. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, which provides federal funding to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes.

“Lead poisoning can pose long-term health issues for those exposed,” the senators said. “This funding will help to protect Virginians from lead-based hazards and help ensure they have safe housing.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$750,000 for the City of Roanoke.

$700,000 for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will be distributed across Virginia by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for safe, affordable housing for Virginia families. This funding builds on the $11.6 million in federal funding the senators announced in October to address this issue. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $98 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness assistance and over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=FCB823E1-3315-4706-9EE6-71D1DEA4D98C,"Warner, Risch Celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day",2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced a resolution in the Senate to designate today, December 2, 2024, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the peaceful development of nuclear energy technology and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.

“Nuclear energy is critical to meeting U.S. and global energy demands,” Sen. Warner said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my co-chair Sen. Risch to celebrate the advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy industry and highlight the importance of building on the progress we have made.”

“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going,” Sen. Risch said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and acknowledge the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”

Sens. Warner and Risch are joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in introducing the resolution.

Historically, December 2 marks two significant turning points in the advancement of nuclear energy:

December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.

December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.

The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-congressman-gerry-connolly,Warner and Kaine Statement on Congressman Gerry Connolly,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement on Congressman Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA) cancer diagnosis:

“Gerry Connolly is a fighter — plain and simple. Throughout his career, he has shown remarkable strength, dedication, and resilience in everything he does, and we have no doubt that he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that has defined his public service.

“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle. We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.

“As his colleagues and friends, we stand with him every step of the way. Gerry’s courage and determination inspire us all, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to do what he does best — fighting for his constituents and for the values we all share.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0CA1BDCC-E07E-4D04-B9BF-B40EBA3E535E,U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine on Congressman Gerry Connolly,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement on Congressman Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA) cancer diagnosis:

“Gerry Connolly is a fighter — plain and simple. Throughout his career, he has shown remarkable strength, dedication, and resilience in everything he does, and we have no doubt that he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that has defined his public service.

“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle. We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.

“As his colleagues and friends, we stand with him every step of the way. Gerry’s courage and determination inspire us all, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to do what he does best — fighting for his constituents and for the values we all share.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0F67F803-BC16-4439-8F70-951E56715CFE,Sen. Warner on the Results of the Presidential Election,2024-11-06,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States:

“Americans made their choice, and while it wasn’t my favored candidate, I respect the democratic process and the outcome of this election. In the years to come, I am committed to working with President-elect Trump to get things done for Virginians, just as I did during his first term. Despite losing our majority, I will use my power in the Senate to push for progress – fighting to expand opportunity for the middle class, invest in national security priorities, protect democracy, expand accessto reproductive care, and make housing and child care more affordable. I urge all who are disheartened or frightened by this outcome to spend the next four years organizing, building consensus, and fighting for a brighter future for our communities. Today, tomorrow, and every single day, I will be your partner in building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Virginia.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-9-million-in-federal-funding-to-expand-broadband-in-carroll-and-rockbridge-counties,Warner & Kaine Announce Over $9 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Broadband in Carroll and Rockbridge Counties,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $9,460,000 in federal funding for Carroll and Rockbridge counties to expand high-speed internet access for residents and businesses. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Connect Program that provides financial assistance to increase broadband services in rural communities where service is limited.

“High-speed internet allows Virginians to access more educational, health care, and economic opportunities, which is why we’ve worked hard to expand internet access during our time as governors and senators,” said the senators. “We’re glad to see this federal funding headed to Carroll and Rockbridge counties to build broadband infrastructure. We will continue working to ensure families and businesses across the Commonwealth can access the internet.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$5,000,000 for Citizens Telephone Cooperative in Carroll County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 1,838 residents and 22 businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Dugspur Community Center.

$4,460,000 for BARC Electric Cooperative in Rockbridge County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 816 residents and four businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Lake Robertson Recreational Area.

Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth. They have worked to secure significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy broadband infrastructure across Virginia and make internet access more affordable for Virginians, including through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner and Kaine secured significant funding for broadband through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the December 2020 government funding bill that included COVID relief, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=ACA93180-CE58-4379-B8AF-3BE95D1BFC89,Warner & Kaine Announce Over $9 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Broadband in Carroll and Rockbridge Counties,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $9,460,000 in federal funding for Carroll and Rockbridge counties to expand high-speed internet access for residents and businesses. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Connect Program that provides financial assistance to increase broadband services in rural communities where service is limited.

“High-speed internet allows Virginians to access more educational, health care, and economic opportunities, which is why we’ve worked hard to expand internet access during our time as governors and senators,” said the senators. “We’re glad to see this federal funding headed to Carroll and Rockbridge counties to build broadband infrastructure. We will continue working to ensure families and businesses across the Commonwealth can access the internet.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$5,000,000 for Citizens Telephone Cooperative in Carroll County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 1,838 residents and 22 businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Dugspur Community Center.

$4,460,000 for BARC Electric Cooperative in Rockbridge County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 816 residents and four businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Lake Robertson Recreational Area.

Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth. They have worked to secure significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy broadband infrastructure across Virginia and make internet access more affordable for Virginians, including through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner and Kaine secured significant funding for broadband through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the December 2020 government funding bill that included COVID relief, and the American Rescue Plan Act.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-shaheen-and-van-hollen-express-concern-about-violence-in-lebanon-and-push-for-de-escalation,"Kaine, Shaheen, and Van Hollen Express Concern About Violence in Lebanon and Push for De-Escalation",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,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), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern about Israeli military actions that resulted in the deaths of members of the U.S.-supported Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), and reiterated the need for de-escalation in the Middle East. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the senators request additional information related to recent reports regarding incidents of the Israeli Defense Forces killing LAF members, U.S. weapons transfers to the region, and U.S. engagement with partners in the region to protect LAF members and civilians.

“We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members,” wrote the senators. “We have all stood firm for Israel’s ability to defend itself from external threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But the United States has also made a commitment to the people of Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance and continue to support the LAF.”

The senators continued, “Reports that Israel is harming LAF forces in its war against Hezbollah run contrary to the U.S. interest in de-escalating violence in the region. Actions that destabilize the one institution in Lebanon that can be a bridge to a more peaceful future are also contrary to Israel’s security interests.”

Earlier this month, Kaine, Shaheen, Van Hollen, and U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Lebanon, including the deaths and displacement of civilians and attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Secretaries Blinken and Austin:

We write to express our serious concern about recent reports that Israeli military actions in Lebanon have, on multiple occasions, resulted in the deaths of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) members. The most recent incident, caused by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike on October 20, reportedly killed three LAF soldiers evacuating wounded Lebanese citizens.

We have all stood firm for Israel’s ability to defend itself from external threats posed by Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But the United States has also made a commitment to the people of Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance and continue to support the LAF. The LAF remains a key sovereign institution within Lebanon and is critical to promoting stability amidst ongoing crises. Reports that Israel is harming LAF forces in its war against Hezbollah run contrary to the U.S. interest in de-escalating violence in the region. Actions that destabilize the one institution in Lebanon that can be a bridge to a more peaceful future are also contrary to Israel’s security interests.

We ask for you to brief us, by letter or in person, on this critical matter. Specifically:

What is your assessment of LAF casualties as a result of IDF military operations? To your knowledge, in what instances were the LAF personnel IDF targets versus killed in action?

If the personnel were IDF targets, do you see any operational justification for targeting the LAF?

Has Israel communicated their use of U.S.-supplied arms or equipment in these operations?

What communication has the U.S. had with Israeli officials to strongly protest against actions leading to LAF casualties?

Has Israel made any commitment to focus its efforts against Hezbollah so as to protect LAF troops, Lebanese citizens and international aid workers?

Thank you for your time and attention to this critical request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3B8F14CA-3B3D-424D-A8CF-B180D12CDEAF,Warner’s Message to Virginians Ahead of the Election: Have Faith in Our Democracy,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"BROADCAST-QUALITY AUDIO AND VIDEO OF THE FULL MEDIA AVAILABILITY IS AVAILABLE HERE

WASHINGTON – With just five days until the election, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today issued a special message to Virginians, urging them to remain level-headed in the lead up to the election and the days after – especially in the face of surging election disinformation, conspiracy theories, and false videos generated or altered with artificial intelligence.

On the broad feeling of uncertainty plaguing 69 percent of Americans who report feeling anxious or frustrated about the election, Sen. Warner said:

“I think we’re all going to be tested. Because what’s more important than whatever candidate you’re supporting, is making sure that we have faith in our system. I have been blessed to have been your governor and your senator. I have faith in our democracy, I have faith in the integrity of the literally thousands of folks who give their time and volunteer at our polling locations.” (2:21)

On the likely outcome that the election will not be immediately called on election night, Sen. Warner said:

“If your election is not called right away on Tuesday night – even if it doesn’t appear to be that close – there are reasons. Rules have changed. Certain jurisdictions are hand-counting ballots now. That just takes a lot more time. Just because it takes a while to have an election called doesn’t mean there’s anything nefarious or bad going on.” (1:58). He continued, “This is not going to end in Virginia when our polls close at 7 o’clock on Tuesday, or later in the evening as later states close. We’re probably not going to have a declared winner on Tuesday night. I think we just all got to be prepared for that, and have a little patience with a system that has served us well.” (9:25)

On the barrage of disinformation and artificial videos targeting Americans, Sen. Warner said:

“It’s going to be a tense time. Please don’t jump to conclusions. As we all tell our kids: just because you see it on the internet, does not mean it’s true. And if you see some story or conspiracy that seems so outrageous, take a deep breath, take a moment, and check other news sites to see if that story is being repeated or if it may just be a one-off.” (3:04). He continued, “If it comes from a meme or a TikTok video, chances are that may not be accurate. We all need to recognize that these next few days and the hours and days after the election are going to be some of the most critical time, I think, in recent history.” (1:34)

On efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of our election, Sen. Warner said:

“I’ve said this many times as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee: there are other nations – China, Iran and Russia in particular – who want to interfere in our elections. They may have a candidate choice, but at the end of the day, what they mostly want to do is undermine our confidence in our system. In two years, we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. Our democracy has stood up to the test of time, but over these next few days, it may be tested again. At the end of the day, I want to count on my fellow Virginians. We’ll get to a fair result. Whether your candidate wins or loses, we’ll make sure the process is fair, that the votes are counted fairly, and I again implore you, if you see crazy stuff, don’t take rash action.” (3:31)

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-funding-to-expand-rail-service-across-virginia,Warner and Kaine Announce Funding to Expand Rail Service Across Virginia,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $13,317,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand and secure rail service across Virginia. This funding was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, landmark legislation championed by both senators.

“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re unlocking investments in rail across the Commonwealth, which create jobs, cut costs, and give you the freedom to get where you need to go,” said the senators. “These investments will build on our work expanding funding for Amtrak and addressing rail bottlenecks across the country, creating a future where passenger rail is more affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Virginians, including folks in communities like Bedford.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$6,000,000 for the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company to replace old rail tracks and ties across central Virginia. The project will make freight rail service more resilient, efficient, and secure and reduce the risk of derailments by resurfacing approximately 83 miles of track and seven grade crossings.

$5,836,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to improve the Richmond Staples Mill Amtrak Station by upgrading two platforms, adding one platform canopy, and promoting accessibility. This will make the station ADA compliant and will create a better and safer passenger experience. It will also support Staples Mill’s addition of 10 Amtrak trains per day, rapidly scaling up the number of passenger rail options available to Richmonders.

$1,481,000 for the Town of Bedford to develop plans for a new intercity passenger rail station. This funding will allow for initial engineering and environmental work on the proposed station, which could connect Bedford to passenger rail service for the first time in several decades.

The funding is made possible by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which is supported by several recent government spending bills and the bipartisan infrastructure law, all of which were strongly supported by the senators.

Warner and Kaine have consistently supported and led efforts to expand passenger rail across the Commonwealth. Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated directly for the funding for Staples Mill Station and Bedford. In 2021, Warner and Kaine wrote and passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has brought over $8.4 billion in federal funding to Virginia for hundreds of projects. In December 2023, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced $500,000, also courtesy of the infrastructure law, to explore the possibility of creating an infill stop in Bedford. Last week, the senators broke ground on the Long Bridge Project, a major effort to invest in rail in Virginia by easing one of the worst rail bottlenecks in America while creating 36,000 jobs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-and-scott-applaud-380-million-in-inflation-reduction-act-funding-for-port-of-virginia,"Warner, Kaine, and Scott Applaud $380 Million in Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Port of Virginia",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $380,000,000 in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to accelerate its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Warner, Kaine, and Scott advocated for this funding and sent a letter of support for this grant. The funding was awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that the members helped pass.

“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry. As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”

The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments to support clean energy projects. It included clean energy tax credits that have incentivized a series of corporate investments in Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms in Chesapeake, which will create over 330 jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $400 million by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

Today’s announcement builds on other transformational investments made to the Port of Virginia by the Biden-Harris administration with the backing of Warner, Kaine, and Scott. That includes $225.4 million to fully fund the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project, which will improve navigation and expand capacity by deepening and widening Norfolk Harbor’s shipping channels, allowing for two-way traffic in and out of the harbor. Of this amount, $141.7 million was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $83.7 million was provided through the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill.

The Port also previously received $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the 2.6 gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project and other commercial offshore wind projects up-and-down the East Coast. Warner, Kaine, and Scott led a Virginia Congressional Delegation letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Port’s application for that funding.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=68053CD4-D271-464E-A5A1-295FACFF485A,"Warner, Kaine, and Scott Applaud $380 Million in Inflation Reduction Act Funding for the Port of Virginia",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $380,000,000 in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to accelerate its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Warner, Kaine, and Scott advocated for this funding and sent a letter of support for this grant. The funding was awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that the members helped pass.

“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry. As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by theInflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”

The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments to support clean energy projects. It included clean energy tax credits that have incentivized a series of corporate investments in Virginia, including:

A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms inChesapeake, which will create over 330 jobs in Virginia.

An investment of over $400 million by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.

An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.

Today’s announcement builds on other transformational investments made to the Port of Virginia by the Biden-Harris administration with the backing of Warner, Kaine, and Scott. That includes $225.4 million to fully fund the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project, which will improve navigation and expand capacity by deepening and widening Norfolk Harbor’s shipping channels, allowing for two-way traffic in and out of the harbor. Of this amount, $141.7 million was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $83.7 million was provided through the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill.

The Port also previously received $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the 2.6 gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project and other commercial offshore wind projects up-and-down the East Coast. Warner, Kaine, and Scott led a Virginia Congressional Delegation letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Port’s application for that funding.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8CE1519C-0041-4FE0-9B03-A29676B5358B,Warner & Kaine Announce Funding to Expand Rail Service Across Virginia,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $13,317,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand and secure rail service across Virginia. This funding was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, landmark legislation championed by both senators.

“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re unlocking investments in rail across the Commonwealth, which create jobs, cut costs, and give you the freedom to get where you need to go,” said the senators. “These investments will build on our work expanding funding for Amtrak and addressing rail bottlenecks across the country, creating a future where passenger rail is more affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Virginians, including folks in communities like Bedford.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$6,000,000 for the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company to replace old rail tracks and ties across central Virginia. The project will make freight rail service more resilient, efficient, and secure and reduce the risk of derailments by resurfacing approximately 83 miles of track and seven grade crossings.

$5,836,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to improve the Richmond Staples Mill Amtrak Station by upgrading two platforms, adding one platform canopy, and promoting accessibility. This will make the station ADA compliant and will create a better and safer passenger experience. It will also support Staples Mill’s addition of 10 Amtrak trains per day, rapidly scaling up the number of passenger rail options available to Richmonders.

$1,481,000 for theTown of Bedford to develop plans for a new intercity passenger rail station. This funding will allow for initial engineering and environmental work on the proposed station, which could connect Bedford to passenger rail service for the first time in several decades.

The funding is made possible by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which is supported by several recent government spending bills and the bipartisan infrastructure law, all of which were strongly supported by the senators.

Warner and Kaine have consistently supported and led efforts to expand passenger rail across the Commonwealth. Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated directly for the funding for Staples Mill Station and Bedford. In 2021, Warner and Kaine wrote and passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has brought over $8.4 billion in federal funding to Virginia for hundreds of projects. In December 2023, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced $500,000, also courtesy of the infrastructure law, to explore the possibility of creating an infill stop in Bedford. Last week, the senators broke ground on the Long Bridge Project, a major effort to invest in rail in Virginia by easing one of the worst rail bottlenecks in America while creating 36,000 jobs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=CE0AD423-1DA2-49D7-9700-41BDDDEE8023,Warner Encourages Virginians to Apply for Participation in 2025 Inaugural Parade,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden wave to members of Fauquier County’s Canine Companions for Independence during the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a special message encouraging groups throughout Virginia to apply for participation in the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade, which will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

“Presidential inaugurations are not just symbolic ceremonies – they are an instrument of democracy by which we execute the peaceful transfer of power in this country,” said Sen. Warner. “I encourage Virginia’s talented entities – including our many marching bands, floats, and equestrian groups – to take part in this time-honored tradition, dating back when President Jefferson rode his horse from the Capitol to the President's House in a procession that would become the Inaugural Parade we know today.”

The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) Parade Coordinator Office is now accepting applications through December 4, 2024 for the 60th Inaugural Parade. The JTF-NCR is responsible for collecting and organizing all 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade applications, which are then reviewed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), a group tasked with organizing all Inaugural events at the discretion of the President-Elect.

In 2017, the parade consisted of 48 non-Department of Defense elements chosen from 141 applications. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to review the parade application guide before registering for an account, which can be done HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-murphy-and-blumenthal-lead-colleagues-in-asking-administration-to-carefully-assess-proposal-to-address-submarine-production-delays,"Kaine, Murphy & Blumenthal Lead Colleagues in Asking Administration to Carefully Assess Proposal to Address Submarine Production Delays",2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,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), Chair of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in asking the Biden Administration to address funding shortfalls for submarine programs as they consider funding levels for Fiscal Year 2025. In two separate letters to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young and Department of the Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the lawmakers also urged the Administration to carefully assess the merits of the proposed Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement—which would restructure how the Navy pays for submarines—as a potential solution to address delays and get the programs back on track.

While Congress has invested over $2.3 billion between 2018 and 2023 and an additional $3 billion this year as part of a national security supplemental in the nation’s submarine industrial base, the Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarine programs face significant delays and are expected to be over budget. The on-time completion of Virginia-class submarines, which are built in Virginia and Connecticut, is especially critical to the fulfillment of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) trilateral partnership, through which the United States will sell at least two submarines to Australia to bolster security in the Indo-Pacific.

In their letter to OMB Director Young, the members wrote, “The United States’ submarine programs provide our nation an undersea advantage that is critical to our national security… Based on the information available so far, the Shipbuilder Accountability and Workforce Support (SAWS) agreement strikes us as a promising approach to ensure our submarine industrial base rises to the occasion, accelerates submarine production, and fully meets the critical and building demand on U.S. shipyards… We request that you give all due consideration to this initiative, while ensuring it includes the accountability and leverage measures necessary to ensure our federal investments in submarine production go as far as possible in getting these critical programs on track.”

In their letter to Secretary of the Navy Del Toro, the members wrote, “It is our understanding that over months of conversation Pentagon leadership, the Navy, and industry reached an agreement to maximize use of taxpayer funding for construction of the next tranche of Columbia-class and Virginia-class submarines – including by raising wages to attract and retain America’s skilled and organized shipyard workforce, addressing rising costs, and advancing much-needed infrastructure investments, all to improve program reliability and schedule.”

“We therefore urge more consistent communication with Congress and with OMB so that all parties clearly understand the Navy’s position on SAWS and overall plans to get our nation’s submarine production on track,” they continued. “It is critical that our submarine programs be on schedule and on budget.”

In addition to Kaine, Murphy, and Blumenthal, the letters were signed by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA).

The letter to OMB is available here. The letter to the Navy is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-colleagues-push-for-maximum-number-of-h-2b-work-visas-in-2025,"Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Push for Maximum Number of H-2B Work Visas in 2025",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Angus King (I-ME), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to release the maximum number of Congressionally-authorized H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa Program allows U.S. employers to hire seasonal, non-immigrant workers during peak seasons to supplement the existing American workforce. In order to be eligible for the program, employers are required to declare that there are not enough U.S. workers available to do the temporary work, as is the case with Virginia’s seafood industry, which relies on H-2B workers for tough jobs such as shucking oysters and processing crabs.

“Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators.

“The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024,” they continued.

Along with Warner, Kaine, Rounds, and King the letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), George Helmy (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-IF), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Tim Scott (R-SC).

Warner and Kaine are committed to providing long-term relief for seasonal seafood processors through reform of the H-2B program. Last year, the senators pushed for the Department of Labor to reform the H-2B Visa process in order to help meet the need of Virginia’s seafood processors In 2022, Sens. Warner and Kaine pushed for and secured the release of an additional H-2B visas for seasonal workers.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:

We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.

In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.

Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.”

The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.

Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0A735440-68BD-4B1C-B087-F774E082897D,Senate Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner on President Biden’s National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence:

“As we have seen just over the last two years, AI technology is rapidly evolving in a way that will have massive consequences for our economy, national security, and even democracy. I am heartened to see the administration recognize this very fact and take a leadership role to advance AI capabilities while simultaneously promoting responsible research, strong governance that ensures trust and safety, and the protection of human and civil rights.

“I am also gratified to see that the NSM appears to implement many of the legislative proposals I have advanced, including requirements to promote AI security research and address AI cyber vulnerabilities. However, as the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee I am also acutely aware of the many threats to our AI efforts. I encourage the administration to work in the coming months with Congress to advance a clearer strategy to engage the private sector on national security risks directed at AI systems across the AI supply chain.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A2FC6A5E-E6DC-435E-B7EF-3EFF2FA8ED4E,Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Presses Domain Registrars Providing Support to Russian Influence Efforts,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today wrote to American domain registrars NameCheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, NewFold Digital, NameSilo, and Versign – which were identified in a Department of Justice affidavit as providing domain services to the “Doppelganger” Russian covert influence network – pressing them to take immediate steps to address the continued abuse of their services for foreign covert influence, particularly in the period preceding and following Election Day.

Through the maintenance of both inauthentic social media accounts and websites, the hallmark of the Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns known as “Doppelganger” has been the impersonation of Western media institutions online, including outlets like the Washington Post, Fox News, and Forward. Russian influence operatives have been attributed impersonating dozens of legitimate organizations online as early as September 2022, when researchers at the nonprofit EU Disinfo Lab first identified the network’s campaigns, using misleading domains (such as www.washingtonpost.pm, www.washingtonpost.ltd, www.fox-news.in, www.fox-news.top and www.forward.pw) to covertly spread Russian government propaganda with the aim of reducing international support for Ukraine, bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests, and influencing voters in U.S. and foreign elections, including the 2024 presidential election.

Citing research conducted by Meta in 2023, Warner noted several ways in which the global domain name industry has enabled Russian malign influence activity, including withholding vital domain name registration information from good-faith researchers and digital forensic investigators, ignoring inaccurate registration information submitted by registrants, and failing to identify repeated instances of intentional and malicious domain name squatting used to impersonate legitimate organizations.

Wrote Warner today, “Information included in the affidavit supporting recent seizure of a number of these domains provides further indication of your industry’s apparent inattention to abuses by foreign actors engaged in covert influence. Specifically, Russian influence actors utilized a number of tactics, techniques, and procedures that – against the backdrop of extensive open source literature on Doppelganger’s practices – should have alerted your company to abuse of its services, including the use of cryptocurrency to purchase domains, heavy reliance on anonymizing infrastructure to access your registration services (including the use of IPs widely associated with cybercriminal obfuscation network activity), the use of credit cards issued to a U.S. company “that has significant ties to, and employees based in, Russia,” use of fictitious and poorly-backstopped identities for registrants, and in at least one instance the use of a Russian address.”

Noted Warner, “While foreign covert influence represents one of the most egregious abuses of the domain name system, the industry’s inattention to abuse has been well-documented for years, enabling malicious activity such as phishing campaigns, drive-by malware, and online scams – all possible because of malicious actors using your services… Given the continued lapses of your industry to address these abuses, I believe Congress may need to evaluate legislative remedies that promote greater diligence across the global domain name ecosystem.”

“In the interim, your company must take immediate steps to address the continued abuse of your services for foreign covert influence – particularly in the days preceding, and weeks immediately following, Election Day. With the prospect of a close election – and declassified intelligence demonstrating the past practice of foreign adversaries in spreading narratives that undermine confidence in election processes– Americans will be particularly reliant on media organizations and state and local government websites to provide authoritative and accurate election information. It is imperative that your company work to diminish the risk that foreign adversaries use impersonated domains to promote false narratives in this context,” Warner concluded.

As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Warner has been consistently warning about the threat posed by foreign covert influence networks ahead of the 2024 elections. Last month, he convened a public hearing with representatives from Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft examining the roles and responsibilities of U.S. platforms to prevent the spread of foreign propaganda and misinformation on their networks.

A copy of the letters are available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D96BEF70-2464-4B3E-AD74-738DAF1C4537,"Warner, Kaine, Colleagues Push for Maximum Number of H-2B Work Visas in 2025",2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Angus King (I-ME), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to release the maximum number of Congressionally-authorized H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.

The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa Program allows U.S. employers to hire seasonal, non-immigrant workers during peak seasons to supplement the existing American workforce. In order to be eligible for the program, employers are required to declare that there are not enough U.S. workers available to do the temporary work, as is the case with Virginia’s seafood industry, which relies on H-2B workers for tough jobs such as shucking oysters and processing crabs.

“Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators.

“The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024,” they continued.

Along with Sens. Warner, Kaine, Rounds, and King the letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), George Helmy (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-IF), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Tim Scott (R-SC).

Sens. Warner and Kaine are committed to providing long-term relief for seasonal seafood processors through reform of the H-2B program. Last year, the Senators pushed for the Department of Labor to reform the H-2B Visa process in order to help meet the need of Virginia’s seafood processors In 2022, Sens. Warner and Kaine pushed for and secured the release of an additional H-2B visas for seasonal workers.

A copy of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:

We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.

In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.

Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.”

The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.

Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-over-15-million-in-federal-funding-to-modernize-energy-infrastructure-in-richmond,Warner & Kaine Applaud Over $15 Million in Federal Funding to Modernize Energy Infrastructure in Richmond,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-VA, announced $15,733,481 in federal funding for the City of Richmond to repair, replace, and modernize natural gas pipes. The funding is part of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped pass.

“Upgrading our natural gas pipes will lower energy costs for families, reduce methane pollution, and reduce the risk of dangerous leaks,” said the senators. “We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue working to improve energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.”

While serving as Mayor of Richmond, Kaine helped oversee Richmond’s gas utility, which is one of the largest municipal gas utilities in the United States.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought over $8.4 billion in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, and improve airports, ports, and waterways.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=011F2184-C33B-4BAC-AE14-F5B938D90A36,Warner Announces New Federal Application for Individuals Looking to Separate Joint Consolidated Student Loans,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the statement below in response to a new form released by the U.S. Department of Education, which has begun to accept applications from joint consolidation loan borrowers seeking to separate their loans.

This announcement and new application follows longtime efforts by Sen. Warner to provide relief for individuals who previously consolidated their federal student loan debt. Borrowers who consolidated their student debt with a spouse, did so under a program that was created by Congress and subsequently eliminated without providing a way for spouses to sever existing loans – even in the event of domestic violence, economic abuse, or an unresponsive partner. In 2022, Sen. Warner secured the passage of the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act of 2021 in order to help borrowers who remain liable for their abusive or uncommunicative spouse’s portion of their consolidated debts. In July of 2024, Sen. Warner hailed new Ed implementation guidance that today culminates in the launch of this new application.

“Two years after getting the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act into law, I’m proud to say that borrowers can now apply to separate their joint consolidation loans. While this took longer than I had hoped for, I have no doubt that it brings a sigh of relief to so many borrowers who remain trapped in financial agreements with unresponsive or abusive ex-spouses, and unable to access important loan forgiveness programs. I’m proud to have written the law that’s bringing this process to life and I’m glad to see the Department of Education take such a significant step towards freeing borrowers from these burdensome loans,” said Sen. Warner.

Through the new Department of Education form, borrowers are able to submit a:

Joint Application: Both co-borrowers submit individual App/Notes to the Department, which will separate the JCL and create a new, individual Direct Consolidation Loan for each individual; or,

Separate Application: An individual JCL applicant submits an App/Note to the Department without regard to whether or when the co-borrower applies, if the applicant has experienced an act of domestic violence or economic abuse from the other co-borrower, or if they are unable to reasonably reach or access the loan information of the other co-borrower.

Once the loans are separated, the applicants’ loan obligation will be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan if both borrowers completed the joint application process. For those who submit a separate application, the loan obligation will follow the same process as the joint application process, but if the remaining co-borrower does not complete an application, their loan obligation will remain a JCL with one borrower.

Sen. Warner’s Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act, originally introduced in 2017, was inspired by Sara, a constituent from McLean, Virginia who contacted Sen. Warner to communicate her struggles with a joint consolidation loan. Sara was raising two children on a public school teacher’s salary in Northern Virginia and trying to keep up with payments on her student loans. Unfortunately, her ex-spouse, whom she had divorced and moved thousands of miles away from to start fresh, refused to pay his share of their joint loan. Because joint consolidation loans create joint and several liability for borrowers, Sara faced the threat of having her wages as a public school teacher garnished if she did not pay both her and her ex-husband’s portions of their debt. Sen. Warner did not think this was fair and sought to create a solution, so that constituents like Sara could control their own financial futures. You can hear Sen. Warner tell Sara’s story here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=446A37F6-9E1B-4198-A85D-132643B3EFCD,Warner & Kaine Applaud over $15 million in Federal Funding to Modernize Energy Infrastructure in Richmond,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-VA, announced $15,733,481 in federal funding for the City of Richmond to repair, replace, and modernize natural gas pipes. The funding is part of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped pass.

“Upgrading our natural gas pipes will lower energy costs for families, reduce methane pollution, and reduce the risk of dangerous leaks,” said the senators. “We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue working to improve energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.”

While serving as Mayor of Richmond, Kaine helped oversee Richmond’s gas utility, which is one of the largest municipal gas utilities in the United States.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought over $8.4 billion in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, and improve airports, ports, and waterways.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-urge-president-biden-to-protect-undersea-cables-from-china-russia,"Kaine, Colleagues Urge President Biden to Protect Undersea Cables from China, Russia",2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,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 Foreign Relations Committee, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden expressing concerns about the security of the global network of undersea communications and energy cables upon which American workers and businesses rely.

More than 95% of international internet traffic travels via these undersea cables, resulting in trillions of dollars in financial transactions each day. The locations of these cables are often openly published to prevent accidental damage.

As American companies look to expand and invest in this critical infrastructure, it is imperative that the United States has a complete understanding of existing vulnerabilities, especially those that impact our economic and national security.

“America’s adversaries have been developing their capabilities to attack or disrupt critical undersea infrastructure. There is a long tradition, dating back well over a century, of belligerents attacking their opponents’ underwater communications lines in the first phase of a conflict,” the senators wrote. “Given these threats and challenges, it is imperative that the United States undertake a review of existing vulnerabilities to global undersea cable infrastructure, including the threat of sabotage by Russia as well as the growing role of the People’s Republic of China in cable laying and repair. If we are truly to deepen vital commercial and security relationships with willing partners and allies, this must be a national priority.”

In addition to Kaine, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) also signed the letter.

Read the full text of the letter to President Biden here and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you to express our concern about the security of global undersea communications and energy cables, especially those that impact America’s economic and national security and that of our allies and partners. As you are well aware, more than 95% of international internet traffic travels via undersea cables, including trillions of dollars in financial transactions each day. Moreover, the exact locations of most of these cables are openly published in order to reduce the likelihood of accidental damage from ships’ anchors or fishing activities. Internet and telecommunications providers, including American firms, intend to invest billions of dollars in expanding the global network of undersea communications cables. Additionally, energy transmission cables are proliferating as governments look to new sources of electricity generation.

America’s adversaries have been developing their capabilities to attack or disrupt critical undersea infrastructure. There is a long tradition, dating back well over a century, of belligerents attacking their opponents’ underwater communications lines in the first phase of a conflict. For example, in both World Wars, Britain’s first naval actions were to cut the telegraph cables connecting Germany to the Americas, and in 1918 a German U-boat severed lines connecting New York to both Nova Scotia and Panama. In addition to this kind of overt, kinetic attack, the nature of undersea infrastructure increases the feasibility of gray zone actions with plausible deniability. It is difficult to distinguish between an accident and a deliberate action on the seabed, and more difficult still to confirm who conducted such an action. On top of this, because this infrastructure is privately owned by commercial enterprises, repairs are the responsibility of these private companies, which are likely not prepared to maintain them under wartime conditions and are likely to seek the most cost-effective repair and maintenance options—even if that option is owned or operated by a foreign adversary or strategic competitor.

Given these threats and challenges, it is imperative that the United States undertake a review of existing vulnerabilities to global undersea cable infrastructure, including the threat of sabotage by Russia as well as the growing role of the People’s Republic of China in cable laying and repair. If we are truly to deepen vital commercial and security relationships with willing partners and allies, this must be a national priority. We respectfully request that you provide responses to the following questions and direct senior administration officials to brief Members of Congress, including members of relevant committees of jurisdiction, on your plans and the resources and authorities needed to carry them out.

1) What is your Administration’s overall strategy to guarantee the security of America’s undersea infrastructure and to promote the security of that of our allies and partners?

2) The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 established the Cable Security Fleet (CSF). If authorized and sufficiently funded, what would be your assessment of the ideal size of the U.S.-flagged and -operated cable laying and repair vessel fleet to ensure sufficient cable repair capacity during a conflict or national emergency? How can the United States work with trusted allies and partners for additional capacity to support the expansion and repair of trusted undersea cable networks?

3) What is the Administration’s strategy to encourage other nations to choose trusted suppliers in their selection of undersea cable manufacturers, particularly in any nation of concern or which may be vulnerable to coercion or covert action by America’s adversaries?

4) How is the Administration working with the private sector to ensure that commercial enterprises’ investments in undersea cables align with U.S. national security priorities?

5) How do you intend to protect the physical security of undersea cables in the open ocean, including through any interpretation of customary international law?

6) How is the Administration working multilaterally to collectively enhance security and monitor potential threats to undersea infrastructure, including through NATO, the Quad, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity?

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request. As Congress works to continue its oversight of national security, it is vital that we understand the current state of the information backbone of our economy and efforts to protect it.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-57-million-in-federal-funding-for-virginia-airports,Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $57 Million in Federal Funding for Virginia Airports,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $56,966,366 in federal funding for improvements to airports across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which both senators helped pass.

“Virginia’s airports help Virginians and visitors get where they need to go and serve as critical economic development hubs,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make important upgrades to help airports across Virginia operate smoothly. We will keep working to bolster Virginia’s infrastructure and grow our economy.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$40,000,000 for Washington Dulles International Airport to supportthe construction of the new 14-gate, 400,000-square-foot terminal building, including direct connections to the Aerotrain and indirect connection to the Metrorail.

$14,716,366 for Norfolk International Airport to support the realignment of the airport exclusive use access roadway to improve traffic flow into and out of the main terminal area.

$2,250,000 for Richmond International Airport to design a proposed consolidated Passenger Screening Checkpoint to make passenger flow more efficient and reduce congestion.

Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law they voted to pass. In September, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C438E5D3-8DDC-48DD-AA59-3DEC40C4DA18,Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $57 million in Federal Funding for Virginia Airports,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $56,966,366 in federal funding for improvements to airports across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which both senators helped pass.

“Virginia’s airports help Virginians and visitors get where they need to go and serve as critical economic development hubs,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make important upgrades to help airports across Virginia operate smoothly. We will keep working to bolster Virginia’s infrastructure and grow our economy.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$40,000,000 for Washington Dulles International Airport to supportthe construction of the new 14-gate, 400,000-square-foot terminal building, including direct connections to the Aerotrain and indirect connection to the Metrorail.

$14,716,366 for Norfolk International Airport to support the realignment of the airport exclusive use access roadway to improve traffic flow into and out of the main terminal area.

$2,250,000 for Richmond International Airport to design a proposed consolidated Passenger Screening Checkpoint to make passenger flow more efficient and reduce congestion.

Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law they voted to pass. In September, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-issue-statement-expressing-concern-about-the-escalation-of-violence-in-lebanon,"Kaine, Colleagues Issue Statement Expressing Concern About the Escalation of Violence in Lebanon",2024-10-21,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), senior members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following joint statement regarding the deteriorating situation in Lebanon:

“Over the past few weeks, there has been a concerning escalation of violence in Lebanon, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds, the displacement of over one million civilians and unacceptable attacks on United Nations peacekeepers.

“There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorism on its northern border and that Hezbollah is a terrorist organization whose actions have led to Lebanese, American and Israeli deaths. By preventing the formation of a functioning government, Hezbollah has exacerbated an economic crisis and perpetuated the suffering of everyday Lebanese citizens. We also assert firmly that Iran must be stopped from supplying Hezbollah with resources and weapons, which is essential to securing peace on the border and ensuring that Israelis in the north can return safely to their homes.

“At the same time, the Israel Defense Forces have an obligation to conduct their operations in a way that limits civilian harm and does not impede humanitarian access. We also strongly condemn the attacks against United Nations peacekeepers who operate in Lebanon under UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 2749. Peacekeepers must be allowed to fulfill their mission of ensuring peace along the Blue Line.

“We must work towards de-escalation and implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in Lebanon while also urging all parties involved to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release deal. We must do all we can to prevent further civilian casualties, dangerous destabilization and expansion of this conflict into a full-out war.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-2-million-in-federal-funding-for-southwest-virginia,Warner and Kaine Announce Over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Southwest Virginia,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,192,538 in federal funding to support projects across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

“We’re glad to continue delivering for Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “This funding will help the region continue to grow, expand job opportunities, and help those who are struggling with substance use disorder access resources they need in their recovery.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$1,692,538 to support Appalachian Sustainable Development for Groundwork. The funding will provide training and technical assistance needed to boost Appalachia's agriculture workforce. The funding will support 240 businesses and 182 workers/trainees. The funding will support agriculture entrepreneurs, providing organizations and trainees resources to engage and grow their businesses.

$500,000 for the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board - Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion. The funding will directly expand access to recovery resources as well as assist those in recovery with job placement and retention.

Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC. Earlier this week, Warner and Kaine announced over $2 million in federal funding for Southwest Virginia courtesy of ARC.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-join-senate-colleagues-in-urging-additional-funding-for-hurricane-helene-disaster-recovery,Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Additional Funding for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in urging the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that will fully cover the costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families. In a bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the senators highlighted the hardships facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these storms and the need for full, uninterrupted federal support to restore and rebuild these communities.

“We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,” wrote the senators.

“Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,” concluded the lawmakers.

Warner and Kaine have been vocal regarding the need for federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, they successfully advocated for President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. The senators also joined their colleagues earlier this month in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm. They additionally sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging action to address intravenous (IV) fluids supply challenges impacting the wellbeing of patients and health care workers’ ability to provide care.

Read the full letter to President Biden here and below:

Dear President Biden,

As the Southeastern United States continues to respond to life-threatening conditions in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the sheer scope of the destruction from these hurricanes is heartbreaking. We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal.

Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s coast as a Category 4 storm on September 27 before devastating communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with 228 being confirmed to date. Hurricane Milton struck Florida on October 9, bringing life-threatening storm surges and wind gusts and causing 24 deaths to date.

We are immensely grateful to first responders and federal workers as they perform life-saving work. However, the task of recovering from these storms has overwhelmed state and local governments. Federal support will be needed to restore and rebuild our communities.

While the recovery costs are still being determined, estimates of Hurricane Helene’s damage range from $34 billion to $47 billion. Hurricane Milton is likewise expected to cost billions more in damages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will require significant additional funding to ensure it has the resources it needs for Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery, and additional federal funding will be required to support states and federal agencies’ emergency response efforts. Likewise, as communities begin to rebuild, uninterrupted access to key disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is imperative. Agricultural producers will also need financial assistance to help them recover from yet another natural disaster that is further compounding their already tenuous economic situation, and small businesses will need support to help cover the damage to their livelihoods and rebuild, so they can reopen their doors to communities.

Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost.

Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=56902C42-6687-4A20-A353-48ED3D0EB25C,Warner and Kaine Announce over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Southwest Virginia,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,192,538 in federal funding to support projects across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.

“We’re glad to continue delivering for Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “This funding will help the region continue to grow, expand job opportunities, and help those who are struggling with substance use disorder access resources they need in their recovery.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$1,692,538 to support Appalachian Sustainable Development for Groundwork. The funding will provide training and technical assistance needed to boost Appalachia's agriculture workforce. The funding will support 240 businesses and 182 workers/trainees. The funding will support agriculture entrepreneurs, providing organizations and trainees resources to engage and grow their businesses.

$500,000 for the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board - Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion. The funding will directly expand access to recovery resources as well as assist those in recovery with job placement and retention.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC. Earlier this week, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced over $2 million in federal funding for Southwest Virginia courtesy of ARC.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=8502ACF8-C912-4B2E-8EC6-91036F6A3EFD,Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Additional Funding for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in urging the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that will fully cover the costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families. In a bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the senators highlighted the hardships facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these storms and the need for full, uninterrupted federal support to restore and rebuild these communities.

“We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,” wrote the senators.

“Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,” concluded the lawmakers.

Warner and Kaine have been vocal regarding the need for federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, they successfully advocated for President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. The senators also joined their colleagues earlier this month in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm. They additionally sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging action to address intravenous (IV) fluids supply challenges impacting the wellbeing of patients and health care workers’ ability to provide care.

Read the full letter to President Biden here and below:

Dear President Biden,

As the Southeastern United States continues to respond to life-threatening conditions in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the sheer scope of the destruction from these hurricanes is heartbreaking. We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal.

Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s coast as a Category 4 storm on September 27 before devastating communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with 228 being confirmed to date. Hurricane Milton struck Florida on October 9, bringing life-threatening storm surges and wind gusts and causing 24 deaths to date.

We are immensely grateful to first responders and federal workers as they perform life-saving work. However, the task of recovering from these storms has overwhelmed state and local governments. Federal support will be needed to restore and rebuild our communities.

While the recovery costs are still being determined, estimates of Hurricane Helene’s damage range from $34 billion to $47 billion. Hurricane Milton is likewise expected to cost billions more in damages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will require significant additional funding to ensure it has the resources it needs for Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery, and additional federal funding will be required to support states and federal agencies’ emergency response efforts. Likewise, as communities begin to rebuild, uninterrupted access to key disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is imperative. Agricultural producers will also need financial assistance to help them recover from yet another natural disaster that is further compounding their already tenuous economic situation, and small businesses will need support to help cover the damage to their livelihoods and rebuild, so they can reopen their doors to communities.

Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost.

Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-elimination-of-hamas-leader-yahya-sinwar,Kaine Statement on Elimination of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement regarding the Israeli Defense Forces’ elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar:

“The elimination of Yahya Sinwar, a long-time Hamas leader and one of the chief architects of the October 7 attack, is a monumental win for the Israeli and Palestinian people and the long-term stability of the region. It is in the best interest of Israeli and American national security that this critical development serves as a natural ending point for this conflict. The time is now for Israel and Hamas to finally accept a deal to establish a ceasefire and release the remaining hostages.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-join-senate-colleagues-in-urging-continued-action-to-address-iv-fluid-shortage-amidst-hurricane-recovery,Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Continued Action to Address IV Fluid Shortage Amidst Hurricane Recovery,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Bob Casey (D-PA) in sending a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra urging continued action to address the critical intravenous (IV) fluid shortage affecting hospitals across the nation. This shortage, caused by the temporary closure of Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Carolina due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, has created significant challenges for health care providers in Virginia and across the country.

The senators’ letter comes in response to the production halt at Baxter International, the largest manufacturer of intravenous (IV) solutions in the United States, which produces nearly two-thirds of the IV fluids used in U.S. hospitals. While federal agencies—including the HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)—work to increase supply from other manufacturers, allow temporary importation of products manufactured abroad, and provide guidance on compounded alternatives, hospitals across the country, including in Virginia, continue to face shortages and need clear communication to effectively plan for the months ahead. The letter emphasized that the federal response must especially prioritize providers whose patient communities will be most at risk in the face of continued shortages.

“The uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently cancelled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues,” wrote the senators.

“As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter to Secretary Becerra here and below:

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We appreciate the Biden Administration’s efforts to swiftly respond to the catastrophic damage caused across the southeast by Hurricane Helene. As you continue this recovery work, on behalf of our constituents and the health care providers who serve them, we write to urge you to continue to work with hospital and health system partners to address disruptions in the intravenous (IV) solution supply chain resulting from the hurricane-induced closure of the Baxter International plant in North Cove, North Carolina.

As you know, Baxter is the largest manufacturer of IV solutions in the United States. Their facility in Western North Carolina produces nearly two-thirds of the IV solution used to provide health care nationwide. As you also know, to protect from stockpiling, Baxter has instituted limits on the amount of saline solution and dextrose product hospitals and health systems are currently able to order. We are encouraged by steps taken by your agency and other federal government agencies to move product more quickly, including rebuilding physical infrastructure, working with manufacturing partners to increase supply from other sites, and providing guidance on appropriate compounding.

However, the uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently canceled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over-the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues.

As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton. We also request intentional outreach to safety net, tribal, and rural providers, as well as those caring for vulnerable populations who may lack the resources to sustain prolonged shortages. Hospitals and health systems in our states are eager to work with you to protect patient care and welcome your outreach.

We look forward to working with you to ensure timely and robust communication to keep our communities healthy. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-write-to-international-trade-commission-in-support-of-goodyear-workers-in-danville,Warner and Kaine Write to International Trade Commission in Support of Goodyear Workers in Danville,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in support of workers at Goodyear’s manufacturing plant in Danville. Last year, the United Steelworkers, which represents more than 1,800 Virginians employed at Goodyear, filed an antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) petition with the ITC alleging illegal dumping of truck and bus tire imports from Thailand.

Dumping—when a country exports a product at a price substantially below the cost of producing the product or below the sale price in the exporter’s home market—is considered a form of predatory pricing and an unfair trade practice. In some cases, dumping is used as a tactic to drive domestic businesses out of the market and eventually raise prices for consumers.

“On behalf of more than 2,000 Virginian workers, we ask that you ensure that U.S. trade laws are fairly enforced and that American workers are protected from unfair trade practices. The Goodyear plant in Danville, Virginia, employs more than 2,000 workers, including more than 1,800 who are members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 831,” wrote the senators. “We each have a long history with this plant stemming from our terms as Governor of Virginia.”

“The Goodyear plant in Danville is a well-equipped facility with talented and dedicated workers. It can compete with tires from anywhere in the world as long as the playing field is level,” the senators continued. “There are reports that the same Chinese manufacturers responsible for previous dumping are investing in facilities in Thailand and similarly selling into U.S. markets at below-market prices. If foreign producers are able to circumvent U.S. trade remedies, it undermines the effectiveness of and faith in our rules-based trading system.”

Warner and Kaine have taken a number of steps to support steelworkers’ complaints that they are competing against unfairly dumped tires from China and other countries. In 2017, Warner and Kaine testified to the ITC in support of workers at Goodyear in Danville. Warner and Kaine have also supported AD/CVD cases on passenger vehicle and light truck (PVLT) tires from China and Southeast Asia, which affected the Yokohama plant in Salem.

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Chair Karpel and Commissioners of the U.S. International Trade Commission,

We write today in regards to the United States International Trade Commission’s (ITC) investigation of imports of truck and bus tires from Thailand. On behalf of more than 2,000 Virginian workers, we ask that you ensure that U.S. trade laws are fairly enforced and that American workers are protected from unfair trade practices.

The Goodyear plant in Danville, Virginia, employs more than 2,000 workers, including more than 1,800 who are members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 831. The plant rolled its first tire off the line in 1966, the same year USW Local 831 was formed, and has since produced more than 100 million truck and aviation tires. Tires manufactured at the plant serve both commercial and military needs, and the plant is the largest manufacturer of medium radial truck and aero tires in the world.

Danville is a city of 42,000 people with a long history of manufacturing, and the Goodyear plant is the largest employer in the city. Well-paying manufacturing jobs are vital to cities such as Danville, and support the local economy in both direct and indirect ways. Conversely, the loss of such jobs tends to be felt for years or decades.

We each have a long history with this plant stemming from our terms as Governor of Virginia. Most notably, in 2008 the Kaine Administration helped secure performance-based grants and community funding to support a $200 million investment in modernizing the facility. In the United States Senate, we have worked to open up procurement opportunities for aviation tires for the U.S. Navy; Goodyear later won a competitive bid process for a multi-year to supply the U.S. Navy with a significant portion of their aviation tire needs.

The Goodyear plant in Danville is a well-equipped facility with talented and dedicated workers. It can compete with tires from anywhere in the world as long as the playing field is level. In 2017, we each offered testimony to the Commission in regards to imports of truck and bus tires from China and asked that the Commission combat unfair trade practices to ensure that level playing field. In that case, the Commission acted to combat dumping from the Chinese firms in question.

Since then, truck and bus tire imports from Thailand have increased substantially. There are reports that the same Chinese manufacturers responsible for previous dumping are investing in facilities in Thailand and similarly selling into U.S. markets at below-market prices. If foreign producers are able to circumvent U.S. trade remedies, it undermines the effectiveness of and faith in our rules-based trading system.

We ask that the commission carefully consider the evidence of injury and act to safeguard our domestic industry.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7B277D57-60EC-4FFD-BC95-084AAEC4D107,Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Continued Action to Address IV Fluid Shortage Amidst Hurricane Helene Recovery,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Bob Casey (D-PA) in sending a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra urging continued action to address the critical intravenous (IV) fluid shortage affecting hospitals across the nation. This shortage, caused by the temporary closure of Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Carolina due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, has created significant challenges for health care providers in Virginia and across the country.

The senators’ letter comes in response to the production halt at Baxter International, the largest manufacturer of intravenous (IV) solutions in the United States, which produces nearly two-thirds of the IV fluids used in U.S. hospitals. While federal agencies—including the HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)—work to increase supply from other manufacturers, allow temporary importation of products manufactured abroad, and provide guidance on compounded alternatives, hospitals across the country, including in Virginia, continue to face shortages and need clear communication to effectively plan for the months ahead. The letter emphasized that the federal response must especially prioritize providers whose patient communities will be most at risk in the face of continued shortages.

“The uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently cancelled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues,” wrote the senators.

“As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton,” the senators concluded.

Read the full letter to Secretary Becerra here and below:

Dear Secretary Becerra:

We appreciate the Biden Administration’s efforts to swiftly respond to the catastrophic damage caused across the southeast by Hurricane Helene. As you continue this recovery work, on behalf of our constituents and the health care providers who serve them, we write to urge you to continue to work with hospital and health system partners to address disruptions in the intravenous (IV) solution supply chain resulting from the hurricane-induced closure of the Baxter International plant in North Cove, North Carolina.

As you know, Baxter is the largest manufacturer of IV solutions in the United States. Their facility in Western North Carolina produces nearly two-thirds of the IV solution used to provide health care nationwide. As you also know, to protect from stockpiling, Baxter has instituted limits on the amount of saline solution and dextrose product hospitals and health systems are currently able to order. We are encouraged by steps taken by your agency and other federal government agencies to move product more quickly, including rebuilding physical infrastructure, working with manufacturing partners to increase supply from other sites, and providing guidance on appropriate compounding.

However, the uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently canceled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over-the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues.

As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton. We also request intentional outreach to safety net, tribal, and rural providers, as well as those caring for vulnerable populations who may lack the resources to sustain prolonged shortages. Hospitals and health systems in our states are eager to work with you to protect patient care and welcome your outreach.

We look forward to working with you to ensure timely and robust communication to keep our communities healthy. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7C9B302B-1F95-4C74-A68F-F0469EF0C975,Warner Announces Launch of Ashanti Alert Website,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – With National Crime Prevention Month underway, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced the launch of the Ashanti Alert website administered by the Department of Justice. The Ashanti Alert, created by a Warner-authored law, seeks to notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, and assist by way of a national communications network. The public website unveiled today provides information about the law and the National Ashanti Alert Network, and it includes links to state missing person programs and other resources.

“Having fought for the passage and nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert nationwide, I’m very proud to announce the launch of a public website that will help the public better understand how to report a missing person,” said Sen. Warner. “I’ve been proud to work closely with the Department of Justice on the launch of these resources as we continue to honor Ashanti’s legacy and save lives.”

“From birth, I knew Ashanti had a purpose in this world. Not a day goes by I don’t miss my baby, but knowing she is a saving angel gives me a joy that keeps me going,"" said Brandy Billie-Moore, Ashanti's mother.

“The Bible says to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord, and Ashanti is with the Lord, watching over us and guiding missing people back to their families,"" said Meltony Billie, Ashanti’s father.

The Ashanti Alert Law, championed by Sen. Warner in 2018, was named after Ashanti Billie – a 19-year-old whose body was discovered in North Carolina, 11 days after she was first reported missing in Norfolk, Va. At the time of Ashanti’s abduction, she was too old for an AMBER Alert and too young for a Silver Alert.

In 2023, the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported 546,097 entries for missing individuals – 34 percent of whom were over 18 when reported missing. This data underscores the urgency of addressing missing adult cases, given that missing person reports for adults do not always receive the same mandatory attention as those involving juveniles.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=DB4E05BB-7B0E-4BE7-B7B4-DE7DBB5B9900,Statement of Senate Intel Chairman Warner on the Death of Yahya Sinwar,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a statement on the death of Hamas terrorist Yahya Sinwar:

“Earlier today I spoke with Director Burns, who confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and one of the masterminds of the October 7 terrorist attack, has been killed in Gaza. As a terrorist leader, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocents, including Americans, Israelis and Palestinians. While justice has been served to Sinwar, let us not forget that the terrorist network he headed still holds dozens of people hostage in Gaza, and we must continue to press for their safe return.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-push-for-dod-to-provide-increased-transparency-for-childrens-hospitals-serving-defense-communities,"Kaine, Colleagues Push for DOD to Provide Increased Transparency for Children’s Hospitals Serving Defense Communities",2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,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 Armed Services Committee, joined 19 of his Senate and House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to provide clarity on the implementation of a change in reimbursements for children’s hospitals that provide care to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty servicemembers and their families.

“We write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals,”wrote the lawmakers. “Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change as well as the ripple effects that the ensuing financial challenges may have on the provision of care for military families. For states with large military populations and no specialty children’s hospital, any reduction in access to care would further complicate military families’ choices by increasing burdens placed on families who already have to travel outside of their own state for medical services.”

DHA previously exempted children’s hospitals from the Medicare outpatient reimbursement model because the reimbursement rate did not adequately reflect the specialized care provided at children’s hospitals. Over 2.4 million children obtain care from children’s hospitals through TRICARE each year, and the change has created some challenges for children’s hospitals in major defense communities like Virginia. Children’s hospitals that serve many servicemembers’ children, such as The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, are seeking increased transparency on how these changes will be implemented. This clarity is crucial to ensuring the continuity of services and care that military families need.

The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to the Department of Defense in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. In their letter, the lawmakers specifically asked the following questions:

What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?

What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients?

How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?

How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics?

Can the agency verify the number of children’s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?

The full text of the letter is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-over-2-million-in-federal-funding-for-projects-in-southwest-virginia,Warner and Kaine Announce Over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Projects in Southwest Virginia,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,069,443 in federal funding to boost economic development across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which provides funding to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

“We’re glad this funding will continue to create new jobs and spur economic development in communities across Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “These investments will help ensure that rural communities have the infrastructure to bring new opportunities to the region.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$1,319,443 to support the Central Appalachia Broadband Transport Infrastructure Improvements Project in Lee and Wise counties, as well as Claiborne and Hancock counties in Tennessee. The funding will be used to develop two data centers in Central Appalachia, creating 40 permanent technology jobs.

$750,000 for the Friends of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, VA. The funding will go towards assessing the economic impact of Friends of Southwest Virginia projects, including the Crooked Road, the Appalachian Spring Outdoor Recreation initiative, and Round the Mountain Artisan Network, in order to inform future community development projects.

Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The draft of the Fiscal Year 2025 government funding package, which the senators are working to pass, includes $200 million for ARC.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=27D92303-583D-496B-BED3-3E958CA4DEA9,Warner and Kaine Announce over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Projects in Southwest Virginia,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,069,443 in federal funding to boost economic development across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which provides funding to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.

“We’re glad this funding will continue to create new jobs and spur economic development in communities across Southwest Virginia,” said the Senators. “These investments will help ensure that rural communities have the infrastructure to bring new opportunities to the region.”

The funding is broken down as follows:

$1,319,443 to support the Central Appalachia Broadband Transport Infrastructure Improvements Project in Lee and Wise counties, as well as Claiborne and Hancock counties in Tennessee. The funding will be used to develop two data centers in Central Appalachia, creating 40 permanent technology jobs.

$750,000 for the Friends of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, VA. The funding will go towards assessing the economic impact of Friends of Southwest Virginia projects, including the Crooked Road, the Appalachian Spring Outdoor Recreation initiative, and Round the Mountain Artisan Network, in order to inform future community development projects.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The draft of the Fiscal Year 2025 government funding package, which the Senators are working to pass, includes $200 million for ARC.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-announce-nearly-352-million-in-federal-funding-to-replace-lead-pipes-in-virginia,Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $35.2 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Lead Pipes in Virginia,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-VA, announced an estimated $35,159,000 in federal funding for Virginia to identify and replace lead pipes and create good-paying water infrastructure jobs. The funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped pass and is being allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after the Biden-Harris Administration issued a rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to replace lead pipes within the next ten years.

“Every Virginian should have access to safe, reliable drinking water,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled this funding will eliminate dangerous lead exposure in the tap water of homes and schools across the Commonwealth, all while creating good-paying jobs. We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue to do all that we can to keep Virginians safe.”

The EPA estimates that as of 2023, there are 187,883 lead services lines in Virginia, which can lead to significant long-term health risks for those exposed. In children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development, slow down learning, and irreversibly damage the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. If someone is impacted by lead exposure, there is no known antidote, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This funding will combat these risks by accelerating the lead pipe removal process.

The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.

Warner and Kaine have long advocated for clean drinking water for Virginians. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced nearly $2 million in federal funding for Lee and Wise counties and the Town ofClintwood to support infrastructure projects that will improve and extend waterline and sewer systems to additional homes. In February, they announced over $2.8 million in federal funding to improve water quality and increase access to safe drinking water in Wythe County and to assess the public health risk from harmful chemicals in local landfills in rural communities across Virginia. Last year, they announced $4,352,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z