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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-passing-president-jimmy-carter,Scott Statement on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter,2024-12-29,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the passing of the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter: “I join those across our nation and the world mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter. A deeply principled and family man, he dedicated his life to public service — not only to his fellow Americans, but to humanitarian causes around the world. Through the Carter Center, his work with Habitat for Humanity, and his advocacy for democracy and human rights at home and abroad, President Carter redefined how former presidents can continue to serve and positively impact the world years after their presidency. His accomplishments as president live on, but so will his vast contributions to society he made after his term in office.” ###",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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-applauds-biden-federal-death-row-commutations,Scott Applauds Biden For Federal Death Row Commutations,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row. Those individuals will have their sentences reclassified from execution to life without the possibility of parole: “I have long advocated for reforms to make our justice system more fair and effective, and that includes ending the use of the death penalty which has not been shown to reduce crime. I applaud President Biden for commuting these sentences to life sentences without the possibility of parole. The Biden Administration placed a moratorium on federal executions and this will ensure the incoming Administration cannot easily resume the practice. We must be clear: this does not absolve any of these individuals of their guilt, and our thoughts remain with all of their victims’ families and loved ones. Rather, these actions will help us end the use of the death penalty at the federal level. Virginia and many other states have already ended the practice and I will continue advocating for abolishing the death penalty altogether as virtually all developed nations have done. ” # # #",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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6332,Beyer Introduces New Legislation to Improve Accuracy of Economic Reports,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced legislation that would synchronize access to business tax information by the three primary government statistical agencies: the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), and the Census Bureau. This reform would improve the accuracy of economic reports and increase the efficiency of our statistical system. Text of the legislation is available here. While Congress authorized the three statistical agencies to share business data with each other in 2002 under the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act, Section 6103 of the U.S. Tax Code prevents uniform access to business tax data. This has resulted in data discrepancies between Census, BEA and BLS estimates. “This is a commonsense fix that is long overdue,” said Rep. Beyer. “Policymakers and business leaders rely on the economic reports and indicators released by Census, BEA, and BLS to make informed decisions. The inability of these three agencies to utilize the same data wastes time and resources and contributes to a muddled picture of our economy. There is no good reason for one agency to have access to business tax data and not the other two when all three have demonstrated the ability to be excellent stewards of confidential information. We all benefit from access to better economic data, and this bill would help ensure that we have a more accurate understanding of our economy.” Economists from across the ideological spectrum agree that this reform is necessary: “The amendment can be expected to yield substantial improvements in a wide array of statistics on U.S. economic performance, ranging from trade patterns and output of noncorporate businesses to industry-level measures of employment and productivity. Better economic statistics benefit everyone who uses them, including U.S. businesses, households, communities, financial-market participants, and policy decision-makers.” Karen Dynan, Chair, American Economic Association (AEA) Committee on Economic Statistics – on behalf of the committee Professor of the Practice, Harvard University Kenneth Troske, Chair, AEA Committee on Government Relations – on behalf of the committee Professor of Economics Chair, Department of Economics, University of Kentucky “American businesses are flying blind without high-quality government statistics to help inform their decisions. This proposal would significantly improve the quality of information available to business leaders and decision makers. The return on investment for the taxpayer from this proposal would be substantial.” Michael R. Strain, Arthur F. Burns Scholar in Political Economy Director of Economic Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute “This amendment would facilitate research to produce better evidence on the effectiveness of government programs, including those aimed at boosting economic mobility for low-income Americans. Ultimately, it would improve outcomes for people who are disadvantaged and marginalized throughout the country.” Jim Sullivan, Professor of Economics Co-founder and Director, Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities Director, Notre Dame Poverty Initiative, University of Notre Dame “This amendment is a game-changer for improving the accuracy and consistency of U.S. economic statistics. By allowing BEA and BLS access to essential business tax data, it ensures business leaders and policymakers will make decisions based on the most reliable and comprehensive economic statistics available.” Tom Beers, Executive Director, National Association of Business Economists (NABE)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-prevent-musk-trump-maga-government-shutdown,Scott Votes to Prevent Musk-Trump-MAGA Government Shutdown,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement: “I voted to prevent a costly Musk-Trump-MAGA shutdown that would have damaged our economy and furloughed thousands of workers in Hampton Roads right before the holidays. The bill we voted on today contains investments in community health centers and shipbuilding, including a pay raise for shipyard workers building nuclear submarines. The bill also includes critically needed disaster relief for Virginia and other states that were devasted by hurricanes this past year, and support for farmers. “It is regrettable that Speaker Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans suddenly rejected our original agreement that included many bipartisan and uncontroversial measures. This included investments in research to combat childhood cancer as well as reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Older Americans Act. Our original bipartisan agreement would have strengthened workforce development to benefit workers, employers, and the economy, and it would have helped millions of older Americans live independently and with dignity. Insofar as there was no legitimate opposition to these bills, this has just caused an unnecessary delay in their enactment. “It will be incumbent on Congressional Republicans and the incoming Trump-Vance Administration to work with Congressional Democrats to pass those bipartisan initiatives in the coming months and fully fund the government for FY 2025 in a way that will invest in students, workers, families and our national security.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-senate-passes-mcclellans-legislation-rename-petersburg-post-office-honor,ICYMI: Senate Passes McClellan’s Legislation to Rename the Petersburg Post Office in Honor of John Mercer Langston,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — In case you missed it (ICYMI): Last night, the U.S. Senate passed Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan’s (VA-04) H.R. 7385 to rename the Petersburg Post Office as the “John Mercer Langston United States Postal Service Building.” “John Mercer Langston was a trailblazer who broke barriers for Black Americans. He had a profound impact on the Petersburg community as the President of Virginia State University and the first Black man to represent Virginia in Congress — also from Virginia’s Fourth. As the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress, I stand on his shoulders. As a young girl, I would visit the Petersburg Post Office with my father, and I hope this newly renamed post office will inspire other children to learn more about John Mercer Lamgston’s life and legacy. I commend my Senate colleagues for passing this legislation and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.” John Mercer Langston was an abolitionist, attorney, diplomat, voting rights advocate, educational administrator community leader, and the first Black man to represent Virginia in Congress. He served as President of the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute — what is now VSU — from 1855 to 1857. The U.S. Senate passed McClellan’s legislation by unanimous consent. Her bill now heads to President Biden’s desk for signature.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-joins-house-democrats-voting-fund-government-avoid-shutdown,"McClellan Joins House Democrats in Voting to Fund the Government, Avoid Shutdown",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after she voted in support of H.R. 10545: “The 118th Congress began with gridlock and chaos as House Republicans took a week to elect Speaker Kevin McCarthy. It nearly ended the same way when, for the fifth time, House Republicans took us to the brink of a government shutdown under Speaker Mike Johnson. The entire time, House Democrats have stood ready to put the American people over politics. “After Elon Musk’s X temper tantrum calling for a government shutdown and Donald Trump’s eleventh-hour demand to extend the debt ceiling derailed a bipartisan funding bill, Speaker Johnson reneged on that deal. He then tried to ram a bill through that would pave the way for the incoming Administration to enact huge tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations at the expense of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. House Democrats firmly opposed this unilateral bill and defeated their efforts. “House Democrats stood united in our commitment to fulfill our most basic duty to fund the government, keeping it open and functioning for the American people. We beat back Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s last minute demands and forced House Republicans to strip out their blank check for the incoming Administration. We stood united to pass a funding bill that includes disaster relief funding for America’s farmers, Department of Defense facilities, and survivors of natural disasters; support for public health programs and Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospitals that serve vulnerable communities; billions in federal funding to support the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds; robust investments to modernize child care facilities and increase access to child care for working families; a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, including crucial housing investments, community development, and economic assistance for America’s farmers; and more. “Despite Republicans’ inaction and clear inability to govern, House Democrats upheld our commitment to our constituents and forced Republicans to advance a bipartisan Continuing Resolution that meets the needs of the American people. I voted yes to protect Virginia families, nearly 140,000 active-duty service members, and the 170,000 federal employees who call our Commonwealth home.”",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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-urges-passage-bipartisan-government-funding-agreement,Scott Urges Passage of Bipartisan Government Funding Agreement,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, issued the following statement: “Congressional Democrats and Republicans worked together for weeks to craft a government funding bill that would provide long overdue hurricane and disaster relief to Virginia and other states. It would also make important investments in shipbuilding, increase funding for community health centers and take action to lower the cost of prescription drugs. “At the last minute, Speaker Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans suddenly rejected our bipartisan agreement, which included a reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Actand the Older Americans Act. Our agreement would have strengthened workforce development to benefit workers, employers, and the economy, and it would have helped millions of older Americans live independently and with dignity. “They stripped our bipartisan deal of many of those necessary provisions and suddenly included a two-year extension of the debt ceiling. This extension will simplify the process for them to give tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy and corporations, and cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, while significantly increasing the national debt. Instead of the chaos caused by Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson, we should pass the original bipartisan agreement for the good of the American people.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1538,Congressman Ben Cline’s Statement on Voting for the Clean Continuing Resolution,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) released the following statement regarding his vote for the continuing resolution H.R. 10515. “I voted for the Clean Continuing Resolution today because it is vital to keep our government running and to ensure the incoming Trump Administration can hit the ground running to enact the agenda supported by voters in November,”Congressman Cline stated. “This Clean CR would enable us to work effectively with the incoming White House, allowing us to regain control over the federal budget sooner and uphold our duty to the American people. The original 1,500 page bill released yesterday was packed with unnecessary and wasteful provisions and too often yielded to Democrat priorities.” “I fully support the agriculture and disaster relief provisions included in this Clean Continuing Resolution,” Congressman Cline continued. “I am proud to vote for a bill that prevents a government shutdown, pays our troops, and provides relief to hard-hit areas, including drought-ravaged farms across Virginia. Democrats should support this important bill and keep the government from shutting down at midnight tomorrow.” Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-musk-republican-billionaire-giveaway,McClellan Statement on the Musk-Republican Billionaire Giveaway,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement after House Republicans brought H.R. 10515 to the floor: “From the beginning of the 118th Congress, House Republicans have shown an inability to govern and taken the country to the brink of disaster several times. As a result, the United States federal government has operated under a stopgap funding measure for months. From day one, House Democrats have been ready to put people over politics and find a commonsense consensus to pass appropriation bills to fully fund the government. After months of partisan posturing and brinkmanship, congressional leaders developed a strong bipartisan, bicameral Continuing Resolution to extend current funding levels through March. That deal also included important investments for mental health and substance use disorders, maternal and infant health, pharmacy benefit manager reforms, pandemic preparedness, and an extension of the SNAP benefit replacement authority that I advocated for during negotiations. “At the behest of Elon Musk during a social media tirade, House Republicans reneged on the deal, killed the bipartisan CR, and brought a unilateral bill that paves the way for huge tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations. The Musk-Republican Billionaire Giveaway bill prioritizes the ultra wealthy and cuts critical funding that working families count on – like childhood cancer research – while raising prescription drug costs for hardworking American families. “I voted no on this bill and urge House Republicans to bring the previously negotiated bill to the Floor for a vote. With just over 24 hours to avoid a government shutdown, we cannot afford further delay.”",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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6329,Beyer Statement On Artificial Intelligence Task Force Report,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), a member of the bipartisan House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, today issued the following statement on the release of the Task Force’s comprehensive report and key findings, including guiding principles and forward-looking recommendations to advance American leadership and innovation on AI: “This report is a series of timely, productive, bipartisan recommendations on artificial intelligence, one of the most pressing issues of our time. “The report issues warnings about potential pitfalls in AI use, which I am proud to see includes a section on implications for civil rights and civil liberties, including harmful bias and discrimination. The report also highlights the need for model transparency in AI uses across sectors including government and health care, and stresses the importance of digital literacy. It also recommends codifying the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), an end that would be accomplished with bipartisan legislation, the CREATE AI Act, that I am proud to co-lead. “This report is a roadmap for policymakers, including the upcoming Congress, to meet the national imperative for response to the emergence of new challenges posed by AI. I thank our House leadership, the Task Force co-chairs and my colleagues on the committee for their faithful diligence in crafting these policy recommendations. With this Task Force, we offer our colleagues a reminder that we can still do big, important things in a bipartisan way.” Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) was appointed to serve on the bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, is Vice Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus and Vice Chair of the New Democrat Coalition’s AI Working Group. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Secure AI Act,and the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6328,"Beyer, Ciscomani, and McGarvey Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Disability Claims Process for Veterans",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) introduced the Veterans Transition Support Act to improve the post-discharge disability claims process for veterans. The bill would expand the Solid Start program to engage transitioning service members pre-separation and minimize interruptions in medical care and benefits. Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) lead companion legislation in the Senate. “Our veterans often encounter barriers filing post-discharge VA disability claims and lengthy waits before receiving benefits, but it does not have to be this way,” said Rep. Beyer. “Those who served deserve a disability claims process that is simple, efficient, and honors their service. By expanding the Solid Start program, our legislation would encourage more service members to take part in the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program and file their disability claims early. This would streamline their claims process and minimize the gap between their discharge and when they begin to receive benefits. With this bill, we hope to ensure veterans receive the services and benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary gaps in care and support.” “Our service members selflessly dedicate themselves to our nation but unfortunately I often hear of the challenges associated with transitioning out of the military,” said Rep. Ciscomani. ""This is why I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, bicameral bill to streamline the medical and disability claim process to ensure our veterans have access to the care and support their service earned. By requiring proactive outreach prior to separation from the service, it is my hope that this legislation will help make the process not only smoother but also ensure veterans do not slip through the cracks and miss opportunities to apply for benefits that they have earned.” “Our veterans deserve as much support leaving service as when they go in,” said Rep. McGarvey. “When VA knows something is working—like the Solid Start program—it should do everything it can to scale up and expand that program. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Veterans Transition Support Act which would expand the Solid Start program to reach out to veterans before they leave service to ease the transition to civilian life and ensure a warm handoff between DOD and VA.” Due to time constraints in a service member’s transition to civilian life, inconsistent education about filing disability claims, and incompatibilities between the Department of Defense’s (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) health record systems, veterans often face lengthy waits before receiving benefits. The Veterans Transition Support Act would amend the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Solid Start program by requiring that a VA representative contact transitioning service members 120-210 days prior to separation to coincide with their eligibility to file a VA disability claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program. Filing a claim through the BDD program would ensure service members still have access to their medical and personnel records and enable the VA to rapidly deliver a decision. This bill aims to provide veterans with a more seamless transition and less of a coverage gap between exiting the service and receiving benefits.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-introduces-legislation-expand-amtrak-funding-opportunities,McClellan Introduces Legislation to Expand Amtrak Funding Opportunities,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced H.R 10382, the Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act, to expand funding opportunities and make it easier for Amtrak to complete future projects. The Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, the MEGA Grant Program, and the CRISI Grant Program provide significant investments to support the passenger rail network nationwide. Currently, these programs require applicants to provide a partial funding match, also known as the “nonfederal share,” covering at least 20% of the total cost. “Our passenger rail systems provide invaluable transportation options to Americans nationwide, but funding limitations in local governments can stagnate growth and modernization efforts,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “As we work to expand passenger rail, we need to ensure we have every tool at our disposal. My Amtrak Grant Flexibility Act makes a commonsense change to unlock billions in potential funding to support these crucial projects.” H.R. 10382 alleviates this issue by giving Amtrak the authority to use its annual subsidy funding to cover the nonfederal share for grant applications. The bill is endorsed by the Rail Passengers Association. “State and local governments need a stronger federal partner to stand up passenger rail programs, and this bill provides a critical piece of that puzzle,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “In my travels over the past few years, I’ve met with scores of local leaders who want more and better train service for their communities, and they’re willing to commit the local resources to make it happen—but they need more help to get the ball rolling. By granting Amtrak the authority to assist local governments in funding project development, we can cut years off project delivery timelines. We applaud Congresswoman McClellan for her leadership on this issue.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6325,"Van Hollen, Beyer Reintroduce Their Bicameral Cap & Dividend Legislation",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congressman Don Beyer (D-Va.) reintroduced the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act, legislation to price carbon through a ‘cap and dividend’ approach. This simple, fair, and effective plan would address the dangers of climate change and put more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans, increasing their spending power and growing our entire economy. ""This legislation takes a straightforward approach to tackling the climate crisis — it requires the biggest polluters to pay for the emissions they generate within established caps and returns the proceeds to American households. The result: less pollution and more money in the pockets of the American people.” said Senator Chris Van Hollen. “As carbon emissions continue to rise and increasing global temperatures lead to more frequent and calamitous weather events, we must take concrete steps to reduce emissions and tackle the climate crisis,” said Congressman Don Beyer. “Our legislation offers a practical and efficient solution to address the climate crisis, spur clean energy innovation and boost economic growth by holding polluters accountable through the auctioning of permits to emit carbon under a continually tightening emissions cap. The revenue raised would then be returned directly into the pockets of American families in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. I thank Senator Van Hollen for his leadership on the Healthy Climate and Family Security Act and urge my colleagues to support this measure.” The Healthy Climate and Family Security Act aims to cap carbon pollution and reduce CO2 emissions gradually but steadily. The legislation would cap emissions at 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and then 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2050 — in keeping with the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finding. It auctions carbon pollution permits to the first sellers of oil, coal, and natural gas into the U.S. market, and returns 100 percent of the auction proceeds electronically each quarter to every American in the form of a Healthy Climate Dividend. A University of Massachusetts Amherst study found that this ‘cap and divided’ approach would mean more than 80 percent of families would see more money in their pockets, even before taking into account the economic benefits of preventing the costly impacts of climate change.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-defense-bill-fy25,Scott Votes for Defense Bill for FY25,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after voting for the final passage of H.R. 5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025: “The FY25 NDAA provides support to servicemembers, guarantees the defense of the American people, and invests in our national security. This bill includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and 4.5% pay raises for all other service members along with provisions focused on health care, housing, childcare, military spousal support, and civilian workforce benefits. As the representative of Hampton Roads, home to significant military installations, I am proud that the final bill supports our region’s shipbuilding industrial base with provisions that include full funding of the Columbia class ballistic missile submarine program and one Virginia-class submarine to help ensure we meet our commitments through the Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) agreement. The bill also authorizes funding for military construction projects across Hampton Roads including funding for a dormitory at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Dry Dock 3 Modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.” “As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, I am pleased this final bill also includes historic investments to strengthen research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions.” “I am thankful that many culture war provisions included in the original House-passed version of this year’s NDAA were ultimately rejected such as provisions attacking reproductive health care, demeaning LGBTQ servicemembers and undermining efforts to have a diverse fighting force.However, I am disappointed that Speaker Mike Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans included a reprehensible provision that would prohibit medical intervention for military dependents under the age of 18 who are diagnosed with gender dysphoria. As we move forward, it is incumbent on Congressional Republicans and the incoming Trump Administration to ensure future NDAAs prioritize national security and servicemembers, not culture wars.” # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-fy25-ndaa,McClellan Statement on the FY25 NDAA,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA): “Earlier this year, the House Armed Services Committee developed a strong bipartisan NDAA focused on improving the quality of life of our servicemembers and advancing our national security priorities. We passed that bill with near unanimous consent to deliver for our Armed Forces and military families, improve our military readiness, and support our global allies and partners. “Democrats and Republicans on the Armed Services Committee reached consensus on transformative provisions and robust investments, anchored by the yearlong work and final report of the bipartisan Quality of Panel. We secured a 14.5% pay increase for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay increase for all other servicemembers. We prioritized investments in health care, contraception, housing, childcare, military spousal support, and civilian workforce benefits. We increased funding for PFAS remediation and increased eligibility for the basic needs allowance to ensure military families have the resources they need. The NDAA also incorporated my Improving TAP for Guard and Reserve Servicemembers Act, legislation to provide the Reserve Components of our Armed Forces with tailored guidance and technical assistance to support their transition back to civilian life. “Unfortunately, Speaker Johnson used the NDAA as a vehicle to advance his conference’s extreme priorities. The original House-passed version contained MAGA culture war amendments that dismantle all DEI initiatives within the Armed Forces; limit servicemembers and their families’ access to reproductive health care; ban TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care; restore Confederate memorials; abandon Ukraine and our NATO allies; and more. I vehemently and unequivocally opposed these provisions and Republicans’ use of must-pass legislation to advance their policy wishlist, and therefore voted against the House version. “Thankfully, negotiators stripped nearly all of these poison pill amendments from the final version of the bill. However, the final bill included a Republican provision banning TRICARE coverage for gender-affirming care for minors that could result in sterilization. While I adamantly oppose this provision, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 because of its transformative provisions to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers and military families in Virginia and across the nation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-tonko-introduce-mentor-act-support-researchers-mental-health,"McClellan, Tonko Introduce MENTOR Act to Support Researchers’ Mental Health",2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) announced their introduction of the Mental Health Enhancement, Navigation, and Treatment for Our Researchers Act of 2024 (MENTOR Act). This new bill would establish federal guidelines through the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to improve the mental health and mentoring of graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers support university productivity through their work, including conducting and publishing cutting-edge research, helping secure grant funding, and serving as mentors and instructors for undergraduate students and researchers. Despite this, research shows 50 percent of graduate students experience depression, anxiety, or burnout symptoms during their training. In a survey of postdoctoral researchers by Nature, 51 percent considered leaving science altogether due to work-related mental health concerns. “Our national leadership in science and innovation depends on the work of highly trained graduate and postdoctoral researchers. However, too many researchers have negative experiences in the workplace that contribute to poor mental health or push them out of their training programs,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I thank Congressman Tonko for his leadership on the MENTOR Act and look forward to working with him to advance this legislation. Together, we will continue fighting to support and strengthen our research workforce.” “Our researchers provide so much, not only to our institutes of higher learning, but to our communities and society as a whole by driving innovation, technological development, scientific discovery, and more,” said Congressman Tonko. “Unfortunately, burnout, poor mentoring, and mental health concerns are seriously impacting students and researchers, shrinking a critical pipeline of workers and stunting innovation. We in Congress should do all we can to support our graduate and postdoctoral researchers. That’s why I’m introducing the MENTOR Act. By establishing guidelines to address and improve mentoring and mental health, we give our researchers the support they need while maintaining our nation’s spirit of innovation and scientific prowess.” The MENTOR Act is endorsed by the American Suicide Prevention Foundation; Oyanova; Graduate Women in Science; Framework for Accountability in Academic Research and Mentoring Project; Graduate Workers Union at UW Madison; United Campus Workers Southeast; and Communications Workers of America Local 3821. “The health and wellness of graduate and postdoctoral researchers is paramount to the strength, resilience, and longevity of the United States as a driver of scientific and technological discovery,” said Dr. Amanda Koenig, Past President, Graduate Women in Science. “The MENTOR Act ensures that the many prestigious institutions of research and higher learning in the U.S. have the appropriate resources to prioritize the enduring success of its trainees. And in so doing, it fortifies the United States as a leader on the frontiers of technology, invention, and philosophy.” The MENTOR Act of 2024 would: Direct the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop and implement comprehensive guidelines for federal research agencies to improve the mental health and mentoring of graduate and postdoctoral researchers by: Establishing clear definitions for problematic behaviors at institutions of higher education. Implementing standardized, confidential, and safe systems to report and address bullying, harassment, and poor mentorship. Strengthening mentor-mentee relationships by assessing mentoring plans and benefit disclosures in grant applications and allowing grant funding to support mentoring activities. Supporting mental well-being by ensuring access to affordable health care and implementing protections for researchers, with a focus on international and underrepresented groups. Promote Continuous Evaluation and Improvement through Data Collection The National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) will conduct biennial evaluations on the mental health of graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will evaluate the effectiveness of the guidelines, recommend improvements, and identify additional research needs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1536,Congressman Ben Cline Receives Friend of the Farm Bureau Award for the 118th Congress,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) has been named a recipient of the Friend of the Farm Bureau Award for the 118th Congress. This award is given to members who support legislation that benefits agriculture, farmers, and producers. Rep. Cline received the award during a visit to Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Agriculture Research Center in Winchester, VA. “I am truly honored to receive the Friend of the Farm Bureau award,” Rep. Cline said. “Our farmers are not just vital to our economy; they are the backbone of our community and the cornerstone of Virginia’s Sixth district. Whether it’s hosting farm tours, getting rid of bureaucratic red tape, investing in broadband for rural areas, or securing favorable trade deals for our agricultural products, I will always advocate for the best agricultural interests of Virginia's Sixth District.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-lee-introduce-resolution-recognizing-us-commitment-end-pediatric,"McClellan, Lee Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Commitment to End Pediatric HIV/AIDS",2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) and Barbara Lee (CA-12) introduced H.Res. 1613, a resolution to recognize the United States’ commitment to end pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide and support HIV/AIDS prevention through continued research and assistance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 39,000,000 people lived with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2023. Women accounted for approximately half of all cases. Children made up approximately 1,400,000 cases, the vast majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant each year. Without interventions, HIV transmission rates between a mother and her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding range from 15 to 45%. “The United States, in collaboration with our global allies and partners, has made meaningful strides in reducing the rates of pediatric HIV/AIDS and curbing perinatal transmission, but we must continue to act,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “We know antiretroviral therapies can improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent future transmissions. We have the knowledge and resources to end pediatric HIV/AIDS. This new resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment and leadership in that fight, because every mother and child deserves the opportunity to live a long, healthy life.” “The progress we have made in the fight to end pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide has not been accidental. It has required deliberate and substantial investment and work,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Today, with the necessary resources and funding, we can end pediatric HIV/AIDS. I am proud to introduce this resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment and leadership to working with our global allies in this fight.” H.Res. 1613 recommits the United States to leading the global fight to end pediatric HIV/AIDS through evidence-based approaches targeting adolescents and young women. The resolution acknowledges the need for additional HIV treatment and prevention and encourages the continued work of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). H.Res. 1613 is endorsed by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Children’s AIDS Fund International, ONE Campaign, World Relief, World Vision, First Focus Campaign for Children, and Friends of the Global Fight. “Decades into the global AIDS response the equity gap for children only continues to grow. The political leadership shown by Congresswomen Lee and McClellan is crucial to close that gap and ensure all children are accessing lifesaving HIV services,” said Catherine Connor, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. “We are grateful to Rep. Barbara Lee for her amazing leadership while in Congress. She will be greatly missed. We are also grateful to Rep. Jennifer McClellan for her commitment to children and applaud her and Rep. Lee's leadership on this resolution to continue the U.S. fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS,” said Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus on Children. “First Focus on Children’s Campaign for Children strongly supports this timely resolution and calls on Congress to continue to protect and treat these children by passing a clean, five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR before it expires in March 2025. Lawmakers also must fully fund the program in next year’s annual appropriations process.” “While more than 20 years of U.S. investment in ending HIV/AIDS around the world have brought us most of the way in that fight, thank you Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan and Barbara Lee for your critical and timely leadership in calling for US leadership to finally end pediatric HIV/AIDS through H.Res. 1613,” said Anita M. Smith, President, Children’s AIDS Fund International. “Ending global HIV/AIDS successfully and effectively must include closing the treatment gap between adults and children through scientifically proven prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care interventions provided for child-bearing women, adolescent girls and children who have yet to be reached with these life-saving strategies.” ""As a child-centered, faith-based organization, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. This resolution underscores the critical need for equitable access to pediatric HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Through our work with OVC and DREAMS programs under PEPFAR, we witness the transformative power of investing in children and their families. We stand committed to supporting efforts that ensure no child is left behind in the global HIV response,"" said Robert Zachritz, Vice President of Advocacy, World Vision. “The United States has played a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/AIDS – a legacy of leadership that must continue. The fight against HIV/AIDS is one we know we can win, especially with the help of tried-and-tested programs like PEPFAR, which alone has ensured nearly 8 million babies were born HIV-free. While we celebrate the progress made, it’s imperative that we renew our commitment to ensuring everyone, everywhere is free from the threat of preventable, treatable disease,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, North America Executive Director at the ONE Campaign.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-receives-hill-champion-award-hiv-advocacy,Scott Receives Hill Champion Award for HIV Advocacy,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a member of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus,received the Capitol Hill Champion Award from the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) for his advocacy on HIV/AIDS. This award is timely as World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st. ""As the representative of Hampton Roads, one of the selected 22 areas with high prevalence of HIV, protecting the health of my constituents is of utmost importance,” said Congressman Scott. “I am honored to accept this award, as I have spent many years advocating for more research, funding and education surrounding HIV/AIDS, especially in minority communities. I will continue my support for funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) as well as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. We will not rest until we have ended the HIV epidemic."" More information on the National Minority AIDS Council’s Awards can be found by CLICKING HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-november-jobs-report-6,Scott Statement on November Jobs Report,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 227,000 jobs in November and the unemployment rate ticked up slightly from 4.1 to 4.2 percent. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the economy has grown steadily, adding 16.4 million jobs since President Biden took office. To date, President Biden is the first President on record without a month of job loss in the seasonally adjusted data. Every other administration has seen at least one month of job loss. “Today’s job report is a testament to the responsible stewardship of the economy led by Congressional Democrats and the Biden-Harris Administration over the past four years. Democrats have worked tirelessly to safeguard and uplift working families, and that work has paid off. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has overseen the creation of 16.4 million jobs while constantly fighting for the safety and dignity of workers. President Biden has created more jobs in four years than any other President. In addition, the only President on record to create more jobs while in office is President Clinton, who added 22.9 million jobs. Even President Reagan did not create as many jobs in eight years as President Biden has created in nearly four years. “As we look to the future, we must fight to protect that legacy against Donald Trump’s irresponsible and dangerous economic agenda which aims to make the one percent richer and leave working Americans struggling. Our priority must be to put workers and their families first. “Ensuring all workers have access to workforce development opportunities is a fundamental piece of this puzzle. Fortunately, we have a commonsense bipartisan, bicameral solution to this problem. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), we have made crucial improvements to workforce development across the country. However, a decade after its passage, WIOA still faces hurdles that impede its ability to ensure job seekers—including those without a bachelor’s degree—can access good-paying jobs. That is why Congress must pass A Stronger Workforce for America Act, which makes critical improvements to WIOA that will increase the amount of skills development provided under the law, strengthen connections between employers and the workforce system, and put more Americans on the pathway to a successful career. “In Congress, it is our duty to put the welfare and dignity of the American people first. By strengthening our workforce development system and creating good jobs, we can continue to sustainably grow the economy for workers and their families for years to come.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6322,Beyer Statement on IRS Nomination,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Tax Subcommittee, issued the following statement today on Donald Trump’s announcement that he would nominate former Rep. Billy Long to lead the IRS, with over three years remaining in IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel’s term: “Replacing Commissioner Werfel with over three years remaining in his term is a terrible mistake. He has done an excellent job rebuilding the IRS, boosting customer service and enhancing enforcement aimed at wealthy tax evaders. Removing him will clearly signal Trump’s intention to make the agency less responsive to the American people, while giving a green light to wealthy tax cheats to evade their fair share of the tax burden. “Trump's nominee has clearly stated that he wants to abolish the IRS. His only experience with tax policy appears to be advising businesses to take advantage of a fraud riddled program, and supporting a national sales tax that would raise taxes on the middle class while cutting them on the rich. “The change Trump proposes in IRS leadership would be a gift to tax cheats and a blow to anyone who believes it is important to rein in deficits.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-urges-extension-snap-replacement-authority,McClellan Urges Extension of SNAP Replacement Authority,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) urged Congress to protect vulnerable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) families. In a letter to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Chair Andy Harris (MD-01) and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (GA-02), McClellan called for an extension to the SNAP benefit replacement authority. SNAP theft has increased every quarter in 2024 with the largest increase in the third quarter, when SNAP theft incidents increased by more than 100,000. In November 2024, residents of Virginia’s Fourth experienced a troubling increase in stolen SNAP benefits, with Richmond seeing a 2000% increase in reported cases of benefit theft. “SNAP families depend on these benefits to cover a significant portion of their monthly food budget, and losing them leads to devastating consequences. Many low-income households now face impossible choices between putting food on the table or paying essential bills. In some cases, parents skip meals to ensure their children have enough to eat,” wrote Congresswoman McClellan. “Indeed, local food pantries and non-profit organizations reported a steep uptick in demand for food assistance within their communities. While these organizations have stepped up to support their neighbors, they cannot address the crisis alone. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Congress authorized states to use federal funds to replace SNAP benefits stolen from participants through card skimming, card cloning, and other similar methods. Absent congressional action, this authority will end on December 20th when the Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act of 2025 expires. “As local and state entities work to investigate theft incidents and replenish funds, Congress must do its part and extend the authority for SNAP benefit replacement,” continued Congresswoman McClellan. “Without this authority, families affected by theft and fraud later this month – and in the months to come – will be deprived of the assistance they deserve and face prolonged and unnecessary hardship.” McClellan spoke on the House floor to raise awareness of SNAP theft and reiterate her call to extend the authority and protect vulnerable families. McClellan cosponsors H.R. 205, the SNAP Theft Protection Act, to reimburse victims of food stamp theft.",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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-celebrates-passage-reauthorization-americas-conservation,Scott Celebrates Passage of Reauthorization of America’s Conservation Enhancement Act,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, voted to pass S. 3791, America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act of 2024, a bill that includes several provisions to help boost conservation and cleanup efforts across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. “The enactment of the original ACE Act in 2020 was a significant step forward in protecting the Chesapeake Bay for future generations,” said Congressman Scott. “This reauthorization will build on that progress for the Bay and protect and enhance wildlife and habitat throughout the country. The original ACE Act also included my Chesapeake WILD Actwhich established a new grant program that has brought millions of dollars in grant funding to my district and helped clean up the Bay, enhanced fish and wildlife habitats, mitigated flooding and increased recreational opportunities throughout the watershed. I am proud to see continued bipartisan support for the Chesapeake WILD program, and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this reauthorization into law.” The America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes authorization for three programs that are essential to restoration and conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: $15 million annually forChesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Grants; $92 million annually for the EPA Chesapeake Bay Program; $3 million annually for theNPS Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Full text of the America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 can be found by CLICKING 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://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-applauds-biden-harris-administration-protecting-americans,Scott Applauds Biden-Harris Administration for Protecting Americans with Disabilities from Wage Discrimination,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule aimed at phasing out the issuing of certificates under 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which allows unscrupulous employers to pay workers with disabilities significantly less than the federal minimum wage. This action serves as another example of the Biden-Harris Administration’s prioritizing workers and their families. “Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is cracking down on antiquated, discriminatory loopholes that allow corporations to pay workers with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage. All workers should be treated with fairness and dignity, regardless of whether that individual has a disability or not. “As it currently stands, Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits employers to apply for special certificates from the Department of Labor (DOL) to underpay individuals with disabilities. There is no minimum hourly rate that an employer is required to pay an employee under these certifications, and data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that the majority of 14(c) workers earn less than $3.50 per hour. This blatant denial of equal opportunity for disabled Americans is disgraceful and should not continue. “The Administration’s proposed rule would end the issuance of new certificates and would end the use of subminimum wage certificates within three years, allowing businesses and their employees to transition into fully integrated and competitive jobs, so that all workers earn at least the minimum wage. “I’m grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for continuing their work to protect workers. And I hope that the incoming Administration will finalize this rule after the comment period ends. In Congress, I will continue advocate for the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which would permanently phase out the use of 14(c) waivers and ease the transition for employers to providing workers with competitive and gainful opportunities.” Ranking Member Scott introduced the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act, which would allocate resources to states and employers to move workers with disabilities into competitive, employment. If passed, this legislation would phase out the use of 14(c) waivers and ease the transition for employers to providing workers with competitive and gainful opportunities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z 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://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-announces-2024-veteran-year-recipient,McClellan Announces 2024 Veteran of the Year Recipient,2024-11-11,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In honor of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the recipient of the 2024 Veteran of the Year Award for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District: Lieutenant Colonel Curt Powell. “This Veterans Day, I’m thrilled to name Lieutenant Colonel Curt Powell as the Veteran of the Year for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Mr. Powell served 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including two combat deployments, and continues to give back to our community in his post-service life. He now leads a mentorship program for justice-involved veterans in Chesterfield County. Throughout his life, Mr. Powell has dedicated himself to helping those around him. I commend him on his lifetime of service and thank him for all he has done for Virginia’s Fourth. Lieutenant Colonel Powell exemplifies the selflessness that we should all strive to embody.” In his 23-year career in the Marine Corps, Lt. Col. Powell held a variety of command and staff level positions, in peacetime and combat, from Second Lieutenant through Lieutenant Colonel. He served through combat deployments to Somalia and Beirut, Lebanon, during which the 24th Amphibious Unit peacekeeping mission was attacked on October 23, 1983. As a White House Advance Officer, he planned and directed presidential helicopter missions around the world in support of President Clinton, and he was the sole representative of Marine One in coordinating with the U.S. Secret Service, White House Communications Agency, Air Force One, Cabinet Secretaries, numerous foreign dignitaries, airport and host country law enforcement, and senior aviation representatives. For his service, he has received numerous ribbons and medals, as well as a Presidential Service Award. He is also a distinguished graduate of both of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the Naval Postgraduate School. Now, Mr. Powell works in a volunteer role as the Mentor Coordinator for the Chesterfield Veteran Treatment Docket (VTD), which provides treatment and supervision services for justice-involved veterans suffering from either a severe mental illness and/or substance use disorder. After joining the Chesterfield VTD in 2023, he led the establishment and development of the mentor program, personally recruiting and training the roster of eight volunteer veterans who serve as mentors to participants of the program. Mr. Powell volunteers as a mentor himself and has been instrumental to the operation of the Chesterfield VTD mentor services, all with the goal of providing support to veterans in their post-service life.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6313,Beyer Statement on 2024 Presidential Election,2024-11-07,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the results of the 2024 presidential election: “Donald Trump has been elected as the next president. This is not the result I hoped for, but I respect the decision of the American electorate. “To my constituents, I know many of you are scared and angry – worried about what a Trump White House means for your life and livelihood. I want you to know that I will be your champion. “We have a tough battle ahead. In the 119th Congress, Democrats will be working to defend the significant progress we have made to bolster infrastructure, invest in clean energy, and bring down inflation and pharmaceutical prices. “I will remain a stalwart opponent of efforts to eviscerate the American civil service, restrict reproductive freedom, gut federal funding for critical services such as Metro, defund Social Security and Medicare, and roll back civil rights, environmental protections, and progress made addressing the climate crisis. “I thank Vice President Kamala Harris for her willingness to lead our country and commend her commitment to ensuring an orderly and peaceful transition of government for the incoming administration. I know she will undoubtedly remain a strong force for good in our country.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z 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://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1520,Rep. Cline Hosts Annual Farm Tour Across Virginia’s Sixth District,2024-11-04,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Last week, Congressman Ben Cline hosted his two-day annual Farm Tour, visiting different farms on Wednesday across the southern part of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District and visiting various agriculture facilities on Friday across the northern part of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. On the first day, Rep. Ben Cline began his tour with a visit to Delta Springs Farm in Mount Solon and then a visit to Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave. He concluded the first day of the tour with a visit to McNett Farm in Crimora. Congressman Cline kicked off his last day of the Farm Tour on Friday, stopping in Winchester to visit Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Jr. Agriculture Research and Extension Center and Glaize Apples. Lastly, he visited Stephens City to stop by Gore’s Stephens City Meats. Every year, Congressman Cline hosts a Farm Tour, visiting several farms and agriculture facilities in the Sixth District to meet with Valley farmers and those in the agriculture industry to hear their needs and concerns on how decisions in Washington impact their industry. “Whether it’s hosting farm tours, cutting bureaucratic red tape, investing in broadband for rural areas, or securing favorable trade deals for our agricultural products, I am dedicated to advocating for the agricultural interests of Virginia's Sixth District,” Rep. Cline said. “From innovative flower growers to dedicated livestock farmers, our region is a hub of agricultural excellence. As I continue to work to bring the Farm Bill to the House floor, it is crucial that I hear directly from Virginia’s Sixth District farmers and ensure that the federal government supports our farmers and the entire agricultural community across the Nation rather than hinder them.” Congressman Cline tours Delta Springs Farm in Mount Solon, a third-generation family farm that produces several commodities including cattle and uses innovative technologies like crop spraying drones. Congressman Cline tours Harmony Harvest Farm in Weyers Cave, a farm that produces specialty cut flowers for nationwide shipment as well as local pickup and delivery. Harmony Harvest Farm is the only U.S. flower farm shipping fresh cut flowers nationwide. Congressman Cline tours McNett Farms in Crimora, a first-generation farm that produces several commodities including goats for 4-H livestock shows and cattle. Congressman Cline tours Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, a research center in Winchester that serves Virginia’s horticultural fruit industries with their efforts in developing tools and technologies that enhance sustainability and support our commercial producers. Congressman Cline tours Glaize Apples in Winchester, a fourth-generation orchard in the Shenandoah Valley that distributes fresh apples locally, regionally, and nationally. Congressman Cline tours Gore’s Meats in Stephens City, a family-owned small business that has an entire wholesale operation and has helped feed families meat in the Shenandoah Valley for 60 years. Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-named-congressional-champion-child-labor-protections,Scott Named Congressional Champion of Child Labor Protections,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, was named a 2024 Congressional Champion of Child Labor Protections by the Child Labor Coalition. This honor was given to Congressman Scott for his stand against child labor exploitation and his sponsorship of H.R. 4440, the Protecting Children Act, legislation that calls for innovative and sweeping strategies to combat child labor. “Children should be learning and growing in schools, not risking their safety and lives in dangerous workplaces,” said Congressman Scott. “The scourge of child labor that Congress sought to eliminate 85 years ago with the passage of Fair Labor Standards Act is back, and it has returned at time when the agencies we expect to provide timely data and aggressive enforcement lack the resources they need. I am proud to receive this honor, and I will remain steadfast in this fight to enact my Protecting Children Act and end abusive child labor.” More information from the Child Labor Coalition can be found by CLICKING HERE. A fact sheet on H.R. 4440, the Protecting Children Act, can be found by CLICKING HERE. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-october-jobs-report-5,Scott Statement on the October Jobs Report,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"As originally released by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Democrats WASHINGTON –Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 12,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent. To date, President Biden is the first President on record without a month of job loss in the seasonally adjusted data. Every other administration has seen at least one month of job loss. “Without question, Americans are better off today, then they were four years ago. Since President Biden took office, the economy has added 16.1 million jobs, inflation has fallen to 2.4 percent over the year, and wages continue to grow, particularly among low-wage workers. Four years ago, the economy was in freefall, Americans were hoarding toilet paper and standing in line at foodbanks. President Trump was on track to achieve the worst job performance in modern history, and the unemployment rate was 6.8 percent, compared to today’s rate of 4.1 percent. “The contrast between the records of this administration and the prior administration could not be starker. For example, President Trump is the first president in nearly 100 years to have lost more jobs than he created during his time in office. During President Trump’s tenure, ten months of which he spent mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy lost 2.7 million jobs. During President Biden’s time in office, nearly two years of which were spent recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy has added 16.1 million jobs. That is more jobs than any President has created in four years. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s responsible stewardship of the economy and investment in workers has paid off. In the past four years, Democrats ensured working people were not left behind during this country’s economic recovery. But the work is not over. Despite the resilience of the economy, there is more that can be done to lower costs, whether at the grocery store, the pharmacy counter, or when buying a home. Democrats are offering proposals to end price gouging, lower prescription drug costs, expand homeownership, increase the Pell Grant, and lower the cost of childcare, among many other priorities. Moreover, to help families make ends meet, Democrats are proposing to expand the Child Tax Credit, which would provide as much as $300 per month per child.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z 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://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=6311,Beyer Statement on Donald Trump’s Threat to Metro,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), whose 8th District in Northern Virginia is home to the Silver, Orange, Blue, and Yellow lines, issued the following statement today following reports of the devastating effects Donald Trump's Project 2025 agenda would have on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA): “Metro is essential to the National Capital Region’s success and prosperity. It is a major driver of our local economy, is fundamental to the livelihoods of millions of residents in the region who use it to access jobs, schools, and services, and helps relieve congestion on our already overburdened roads. Donald Trump’s Project 2025 proposal to eliminate the federal funding WMATA depends on would lead to crippling service reductions and deteriorating infrastructure, making it harder for people to commute and for the region to function. Further, purging Metro services could cost the region billions in economic activity by reducing job access and slowing the movement of goods. Metro is the public transportation system for our nation’s capital. In the face of Project 2025’s unprecedented threats, we must stand firm in defending and investing in Metro and the critical role it plays in the lives of Northern Virginians and the National Capital Region’s economy at large.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-leads-20-members-safeguard-dei-initiatives-fy25-ndaa,McClellan Leads 20 Members to Safeguard DEI Initiatives in FY25 NDAA,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) led a group of 20 Members in sending a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker and House Armed Services Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Smith. The lawmakers urged Armed Services leadership to reject any provisions that undermine diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the Department of Defense (DoD) in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA). “One of the key strengths of the United States and its military is diversity. Diversity of race, ethnicity, background, gender, economic background, and sexual orientation contribute to new ideas, new perspectives, and new ways of thinking that allow for more robust decision-making, better planning for contingencies, and the development of well-thought-out and analyzed strategies that will be key to maintaining our military advantage in an age of increased great-power competition,” wrote the lawmakers. “This is only achieved by actively working to recruit a diverse military and ensuring that we have systems in place to support our servicemembers. DoD’s DEI initiatives are the most concrete action to accomplish that work and create a culture where all servicemembers feel welcome, free from harassment, and supported to be the best warfighters possible.” The annual NDAA authorizes funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and all Armed Forces operations for the upcoming fiscal year. McClellan addressed the numerous provisions that significantly undercut DoD’s efforts to recruit and retain a diverse and representative military including: The complete elimination of the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at DoD; Language that would institute a hiring freeze for DEI work at DoD; The elimination of the Chief Diversity Equity and Inclusion Officer role at DoD; Prohibitions on the creation of DEI offices at service academies; and The implementation of severe pay cuts for DoD employees who work on DEI issues. A 2021 study by Blue Star Families found that nearly one in three servicemembers of color experienced at least one incident of harassment or racial profiling on base. Additionally, communities that experience discrimination are much less likely to encourage young individuals to join the military. The DoD has taken significant steps to address these issues through the implementation of DEI initiatives. In Congress, McClellan helped introduce theEqual and Uniform Treatment in the Military (EQUITY) Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the armed forces, and opposed extreme Republicans’ efforts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives during Floor debate of the FY25 NDAA. McClellan’s letter was signed by Reps. André Carson, Marc Veasey, Jasmine Crockett, Marilyn Strickland, Alma S. Adams, Jonathan L. Jackson, Joyce Beatty, Jill Tokuda, Troy Carter, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Barbara Lee, Gerald E. Connolly, Terri A. Sewell, Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Rashida Tlaib, Emanuel Cleaver II, Gwen S. Moore, Shontel M. Brown, Steven Horsford, and Robert Garcia.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z 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