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://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=227,"Walkinshaw, Ranking Member Garcia, Members of Congress Demand Answers from OPM as Trump Workforce Purge Triggers Federal Retirement Backlog",2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11), Representatives Robert Garcia (CA-42), Ranking Member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), and Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Government Operations, pressed the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for immediate answers after new reporting highlighted severe delays in federal retirement processing following the Trump Administration’s Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and other workforce reduction policies.

In a letter to OPM Director Scott Kupor, the lawmakers warned the delays are not an accident, but the predictable result of shrinking the workforce without a plan.

“This foreseeable and avoidable administrative failure is the clear result of an Administration that has prioritized a purge of the federal civil service over government efficiency, leaving thousands of federal employees in administrative and financial limbo,” the lawmakers wrote.

The lawmakers warned retirees are now “trapped in a prolonged cycle of delayed payments and benefits, lost paperwork, limited communication, and financial and administrative uncertainty,” driven by a surge in applications colliding with understaffed HR offices and broken communication channels for separating employees.

“In November of this year alone, OPM received nearly 23,400 retirement applications… [and] OPM’s retirement inventory has grown to more than 48,000 pending applications,” the lawmakers wrote.

“Federal workers earned these benefits through decades of service,” said Rep. Walkinshaw. “They deserve timely processing and clear answers—not bureaucratic chaos created by reckless workforce policies.”

The lawmakers requested OPM respond by January 29, 2026 with specific steps to restore retiree communication, address stalled cases across agencies and payroll providers, assess the impact of HR staffing losses, and detail which agencies have fully adopted OPM’s Online Retirement Application (ORA).

Full letter text follows and is available here.

###

The Honorable Scott Kupor

Director The Office of Personnel Management

1900 E Street, NW, Washington,

D.C Washington, D.C. 20415

Dear Director Kupor,

We write to express concern regarding the substantial delays in federal retirement processing recently reported on by Federal News Network, following the Trump Administration’s implementation of the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and other workforce reduction policies. This foreseeable and avoidable administrative failure is the clear result of an Administration that has prioritized a purge of the federal civil service over government efficiency, leaving thousands of federal employees in administrative and financial limbo.

That priority was made explicit in a recent blog post in which the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) referred to the forced departure of more than 300,000 federal employees, either through reductions in force (RIFs) or through pressure to leave via the DRP or the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), as a “success.” The tone of this post makes clear that the Administration’s primary objective over the past year has been to gut the federal workforce at any cost. Federal employees, who devoted decades to careers in public service and provided valuable, non-political expertise to federal agencies now find themselves trapped in a prolonged cycle of delayed payments and benefits, lost paperwork, limited communication, and financial and administrative uncertainty. This is a direct result of the Administration’s eagerness to force departures without adequate planning.

As outlined in the recent reporting, the federal retirement process requires coordinated action across multiple entities. Retirement applications are first prepared and reviewed by an individual’s employing agency human resources office, then processed by payroll providers, and then transmitted to OPM for adjudication, interim annuity determination, and final benefit calculation. The influx of new retirement applications under the DRP, combined with government-wide RIFs and early-out packages have reduced both the capacity and staffing levels of agency human resources offices and supporting organizations. This has put the federal retirement system under enormous strain.

In November of this year alone, OPM received nearly 23,400 retirement applications. They received 20,300 in October, more than triple the volumes seen during the same period in 2024. In all, OPM’s retirement inventory has grown to more than 48,000 pending applications, nearly four times the number of applications the agency aims to have on hand at once. Breakdowns or delays at any stage of the processing pipeline can stall an entire application. This surge of applications caused by the Administration’s policies has now overwhelmed agency HR offices and payroll providers before many cases even reach OPM, a bottleneck the Administration should have anticipated and planned for if it were serious about efficiency. As Rob Shriver, former Acting Director of OPM during the Biden Administration, observed, “HR was already understaffed—now lots have left, and they have an ever-increasing workload. It’s all going to create backlogs.” Shriver, in the same article, went on to note the “incredible frustration” from DRP employees and others currently trying to separate from government service.

OPM is continuing to prioritize electronic retirement submissions and broader modernization efforts, which, while necessary, are insufficient to address one of the core drivers of current delays. Agencies are facing significant understaffing in their human resources offices at the same time that many employees who departed under the DRP lost access to internal communication systems upon separation and were provided with no points of contact. As a result, retiring employees are often unable to reach already overburdened HR staff to correct errors, confirm receipt of paperwork, or obtain basic status updates. This further compounds delays and administrative failures across the retirement process.

The scale of current delays was foreseeable given the Administration’s actions to purge the federal workforce. If the Administration cared at all about efficiency, the impact of its policies on agency human resources capacity and retirement processing should have been anticipated and planned for prior to implementation of policies that promoted mass employee departures. Because this did not occur, the federal retirement system has been reduced to chaos and continues to face unprecedented inefficiencies. As a result, our constituents are unable to receive the benefits they have rightly earned after years of service to the American people.

Given our concerns, we request a response to the following questions by January 29, 2026:

1. What guidance has OPM provided to agencies to ensure that retiring employees who lost access to government email and internal systems can continue to communicate with human resources offices using personal contact information?

2. What steps is OPM taking to address retirement applications that remain stalled at agencies or payroll providers and have not yet been transmitted to OPM for processing?

3. How is OPM assessing the impact of agency human resources staffing reductions on retirement processing delays across the federal government?

4. How does OPM track and account for delays that occur at agencies and payroll providers, rather than solely within OPM’s own retirement processing timelines?

5. OPM has heavily advertised its new digital retirement tool, the Online Retirement Application (ORA), and promoted its role in retirement processing reform. Please provide a list of named agencies (with components when applicable) that have wholly adopted and launched ORA for their entire HR teams and workforce. For agencies that remain in interim status, please provide a list of agencies (by component when applicable) and what the adoption status is, and the estimate for full usage. Please also provide what number and percentage of current cases are and are not using ORA, what the reasons are for non-adoption and usage, and what steps remain to be taken by OPM and employing agencies for full implementation.

6. Please list any step and/or discrete action under the end-to-end retirement processing process that is not captured by ORA.

7. What has been the impact on OPM’s customer service and support for the existing retiree population amidst the growing number of new retirements, and have there been any staffing or work assignment changes within the components that manage this process since December 2024?

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March 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

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Walkinshaw Statement on Court Victory for AFGE and VA Employees

March 13, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Walkinshaw Demands Accountability in Explosive DOGE Social Security Breach Allegations

March 10, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-slam-trump-administrations-sudden-halt-virginia,"Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration's Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine along with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (all D-VA) issued the following statement:

“Despite our senior roles on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, the administration has failed to share any new information that supports this sudden and sweeping move to halt all offshore wind development, including a project off the coast of Virginia that is already almost complete and operational. That silence speaks volumes, especially given the president’s longstanding, well-documented opposition to offshore wind – and the promises he’s made to his donors to put his thumb on the scale against certain energy projects. This reckless, haphazard approach puts billions of dollars in private investment at risk, threatens thousands of good-paying American jobs coming to a veteran-heavy area, undermines energy security, and damages the credibility of the United States government. Virginia’s offshore wind project has undergone years of rigorous review and represents a critical step toward strengthening our energy independence, lowering energy costs for American families, growing our clean energy economy, and positioning the Commonwealth as a global leader in this industry. When a project that has met every requirement is suddenly stopped without explanation, it is fair to ask whether this decision is being driven by evidence, or by personal and political grievance.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-trump-administration-pausing-coastal-virginia-offshore,McClellan Statement on Trump Administration Pausing Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 the Trump Administration’s Department of Interior ordered a 90-day suspension of work for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project:

“After waging open war on clean energy and energy efficiency projects, the Trump Administration has now paused all offshore wind projects. This reckless action threatens our nation’s ability to meet growing energy demand, maintain grid security and keep thousands of jobs this holiday season. One of these projects, the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, fills a significant gap in our Commonwealth’s push to supply reliable power to consumers and maintain our existing energy infrastructure. Its suspension hurts our status as a leader in this space and the clean energy industry as a whole and will drive up electricity costs for Virginia families.

“As a state legislator, I championed the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) in 2020, which made Virginia the first state in the South to adopt a 100% clean energy standard. Today’s decision to pause the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project when it’s nearly complete and operational violates the spirit of the VCEA and could have profound impacts on our Commonwealth.

“The Trump Administration’s pause undermines our national security by hindering the ability to meet the energy needs of Virginia-based assets from the world’s largest naval base, to the shipyards and the Pentagon itself. And with Virginia serving as the data center capital of the world, this will only make it harder for the U.S. to compete in the race for more reliable and sophisticated AI. Both of these industries contribute to our exploding energy demand, and we must leverage every available technology to meet those needs.

“Our goal for a cleaner, more competitive and more affordable Commonwealth should not be at the mercy of this President’s irrational hatred of our current energy projects. This latest attack on clean energy goes against what we have known for years: that we must invest in energy efficiency and clean energy programs if we hope to strengthen our national security and invest in advanced technologies. I’ll continue to work within Congress to ensure this project resumes in a timely manner to put Virginians first and keep costs down with renewable, reliable power.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-statement-escalating-violence-bangladesh,Rep. Subramanyam Statement on Escalating Violence in Bangladesh,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) said:

""I am concerned by the escalating violence in Bangladesh following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who planned to run for parliament. In the aftermath of his death, newspaper offices have been burned and further loss of life has been reported.

I am deeply troubled by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, who was lynched after being accused of blasphemy. This act of violence is appalling, and must be investigated. Since the recent change in government, accounts of attacks against Hindu and other minority communities have increased, including on homes and temples. In light of this violence, I remain committed to promoting stability and to protecting Hindus and minority communities in Bangladesh and around the world.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/subramanyam-and-timmons-release-new-report-deadly-dca-crash-and-dod-use,Subramanyam and Timmons Release New Report on Deadly DCA Crash and DOD Use of Civilian Airspace,2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 22, 2025

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) and Ranking Member Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) today released a staff report titled, “The DCA Incident: Assessing the Military’s Role in the National Airspace Tragedy.” The report analyzes how the fatal mid-air collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter occurred and determined what failures – procedural, regulatory, or operational – within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) may have contributed to the crash. Following the Military and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee’s investigation, it is recommending that the DoD Inspector General conduct a comprehensive evaluation of all operations in civilian airspace within the United States with an emphasis on safety, coordination, and compliance.

“The tragic accident at DCA on January 29th and thirty near misses overall have revealed that the military’s current operations fall woefully short of keeping both military personnel and American civilians safe in Washington, D.C. airspace. Several briefings on this issue have highlighted the pressing need for clearer military flight protocols, enhanced training, and regular audits of flight operations and capabilities within the DoD. It is crucial that military personnel are given the tools and training they need to navigate this complex airspace and prevent accidents and miscommunications like these from ever happening again. The Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs remains committed to this investigation and is upholding its responsibility to conduct oversight of U.S. military operations to ensure that both members of the military and civilians remain safe when sharing the nation’s skies,” said the lawmakers.

Below are key findings from the report:

Communication issues between the Black Hawk and the tower contributed to the January 29th crash: On March 11, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its Aviation Investigation Preliminary Report. The findings of this report indicate that discrepancies in altitudes were reported by the pilot and the instructor pilot of the Black Hawk. Similarly, the report mentions that seventeen seconds before the collision, the tower directed the Black Hawk to ‘pass behind the’ Canadair Regional Jet (CRJ). However, according to the helicopter’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR), a portion of ‘pass behind the’ may not have been heard by the crew.

Night vision goggles (NVGs) limited the Black Hawk pilots’ ability to see the American Airlines plane on January 29th: NVGs make it especially difficult to see peripherally and during flights with excessive bright light, like that seen coming from Washington and DCA. In an investigative hearing held by NTSB, Dr. Stephen Casner, a human factors expert, testified that when an aircraft is approaching head-on, it will not appear to be moving closer, and this approaching aircraft often looks the same as buildings and other objects while wearing NVGs, making it extremely difficult for pilots to detect oncoming traffic. Likewise, NVGs make it nearly impossible to detect color, which is critical when trying to detect the red and green anti-collision lights positioned on the side of aircraft.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out was not transmitting on the Black Hawk, preventing other aircraft and the public from detecting it on January 29th: Rick Dressler of Metro Aviation, which operates medical helicopters, stated during the NTSB hearing that his company’s goal of maintaining “extra vigilance” while transporting critically ill passengers is “an extreme challenge when those aircraft [military helicopters] are not usually transmitting ADS-B” meaning the company “can’t see them on his traffic system” and has to rely on see and avoid methods. The NTSB’s investigation is still ongoing, and it is still being evaluated whether having ADS-B Out transmitting would have made a difference on the night of the January 29th collision.

The Army lacks certain knowledge of DCA airspace: Chief Warrant Officer Five David Van Vechten stated during the NTSB hearing that Army Black Hawk pilots are not trained on fixed-wing aircraft approaches to DCA runways, and this is based on “personal knowledge.” Additionally, when asked if there was a unit he was concerned about, Dressler of Metro Aviation, stated that when flying, the 12th Aviation Battalion, the unit of the U.S. Army Aviation Branch to which the Black Hawk was assigned, make his company “uncomfortable” due to what he described as “gross misunderstandings” of the airspace, including instances of military helicopters landing on MedSTAR helipads without prior notice.

The DoD to DCA hotline was offline, preventing direct communication between the Pentagon and DCA, showing the broader breakdown of critical air traffic coordination: This hotline, maintained by DoD, was severed during the construction of a new air traffic control tower at the Pentagon. Previously, the hotline was used to allow for seamless communication between the Pentagon’s air traffic controllers and DCA’s. FAA Aviation officials only discovered the hotline was offline after the May 1 near miss incident, when two commercial jets were forced to abandon their approaches to DCA due to an Army Black Hawk occupying the airspace.

Based on the findings, the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs is recommending that the DoD Inspector General conduct a broad evaluation of the DoD’s use of U.S. civilian airspace and its adherence to established aviation safety protocols. Such an evaluation would provide Congress and the public with an independent assessment of risks and opportunities to strengthen safety in shared airspace.

Read the report here.

Read the letter to Inspector General Moring here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-crack-down-on-pharmacy-benefit-managers-price-gouging,"Kaine, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Crack Down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ Price Gouging",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 (HELP) Committee, and colleagues introduced the bipartisan, bicameral PBM Fiduciary Accountability, Integrity, and Reform (FAIR) Act, legislation that would establish fiduciary responsibilities for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)—the middlemen of drug pricing—and require PBMs to act in the best interests of employees relying on employer-sponsored health plans, while keeping plan costs low.

“Pharmacy benefit managers should be held accountable for their role in raising costs of prescription drugs,” said Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensuring that PBMs are doing what’s best for Americans who rely on lifesaving medication.”

Currently, PBMs that provide drug benefits for employer health plans often get away with price-gouging because they are not legally required to put employees’ interests first. The PBM Fair Act would ensure PBMs are classified as fiduciaries under law—thereby helping to curb hidden fees and end practices that drive up what employees pay for their medications.

To ensure employer-sponsored health care plans are affordable and accessible to all families, this bill would specifically rein in bad PBM practices, such as:

Marking up generic drugs at prices hundreds of times higher than actual cost;

Limiting patient choice; and

Denying claims with no or misleading explanations.

In addition to Kaine, this bill is introduced by U.S. Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Companion legislation is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04) and Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-07).

Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-scott-slam-trump-administrations-sudden-halt-of-virginia-offshore-wind-project,"Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration’s Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 along with U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (all D-VA) issued the following statement:

“Despite our senior roles on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, the administration has failed to share any new information that supports this sudden and sweeping move to halt all offshore wind development, including a project off the coast of Virginia that is already almost complete and operational. That silence speaks volumes, especially given the president’s longstanding, well-documented opposition to offshore wind – and the promises he’s made to his donors to put his thumb on the scale against certain energy projects. This reckless, haphazard approach puts billions of dollars in private investment at risk, threatens thousands of good-paying American jobs coming to a veteran-heavy area, undermines energy security, and damages the credibility of the United States government. Virginia’s offshore wind project has undergone years of rigorous review and represents a critical step toward strengthening our energy independence, lowering energy costs for American families, growing our clean energy economy, and positioning the Commonwealth as a global leader in this industry. When a project that has met every requirement is suddenly stopped without explanation, it is fair to ask whether this decision is being driven by evidence, or by personal and political grievance.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=BFA83056-C5DC-4E10-8A48-96069B461ED1,"Warner, Kaine, Scott Slam Trump Administration's Sudden Halt of Virginia Offshore Wind Project",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,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 along with U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (all D-VA) issued the following statement:

“Despite our senior roles on the Senate Intelligence and Armed Services Committees, the administration has failed to share any new information that supports this sudden and sweeping move to halt all offshore wind development, including a project off the coast of Virginia that is already almost complete and operational. That silence speaks volumes, especially given the president’s longstanding, well-documented opposition to offshore wind – and the promises he’s made to his donors to put his thumb on the scale against certain energy projects. This reckless, haphazard approach puts billions of dollars in private investment at risk, threatens thousands of good-paying American jobs coming to a veteran-heavy area, undermines energy security, and damages the credibility of the United States government. Virginia’s offshore wind project has undergone years of rigorous review and represents a critical step toward strengthening our energy independence, lowering energy costs for American families, growing our clean energy economy, and positioning the Commonwealth as a global leader in this industry. When a project that has met every requirement is suddenly stopped without explanation, it is fair to ask whether this decision is being driven by evidence, or by personal and political grievance.”

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere*",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-kelly-pocan-introduce-resolution-reaffirm-us-commitment-ending,"McClellan, Kelly, Pocan Introduce Resolution to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Ending Pediatric HIV/AIDS",2025-12-20,2025,2025-12,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: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (NY-02) and Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced H.Res. 955 to strengthen U.S. leadership in the global fight against HIV/AIDS by advancing prevention, expanding treatment for women and children and supporting families worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global efforts against HIV/AIDS have driven progress, with new HIV infections falling by 40% and HIV-related deaths dropping by 54% since 2010. Despite these advances, HIV continues to pose a serious threat, with approximately 40.8 million people living with HIV at the end of 2024, including 21 million women and 1.4 million children worldwide. Each year, 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%.

“Working with our global allies and partners, the United States has driven meaningful progress in reducing pediatric HIV/AIDS and curbing perinatal transmission. But we still have more work to do,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Antiretroviral therapies help people live long, healthy lives by lowering the viral loads and strengthening the immune systems of those infected. This resolution supports the benchmarks set by the United Nations to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 by expanding prevention, increasing testing and treatment and maintaining global commitment.”

“In the midst of President Trump’s attacks against PEPFAR, the most successful global health program, it’s more important than ever that Congress recommits to ending HIV and AIDS worldwide,” said Congresswoman Kelly, Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust. “In particular, 1.4 million children live with HIV across the globe, and the U.S. has the power to end AIDS, eliminate new pediatric HIV infections, and support those affected. I am leading the fight to reauthorize PEPFAR, which supports orphans and vulnerable children, and save lives from AIDS.”

“PEPFAR has saved millions of lives and has proven that U.S. leadership can turn the tide against HIV/AIDS, but too many children continue to be left behind,” said Congressman Mark Pocan, Chair of the HIV/AIDS Caucus. “This resolution reaffirms America’s commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS by strengthening PEPFAR’s leadership and advancing evidence-based, child-focused strategies. With the tools and knowledge we have today, ending pediatric AIDS is not just possible, it’s a moral obligation.”

H.Res. 955 reaffirms the United States’ commitment to ending AIDS, eliminating new pediatric HIV infections, and supporting women, children, adolescents and families affected by HIV. The resolution calls for scaling up pediatric HIV treatment, including access to more effective antiretroviral regimens, age-appropriate services and support for caregivers.

H.Res. 955 is endorsed by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, NMAC (formerly known as the National Minority AIDS Council) and ONE.

“We commend Representative McClellan for her leadership on this vital issue. The numbers tell an urgent story: 75,000 children died of AIDS-related causes last year, and only 55 percent of children living with HIV receive treatment compared to 78 percent of adults,” said Dr. Doris Macharia, President of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. “This resolution recognizes that gap as unacceptable and charts a clear path forward — calling for a dedicated PEPFAR pediatric HIV strategy that aligns with both the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030 and the America First Global Health Strategy. We have the tools to end pediatric AIDS. We call on members of Congress to join Rep. McClellan in supporting this resolution and demonstrate their political commitment to finish what we started.”

“NMAC commends the leadership of Congresswoman McClellan, Congresswoman Kelly, and Congressman Pocan in reaffirming the United States’ commitment to ending HIV, at home and abroad,” said Harold Phillips, CEO of NMAC. “We cannot end the epidemic and especially pediatric HIV without protecting women and children, who while essential to our social fabric and future, are under-served within public health systems. Working at the intersection of HIV and family health — including testing pregnant women for HIV — has already led to significant prevention impact, and we encourage the United States to increase these prevention and treatment efforts in order to finally end pediatric AIDS, which is one critical step in ending the epidemic overall.”

“The U.S. continues to be a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS through investments in the Global Fund and programs like PEPFAR which ensured nearly 8 million babies were born HIV-free last year. Still, 75,000 children died of HIV/AIDS in 2024, and recent studies suggest the number of babies being born with HIV is on the rise,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, ONE Executive Director for North America. “It is crucial for the U.S. to maintain strong support for global investments in education, prevention, and treatment that serve vulnerable children, especially girls, who are disproportionately impacted by the crisis. With new innovations like Lenacapavir coming to market, the end of AIDS is within reach. We must continue the fight until that goal is realized.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-bipartisan-subramanyam-bills-signed-law-part-annual-defense-legislation,Two Bipartisan Subramanyam Bills Signed into Law as Part of Annual Defense Legislation,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) announced that two of his bipartisan bills have been signed into law. The two bills are the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act and the Contaminated Wells Relocation Act. These two bills were signed into law as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Trump signed last night.

“Thousands of Korean American families in Virginia and across the country have been forcibly torn apart from their loved ones by the Korean War for more than seven decades,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. “This bipartisan law will bring these families one step closer to a long-overdue reunion. I thank all the Korean American families who have shared their stories with me and who helped get this legislation over the finish line.”

“I’ve heard from Korean Americans in Virginia about how their families were separated after the Korean War. That's why I'm glad that my bipartisan bill to help facilitate their reunification passed and was signed into law,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA).

The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act, now law, will accelerate family reunifications by directing the U.S. Department of State to compile information about Korean American families who want to reconnect with relatives in North Korea to enable future family reunions. The law, co-introduced with Congresswoman Young Kim (R-CA-40), also directs the State Department to prioritize progress on arranging future reunions for Korean American families and their relatives in North Korea in any future bilateral discussions with North Korea.

Rep. Subramanyam continued, “The people in the town of Chincoteague will soon get some relief from unnecessary burdens to allow the town and NASA to come to an agreement on the costs of relocating contaminated water wells. Safe drinking water is a right, and I am glad this bipartisan, bicameral law will make life better for fellow Virginians.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/19/vindman-higgins-sessions-moore-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-make-traffic-stops-safer-for-individuals-with-disabilities/,"Vindman, Higgins, Sessions, Moore Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Make Traffic Stops Safer for Individuals with Disabilities",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07), Clay Higgins (R-La.-03), Pete Sessions (R-Texas-17), and Barry Moore (R-Ala.-01) introduced a bipartisan bill to make traffic stops safer and less stressful for individuals with autism, developmental, or communication disabilities.

“Individuals with disabilities are great assets to our communities and need to be treated with dignity and respect. This bipartisan bill is one way Congress can make sure everyone feels safe and understood during a traffic stop,” said Vindman. “For both individuals with disabilities and law enforcement officers, these encounters can be prone to misunderstanding. This legislation will better support law enforcement with a straightforward way to recognize when accommodations are needed and keep these interactions calm, safe, and respectful.”

“America’s law enforcement professionals make split-second decisions every day. Blue envelope programs can add context to these decisions and improve communication between drivers with disabilities and officers during traffic stops,” said Higgins. “The Blue Envelope Act uses existing funds to implement these initiatives and deliver safer outcomes. It’s appropriate that I co-lead this bipartisan effort with Congressman Vindman.”

“Several cities across Texas are already using the Blue Envelope Program, and the Blue Envelope Act of 2025 builds on that proven local success. By co-leading this legislation, we are taking a commonsense approach that works in Texas communities and making it available nationwide,” said Sessions. “This bill helps law enforcement conduct safer, more predictable traffic stops while ensuring individuals with autism and other communication disabilities are treated with patience, clarity, and respect. Using existing resources, we can reduce misunderstandings, lower stress, and better serve officers and the American people.”

“The Blue Envelope Program is a common sense idea that gives officers immediate context during a traffic stop and gives drivers with autism or other communication disabilities the time and clarity they need,” said Moore. “This program is voluntary, low-cost, and already working in Alabama and states across the nation. By allowing existing funds to support these programs, we’re strengthening trust, reducing unnecessary tension, and making our roads safer for everyone.”

The Blue Envelope Awareness Act would provide drivers with disabilities a blue envelope to store essential documents such as their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The envelope would discreetly alert law enforcement officers that the driver may require additional time, clear verbal instructions, or other reasonable accommodations during a traffic stop.

The legislation would also allow states and local governments to use existing Byrne JAG funds to support these programs, giving officers immediate situational context during traffic stops, helping reduce misunderstandings and the risk of unnecessary escalation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/19/vindman-rulli-bentz-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-address-scams-in-the-rehab-industry/,"Vindman, Rulli, Bentz Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Address Scams in the Rehab Industry",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07), Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), and Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.-02) introduced a bipartisan bill to confront the rise of fraud, scams, and deceptive practices in the addiction treatment and recovery industry

“Virginians are fed up with scammers, and it’s past time Congress did something about it. No one seeking help for addiction should be exploited or misled for profit,” said Vindman. “This bill will support government watchdogs cracking down on bad actors with the tools and information they need to identify fraud in the rehab industry, protect patients from abuse, and ensure insurance dollars support real, effective care.”

“When bad actors exploit people seeking recovery by tricking them into leaving their homes to faraway states, providing little to no care, and then dumping them on the streets when their insurance expires, it isn’t just fraud; it is cruel and disgusting,” said Rulli. “Every dollar lost to this scam is a dollar that could have gone to legitimate treatments and quality care for the affected individuals.”

The Protecting Patients from Rehab Fraud Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to study insurance fraud and patient exploitation within the drug addiction treatment and recovery industry. This bill aims to stop deceptive, predatory practices that exploit patients, drain insurance resources, and undermine legitimate treatment providers.

Specifically, the bill would direct the DOJ to examine:

The prevalence of insurance fraud in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans used to house individuals at treatment facilities

The practice of brokers encouraging patients to commit insurance fraud to enroll in high-cost, out-of-network plans

Drug use and trafficking within treatment facilities

The practice of “patient dumping,” also known as “curbing,” where patients are discharged and abandoned once their insurer no longer pays the facility

Instances where patients are discharged in locations different from where they originated

Any research on the prevalence of homelessness and relapse among individuals who are dumped by their rehab facility

Legislative recommendations for Congress to crack down on illegal practices in the rehabilitation industry and protect prospective patients seeking rehab

Specifically, the GAO’s study would examine:

The actions currently being undertaken by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the federal government to curb this type of insurance fraud

The extent and effectiveness of Congress’ expenditure of taxpayer dollars on subsidizing rehab facilities to date

State-level efforts to curb this type of insurance fraud

Recommendations for Congress to crack down on illegal practices in the rehabilitation industry

BACKGROUND

The addiction treatment field has grown quickly in the past decade. While many providers offer important, quality care, some predatory, for-profit operations have taken advantage of weak oversight and insurance rules.

“Body brokers” recruit people with substance use disorders — often from other states — and steer them to specific facilities in exchange for illegal referral payments. They target people with valuable private or ACA insurance and often push them to lie about where they live or their income to get coverage.

Patients are then transported to distant treatment centers that bill insurers large amounts for unnecessary or fraudulent care. When a patient’s insurance runs out, these places commonly discharge them suddenly — often without money, transportation, medication, or follow-up support — leaving them stranded, homeless, or forced to return home on their own. Some end up in unfamiliar cities, relapse, overdose, or become trapped in homelessness.

The Protecting Patients from Rehab Fraud Act seeks to bring transparency and accountability to an industry where oversight has failed too many people seeking recovery.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=226,Walkinshaw Slams Trump Admin’s Insulting 1% Pay Raise for Federal Workers After a Year of Unprecedented Harm,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s 1% pay raise for federal workers.

“Under President Trump, Americans are paying more for groceries, more for housing, more for utilities, and federal workers are being told to accept a meager 1 percent pay raise. That is not just inadequate. It is insulting.

Federal employees serve our country shoulder to shoulder with our service members, often under intense pressure and enduring real risk. They deserve respect, stability, and pay parity with service members, not another hit to their livelihoods during the holiday season.

This decision is shameful. Congress must step in and pass the FAIR Act to deliver a real, meaningful pay increase for every federal employee.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-lease-for-new-hampton-roads-va-facility,"Warner, Kaine Announce Lease for New Hampton Roads VA Facility",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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) announced that a lease has been awarded for a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility in Hampton Roads. The awarding of this lease for a new, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic will improve veterans’ access to care in this region and follows years of congressional action and advocacy by the senators.

“We are thrilled to announce the awarding of this new clinic lease in Hampton Roads,” said the senators. “The veteran population in the region continues to grow, and this facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country. Virginians need and deserve this facility, and we will do everything we can to ensure that it is properly staffed despite President Trump’s plans to eliminate 35,000 health care positions at VA facilities across America.”

While this lease was originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees for this proposed facility and 17 others. In June, Warner and Kaine urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to swiftly take up and reapprove all pending major VA medical facility leases. They subsequently pushed for the final committee, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to put forward their approval. In late July, the senators announced that approval for the leases had cleared all committees. From there, the administration needed to award a contract for the lease.

Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care access and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. The senators have fought to strengthen and expand mental health care and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Warner has been outspoken on the need to reduce the disability claim backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensure the VA is appropriately staffed to improve access to care and benefits, strengthen the VA’s ability to increase capacity and build new medical centers, and improve women veterans’ access to health care. Kaine has called President Trump out for firing more veterans than any other president, and has introduced legislation to reinstate veterans who were fired from their federal jobs as part of the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and mass layoff of federal employees. Kaine has also been a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate 35,000 health care positions at VA clinics.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=56F51368-CB85-4FEF-AA2F-375079895314,Warner Statement on Trump Failure to Release Full Epstein Files,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the Trump administration released only part of the Epstein files:

“Under the law, Donald Trump had 30 days to release all of the Epstein files. Today marks day 30. Where are the full Epstein files?”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=74B009EC-7AF0-4771-8F1C-CBA26210AADA,"Warner, Kaine Announce Lease for New Hampton Roads VA Facility",2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,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) announced that a lease has been awarded for a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility in Hampton Roads. The awarding of this lease for a new, state-of-the-art outpatient clinic will improve veterans’ access to care in this region and follows years of congressional action and advocacy by the senators.

“We are thrilled to announce the awarding of this new clinic lease in Hampton Roads,” said the senators. “The veteran population in the region continues to grow, and this facility will fill a critical gap by expanding access to high-quality, convenient care for the veterans who have served our country. Virginians need and deserve this facility, and we will do everything we can to ensure that it is properly staffed despite President Trump’s plans to eliminate 35,000 health care positions at VA facilities across America.”

While this lease was originally authorized under the PACT Act, which both senators strongly supported, updated cost estimates and rent bids prompted the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees for this proposed facility and 17 others. In June, Sens. Warner and Kaine urged the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to swiftly take up and reapprove all pending major VA medical facility leases. They subsequently pushed for the final committee, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to put forward their approval. In late July, the senators announced that approval for the leases had cleared all committees. From there, the administration needed to award a contract for the lease.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care access and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. The senators have fought to strengthen and expand mental health care and suicide prevention efforts for veterans. Sen. Warner has been outspoken on the need to reduce the disability claim backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), ensure the VA is appropriately staffed to improve access to care and benefits, strengthen the VA’s ability to increase capacity and build new medical centers, and improve women veterans’ access to health care. Sen. Kaine has called President Trump out for firing more veterans than any other president, and has introduced legislation to reinstate veterans who were fired from their federal jobs as part of the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate and mass layoff of federal employees. Sen. Kaine has also been a vocal opponent of the Trump Administration’s decision to eliminate 35,000 health care positions at VA clinics.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8751,Beyer Returns To House Science Committee,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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, previously a longtime member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Committee, was re-appointed to that committee by Democratic Leader Jeffries this week. Beyer departed the Committee after serving on it for his first four terms when Democrats lost slots at the beginning of the 118th Congress. His appointment became official after being confirmed by the full House Democratic Caucus and with the approval of House Resolution 954 on Wednesday morning, where he was welcomed back by Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren.

“American leadership on scientific research and technology is at a crossroads, and many of the most important challenges facing our country fall under the jurisdiction of the House Science Committee. I am thrilled to return to the Committee as it seeks answers to key questions about our nation’s future,” said Beyer. “From rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and their implications for our economy and workforce, to energy policy amid rapidly rising electricity prices, to the debate over the future of our space program, to renewed battles over scientific integrity, the House Science Committee is engaged in extremely important policy work. I have never stopped my efforts in these areas, but serving on the Committee will make me a stronger advocate on these topics, especially for my district and my constituents. I thank Leader Jeffries and my Democratic colleagues for this opportunity, and Ranking Member Lofgren and my colleagues in both parties for their warm welcome.”

Rep. Beyer is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus, and a steadfast advocate for the advancement of fusion energy technology. A leading voice in the House on energy and climate, he co-chairs the Safe Climate Caucus, and attended the 2021 COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He co-chairs the bipartisan AI Caucus, was appointed by House leaders to serve on the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force in the 118th Congress, and is currently working toward a master’s degree in machine learning at George Mason University.

Beyer previously served for several terms on the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, where he helped protect funding for key science missions including the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope. As the Subcommittee Chair during the 117th Congress, he was a key voice on intergovernmental debates over space situational awareness, and coauthored the first NASA authorizing legislation in over five years. Since taking office he has been a prominent advocate for scientific integrity, and an indefatigable defender of federal workers, including those who work in scientific fields.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) represents a Northern Virginia district in the U.S. House that is home to leading institutions of technology and research including the National Science Foundation, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the MITRE Corporation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Virginia Tech’s Institute For Advanced Computing, George Mason University’s Mason Square campus, and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, along with numerous global aerospace and tech firms. He has been published in the pages of Scientific American, and his work has been covered by Popular Science, Science Magazine, Ars Technica, and Gizmodo, among others.

Beyer serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act, the SECURE AI Act, and forthcoming legislation that will address President Trump’s recent executive order on artificial intelligence.

Beyer is the founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus. He was a co-lead of the Fusion Energy Act, signed into law in 2024, and is the House sponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Office of Fusion Act. He was a leading governmental voice celebrating the historic announcement of a net energy gain from a human-controlled fusion energy reaction. He has advocated for fusion energy research and funding as a long time member of the House Science Committee, with hiscolleagues in Congress, at the White House, in the pages of Scientific American, and elsewhere.

Beyer served as Chair of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee in the 117th Congress, in which capacity he helped draft and pass the first bipartisan reauthorization of NASA in years (included in the CHIPS and SCIENCE Act). His work on the subcommittee also included leading the effort to protect funding for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, longtimeadvocacy for NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, and defending funding for NASA’s Earth Science Division. He is the author of the Cleaner, Quieter Airplanes Act (signed into law in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022), and the Space Safety and Situational Awareness Transition Act of 2023.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8752,"SEEC Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force Slams Republican Attack on Our Treasured Landscapes and Wildlife",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) Lands, Waters, and Nature Task Force, led by Co-Chairs Reps. Don Beyer (VA-08), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), and Doris Matsui (CA-07), released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (H.R. 1366) and Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845).

“In a week dominated by shameless giveaways to Trump’s polluter allies, House Republicans once again doubled down on their crusade to sell off our public lands to the highest bidder and gut critical protections for endangered wildlife. Our public lands and wildlife are a core part of our nation’s identity. Whether it’s the bald eagle, the grizzly bear, or the Florida panther, we have a shared responsibility as Americans to protect and preserve these iconic species and their habitats for future generations. Yet, instead of preserving our treasured natural landscapes and wildlife for future generations, Republicans just gave a free pass to mining companies to dump toxic waste on our public lands and poison our environment and children, all while legalizing the killing of America’s endangered gray wolves.

“Our Republican colleagues seem to have forgotten that being conservative once actually meant supporting conservation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-passing-rev-lincoln-james-jr,"Scott Statement on Passing of Rev. A Lincoln James, Jr",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 on the passing of the Rev. Dr. A Lincoln James, Jr., Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia.

“Rev. James was a charismatic and influential preacher who had a remarkable career. He led Trinity Baptist Church for several decades and served as a mentor for clergy members throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also improved the Richmond region through his leadership as President of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, his service on the Virginia Parole Board, his work as a seminar professor and his vision as the driving force in the creation of the Trinity Family Life Center, which provides essential services to thousands of young people every year. I am thankful to have benefited from his counsel and friendship throughout my career, and I sincerely offer my heartfelt condolences to Rev. James’ family, loved ones, congregation and people who were impacted by his ministry and body of work.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-wittman-kiggans-elfreth-reintroduce-bill-reauthorizing-noaa,"Scott, Wittman, Kiggans, Elfreth Reintroduce Bill Reauthorizing NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Jennifer Kiggans (VA-02), and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) reintroduced the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act, previously known as the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act. This legislation reauthorizes key programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office (CBO). Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

NOAA’s CBO provides a variety of services that advance the restoration of the Bay and support local businesses, schools, and coastal resilience. CBO manages the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System which collects water quality, meteorological, and oceanographic data used by scientists, fisherman and those recreating on the Bay. CBO also oversees the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) program, a competitive grant program for environmental education projects that connect students throughout the watershed with the Bay. The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act authorizes the Chesapeake Bay B-WET program for the first time in the program’s history.

“NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office serves a critical role in restoring the health of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Congressman Scott. “The Office conducts scientific research that assists us in making evidence-based decisions as we restore much-needed oyster reefs and wetlands. This bill includes many of the Office’s activities including the Chesapeake B-WET program, which has connected countless students with the Bay to further their environmental education. As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I am proud to reintroduce the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act with my colleagues to ensure that NOAA can continue being an effective partner in the effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

“The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act is critical to protecting the Chesapeake Bay and ensuring it remains an important part of our environment and economy for generations to come,” said Congressman Wittman. “By allowing NOAA to coordinate with community stakeholders, monitor restoration activities, and authorizing the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training program, the WATERS Act will help protect the Chesapeake Bay’s health for generations to come. As a lifelong outdoorsman and co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to protect the Chesapeake Bay.”

“The Chesapeake WATERS Act is critical to protecting the Chesapeake Bay and the communities, jobs, and ecosystems that rely on it,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “By reauthorizing NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office, supporting science-based restoration, and expanding education and workforce training throughout the watershed, this bill strengthens long term stewardship of the Bay. I am proud to work with Representatives Wittman, Bobby Scott, and Sarah Elfreth on this bipartisan effort to preserve the Chesapeake Bay for generations to come.”

“The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, right here in Maryland's Third District, conducts critical work across the Watershed in advancing our shared goal of restoring the health and habitat of the Chesapeake Bay,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “From water quality monitoring through the buoy system to convening an expert Task Force to tackle the issue of invasive blue catfish, I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act to reauthorize this critical office and continue the innovative work it conducts.”

""For decades, NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office has been a steadfast partner in the multi-jurisdiction effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay and its living resources,” said Anna Killius, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. “Bay partners rely on NOAA science and support to help steward economically important fisheries, restore vital habitats, monitor and report conditions on the Bay, and educate students on the richness of the Bay and the challenges it faces. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Warner and Representatives Scott, Wittman, Elfreth, and Kiggans in championing bipartisan legislation to continue NOAA's critical role in the future of Bay conservation.""

“The bipartisan Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act throws a welcome legislative lifeline to NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office that would sustain its vital role restoring the Bay and its waterways, fisheries, and wildlife habitat,” said Keisha Sedlacek, Senior Policy Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “NOAA’s oyster restoration expertise, climate change research, and outdoor education programs are essential to safeguarding this priceless resource and economic engine. NOAA science will be critical as we enter the next phase of Bay restoration under the revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. Thanks to Sen. Mark Warner and Reps. Bobby Scott, Sarah Elfreth, Rob Wittman, and Jen Kiggans, Congress now has the legislation to make sure this essential partner remains at the table.”

“We are thrilled to see the introduction of the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act,” said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. “NOAA is a crucial federal partner in the fight to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams. This bipartisan legislation provides critical funding to support projects such as habitat work in the Chesapeake, including on fisheries management and oyster research and restoration, monitoring of restoration activities, and environmental education grants. We want to thank Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA), all long-time champions for the Bay, for spearheading this legislation and we look forward to supporting its passage into law.”

Full text of the bill can be found by CLICKING HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/18/vindman-crenshaw-lead-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-to-crack-down-on-cartel-smuggling-operations-at-southern-border/,"Vindman, Crenshaw Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Crack Down on Cartel Smuggling Operations at Southern Border",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas-02) today introduced bipartisan legislation to tackle the fentanyl crisis by combatting the flow of illicit firearms and money that fuel cartel operations.

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to disrupt the transnational criminal networks that threaten America’s national security and take on the criminals selling fentanyl. Cartels are not just Mexico’s problem — they are a direct threat to communities across our Commonwealth and country,” said Vindman. “By expanding outbound inspections, we can cut off the weapons, cash, and resources that fuel their violence and criminal operations at and beyond our southern border.”

“The cartels flooding our country with fentanyl aren’t someone else’s problem — they are a direct national security threat to the United States. If we’re serious about stopping them, we have to cut off the weapons, cash, and resources that keep them alive,” said Crenshaw. “Expanding outbound inspections is a commonsense step to choke off cartel power and protect American communities.”

The Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act would strengthen border security by expanding inspections of outbound traffic from the United States to Mexico. The bill equips U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with additional personnel and resources to disrupt the flow of illicit firearms and cash that fuel cartel violence and fentanyl trafficking.

Specifically, the Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act would:

Authorize at least 100 Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) agents to investigate drug smuggling, human trafficking, child trafficking, and unauthorized entries from Mexico into the U.S.

Authorize at least 100 HSI agents to investigate the smuggling of guns and money at the southern border.

Authorize 50 additional non-intrusive imaging systems and the procurement of additional infrastructure or alternative inspection equipment at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Require that at least 10 percent of all southbound vehicles be inspected, to the extent practical, and require the DHS Secretary to submit a report one year after the bill’s enactment on the feasibility of increasing inspection rates to 15 and 20 percent.

Companion legislation is led in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).

BACKGROUND

Cartels and other transnational criminal organizations are exploiting gaps in outbound inspection enforcement to traffic firearms, drug money, and other contraband into Mexico — fueling the illegal drug trade, human trafficking, and violent crime. These groups rely on a steady flow of weapons and cash to sustain their operations. Strengthening outbound inspections is critical to cutting off those resources and deterring criminal activity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/18/vindman-joins-bipartisan-statement-from-all-25-jewish-house-members-on-antisemitic-attack-in-australia/,Vindman Joins Bipartisan Statement from All 25 Jewish House Members on Antisemitic Attack in Australia,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined 24 of his fellow Jewish Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in releasing the following statement in response to an attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia that targeted Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah:

“On a night meant for celebration, Jewish families in Australia, gathering in joy and peace on the first night of Hanukkah, were grotesquely targeted with hate and murderous intent. Sadly, this attack does not come as a surprise to the Jewish community of Sydney who have been raising a clarion call for local and national authorities to take concrete steps against a rising tide of antisemitism.

“We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and together extend our condolences to the family and friends of the people murdered and are praying for the complete recovery of the dozens wounded, and the entire Jewish community feeling besieged.

“Antisemitism is a cancer that eats at the core of society, whether in Australia, the United States, or anywhere it is allowed to take root and grow. We join leaders around the globe in condemning this evil act and in calling for justice, peace, and unwavering support for those affected. We also call on all leaders to do better standing up to antisemitism, bigotry, and hate. We must also do better in our work for a world where everyone can celebrate their faith and traditions free from discrimination and fear.

“Jews around the world will continue to gather this week to celebrate Hanukkah and its story of religious freedom and defiant optimism. As we light the menorah each night and remember the miracle of the festival of lights, let us proclaim that light is stronger than darkness, right is stronger than might, and justice is stronger than tyranny. Wishing all Jewish communities and the world around us strength and peace.”

The 24 members who signed the statement in addition to Vindman include:

Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.)

Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.)

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.)

Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)

Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.)

Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.)

Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.)

Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Texas)

Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.)

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.)

Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.)

Rep. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.)

Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio)

Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.)

Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.)

Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio)

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.)

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.)

Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Wash.)

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.)

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.)

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/18/vindman-office-delivers-real-results-for-virginias-seventh-district-in-2025/,Vindman Office Delivers Real Results for Virginia’s Seventh District in 2025,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today released an end-of-year summary highlighting his office’s work delivering results for Virginians across Virginia’s Seventh District in 2025 — including returning hard-earned tax dollars to constituents, advancing bipartisan legislation, and resolving thousands of constituent service cases.

“As a 25-year Army veteran, I know it takes a true team effort to deliver real results for our communities. I am proud that my team has been hard at work all year showing up and delivering for you and your family in Virginia’s Seventh District,” said Vindman. “We’ve worked to assist veterans with their benefits, protect access to affordable health care, support legislation that lowers your energy bill, and lead on bipartisan solutions to bring down costs. My office is laser focused on results that make a real difference. My team and I remain committed to being accessible, responsive, and effective for every Virginian we serve in the new year.”

In 2025, Congressman Vindman’s office worked directly with Virginians to navigate federal agencies, resolve issues, and return money owed to constituents.

As a result of this work, the office:

Returned more than $4.2 million in backlogged benefits to constituents

Closed more than 1,450 constituent service cases

Assisted Virginians with issues related to veterans’ benefits, Social Security, Medicare, passports, IRS matters, and disaster assistance

In Congress, Vindman focused on pragmatic, bipartisan legislation to address the issues Virginians raised most often.

In 2025, Vindman:

Introduced 45 pieces of legislation, 44 of which are bipartisan

Cosponsored nearly 665 pieces of legislation

Led key congressional efforts to lower costs, support military families and veterans, strengthen workforce development, lower energy costs, safeguard Americans’ health care, and improve public safety.

Secured provisions in major legislative packages to support military families, active-duty service members, and federal employees in Virginia’s Seventh District.

Beyond legislation, Vindman used his voice and oversight authority to advocate for Virginians and hold federal agencies accountable.

This year, his office:

Sent 120 letters to federal agencies and administration officials on behalf of constituents and district priorities

Attended more than 405 events in Virginia’s Seventh District

Led or joined bipartisan oversight efforts on issues impacting Virginia families, service members, and small businesses

As 2025 comes to a close, Vindman reaffirmed his commitment to continue fighting for the Seventh District in the year ahead.

For assistance with a federal agency or to learn more about Congressman Vindman’s work, constituents are encouraged to contact one of Vindman’s offices or visit vindman.house.gov. Sign up for his weekly newsletter here

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/18/vindman-thompson-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-american-workers-better-prepare-for-retirement/,"Vindman, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help American Workers Better Prepare for Retirement",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-Penn.-15) today introduced a bipartisan bill to help American workers take advantage of their employer-sponsored retirement plans and employer match offers by permitting more frequent opportunities for employees to opt in.

“Too many Americans struggle to build the retirement savings they will need after decades of hard work. It doesn’t have to be this way,” said Vindman. “The Auto Reenroll Act gives workers a simple, commonsense solution for flexibility with their retirement plan options. By encouraging reenrollment every few years, we will help more families stay on track financially and give people more power over the money they’ve earned.”

“While automatic enrollment has helped many Americans start saving for retirement, a significant number of workers still initially choose to opt-out of their employer-sponsored retirement plans or fail to maximize matching contributions,” said Thompson. “I am proud to work with Rep. Vindman, Senator Cassidy, and Senator Kaine to make this simple, no-cost reform that gives employees more frequent chances to opt into their plans and take advantage of their full retirement benefits, which will provide greater financial stability and peace of mind to workers and their families.”

The Auto Reenroll Act would allow employers to automatically re-enroll workers in their 401(k) plans every one to three years. This provision is designed to help increase employee participation in workplace retirement plans by giving workers who previously opted out another chance to save for retirement. The process would preserve individual choice — employees could opt out again if they choose — and aims to expand retirement savings without imposing new mandates on workers or creating additional government spending.

Specifically, the Auto Reenroll Act would allow employers to:

Automatically reenroll employees in 401(k) or similar retirement plans every one to three years, even if they had previously opted out.

Preserve employee choice, allowing anyone who is reenrolled to opt out again if they choose.

Encourage long-term savings, by giving workers periodic “check-ins” to reconsider their retirement options as their incomes and circumstances evolve.

The legislation is endorsed by the Bipartisan Policy Center and TIAA Retirement Solutions.

“Saving for retirement should be simple and, whenever possible, automatic,” said Michele Stockwell, president of BPC Action. “That idea underpins the bipartisan progress Congress has made over the past decade to expand retirement savings participation. BPC Action commends Reps. Eugene Vindman (D-VA) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) for taking automatic enrollment one step further, helping employers to bring even more workers into their retirement plans.”

“The Auto Reenroll Act is a helpful clarification of present law and, if passed, could spur more employers to adopt auto reenrollment in their defined contribution retirement plans. This no-cost reform would serve as an effective tool to reengage employees, especially younger and lower-paid workers, who have previously opted out of enrollment or have stopped contributing to their plans,” said Kourtney Gibson, CEO, TIAA Retirement Solutions. “By giving workers periodic opportunities to reconsider their retirement options as their incomes and circumstances evolve, while preserving individual choice through the ability to opt out again, this legislation helps more American workers stay on track financially and build the savings they need for a secure retirement.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La).

BACKGROUND

Under existing law, employers are already required to provide employees with between one and three months’ notice of any automatic 401(k) contributions, this bill maintains that requirement while expanding the ability to reenroll.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-young-applaud-bipartisan-bill-to-formally-end-iraq-wars-becoming-law,Kaine & Young Applaud Bipartisan Bill to Formally End Iraq Wars Becoming Law,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Todd Young (R-IN) applauded the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) against Iraq. Kaine and Young’s bipartisan legislation to repeal these AUMFs was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed by the President today.

“The repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq—the first repeal of an authorization in more than 50 years—is historic. It allows the American people, including the generations of servicemembers who served in Iraq, to finally close the book on this part of our nation’s history,” said Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees. “There have been too many instances of Congress abdicating its role in matters of war and peace, but the repeal of these AUMFs is a significant step forward in reclaiming our solemn constitutional responsibility and saying no to forever endless wars. I’m thankful to the cosponsors of this legislation and my colleagues for fulfilling our duty, to the President for signing the legislation into law, and to the many advocates, veterans, and military families who worked tirelessly alongside us to get this done.”

“It’s time to close the book on these forever wars once and for all,” said Young, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “This is an important step of what I like to call legislative hygiene, for Congress to formally end these two wars. The 1991 and 2002 AUMFs are no longer necessary and leaving them on the books carries risk of potential misuse. I want to thank my Congressional colleagues and President Trump for supporting this legislation and specifically thank Senator Kaine for his partnership on this effort for many years. Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of the men and women who served in these two conflicts. We honor your service and sacrifice.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-mccormick-introduce-legislation-to-preserve-and-protect-americas-historic-battlefields,"Kaine, McCormick Introduce Legislation to Preserve and Protect America’s Historic Battlefields",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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) and Dave McCormick introduced the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the preservation of historic battlefields associated with wars fought on American soil.

“From Yorktown to Appomattox to the Pentagon, the map of Virginia is a map of America’s military history,” said Kaine. “Especially as we come up on America’s 250th birthday, it’s critical that we ensure our country’s battlefields are preserved, so future generations can visit and learn about their importance. Last year, the President signed my bipartisan bill, the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, into law to help us do that. I’m glad to work alongside Senator McCormick to build on that progress by further supporting the program.”

“From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Pennsylvania’s battlefields stand as powerful reminders of pivotal moments that shaped our nation’s history and our future,” said Dave McCormick. “By preserving and protecting these sacred battlefields, we honor the contributions of all Americans, educate future generations, and drive increased economic benefits for local communities by attracting visitors eager to learn and explore.”

Specifically, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act will:

Reauthorize the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP) through 2035,

Increase federal support for nonprofit preservation efforts by increasing the cost-share from 50 percent to 75 percent,

Direct the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to prepare studies of sites connected to the French and Indian War and the Mexican-American War, and

Authorize $20 million each fiscal year through 2035.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the American Battlefield Protection Program Amendments Act of 2025 plays a critical role in honoring America’s history, commemorating pivotal milestones, and ensuring these renowned sites are preserved for future generations.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense-bill-becoming-law,Kaine Statement on Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Bill Becoming Law,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, released the following statement after the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes key provisions Kaine secured to advance U.S. national security, support servicemembers and their families, boost Virginia’s defense industry, and strengthen relations with allies and partners, was signed into law:

“I’m glad that this year’s bipartisan defense bill was signed into law today. It includes key provisions I secured to improve quality of life for servicemembers, get our shipbuilding programs back on track, and strengthen our alliances around the world. It also repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force—a historic victory for all Americans, especially the veterans of the Iraq wars. I will continue working with my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee to support our military members and families and advance our national security.”

During the SASC markup of the FY26 NDAA, an amendment to restore the names of three Virginia military bases to those chosen by a bipartisan commission was passed by voice vote. The House Armed Services Committee similarly passed an amendment to restore the names of all military bases on a bipartisan basis. However, the provisions were removed at the last minute because President Trump indicated that he would veto the entire defense bill over it like he did in 2020.

Kaine successfully secured the following provisions:

Pay Raises, Allowances, and Workforce Recruitment:

Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that pay statements for military servicemembers include clear descriptions for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction.

Provides the Secretary of Defense with direct hiring authority for up to 60 graduates of the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) every calendar year and requires a report to Congress on the use of this hiring authority. DCTC is a pilot program that recruits and trains college students for careers as Department of Defense civilian employees.

Repeal of 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs): Includes bipartisan legislation led by Kaine and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs and formally end the Iraq wars. The legislation was included in the House and Senate's version of this year’s NDAA.

Aviation Safety: Requires that all aircraft of the Department of Defense that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology with some exceptions for certain training exercises that are complicated by this technology. Requires that the Department of Defense improve how it shares aviation safety data with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that took the lives of 67 people. Kaine shaped the original version of this provision, which was later altered during the conference process. He has emphasized that the final version of the provision is only an intermediate step, and that he will work with colleagues to incorporate recommendations from the forthcoming National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Army investigations in future legislation, including legislation to remove slots from DCA.

Shipbuilding Investments:

Authorizes procurement of naval surface vessels, including Medium Landing Ships.

Authorizes increased funding for one Virginia-class submarine.

Authorizes procurement of five Columbia-class submarines.

Requires the Secretary of the Navy to move leadership for surface ship maintenance at private shipyards to Type Commanders and directs a new contracting strategy that emphasizes workforce stability and collaborative planning.

Exempts the public shipyard workforce from reductions related to spending cuts or reprogramming of funds and protects personnel on probationary status.

Contaminated Wells Relocation Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan, bicameral legislation to authorize NASA to negotiate an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague to address costs associated with relocating contaminated water wells, reimburse for those identified costs, and provide more local control of the water supply to the Town of Chincoteague. Several of the Town’s wells are located on NASA property and have been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 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 bill offers a permanent solution to resolve the contamination management hurdle while saving the federal government money.

Military Construction: Authorizes $890,460,000 for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.

$380,000,000 for Public-Private Venture (PPV) unaccompanied housing for junior enlisted sailors stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and Newport News Shipyard. Part of this funding will be used to construct a housing facility for 1,500 sailors near Newport News Shipyard. Kaine has advocated for better housing for sailors near the shipyard to improve quality of life following multiple suicides by sailors assigned to the USS George Washington during its long maintenance and refueling overhaul.

$188,000,000 for Dry Dock 3 modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

$93,300,000 for Electric Distribution System upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk.

$71,700,000 for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

$63,500,000 for a Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

$34,000,000 for operations center at the Pentagon.

$20,400,000 for MQ-25 facilities at Naval Station Norfolk.

$15,500,000 for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston.

$12,360,000 for a Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

$11,700,000 for a Child Development Center at Naval Station Norfolk.

Military Housing:

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

Requires the Secretary of Defense to publish a clear, accessible document that explains how Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are determined.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an alternative methodology for calculating BAH based on the typical cost of housing units by number of bedrooms, conduct a pilot program using the new methodology, and brief Congress on the findings.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to include additional oversight mechanisms for any renegotiation of the contract under the Global Household Goods Contract or negotiation of a new contract under the Global Household Goods Contract of any successor program or contract.

Health Care:

Expands efforts to mitigate and treat traumatic brain injuries and blast overpressure-related injuries.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to authorize military medical treatment facilities to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations to all victims, not just those who are eligible under TRICARE.

Requires the National Guard Bureau to provide an annual report on the number of Guardsmen who participate in Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training per year.

Requires the establishment of a demonstration program to expand partnerships between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for the purpose of increasing case volume for graduate medical education programs.

Military Families:

Authorizes funding for child care fee assistance programs to eliminate fee assistance wait lists for eligible families.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff and improve special education offerings at Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools.

Requires an update to existing DODEA regulations on the student use of portable electronic mobile devices in DODEA schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment.

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 to support schools.

Oversight of Military Action in Caribbean: Fences certain travel funding for the Secretary of Defense until he provides unredacted videos of all strikes that have occurred in Latin America as well as copies of all classified Execute Orders (EXORDS) issued by the Department of Defense.

European Security, NATO, and Ukraine:

Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture in Europe or relinquishment of U.S. command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Authorizes funding for the NATO Security Investment Program.

Extends and authorizes funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report on acceleration options for the JUMPSTART initiative, which allows European partners to purchase weapons for Ukraine from U.S. defense companies.

Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) Partnership:

Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to strengthen the AUKUS agreement by streamlining defense industrial base collaboration and co-production of Virginia-class submarines.

Directs further collaboration between the AUKUS countries on IT infrastructure and directs the Department of Defense to provide an update on who it has assigned to be the senior civilian defense official to lead the U.S. work on this agreement and continue the updates required by the FY24 NDAA.

Taiwan: Authorizes funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and directs the Department of Defense to engage with Taiwan to develop a joint program to codevelop and coproduce uncrewed and counter-uncrewed capabilities.

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.

Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Directs an initiative to strengthen security cooperation across the respective defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA) Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Philippines alliance through increased U.S. security assistance.

Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to limit the PRC’s attempts to strengthen its global reach by expanding its overseas basing efforts.

Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to help reunite Korean Americans who have been separated from their relatives in North Korea since the Korean War.

Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Curtis (R-UT), and Chris Coons (D-DE) to address ongoing gang violence in Haiti.

Israel: Authorizes funding for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. Since February 2024, Kaine has called for the transfer of defensive, rather than offensive, weapons to Israel in order to prevent further escalation that puts civilians and U.S. servicemembers in the region at risk.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems:

Provides authorities for the protection of military installations, nuclear facilities, and key infrastructure from unmanned aerial systems. This comes after several drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base and other sites in Hampton Roads in December 2023.

Requires the Department of Defense to develop a roadmap for the small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) industrial base to support existing sUAS programs.

Requires a briefing on the plan for installation commanders to engage UAS on U.S. military installations by both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-slams-trumps-reckless-and-corrupt-decision-to-allow-nvidia-to-sell-advanced-chips-to-china,Video: Kaine Slams Trump’s Reckless & Corrupt Decision to Allow Nvidia to Sell Advanced Chips to China,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Tim Kaine,K000384,www.kaine.senate.gov,kaine,https://www.kaine.senate.gov/news,scraper,"FULL VIDEO OF KAINE’S SPEECH IS AVAILABLE HERE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, spoke on the Senate floor sounding the alarm about the Trump Administration’s dangerous decision to allow Nvidia to sell advanced H200 chips to Chinese commercial customers and the threat this poses to U.S. national security. Kaine has spoken out about how this sale would allow China to use H200 chips to erode America’s advantage in artificial intelligence (AI), expand Chinese military capabilities, and threaten the U.S. and our allies.

“I rise today to express deep concern and frustration over President Trump’s decision to approve the sale of advanced Nvidia H200 AI chips to the People’s Republic of China,” said Kaine. “I am worried that the transfer of these chips will compromise U.S. security and enable the People’s Republic of China to catch up in one area where the U.S. has a significant and very qualitative advantage over the PRC.”

“For decades, under administrations of both parties, the United States has adhered to a simple principle: we do not sell our most advanced security-critical technology to adversaries. That principle exists for a reason,” Kaine said.

“Advanced semiconductors like Nvidia's H200 chip are not consumer gadgets. They're matters of national security. They're the foundation of the future of warfare. They are our edge—the United States’ edge in the development of the technologies of the future.” Kaine continued, “Right now, that future is up for grabs.”

“We protect our chips because they preserve America's advantage in space, cyberspace and importantly, nuclear deterrence,” Kaine said. “The H200 is used to train and deploy frontier AI systems—systems that U.S. national security agencies have long warned have numerous military and intelligence applications.”

“Even the CEO of China’s leading AI firm has admitted publicly that the access to advanced chips is their biggest bottleneck,” continued Kaine. “President Trump is now solving this problem for China.”

“The Administration claims that in exchange … the United States will receive a share of the revenue,” said Kaine. “…But that admission should alarm us. Decisions that were once made purely on our national security priorities are now apparently up for sale, and the Administration’s justification that this will somehow keep China hooked on U.S. technology doesn’t withstand normal scrutiny… They’ll take these chips, reverse engineer them, and produce their own, and wipe out the edge that we now have with China in this critical defense technology.”

“I’m very, very nervous that the President is bartering away this edge and may barter away other edges to those who are lobbying and contributing to him. And this is a pattern we’ve seen—transactional politics jeopardizing our security,” Kaine said. “China is reaping … the rewards of this. They're already leading or rapidly catching up in so many critical industries. Why would we give up an edge in this one? The American people are watching this play out. They're particularly concerned about China, about China's advances, and about [the United States] giving up the edge we have over China in this key area.”

Kaine concluded, “That’s why I’ve signed on with many in this body… to Senators Ricketts and Coons’ SAFE Chips Act, which would insist upon rigorous export controls over these chips, particularly as they might be transferred to China, the People’s Republic of North Korea, Iran, and Russia… I urge my colleagues to get on board with this legislation and make sure that we don’t harm our national security by transferring technologies of such incredible importance to our country.”

Last week, in a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Kaine expressed his concern regarding the Nvidia sale and pressed witnesses on whether the State Department, Department of Defense, and other national security agencies should have more of a role to play in this decision. Kaine also strongly supports the Secure and Feasible Exports (SAFE) of Chips Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would codify into law current limitations and controls for advanced AI chip sales to foreign adversaries.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-mcgarvey-introduce-bill-to-support-families-of-mine-workers-who-died-of-black-lung-disease,"Warner, Kaine, McGarvey Introduce Bill to Support Families of Mine Workers Who Died of Black Lung Disease",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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) introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, legislation that would remove barriers to benefits and ensure that families of miners who have died from black lung are properly compensated. A companion bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Grieving families in Virginia’s mining communities shouldn’t have to worry about fighting red tape or taking on hefty financial burdens,” said Warner. “I’m proud to stand alongside Rep. McGarvey and reintroduce the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which will ensure that families struggling with the loss of a loved one receive the benefits they deserve.”

“Miners take on enormous burdens to power our communities, and it’s unacceptable that many families of deceased miners are struggling to access their benefits,” said Kaine. “These families deserve our care and support, which is why we’re introducing this bill to cut red tape and make it easier for them to secure critical resources they need.”

“When families are navigating the grief of losing a loved one and the financial worries that come with it, they shouldn’t be subjected to a lengthy and expensive legal process just to prove what we already know: miners work in dangerous conditions to power this country and pay for it with their own health and lives,” said McGarvey. “The burden should be on the coal companies, not grieving widows, to either prove there’s no connection to black lung or pay these families what they’re owed as a small step towards addressing the irreparable harm miners endured on the job. I’m grateful to Senator Warner for staying in this fight and doing everything we can to make it easier for these families to get the benefits they’ve more than earned.”

Specifically, the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act would:

Re-establish a pre-1981 “rebuttable presumption” that a miner who died from respiratory-related conditions had died due to black lung if the miner was previously disabled due to black lung.

Improve legal representation by paying attorneys’ fees and medical expenses incurred during the claims process.

Request a Government Accountability Office report on the financial impact of these payments and other ways to improve the claims process and benefits for survivors.

Research has shown that repeated exposure to coal dust and other materials puts miners at risk of developing black lung disease. Inhaling dust scars the lungs, impairs breathing, and other respiratory complications that can have life-altering consequences and lead to disability and death.

Under current law, miners’ surviving dependents can claim monthly payments and medical benefits through the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, but must prove black lung substantially contributed to the miner’s death, even if the miner was diagnosed with black lung and died of respiratory illness, imposing a heavy legal and financial burden on survivors’ families who lack the resources of mine operators and their lawyers.

The bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=5998FBDD-C1D4-4E7D-9393-0EA1990B9D2E,Warner & Justice Introduce Legislation to Make Child Care More Affordable,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 Justice (D-WV) introduced the Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act, bipartisan legislation to address the nationwide shortage of child care options. Through the creation of a new commonsense tax credit, this legislation would help providers attract and retain qualified staff, thereby tackling one of the key contributors to the child care affordability crisis: the industry’s workforce challenges.

This legislation comes as child care costs continue to surge around the country, often outpacing the rate of overall inflation. In West Virginia, the cost of day care for one toddler and one infant has surpassed $20,000 per year. In Virginia, that cost has surpassed $30,700 per year.

“From health care premiums to groceries to utility bills, life is only getting more and more expensive for American families, and for many, the math simply doesn’t work without affordable child care,” said Sen. Warner. “Child care is the foundation that allows parents to earn a living while providing kids with the head start they deserve. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to address the workforce challenges contributing to our nation’s child care crisis.""

“Childcare providers simply can’t afford to pay their workers enough without passing those high costs on to parents. Families in West Virginia and across the country are spending thousands of dollars just to secure reliable childcare - it must be addressed. By creating a targeted tax credit tied directly to caregiver wages, we can pay the people who take care of our kids what they deserve while giving our hard-working families some breathing room,” said Sen. Justice.

In the U.S., child care workers earn less than the typical worker despite a high level of responsibility and demanding training requirements. These low wages lead to high turnover and difficulty in recruitment, ultimately resulting in fewer available classroom slots and higher costs for families. The bipartisan Child Care Supply Tax Credit Act creates a new tax credit for eligible child care facilities to help offset the cost of employee wages, incentivizing higher pay for workers who directly care for children, while preventing the benefit from going toward administrative overhead.

Bill text of this legislation is available here. A one-pager is available here.

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere*",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=71B56CE2-8F76-498E-BD37-1B785DEFD367,"Warner, Kaine, McGarvey Introduce Bill to Support Families of Mine Workers who Died of Black Lung Disease",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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) introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, legislation that would remove barriers to benefits and ensure that families of miners who have died from black lung are properly compensated. A companion bill was introduced by Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Grieving families in Virginia’s mining communities shouldn’t have to worry about fighting red tape or taking on hefty financial burdens,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to stand alongside Rep. McGarvey and reintroduce the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act, which will ensure that families struggling with the loss of a loved one receive the benefits they deserve.”

“Miners take on enormous burdens to power our communities, and it’s unacceptable that many families of deceased miners are struggling to access their benefits,” said Sen. Kaine. “These families deserve our care and support, which is why we’re introducing this bill to cut red tape and make it easier for them to secure critical resources they need.”

“When families are navigating the grief of losing a loved one and the financial worries that come with it, they shouldn’t be subjected to a lengthy and expensive legal process just to prove what we already know: miners work in dangerous conditions to power this country and pay for it with their own health and lives,” said Rep. McGarvey. “The burden should be on the coal companies, not grieving widows, to either prove there’s no connection to black lung or pay these families what they’re owed as a small step towards addressing the irreparable harm miners endured on the job. I’m grateful to Senator Warner for staying in this fight and doing everything we can to make it easier for these families to get the benefits they’ve more than earned.”

Specifically, the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act would:

Re-establish a pre-1981 “rebuttable presumption” that a miner who died from respiratory-related conditions had died due to black lung if the miner was previously disabled due to black lung.

Improve legal representation by paying attorneys’ fees and medical expenses incurred during the claims process.

Request a Government Accountability Office report on the financial impact of these payments and other ways to improve the claims process and benefits for survivors.

Research has shown that repeated exposure to coal dust and other materials puts miners at risk of developing black lung disease. Inhaling dust scars the lungs, impairs breathing, and other respiratory complications that can have life-altering consequences and lead to disability and death.

Under current law, miners’ surviving dependents can claim monthly payments and medical benefits through the Black Lung Benefits Act of 1972, but must prove black lung substantially contributed to the miner’s death, even if the miner was diagnosed with black lung and died of respiratory illness, imposing a heavy legal and financial burden on survivors’ families who lack the resources of mine operators and their lawyers.

The bill text can be found here.

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere*",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=A7854C48-E60A-490D-B61B-5E60A53AC73E,Warner Leads Bipartisan Effort to Push FTC to Crack Down on Surveillance Pricing With Holiday Shopping Season Underway,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, in the thick of the holiday shopping season, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) led Sens. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Richard Blumental (D-CT), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) in pushing the Trump administration to crack down on surveillance pricing, which eliminates a fixed or static price in favor of prices that are specially tailored to an individual consumer’s willingness to pay. As part of this letter, the senators highlight a 2024 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study that found companies used “a wide range of personal data to set individualized consumer prices.” That study was shut down by FTC chair Andrew Ferguson, who cancelled the public comment period, effectively ending the study in January.

“As the FTC has documented, businesses are increasingly using personal data, such as demographic information, precise location, or even web browsing history, to target individual consumers with different prices for the same goods and services. Surveillance pricing builds upon not only the data that a company holds on a prospective customer, but also data purchased from shady data brokers,” wrote the senators. “Recent concerns about surveillance pricing for airline tickets illustrate the dangers of this highly intrusive – and for consumers financially burdensome – practice. Fetcherr, an A.I. analytics company, suggested it was developing pricing algorithms for airlines that would target individuals with specific prices that consider “factors like customer lifetime value, past purchase behaviors, and the real-time context of each booking inquiry” to drive up revenue.”

As part of this letter, the senators highlighted the Biden-era FTC study, which examined how companies tracked consumer behaviors – including a person’s precise location, browser history, and even mouse movements on a webpage – to inform their surveillance pricing tactics.

“The Commission had already begun a comprehensive market investigation into surveillance pricing under its Section 6(b) authority and issued a preliminary staff report on its findings. The 6(b) study explored the use cases and industries in which surveillance pricing is occurring and has helped reveal some of the details of this opaque business,” the senators continued. “The FTC found within its requests at least 250 businesses including grocery stores, apparel retailers, health and beauty retailers, home goods and furnishing stores, convenience stores, and hardware stores had adopted surveillance pricing strategies. Consumers deserve a fair playing field, where they’re not at the mercy of amorphous data brokers capturing their data and using it to determine their maximum financial pain point for a good or service. We urge the Commission to publish its Section 6(b) study on surveillance pricing and then take rulemaking and enforcement actions to reign in this exploitative practice.”

This effort follows strong leadership from Sens. Warner, Gallego and Blumenthal, who earlier this year demanded answers from Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian after the company announced its plans to ramp up use of Artificial Intelligence to set surveillance-based ticket prices.

The full text of the letter is available here and below:

The Honorable Andrew N. Ferguson

Chairman

Federal Trade Commission

600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20580

Dear Chairman Ferguson:

We write to express our concern with the practice of “surveillance pricing” and to urge the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) to crack down on the increasingly common practice of companies using personal information to raise prices for consumers. We call on the Commission to re-open its market investigation into surveillance pricing and to take appropriate steps to protect consumers, including enforcement actions and rulemakings.

As the FTC has documented, businesses are increasingly using personal data, such as demographic information, precise location, or even web browsing history, to target individual consumers with different prices for the same goods and services. Surveillance pricing builds upon not only the data that a company holds on a prospective customer, but also data purchased from shady data brokers. The practice of surveillance pricing has also given rise to new tech companies that claim to use “advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technologies with personal information about consumers ... to categorize individuals and set a targeted price for a product or service” – sophisticated specialists in raising costs on consumers.

Recent concerns about surveillance pricing for airline tickets illustrate the dangers of this highly intrusive — and for consumers financially burdensome — practice. Fetcherr, an A.I. analytics company, suggested it was developing pricing algorithms for airlines that would target individuals with specific prices that consider “factors like customer lifetime value, past purchase behaviors, and the real-time context of each booking inquiry” to drive up revenue. Taken together, airlines could find each consumers pain point and extract the most revenue, taking advantage of urgent trips. These concerns build on existing anxieties about airlines using dynamic pricing. Moreover Fetcherr’s ambitions to “[expand] into new verticals like hotels, cargo logistics, and even finance” illustrates the growth of this practice.

The Commission had already begun a comprehensive market investigation into surveillance pricing under its Section 6(b) authority and issued a preliminary staff report on its findings. The 6(b) study explored the use cases and industries in which surveillance pricing is occurring and has helped reveal some of the details of this opaque business. The FTC found within its requests at least 250 businesses including grocery stores, apparel retailers, health and beauty retailers, home goods and furnishing stores, convenience stores, and hardware stores had adopted surveillance pricing strategies. Consumers deserve a fair playing field, where they’re not at the mercy of amorphous data brokers capturing their data and using it to determine their maximum financial pain point for a good or service.

We urge the Commission to publish its Section 6(b) study on surveillance pricing and then take rulemaking and enforcement actions to reign in this exploitative practice

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8748,Bipartisan Leaders of the Joint Economic Committee Issue Requests to Federal Agencies on Efforts to Crack Down on Overseas Scam Networks,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee Chairman David Schweikert (R-AZ), Ranking Member Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Vice Chairman Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Senior House Democrat Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued requests to federal agencies for information on their efforts to crack down on overseas scam networks that steal from Americans.

Last year alone, Americans lost an estimated $10 billion from scams that originate in Southeast Asian compounds and often rely on U.S.-based technologies to identify and target victims. In letters to the U.S. Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Department of the Treasury, Department of State, and Federal Trade Commission, the Members of Congress asked the agencies about their coordination across government and engagement with the private sector to disrupt overseas scam networks and protect Americans from scams.

“Online scammers overseas routinely use technology or online platforms owned by American companies to defraud victims in the United States,” wrote Chairman Schweikert, Ranking Member Hassan, Vice Chairman Schmitt, and Senior House Democrat Beyer. “As the Administration acts to thwart bad actors and their corrosive attacks on our nation, whether in response to fentanyl trafficking or criminal cartel organizations, these scam compounds represent a necessary front.”

The bipartisan request to federal agencies follows an alert issued by the four Joint Economic Committee leaders warning consumers about the heightened risk of travel scams during the holiday season.

Read all the letters to federal agencies from the Joint Economic Committee members here, or their letter to the Department of the Treasury below:

Dear Secretary Bessent,

We are writing to request information about the ways in which the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and U.S. technology companies are engaging to disrupt overseas scam networks and protect Americans from fraud and the foreign adversaries that enflame it, as well as the staff and other resources that the Treasury dedicates to this effort. Last year, overseas scam networks stole an estimated $10 billion from Americans through sophisticated criminal compounds that are based in Southeast Asia and are often staffed through the forced labor of trafficked workers. These scam compounds often rely on U.S.-based technologies—including social media and online dating platforms, artificial intelligence models, peer-to-peer payment applications, and satellite internet services—to identify, target, and defraud victims. New technology has contributed to the proliferation of these overseas compounds in recent years. Still, “U.S. efforts [to expose and deter this growing threat] remain fragmented and under-resourced,” according to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC).

Online scammers overseas routinely use technology or online platforms owned by American companies to defraud victims in the United States. For instance, to begin a scam, criminals frequently initiate contact with potential victims on American-owned social media and online dating platforms. In the first half of 2023, at least half of individuals who reported financial losses from an online romance scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that the scam began on a social media platform. Similarly, a co-owner of one popular peer-to-peer payment application notes that nearly half of the scams that its consumers report originate on social media. In addition, more than half of online dating users believe that they have encountered a scam. Scammers can also lend credibility to their communications through the use of artificial intelligence models developed and owned by American companies. In a February 2025 report, for example, one leading artificial intelligence company noted that scammers in Cambodia had used its technology to generate personalized English-language messages and sustain conversations with users on social media.

Once they gain a victim’s trust, overseas scammers then solicit payments through American-owned peer-to-peer payment applications, where transfers are instant and, as the FTC notes, difficult to reverse. Finally, as an official from the U.S. Secret Service testified to Congress, scam compounds in Southeast Asia are increasingly turning to American-owned satellite internet services for the connectivity that often makes these online scams possible.

Moreover, scam compounds in Southeast Asia reportedly operate with the tacit approval of Chinese state actors as part of a symbiotic relationship built on the exploitation of others. As described in the USCC report on these networks, criminal actors like Chinese crime boss Wan Kuok-Koi (“Broken Tooth”) have reinvented themselves into pro-CCP businesspeople as they rebuild their criminal networks. Broken Tooth operates a multi-billion-dollar scam network in China’s backyard near the Thailand–Myanmar border—reportedly laundering corrupt profits into the failing Chinese real estate sector and spreading CCP propaganda. As discussed above, scams perpetrated by Chinese criminal networks have devastated U.S. citizens. Last year, an 82-year-old Virginia man named Dennis took his own life after losing his life savings to a scam.

As the Administration acts to thwart bad actors and their corrosive attacks on our nation—whether in response to fentanyl trafficking or criminal cartel organizations—these scam compounds represent a necessary front. The Government Accountability Office (GAO), for instance, has recommended that the Federal Bureau of Investigation lead the development of a government-wide strategy to combat scams that would address the “coordination of federal and business activities.” Industry representatives interviewed for the audit similarly called for what the GAO described as “a multisector approach, to include telecommunications and social media companies, as well as law enforcement to address fraudulently induced payments.” Officials from one of the world’s largest financial institutions also expressed support for public–private partnerships as part of a whole-of-government response. Similarly, the USCC has argued that improved coordination between the U.S. government and technology companies could be part of the solution to this problem. With no additional response, however, “criminal groups will likely continue exploiting platforms and services to target Americans with impunity.”

To aid the Joint Economic Committee in understanding the Treasury’s current efforts and engagement with U.S. technology companies to combat overseas scam compounds and the actors that enable these scams, please provide responses to the following information requests:

1. Please identify all U.S. social media, online dating, artificial intelligence, peer-to-peer payment application, and satellite internet service companies with which the Treasury currently engages to disrupt activity from overseas scam compounds, and describe the frequency and nature of each engagement.

2. What specific tools or data do U.S. technology companies currently provide to the Treasury as part of these engagements?

3. Please describe any non-confidential coordination between the Treasury, U.S. technology companies, and other federal agencies that led to a federal enforcement action against an overseas scam compound or the foreign actors supporting the compound.

4. Please provide the Treasury’s total budget and current full-time equivalent staff dedicated to combating activity from overseas scam compounds.

5. What metrics, if any, does the Treasury use to evaluate the effectiveness of its efforts to combat activity from overseas scam compounds? If the Treasury plans to improve or develop these metrics, please describe how this will be achieved.

6. What dollar amount did the Treasury help save or return to victims of activity from overseas scam compounds in Fiscal Year 2024 and Fiscal Year 2025 to date as a result of its efforts to combat these scams?

7. Please describe the Treasury’s coordination with the following entities to combat activity from overseas scam compounds. For each entity, identify the Treasury offices involved; the scope and frequency of coordination; and any specific initiatives, joint operations, or information-sharing mechanisms:

- a. Other U.S. federal agencies;

- b. Foreign government or law enforcement agencies; and

- c. International government or law enforcement agencies.

8. If the Treasury plans to improve its current coordination activities related to the issues mentioned above, please describe how this will be achieved.

9. What additional tools, if any, would help aid the Treasury in combating criminal scamming networks and the foreign actors supporting these networks?

Please provide your responses as soon as possible, but in no event later than January 21, 2026.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8750,Beyer Introduces Legislation to Invest in George Washington Memorial Parkway Safety and Maintenance,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today introduced legislation that would allow for revenue generated from speed camera enforcement on roads within the National Park System, such as the George Washington Memorial Parkway, to be reinvested for safety improvements, road maintenance, and related infrastructure needs in the parks where violations occur.

“Speeding is a persistent and dangerous problem along the George Washington Memorial Parkway – and on Parkways across the country – that threatens drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “This bill enables revenue from speed camera enforcement to be reinvested within our national parks to fund safety improvements, critical maintenance, and educational efforts without diverting resources from these treasured public lands. It is smart, responsible policy that keeps Americans safe and strengthens the national parks and major transportation corridors they use every day.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-slams-trump-administrations-absurd-rationale-boat-strikes-votes,"Scott Slams Trump Administration’s Absurd Rationale for Boat Strikes, Votes to Stop Military Action in Venezuela",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 adoption of H.Con.Res. 61, directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with presidentially designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere; and H.Con.Res. 64, directing the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress:

“I voted to stop the Trump Administration from continuing its dubiously legal military actions towards Venezuela. These deadly boat strikes began under the guise of stopping illicit drugs from entering the United States. Multiple cabinet officials have claimed that President Trump’s actions have saved hundreds of millions of American lives. These numbers are comically absurd. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 81,000 individuals died in the United States last year from any drug overdose.

“In addition to the simple-minded exaggerations about numbers, we must also examine if this is even an effective means of curtailing drug use. Any suggestion that these military actions attacking boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific are reducing drug use in the United States is itself an exaggeration. The Congressional Budget Office cannot confirm that this policy is reducing drug use or drug overdoses.

“The research is clear. Evidence-based approaches, like education and rehabilitation treatment, are the most cost-effective strategies in reducing illicit drug use as opposed to spending millions of taxpayer dollars on blowing up random fishing boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. Yet the Trump Administration is aggressively dismantling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the very federal agency that focuses on mental health and drug addiction treatment. The fact that this strategy lacks any cost-effective justification should end this action. And that is before any consideration of war crimes and murder. Several weeks ago, I sent letters to the Trump Administration asking for documentation and clarity about this interdiction strategy. Not surprisingly, I received no response.

“And earlier today, Stephen Miller, one of President Trump’s senior advisors, has taken the mask off and revealed that these boat strikes were not really about stopping drugs from entering the United States. Instead, he has clarified their main motivation in the strikes and ramping up of military hostilities is the oil that moves through Venezuela.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-republican-health-care-bill,McClellan Statement on the Republican Health Care Bill,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 the House voted on the health care bill brought forward by Republicans that does not include an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“For months, I have sounded the alarm on the devastating impact that the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits would have on millions of Americans. Those concerns have largely fallen on deaf ears, as House Republican leadership refuses to address the looming health care crisis they created.

“Now, in the eleventh hour, Republican leadership brought forth a bill that does nothing to bring down costs for the millions of Americans who will see their health insurance premiums skyrocket in just 15 days, while recycling failed ideas from their prior efforts to repeal and replace the ACA.

“House Republicans have paid for permanent tax breaks for billionaires on the backs of the American people. At a time when people are already struggling with higher costs for everything from groceries to utilities to child care, this bill will only heighten anxieties around health care costs, as individuals are forced to make impossible choices between paying for their health care, food on the table or rent.

“It is not too late to change course. A majority of House members now support voting on a three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. Yet Speaker Johnson and House Republican leadership would rather play games with people’s lives than provide much-needed relief to millions who just want to know they can get the care they need without going bankrupt. I’ll keep fighting in Washington to deliver that relief this holiday season and keep health care affordable for all.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=217,Walkinshaw Demands Speaker Johnson Hold Immediate Vote to Extend ACA Premium Tax Credits,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) released the following statement after House Democrats’ discharge petition to force a vote on extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits reached 218 signatures.

“Enough stalling, Speaker Johnson. Let’s vote today.

A majority of the House supports extending ACA premium tax credits. There is zero excuse for delay.

In Fairfax, Jack, a young dad, went uninsured so his wife and newborn could stay covered. If these tax credits expire, thousands of my constituents will lose coverage or face skyrocketing costs.

Congress shouldn’t leave for the holidays until we vote. Speaker Johnson: do the right thing. Bring it to the floor, and let’s vote today.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/12/17/2025/kaine-applauds-senate-passage-of-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense-bill,Kaine Applauds Senate Passage of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Bill,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes key provisions Kaine secured to advance U.S. national security, support servicemembers and their families, boost Virginia’s defense industry, and strengthen relations with allies and partners:

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m always proud of our bipartisan work in the annual defense bill to advance our national security and support military personnel and families. I’m particularly excited that this year’s bill includes many provisions I secured, including investments in our nation’s shipbuilding programs, a pay raise for servicemembers, increased funding for military construction at installations across Virginia, and legislation to strengthen our alliances in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. I also secured the inclusion of my bipartisan bill to repeal the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force so we can formally end the Iraq wars. I urge President Trump to sign the bill as soon as possible.”

During the SASC markup of the FY26 NDAA, an amendment to restore the names of three Virginia military bases to those chosen by a bipartisan commission was passed by voice vote. The House Armed Services Committee similarly passed an amendment to restore the names of all military bases on a bipartisan basis. However, the provisions were removed at the last minute because President Trump indicated that he would veto the entire defense bill over it like he did in 2020.

Kaine successfully secured the following provisions:

Pay Raises, Allowances, and Workforce Recruitment:

Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel.

Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that pay statements for military servicemembers include clear descriptions for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction.

Provides the Secretary of Defense with direct hiring authority for up to 60 graduates of the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) every calendar year and requires a report to Congress on the use of this hiring authority. DCTC is a pilot program that recruits and trains college students for careers as Department of Defense civilian employees.

Repeal of 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs): Includes bipartisan legislation led by Kaine and Senator Todd Young (R-IN) to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMFs and formally end the Iraq wars. The legislation was included in the House and Senate's version of this year’s NDAA.

Aviation Safety: Requires that all aircraft of the Department of Defense that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology with some exceptions for certain training exercises that are complicated by this technology. Requires that the Department of Defense improve how it shares aviation safety data with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that took the lives of 67 people. Kaine shaped the original version of this provision, which was later altered during the conference process. He has emphasized that the final version of the provision is only an intermediate step, and that he will work with colleagues to incorporate recommendations from the forthcoming National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Army investigations in future legislation, including legislation to remove slots from DCA.

Shipbuilding Investments:

Authorizes procurement of naval surface vessels, including Medium Landing Ships.

Authorizes increased funding for one Virginia-class submarine.

Authorizes procurement of five Columbia-class submarines.

Requires the Secretary of the Navy to move leadership for surface ship maintenance at private shipyards to Type Commanders and directs a new contracting strategy that emphasizes workforce stability and collaborative planning.

Exempts the public shipyard workforce from reductions related to spending cuts or reprogramming of funds and protects personnel on probationary status.

Contaminated Wells Relocation Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan, bicameral legislation to authorize NASA to negotiate an agreement with the Town of Chincoteague to address costs associated with relocating contaminated water wells, reimburse for those identified costs, and provide more local control of the water supply to the Town of Chincoteague. Several of the Town’s wells are located on NASA property and have been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 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 bill offers a permanent solution to resolve the contamination management hurdle while saving the federal government money.

Military Construction: Authorizes $890,460,000 for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.

$380,000,000 for Public-Private Venture (PPV) unaccompanied housing for junior enlisted sailors stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Naval Air Station Oceana, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, and Newport News Shipyard. Part of this funding will be used to construct a housing facility for 1,500 sailors near Newport News Shipyard. Kaine has advocated for better housing for sailors near the shipyard to improve quality of life following multiple suicides by sailors assigned to the USS George Washington during its long maintenance and refueling overhaul.

$188,000,000 for Dry Dock 3 modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

$93,300,000 for Electric Distribution System upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk.

$71,700,000 for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown.

$63,500,000 for a Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

$34,000,000 for operations center at the Pentagon.

$20,400,000 for MQ-25 facilities at Naval Station Norfolk.

$15,500,000 for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston.

$12,360,000 for a Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

$11,700,000 for a Child Development Center at Naval Station Norfolk.

Military Housing:

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

Requires the Secretary of Defense to publish a clear, accessible document that explains how Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are determined.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an alternative methodology for calculating BAH based on the typical cost of housing units by number of bedrooms, conduct a pilot program using the new methodology, and brief Congress on the findings.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to include additional oversight mechanisms for any renegotiation of the contract under the Global Household Goods Contract or negotiation of a new contract under the Global Household Goods Contract of any successor program or contract.

Health Care:

Expands efforts to mitigate and treat traumatic brain injuries and blast overpressure-related injuries.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to authorize military medical treatment facilities to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations to all victims, not just those who are eligible under TRICARE.

Requires the National Guard Bureau to provide an annual report on the number of Guardsmen who participate in Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training per year.

Requires the establishment of a demonstration program to expand partnerships between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for the purpose of increasing case volume for graduate medical education programs.

Military Families:

Authorizes funding for child care fee assistance programs to eliminate fee assistance wait lists for eligible families.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff and improve special education offerings at Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools.

Requires an update to existing DODEA regulations on the student use of portable electronic mobile devices in DODEA schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment.

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 to support schools.

Oversight of Military Action in Caribbean: Fences certain travel funding for the Secretary of Defense until he provides unredacted videos of all strikes that have occurred in Latin America as well as copies of all classified Execute Orders (EXORDS) issued by the Department of Defense.

European Security, NATO, and Ukraine:

Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture in Europe or relinquishment of U.S. command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Authorizes funding for the NATO Security Investment Program.

Extends and authorizes funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report on acceleration options for the JUMPSTART initiative, which allows European partners to purchase weapons for Ukraine from U.S. defense companies.

Australia-U.K.-U.S. (AUKUS) Partnership:

Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to strengthen the AUKUS agreement by streamlining defense industrial base collaboration and co-production of Virginia-class submarines.

Directs further collaboration between the AUKUS countries on IT infrastructure and directs the Department of Defense to provide an update on who it has assigned to be the senior civilian defense official to lead the U.S. work on this agreement and continue the updates required by the FY24 NDAA.

Taiwan: Authorizes funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and directs the Department of Defense to engage with Taiwan to develop a joint program to codevelop and coproduce uncrewed and counter-uncrewed capabilities.

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.

Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Directs an initiative to strengthen security cooperation across the respective defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act (PERA) Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Philippines alliance through increased U.S. security assistance.

Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) to limit the PRC’s attempts to strengthen its global reach by expanding its overseas basing efforts.

Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to help reunite Korean Americans who have been separated from their relatives in North Korea since the Korean War.

Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act: Includes Kaine’s bipartisan legislation with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Curtis (R-UT), and Chris Coons (D-DE) to address ongoing gang violence in Haiti.

Israel: Authorizes funding for the Israeli Cooperative Missile Defense Program, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. Since February 2024, Kaine has called for the transfer of defensive, rather than offensive, weapons to Israel in order to prevent further escalation that puts civilians and U.S. servicemembers in the region at risk.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems:

Provides authorities for the protection of military installations, nuclear facilities, and key infrastructure from unmanned aerial systems. This comes after several drone incursions over Langley Air Force Base and other sites in Hampton Roads in December 2023.

Requires the Department of Defense to develop a roadmap for the small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) industrial base to support existing sUAS programs.

Requires a briefing on the plan for installation commanders to engage UAS on U.S. military installations by both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-banks-introduce-bill-to-eliminate-antiquated-tax-on-student-loans,Kaine & Banks Introduce Bill to Eliminate Antiquated Tax on Student Loans,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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, (D-VA) and U.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the Student Loan Tax Elimination Act, legislation to remove antiquated “origination fees” for federal student loans.

“Student loan debt is holding Virginia families and the overall economy back,” said Kaine. “It should be easier, not harder, for American students to afford to go to college if that is the right path for them. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan, commonsense legislation to finally get rid of an antiquated tax on student loan borrowers.”

“Students deserve a fair deal when paying for college,” said Banks. “My bill ends a hidden tax on student loans and ensures our next generation has a greater opportunity to receive a more affordable education.”

Origination fees were historically intended to offset costs incurred by the private-sector partners that serviced federal student loans. Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans are charged a fee of 1.057 percent, with PLUS loans receiving a fee of 4 percent. In 2010, Congress shifted responsibility for all federal student loans from private-sector partners to the U.S. Department of Education – but these fees remained in place and have been burdening borrowers since. The Student Loan Tax Elimination Act would finally remove these fees, eliminating what has been tantamount to a needless tax on student loan borrowers.

Kaine has vigorously advocated for policies to make a high-quality education more affordable for Virginians and for all Americans. In April 2025, Kaine and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation to expand federal student loan repayment options. In February 2025, Kaine introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, legislation to allow students to use federal Pell Grants for shorter-term job training programs; parts of this legislation became law in July 2025.

The legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). U.S. Representatives Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) and Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-applaud-unanimous-senate-passage-of-aviation-safety-legislation-sending-it-to-the-house,"Warner & Kaine Applaud Unanimous Senate Passage of Aviation Safety Legislation, Sending It to the House",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 welcomed Senate approval of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, sending it to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year, comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that tragically claimed 67 lives.

“Congress owes it to the traveling public, and to the families who lost loved ones in the January 29 crash over the Potomac River, to address the systemic flaws that contributed to this tragedy,” said Warner and Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is a meaningful step forward to ensure the safety and security of air travel. It strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and requires comprehensive safety reviews of DCA and other busy airports. We urge the House to act quickly so this legislation can become law and provide real protections for passengers, flight crews, first responders, and the families still grieving the loss of their loved ones. When the NTSB and Army release their comprehensive reports about the crash, we stand ready to determine the next best steps Congress can take to further improve aviation safety, including removing slots from DCA.”

The January 29 crash over the Potomac River exposed multiple system failures, including the Army Black Hawk not transmitting safety-enhancing ADS-B technology (radio systems that aircraft use to share their positions with each other and with air traffic control), unsafe route design for mixed traffic near DCA, and lack of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) coordination to prevent future incidents. The ROTOR Act addresses these specific failures, as well as broader long-standing FAA air traffic controller shortages, FAA internal safety management systems, and the need for important post-accident safety reviews.

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act specifically:

Expands ADS-B In and Out Implementation for Commercial and Military Aircraft: Establishes a clear 2031 deadline for aircraft operators to equip with ADS-B In technology to provide pilots increased situational awareness and provide traffic advisories and alerting for airport operations to reduce the risk of mid-air and runway collisions. All commercial (e.g. passenger, cargo, business), military and general aviation operators who are already required by the FAA to be equipped with ADS-B Out must also equip with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031. The agreement also ends many Department of Defense (DoD) longstanding ADS-B Out transmission exemptions that have allowed military and other government aircraft to fly near DCA and other busy airports without transmitting their location. Training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing pre- and post-reform use of exemptions, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly reporting requirements for all agencies performing sensitive government missions, and biannual reporting to Congress on the frequency of flights using any remaining exemptions, with special 14-day notification if agencies use exemptions five or more times per month.

Requires Comprehensive Safety Reviews of DCA and All Major, Mid-size Airports: Requires a comprehensive FAA safety review of DCA airspace to assess how civil and military helicopter, drone, and emergency first responder flights impact commercial operations at airports and to better prevent future incidents. These reviews ensure a thorough evaluation of all non-commercial flight routes near the airport. The agreement requires the same comprehensive FAA safety review of other Class B airports and Class C airports, prioritizing safety reviews for airports with high volumes of mixed flight traffic.

Sets New Level of Coordination and Information Sharing Between FAA and DoD: The bipartisan agreement requires each military service with an aviation component to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to share appropriate aviation safety information and enhance coordination to prevent future incidents.

Reviews Army Policies and Standards: Mandates an Army Inspector General audit evaluating coordination with FAA, pilot training standards, ADS-B usage compliance, helicopter maintenance protocols, and the Army's review of loss of separation incidents in the National Capital Region. Results must be transmitted to Congress and publicly released within 14 days of completion.

Advances Next-Generation Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAS-X): Lays the foundation for advancing the deployment of next generation collision avoidance technology – known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) and its variants that can deliver strong improvements for aviation safety. During NTSB’s hearings on the DCA collision, this technology was discussed due to its more versatile applications to helicopter operations. This technology provides better traffic conflict resolution alerts to pilots and can better prevent mid-air helicopter collisions at lower altitudes where existing collision avoidance technology does not activate. The agreement directs FAA to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for widespread adoption of the technology among aviation operators.

Warner and Kaine have been closely involved with the investigation of the January 29th collision, meeting with first responders and offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost immediately following the tragedy. The senators also saw through passage of a legislation to remember the victims of the crash. Warner and Kaine also requested answers from FAA on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision. In March of this year, the senators responded to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the crash. Earlier this month, the Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision Kaine secured to require all aircraft of the Defense Department that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. The senators have also sounded the alarm for years about the need for increased safety for the flying public, including fighting against additional flights out of DCA that contribute to overcrowding.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=183F3505-251F-4FBE-ACE4-212D35B80E30,"Warner, Colleagues Blast FCC Efforts to Strip Broadband Price Transparency Labels for Consumers, Demand Reversal",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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) and seven of his colleagues urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to reverse the agency’s decision to weaken broadband label rules that help consumers understand the type of broadband services they are buying before committing to a provider.

In a letter to Chairman Carr, the senators expressed strong opposition to the FCC’s proposed rulemaking that would scale back key broadband consumer label requirements that the FCC adopted unanimously in 2022. Congress directed the FCC to create broadband labels in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in order to improve consumers’ ability to get a better understanding of the broadband services that they are paying for and receiving.

“The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit. After years of development and a bipartisan vote to implement these protections, we are now at the point where providers have integrated these labels into their systems and consumers are beginning to rely on them. This is not the moment to reverse course,” the senators wrote.

“The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why,” the senators continued.

Under the FCC’s proposal, internet service providers would be allowed to take actions such as bundling optional fees instead of listing them clearly and removing labels from customer account portals, which consumers often use to compare and review their service terms. The proposal could also allow providers to not display labels in the same languages used to advertise their plans.

This letter is also signed by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D- HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Chairman Carr:

We write to express strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would scale back key broadband consumer label requirements this Commission adopted unanimously in 2022. Congress gave the Commission explicit instructions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to create these labels, and we are concerned that the current proposal moves in the opposite direction from what the law requires and what consumers deserve. This letter is submitted as a follow-up to the letter sent by Senators Klobuchar and Lujan on October 24, 2025, prior to the Commission’s 2-1 vote to advance the proposed changes.

The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit. After years of development and a bipartisan vote to implement these protections, we are now at the point where providers have integrated these labels into their systems and consumers are beginning to rely on them. This is not the moment to reverse course.

The proposal to exclude telephone sales from point-of-sale disclosure requirements would eliminate transparency for some of the most vulnerable consumers in our country. Seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, and households shopping for their first internet service frequently rely on phone conversations to compare plans and sign up for service. Under this proposal, those consumers would lose access to the very information that online shoppers take for granted. Instead of regulatory efficiency, this change would create a two-tier system that disadvantages the Americans who can least afford confusion about the services they are purchasing.

We are equally troubled by the Commission’s proposal to let providers aggregate discretionary fees that companies choose to impose rather than itemize them. The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why. Comparison shopping becomes meaningless if the prices are not actually comparable.

The proposal to remove labels from customer account portals is also misguided. Right now, a consumer can log into their account months after signing up, pull up their label, and verify what they were promised at the initial point of sale. They can check whether their promotional rate is about to expire or compare their current plan to newer options. Eliminating that access would leave consumers with no reliable way to review their own service terms. At a time when internet service costs are rising and many families are managing tighter budgets, we should be making it easier for people to understand what they are paying for.

Public interest advocates have long emphasized that ongoing access to these labels is not merely a convenience but a core consumer protection. Broadband plans change frequently, promotional rates expire, and providers sometimes introduce new terms or fees long after the initial sale. Without a persistent label visible in customers’ online accounts, consumers have no simple way to verify whether their service still matches what they were promised or to detect price increases and speed changes that may occur over time. Removing this requirement would make it easier for providers to bury bill changes in dense terms of service or scattered emails, and it would hinder consumers’ ability to exercise their rights, switch plans, or challenge inaccurate billing. Continuous transparency is essential to preventing bait-and-switch tactics and to ensuring broadband markets function fairly for all people.

We also urge the Commission to reconsider eliminating multilingual label requirements. Providers actively market to non-English-speaking communities in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages. It is both reasonable and fair to require that the same consumers receive pricing and service term disclosures in the language they were sold in. Marketing in one language while providing key financial information only in English will only result in confusion and exploitation.

Furthermore, the proposed elimination of machine-readable formats and archiving requirements would undermine accountability across the board. These technical features allow consumer advocates, researchers, regulators, and journalists to analyze pricing trends, track harmful practices, and fuel tools that help families make fully informed financial decisions. They also support the Commission's own enforcement work. Removing these features would weaken oversight at a time when the broadband market needs more scrutiny.

The broadband label program represents bipartisan recognition that clear information is essential to a functioning market. The law Congress passed was not a suggestion. It was a directive, rooted in the straightforward principle that consumers deserve to know what they are purchasing in easy-to-understand terms and what it costs when they sign a contract.

We respectfully urge the Commission to withdraw or substantially revise this proposal and to maintain the comprehensive transparency protections that Congress mandated in IIJA. Families across the country are counting on the FCC to ensure that broadband providers compete in quality and price. That requires consumers to actually see and understand both.

Thank you for considering these views.

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere*",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=2A0A56AD-1936-4DB8-A744-38DF95E7FE1D,Warner Applauds Passage of Annual Defense Bill,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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) today applauded the Senate passage of the final, compromise text of the nation’s annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill, which includes key Warner-led priorities, previously passed the House, and now awaits the President’s signature.

“As the world becomes more dangerous and the technology available to our allies and adversaries alike becomes increasingly more complex, I’m pleased to see the Senate pass this bipartisan legislation,” said Sen. Warner. “This legislation will strengthen our military, provide greater support to servicemembers, bolster our technological capabilities, and address challenges across the globe.”

For the Commonwealth, this bill:

Authorizes more than $935 million for 14 military construction projects across the Commonwealth, which Senator Warner advocated for with the Armed Services Committee. This includes:

$380 million for a Public-Private housing project at Naval Station Norfolk

$188 million for dry dock modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard

$24 million for the completion of two Child Development Centers (JEB Little Creek-Ft Story and NS Norfolk), and $15.5 million in funding for the VA National Guard to complete the next stage of their Aircraft Maintenance Hangar project.

Provides more than $25 billion for Navy shipbuilding – more than $5 billion over the President’s budget request.

Greenlights the procurement of a third Columbia-class submarine, as well as funding for the Virginia-class submarine and aircraft carrier programs.

Prevents funding from being misused to reduce the workforce at any public shipyard, including Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Senator Warner had successfully pushed conferees for this provision in the final bill.

Authorizes NASA to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague for expenses related to relocated PFAS contaminated water wells to a safe location. From the late 1970s to 1988, PFAS were used at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. In 2017, NASA detected PFAS in wells used to provide drinking water to the Town of Chincoteague and has since needed to provide the town with drinking water – first from an uncontaminated NASA well and then through a groundwater treatment system that filtered out the PFAS. This provision was championed by Sen. Warner and based off legislation he introduced earlier this year.

For a stronger military, this bill:

Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for servicemembers.

Creates a new Personal Property Management Office, and establishes stricter requirements and oversight mechanisms for any future contract related to the servicemember PCS move process. This builds on Sen. Warner’s successful efforts to secure modifications to the military’s broken moving system. Sen. Warner previously raised concerns about ongoing delays and confusion, and sounded the alarm about missed pickups, delivery issues and communication difficulties with the military contractor responsible for moves.

Includes a package of reforms to barracks housing, led by Sen. Warner, which will allow for increased oversight of housing for these servicemembers. These provisions mandate a review of housing quality methodologies, reform those metrics to ensure they accurately reflect the quality of housing, and take steps to standardize methodologies across military services; develop a centralized tracking system for barracks construction needs; and improve a number of reporting requirements aimed at increasing transparency and improving the quality of housing for our servicemembers.

Makes a number of additional improvements to military housing policy, including increased visibility around dispute resolution payments by landlords, as well as greater transparency requirements around the calculation of housing allowance rates.

To strengthen our nation’s technological capabilities, this bill:

Includes Warner provisions to support DoD’s fielding of advanced nuclear technology. The bill includes provisions that would create an Advanced Nuclear Working Group responsible for accelerating the procurement and use of advanced nuclear capabilities, improving coordination across the Department and federal government to support national security missions and emergent needs. The bill also provides greater authority for DoD to attract and scale private investment in these technologies. Sen. Warner worked with bipartisan colleagues to secure inclusion of these provisions in the Senate bill.

Requires a strategy to reestablish a credible deterrence against cyberattacks targeting American critical infrastructure using the full spectrum of military operations.

Requires the establishment of a Biotechnology Management Office, as well as the development of a DoD-wide strategy to enhance the use of biotech products.

Requires the development of guidelines on the ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotech within DoD.

Requires DoD to develop a roadmap for the small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) industrial base to support existing sUAS programs.

Requires regular congressional briefings from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, about Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) intercepts by the North American Aerospace Defense Command or United States Northern Command.

To bolster our ability to address strategic global challenges, this bill:

Prohibits a unilateral reduction in U.S. military force posture in Europe or U.S. relinquishment of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO interests and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Prohibits a unilateral reduction in U.S. military posture in the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.

Authorizes $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and expands the authority to cover combat casualty care and medical equipment.

Directs DoD to engage with Taiwan to develop a joint program to co-develop and co-produce drone capabilities. It also directs DoD to assess Taiwan’s critical digital infrastructure and identify actions to help enable the protection of such infrastructure, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.

Extends the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) through 2029 and authorizes funding of $400 million.

Requires the Secretary of Defense to continue to provide intelligence support, including information, intelligence, and imagery collection to the Government of Ukraine.

Requires an evaluation of the intelligence capabilities of the People’s Republic of China and Russia in Cuba.

Directs DoD to evaluate and, if necessary, improve communication between the U.S. and Mexican militaries during border-related support.

###

* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for downloadhere*

Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=4F0B7DC4-7607-448E-950F-B47114F701A8,"Warner, Cotton Statements on Passage of Intelligence Authorization Act",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the Senate passed the annual Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (IAA) as a part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), following passage last week in the House of Representatives. The IAA represents a bipartisan effort by the Senate and House Intelligence Committees to authorize the funding, provide legal authorities, and ensure vigorous congressional oversight of national security threats and our United States Intelligence Community.

“I thank my colleagues and am glad to see this bill pass once again on a strong bipartisan basis. It provides the Intelligence Community the resources it needs to do its mission while ensuring that we maintain rigorous oversight of the IC’s activities. This year’s IAA responds to important concerns, including by demanding continued support and transparency for AHI victims, ensuring IC facilities can be protected from the growing threat of commercial drones, and requiring cyber protections for our electoral systems. At the same time, it readies the IC for the future by promoting IC energy resiliency, enhancing the IC’s ability to detect and counter threats related to emerging biotechnology, and ensuring the IC adopts artificial intelligence in a secure and responsible manner. While I am disappointed that we were unable to reach agreement on a provision to secure our Nation’s telecom infrastructure, I look forward to continuing to work with my Senate colleagues to address the unprecedented Salt Typhoon breach that exposed the personal data and communications of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Warner.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for supporting this bill and the many members of both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees for building this bill and getting it across the finish line. Since becoming chairman, I have been clear about the need for real reform across the entire intelligence community, starting with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The FY26 IAA will enact many of these reforms, which will mean a more efficient intelligence community and a safer United States. This law also includes many other important provisions to ensure and enhance our nation’s security. These include prohibiting the intelligence community from contracting with Chinese military companies, improving the security of CIA installations, identifying the threat to America’s food security posed by Communist China, and directing necessary resources towards defending our nation from threats posed by Iran. I’m glad this bill passed both houses of Congress as part of the NDAA and I look forward to it being signed into law by the President,” said Sen. Cotton.

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 will:

Significantly reform and improve efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the broader Intelligence Community;

Prohibit the Intelligence Community from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;

Improve the Intelligence Community’s artificial intelligence capabilities and capacity and establish guidance for the Intelligence Community’s procurement and use of artificial intelligence;

Increase transparency to Congress regarding Iran’s enrichment activities, including decisions to weaponize uranium;

Improve the security of Central Intelligence Agency installations;

Require the Intelligence Community to develop a plan for sharing biotechnological threats with U.S. agencies, allies, and private-sector partners;

Require the Director of National Intelligence to identify sites for deployment of advanced nuclear technologies;

Establish a strategy to support Intelligence Community efforts to acquire and integrate emerging technologies proven to meet mission needs;

Require any Intelligence Community element with information regarding Iranian lethal threats to United States persons to provide the information to the FBI and to any person responsible for protecting the intended victim;

Support the Intelligence Community workforce by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to issue standard guidelines for Intelligence Community personnel to document and report Anomalous Health Incidents;

Expose the People’s Republic of China’s investments that are undermining America’s agricultural security.

Mandate an annual Intelligence Community survey of analytic objectivity among each element’s officers and employees, and ensure that analytic training includes instructions on avoiding political bias;

Mandate Intelligence Community notifications and reporting to ensure greater congressional oversight of the terrorist watchlist or the transnational organized crime watchlist;

Require the Director of National Intelligence to enhance efforts to counter narcotics trafficking with the Government of Mexico; and

Promote transparency by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=89F282F6-43C7-4BBE-AE46-7A2E572096A4,CMS Heeds Warner and Wyden Call to Improve Medicare Advantage for Seniors,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued a statement after the Trump administration proposed new steps to make it easier for seniors to switch their Medicare Advantage plan or choose Traditional Medicare if a doctor or hospital they use leaves their insurance plan network.

“Navigating the health care landscape is hard enough as is – we shouldn’t be forcing seniors to jump through hoops in order to continue seeing the doctors they know and trust,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m glad to see CMS heed our call by proposing new measures that would allow Medicare Advantage enrollees to change their coverage more easily when they experience mid-year provider network changes. I’ll keep working with CMS to get this proposed rule finalized and ensure that elderly Americans can count on the continuity of care they need.”

“American seniors should not have the rug pulled out from under them when it comes to seeing the doctor of their choice,” said Sen. Wyden. “These proposed improvements will reduce confusion and make it easier for seniors to continue seeing their local health care providers. I urge CMS to finalize this proposal and bring more transparency and consumer protection to Medicare Advantage.”

In October, Wyden and Warner called on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address the rising number of incidents where doctors or health care facilities leave a Medicare Advantage plan network, which triggers a “special enrollment period” that allows seniors to change plans. Over the past year, more than a dozen states have had provider network changes deemed “significant” by CMS.

Late last month, CMS proposed changes to streamline the process by allowing seniors to change plans if virtually any of the health care providers they see leaves their plan network. An enrollee who loses a provider within their plan network will be notified of the network change and their right to change plan or switch to Traditional Medicare with guaranteed access to Medigap coverage.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=D18E5409-9021-4BE4-9795-48B4E5495939,"Warner & Kaine Applaud Unanimous Senate Passage of Aviation Safety Legislation, Sending it to the House",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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 welcomed Senate approval of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, sending it to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year, comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that tragically claimed 67 lives.

“Congress owes it to the traveling public, and to the families who lost loved ones in the January 29 crash over the Potomac River, to address the systemic flaws that contributed to this tragedy,” said Sens. Warner and Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is a meaningful step forward to ensure the safety and security of air travel. It strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and requires comprehensive safety reviews of DCA and other busy airports. We urge the House to act quickly so this legislation can become law and provide real protections for passengers, flight crews, first responders, and the families still grieving the loss of their loved ones. When the NTSB and Army release their comprehensive reports about the crash, we stand ready to determine the next best steps Congress can take to further improve aviation safety, including removing slots from DCA.”

The January 29 crash over the Potomac River exposed multiple system failures, including the Army Black Hawk not transmitting safety-enhancing ADS-B technology (radio systems that aircraft use to share their positions with each other and with air traffic control), unsafe route design for mixed traffic near DCA, and lack of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) coordination to prevent future incidents. The ROTOR Act addresses these specific failures, as well as broader long-standing FAA air traffic controller shortages, FAA internal safety management systems, and the need for important post-accident safety reviews.

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act specifically:

Expands ADS-B In and Out Implementation for Commercial and Military Aircraft: Establishes a clear 2031 deadline for aircraft operators to equip with ADS-B In technology to provide pilots increased situational awareness and provide traffic advisories and alerting for airport operations to reduce the risk of mid-air and runway collisions. All commercial (e.g. passenger, cargo, business), military and general aviation operators who are already required by the FAA to be equipped with ADS-B Out must also equip with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031. The agreement also ends many Department of Defense (DoD) longstanding ADS-B Out transmission exemptions that have allowed military and other government aircraft to fly near DCA and other busy airports without transmitting their location. Training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing pre- and post-reform use of exemptions, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly reporting requirements for all agencies performing sensitive government missions, and biannual reporting to Congress on the frequency of flights using any remaining exemptions, with special 14-day notification if agencies use exemptions five or more times per month.

Requires Comprehensive Safety Reviews of DCA and All Major, Mid-size Airports: Requires a comprehensive FAA safety review of DCA airspace to assess how civil and military helicopter, drone, and emergency first responder flights impact commercial operations at airports and to better prevent future incidents. These reviews ensure a thorough evaluation of all non-commercial flight routes near the airport. The agreement requires the same comprehensive FAA safety review of other Class B airports and Class C airports, prioritizing safety reviews for airports with high volumes of mixed flight traffic.

Sets New Level of Coordination and Information Sharing Between FAA and DoD: The bipartisan agreement requires each military service with an aviation component to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to share appropriate aviation safety information and enhance coordination to prevent future incidents.

Reviews Army Policies and Standards: Mandates an Army Inspector General audit evaluating coordination with FAA, pilot training standards, ADS-B usage compliance, helicopter maintenance protocols, and the Army's review of loss of separation incidents in the National Capital Region. Results must be transmitted to Congress and publicly released within 14 days of completion.

Advances Next-Generation Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAS-X): Lays the foundation for advancing the deployment of next generation collision avoidance technology – known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) and its variants that can deliver strong improvements for aviation safety. During NTSB’s hearings on the DCA collision, this technology was discussed due to its more versatile applications to helicopter operations. This technology provides better traffic conflict resolution alerts to pilots and can better prevent mid-air helicopter collisions at lower altitudes where existing collision avoidance technology does not activate. The agreement directs FAA to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for widespread adoption of the technology among aviation operators.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been closely involved with the investigation of the January 29th collision, meeting with first responders and offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost immediately following the tragedy. The senators also saw through passage of a legislation to remember the victims of the crash. Sens. Warner and Kaine also requested answers from FAA on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision. In March of this year, the senators responded to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the crash. Earlier this month, the Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision Kaine secured to require all aircraft of the Defense Department that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. The senators have also sounded the alarm for years about the need for increased safety for the flying public, including fighting against additional flights out of DCA that contribute to overcrowding.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8746,"Bipartisan, Bicameral Delegation Introduces New Fusion Energy Legislation",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"House Fusion Energy Caucus co-chairs Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Lori Trahan (D-MA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to formally establish the Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy (DOE). Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and John Cornyn (R-TX).

Last month, DOE released their reorganization plans which included an “Office of Fusion.” This bipartisan bill would codify this office, and urge DOE to move forward with plans to ensure that the United States can continue leading the way on fusion energy and eventually reach commercialization.

“Establishing an Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy is a critical step toward unlocking one of the most promising clean energy solutions,” said Representative Beyer. “Fusion research and development is advancing toward commercialization, and we need a coordinated federal effort dedicated to getting fusion energy on the grid as quickly as possible. An established Office of Fusion would provide the focused leadership and technical expertise necessary, in coordination with the private sector, to accelerate decades of scientific progress, give the United States the momentum it needs to lead the world in fusion energy development and deployment, and finally supply fusion power to the grid.”

“Fusion energy represents one of the most promising breakthroughs of our time, with the potential to deliver abundant, reliable, carbon-free power while strengthening America’s economic and national security,” said Representative Obernolte. “By reestablishing the Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy, this bill accelerates commercialization through public-private partnerships, positions our workforce and supply chains to compete and win against adversaries like China, and ensures the United States remains the global leader in fusion technology. Congress must provide clear direction and a coordinated federal strategy to move fusion from the lab to the grid, and this legislation does exactly that.”

“Fusion energy holds enormous promise to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power while strengthening America’s competitiveness and security,” said Representative Trahan. “Formally establishing an Office of Fusion at the Department of Energy will give this rapidly advancing field the focus and coordination it needs to move from breakthrough science to real-world deployment. With world-class fusion companies and researchers here in Massachusetts and across the country, this bipartisan legislation helps ensure the United States leads the way in bringing fusion from the lab to the grid.”

With energy costs soaring across the nation, the office would advance fusion energy and accelerate research, development, demonstration, deployment, and market adoption of fusion technologies. In partnership with the private sector, this office would also advance near-term and long-term fusion energy science and technology to meet the growing energy, environmental, and economic demands of the United States.

“A clean energy future powered by fusion has the potential to bring nearly unlimited, dependable, and carbon-free electricity across our country, slashing energy costs for millions of Americans,” said Senator Padilla. “California’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is leading the industry with repeatable fusion ignition breakthroughs, and Republicans and Democrats agree that now is the time to support further progress to cement the United States’ energy dominance and establish fusion’s market viability. Establishing the Office of Fusion is a bipartisan priority to support advancements in fusion technology to lower Americans’ electric bills and meet the evolving energy needs of our nation.”

“As energy demand continues to skyrocket, the United States must implement innovative solutions quickly to maintain reliability and safeguard national security,” said Senator Cornyn. “By establishing the Office of Fusion within the Department of Energy, this legislation would accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge fusion energy as an abundant and reliable power source to help meet surging demand and bolster grid stability.”

Last year, Trahan, Obernolte, Beyer, Padilla, and Cornyn’s Fusion Energy Act was signed into law as part of the Fire Grants and Safety Act. The law streamlines the creation of clear federal regulations to support the development of commercial fusion facilities by codifying the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s regulatory authority over commercial fusion energy systems.

In December 2022, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory became the first lab to achieve fusion ignition — meaning more energy was released than was needed for the reaction. Ignition has been achieved at least seven times since then. This success proves the viability of fusion energy and the leadership of the United States in the face of heavy investment by China.

“The restoration of the Office of Fusion, first by the Trump Administration, and now Congress, is the newest powerful signal that fusion is rapidly evolving from its scientific origins to a commercial endeavor that will power the global economy for generations,” said Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems. “I applaud the sponsors of the bill for the vision and leadership in helping to ensure the Department of Energy’s fusion efforts are organized and, ultimately, funded around driving commercial deployment and scaling of fusion power.”

“A dedicated office of fusion at the Department of Energy was a priority for the FIA from the beginning. We thank the sponsors for their leadership on the introduction of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation and look forward to supporting its passage. This bill will codify the DOE’s plan to create an office of fusion. The prioritization of fusion through a dedicated office will advance the path to commercial deployment,” said Andrew Holland, CEO, Fusion Industry Association.

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8747,Beyer On Disastrous Jobs Report: “This Is Not An A++++ Economy”,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its November jobs report, which found that the unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent, the highest level since the pandemic, while the economy lost jobs on balance over the months of October (-108,000 jobs) and November (+64,000 jobs). In the seven months since President Trump’s tariffs took effect, the U.S. economy has averaged just 17,000 jobs added per month, a dramatic decrease from the monthly average of 168,000 the year before Trump took office.

Rep. Don Beyer, Senior House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee, said:

“This disastrous jobs report makes it clear that this is not an ‘A++++ economy’ as President Trump claimed, it’s an economy at risk of sliding into recession.

“Trump’s tariffs are most to blame for the hiring slump. In the year before Trump took office, the U.S. economy averaged 168,000 jobs added per month. In the seven months since his tariffs went into place, that number has fallen to just 17,000. Our economy lost jobs in three of those months, after not seeing a single negative monthly job number since Trump’s first term. The national unemployment rate rose to 4.6 percent, the highest number since the Delta wave of the pandemic hit the U.S. in August of 2021.

“Even Trump’s Chief of Staff now admits Trump’s tariffs were ‘more painful than [she] expected.’ Tariffs were supposed to bring back manufacturing jobs, but manufacturing job numbers are plummeting. The Black unemployment rate is now over 8 percent, and wage growth is falling as inflation rises. Americans are paying more for groceries, electricity, housing, and health care, as Republicans prepare to pass even more legislation that will drive costs higher. Meanwhile they continue to surrender their power to stop Trump’s tariffs – the one thing they could do that would most help our flagging economy.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-mcgarvey-introduce-legislation-improve-black-lung-benefits,"Scott, McGarvey Introduce Legislation to Improve Black Lung Benefits Program",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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 Workforce, Democrats

WASHINGTON – Today, Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce, and Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation significantly reduces barriers, such as complex claims processes and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“Decades ago, Congress established the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are totally disabled. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office found that miners often lack the necessary medical and legal resources to develop evidence to prove their claims,”said Ranking Scott. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act helps miners and their survivors access legal representation, ensures benefits are not eroded due to inflation, reduces the time for processing claims, and protects taxpayers from taking a hit when a self-insured coal company goes bankrupt and cannot pay black lung claims.”

“After paying for this country’s last energy revolution with their own health and safety, miners shouldn’t have to endure a costly, drawn-out legal process to prove they’ve earned their benefits,”said McGarvey.“Our bill would peg these benefits to inflation and make them easier to access, rather than letting these miners who have sacrificed so much be left further and further behind. I’m grateful for Senators Kaine and Fetterman and Ranking Member Scott’s continued dedication to strengthen black lung benefits, get miners the care they need, and uphold the dignity of financial security that they deserve.”

Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Actmakes necessary updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners by:

Automatically adjusting coal miners' benefits for inflation,

Helping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by increasing the number of attorneys willing to take on black lung claims,

Expanding the assistance provided by black lung clinics,

Ensuring miners get assistance from the Department of Labor (DOL) in rebutting medical evidence,

Improving access to CT scans to clarify medical eligibility,

Requiring the DOL to address potential conflicts of interest with physicians providing medical exams,

Accelerating the DOL’s access to employment and earnings verification for miners from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),

Establishing stringent criteria for mine operators that seek to self-insure,

Increasing civil penalties for mine operators that fail to secure benefits, and

Expanding the parties that the DOL can hold liable when an operator fails to secure benefits.

The legislation has been endorsed by Appalachia Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, the BlueGreen Alliance, the Sierra Club, and the United Mine Workers of America.

To read the bill text for the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, clickhere.

To read the fact sheet on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, clickhere.

To read the section-by-section on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, clickhere.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/warner-scott-honor-civil-rights-leader-barbara-johns-us-capitol-statue,"Warner, Scott Honor Civil Rights Leader Barbara Johns at U.S. Capitol Statue Dedication",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) delivered remarks at the Congressional Statue Dedication Ceremony honoring Barbara Rose Johns, a Prince Edward County civil rights leader whose student-led strike and its subsequent lawsuit became one of five cases combined into Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions in our nation’s history. Her statue will represent Virginia in National Statuary Hall.

“On April 23, 1951, a 16-year-old Barbara Johns led a walkout of students at the Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest school segregation and the discriminatory education conditions of Black students. Her courage forced this country to reckon with its conscience on a scale much larger than she ever could have imagined,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to unveil Barbara Johns’ statue in the U.S. Capitol where she will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia and be recognized for the vital role she played in ending school segregation.”

""At the age of 16, Barbara Johns’ refused to accept inequality in our public schools. Her determination led to the lawsuit Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, which ultimately became part of the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Her strength and unwavering belief in equality and justice helped change the entire nation for the better. It is hard to think of a better example of a Virginian to represent the Commonwealth in the United States Capitol,” said Rep. Bobby Scott.

Under federal law, each state is represented by two statues in National Statuary Hall, selected by the state to honor notable individuals from its history. The Johns statue was recommended by Virginia’s Commission for Historical Statues to replace Virginia’s statue of Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol.

Sen. Warner and Rep. Scott are both cosponsors of the Confederate Monument Removal Act, legislation to remove statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Warner has spoken publicly about the need to remove public symbols honoring the Confederacy as part of broader efforts to advance racial justice.

As Governor, Sen. Warner helped establish a commission to build a monument on Capitol Square honoring Johns, after his youngest daughter asked why the grounds did not include more diverse representation of famous Virginians. In the Senate, Sen. Warner has led efforts to expand the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site in Kansas and designate National Park Service (NPS) Affiliated areas, including the Moton Museum which recognizes the central role of the Moton School in Farmville in ending school segregation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2630,Rep. Cline Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Foreign Influence in State and Local Ballot Initiatives,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06), alongside Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), introduced the Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act of 2025, which would prohibit contributions and donations from foreign nationals seeking to influence state and local ballot initiatives and referenda.

“Foreign nationals should have absolutely no role in influencing the outcome of American elections, whether at the federal, state, or local level. My Protecting Ballot Measures From Foreign Influence Act closes a dangerous loophole by ensuring that ballot initiatives and referenda are decided by American citizens alone, not foreign money or foreign interests. This commonsense legislation strengthens election integrity and reaffirms that the future of our communities must be determined by those who live in them,” said Rep. Ben Cline.

“Folks of all political stripes agree that U.S. citizens, not foreign nationals should determine the outcome of U.S. elections,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Ballot measures can have an immense impact on life in the United States, and they must be protected from the whims of international bad actors. I take seriously my duty to keep our elections safe, secure, and solely decided by the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/16/vindman-statement-on-death-of-virginia-student-in-shooting-at-brown-university/,Vindman Statement on Death of Virginia Student in Shooting at Brown University,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Vindman Calls on Secretary Hegseth to Resign After Hearing From More Than 3,000 Virginians Concerned About War with Iran

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today renewed his call for the...

vindman, mackenzie lead bipartisan bill to improve coordination, threat mitigation ahead of fifa world cup & 2028 summer olympics

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Ryan Mackenzie...

Vindman Introduces Bill to Restore Crucial Funding for Sickle Cell Disease Research

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) introduced legislation to restore staff and funding...

Vindman, Walkinshaw demand answers on uscis processing delays affecting ukrainians seeking humanitarian parole & work authorization requests

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and James Walkinshaw (Va.-11) led a letter to U.S....

Vindman, Pfluger, & Baumgartner Introduce Legislation to Protect Americans and Combat Deadly Nitazenes

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07), August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), Michael Baumgartner...

Vindman and McClain Delaney Introduce Two Bills to Address Agricultural Conservation Workforce Shortages

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (Md.-06) introduced...

Vindman Joins Congressional Amicus Brief Supporting Veterans’ Access to Education Benefits

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) joined U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark R. Warner...

HUGE MILESTONE: Vindman’s Office Returns $5.1 Million in Backlogged Dollars to Constituents

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today announced that his office has now returned more than...

Vindman Delivers Whopping $1 Million Federal Investment to Build Pedestrian Bridge in Prince William County

Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, March 10, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined local leaders in Prince William...

Vindman Celebrates Funding Secured for the Northern Virginia Community College Woodbridge Campus HVAC Program

Washington, D.C. — On Tuesday, March 10, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) joined Northern Virginia Community...",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216,Walkinshaw Statement on Trump Administration’s Band-Aid Solution to Rebuild Federal Tech Talent,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) issued the following statement responding to the Trump administration’s new U.S. Tech Force program.

“I’m glad the Trump Administration now recognizes the need for skilled technologists in the federal government. Unfortunately, they spent the past year firing or forcing out thousands of them.

Elon Musk took a wrecking ball to the federal workforce, hollowing out career expertise and replacing it with DOGE bros and chaos. In the process, critical institutional knowledge was lost, and Americans’ personal information was put at risk.

The damage runs deep, and it will take far more than a handful of new hires to repair what was broken.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-and-warnock-lead-colleagues-in-condemning-trump-administration-policy-change-that-harms-federal-workers-with-disabilities,Kaine & Warnock Lead Colleagues in Condemning Trump Administration Policy Change That Harms Federal Workers with Disabilities,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led a group of Democratic Senate colleagues in writing to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to push back on new HHS guidance that rescinds telework as a reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with disabilities. This policy change has already directly harmed HHS employees, including an employee with a high-risk pregnancy and a disabled veteran.

“We write to express our concern regarding recent policy changes at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) affecting federal employees with disabilities…One in four Americans live with a disability, and they not only benefit from various federal programs and services but also meaningfully contribute to the functioning of the federal government,” the senators wrote. “Yet on August 13, 2025, the HHS Office of Human Resources (OHR) issued guidance that will inflict outsized harm on workers with disabilities, including people living with chronic disease or illness, people with compromised immune systems, and disabled veterans.”

“The HHS guidance rescinds telework as a reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with disabilities, resulting in a pause on all new and renewing telework requests in at least one HHS operational division. This policy has already inflicted distress on employees whose approved telework accommodations or requests for telework accommodations were unexpectedly revoked,” they continued. “[The federal government] is bound by law not to discriminate against those workers and to take steps to increase employment of workers with disabilities…These are simple changes in the normal places and processes of work that allow employees with the requisite skills, knowledge, and aptitude to do the job.”

“Research has shown again and again that reasonable accommodations for qualified employees increase satisfaction, retention, and, importantly, productivity, while frequently posing no cost,” they wrote. “The percentage of working-age individuals with disabilities who were employed increased from 4.3 million in 2020 to 6.3 million in 2024, in large part due to increasing opportunities for telework. That represents two million people entering the workforce because of this reasonable accommodation.”

In their letter, the senators demanded answers from Secretary Kennedy to the following questions by January 16, 2026:

How many existing telework accommodations were canceled following the January 27, 2025, issuance of the Agency Return-to-Office Plan? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How many new and renewing applications for telework accommodation are currently paused at HHS? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How many veterans, and how many veterans with service-related disabilities, had telework accommodations in place on January 27, 2025? How many veterans, and how many veterans with service-related disabilities, have telework accommodations in place currently? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How has Instruction 990-3, HHS Telework been tailored to prevent undue harm to qualified employees with disabilities in hiring and employment?

What recourse is available to HHS employees whose mental health, physical health, or workplace productivity are adversely affected by revocations or denials of reasonable accommodations for telework?

CDC OHR requested clarification on Instruction 990-3, HHS Telework. What clarification did or will HHS provide to CDC OHR?

Does HHS currently, or will HHS in the future, require all telework accommodations be approved by officials at the level of Assistant Secretary or higher? If so, what training, guidance, or additional resources will HHS provide to these officials to equip them to make determinations regarding reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?

Is it permissible at HHS to demote, discipline, or otherwise demoralize employees who request telework options as a reasonable accommodation?

How does HHS plan to recruit exceptional talent to preserve the health and wellbeing of Americans without offering reasonable accommodations such as telework to qualified employees with disabilities?

In addition to Kaine and Warnock, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela D Alsobrooks (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark R. Warner (D-VA).

Full text of the letter is available here and below.

Dear Secretary Kennedy:

We write to express our concern regarding recent policy changes at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) affecting federal employees with disabilities. HHS is the leading federal agency tasked with preserving the health of Americans, including those with disabilities. One in four Americans live with a disability, and they not only benefit from various federal programs and services but also meaningfully contribute to the functioning of the federal government.

Yet on August 13, 2025, the HHS Office of Human Resources (OHR) issued guidance that will inflict outsized harm on workers with disabilities, including people living with chronic disease or illness, people with compromised immune systems, and disabled veterans. The HHS guidance rescinds telework as a reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with disabilities, resulting in a pause on all new and renewing telework requests in at least one HHS operational division. This policy has already inflicted distress on employees whose approved telework accommodations or requests for telework accommodations were unexpectedly revoked. Further, recent reporting suggests HHS will require requests for telework, including accommodations for employees with disabilities, be approved by an official at the level of Assistant Secretary or above. This would constitute an extraordinary hurdle for civil servants.

The federal government is a major employer of people with disabilities. It is bound by law not to discriminate against those workers and to take steps to increase employment of workers with disabilities. Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 501) prohibits discrimination in federal employment against any qualified individual with a disability. It requires federal agencies to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities. These are simple changes in the normal places and processes of work that allow employees with the requisite skills, knowledge, and aptitude to do the job. It ensures the full and equal participation of all Americans committed to public service, regardless of disability status.

Research has shown again and again that reasonable accommodations for qualified employees increase satisfaction, retention, and, importantly, productivity, while frequently posing no cost. A study funded by the Department of Labor found that almost two-thirds of reported accommodations cost nothing. Of those with a price, the median cost amounted to a one-time expense of $300. Furthermore, 85 percent of employers reported increased employee retention, and half saw increased productivity, enhanced job attendance, and cost savings in training and onboarding.

Telework or hybrid work arrangements are low-cost accommodations. Millions of Americans became acquainted with telework when remote arrangements allowed many American businesses to maintain operations during the earliest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Managers and employees both overwhelmingly tout the advantages of flexible work arrangements: employees spend less time and money commuting, employers reduce costly overhead, and both benefit from a broader pool of talent and opportunities. We know telework increases productivity. One cross-sector analysis of American firms associates a one percent increase in productivity for every 10 percent increase in remote workers. Further, telework and similar reasonable accommodations increase overall participation in the labor force. The percentage of working-age individuals with disabilities who were employed increased from 4.3 million in 2020 to 6.3 million in 2024, in large part due to increasing opportunities for telework. That represents two million people entering

the workforce because of this reasonable accommodation.

These benefits redound to the advantage of both the federal government and the private sector. The Telework Enhancement Act of 20108 required federal agencies to establish policies permitting telework. In subsequent reports to Congress, 70 percent of agencies indicated that telework enhanced their resilience during emergency events, and 60 percent said remote flexibility was key to employee retention. While agencies have used various metrics to calculate savings, all agree: telework arrangements have saved the federal government hundreds of millions of dollars since 2010.

Section 501 and the Telework Enhancement Act work in tandem with the Veterans Preference Act of 1944, which prioritizes veterans in federal hiring, to ensure that people with disabilities have full and equal participation in the workforce. As of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, veterans comprise 28 percent of all federal employees, and nearly 60 percent of veterans in civilian federal employment are disabled. Of all new federal hires in FY 2023, 21 percent were veterans. While approximately five percent of the civilian population in the United States has a disability, the rate among veterans is 30 percent. Overall, in FY 2023, 21 percent of the federal workforce identified as having a disability. Accommodating qualified employees with disabilities is an operational and moral imperative of federal agencies, and any indiscretion in this duty has outsized consequences on employees with disabilities, including disabled veterans.

This is why we are particularly concerned about HHS’ recent decision to prohibit telework as a reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with disabilities. On January 27, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance on the “Agency Return-to-Office Plan,” which resulted in disorganized and disoriented efforts to bring federal employees back to offices that were often unprepared and over-occupied. On August 13, 2025, HHS OHR issued Instruction 990-3, HHS Telework, outlining the agency’s new telework program. This document does not mention the word “disability.” Ambiguities in this guidance have forced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) OHR to pause approvals for new and renewing reasonable accommodations for telework. Approving reasonable accommodations at the level of the Assistant Secretary will only exacerbate the adversity to which employees with disabilities will be subject: many will be intimidated from requesting accommodations, and those who do will wait in expanding backlogs.

Already, federal employees have been harmed by these decisions. We have received reports of:

An employee with a telework accommodation due to a high-risk pregnancy who, on the same day they were told to report to the office, was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance.

A disabled veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which was exacerbated by the August 8, 2025, attack on CDC headquarters, whose telework accommodation was fitfully denied, approved, and denied again, leaving them without direction or guidance.

An employee who sought a telework accommodation for PTSD following the August 8, 2025, attack, who was threatened with demotion from their supervisory position if they pursued the request, despite previously performing the job duties successfully via telework accommodation.

A veteran hired as a fully-remote employee, now directed to report to the office, who cannot even check the status of their telework accommodation because the personnel in OHR and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity have been terminated following a reduction in force.

In light of these harmful policies, we request HHS immediately reverse this guidance which has affected employees with disabilities, including disabled veterans, and ask HHS to answer the following questions by January 16, 2026:

How many existing telework accommodations were canceled following the January 27, 2025, issuance of the Agency Return-to-Office Plan? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How many new and renewing applications for telework accommodation are currently pending review at HHS? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How many veterans, and how many veterans with service-related disabilities, had telework accommodations in place on January 27, 2025? How many veterans, and how many veterans with service-related disabilities, have telework accommodations in place currently? Please provide a breakdown by agency.

How has Instruction 990-3, HHS Telework been tailored to prevent undue harm to qualified employees with disabilities in hiring and employment?

What recourse is available to HHS employees whose mental health, physical health, or workplace productivity are adversely affected by revocations, denials, or delays in processing reasonable accommodations for telework?

CDC OHR requested clarification on Instruction 990-3, HHS Telework. What clarification did or will HHS provide to CDC OHR?

Does HHS currently, or will HHS in the future, require all telework accommodations be approved by officials at the level of Assistant Secretary or higher? If so, what training, guidance, or additional resources will HHS provide to these officials to equip them to make determinations regarding reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities?

Is it permissible at HHS to demote, discipline, or otherwise demoralize employees who request telework options as a reasonable accommodation?

How does HHS plan to recruit exceptional talent to preserve the health and wellbeing of Americans without offering reasonable accommodations such as telework to qualified employees with disabilities?

We appreciate your prompt cooperation in this matter.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-slams-new-coast-guard-policy-downgrading-definition-of-swastikas-nooses,"Kaine Slams New Coast Guard Policy Downgrading Definition of Swastikas, Nooses",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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, released the following statement after the Coast Guard enacted a new policy calling swastikas and nooses ‘potentially divisive’—a significant downgrade from their previous classification as hate symbols—in the Guard’s workplace harassment guidance:

“This policy must be reversed immediately. Allowing racism and antisemitism to fester in our armed forces is wrong, harmful to our military readiness, and makes all of us less safe. Americans across the country were disgusted when news about this proposed change broke last month. I had hoped the Trump Administration was sufficiently shamed into backtracking when it called that reporting an ‘absolute ludicrous lie and unequivocally false.’ By moving forward with this absurdly dangerous policy, it’s clear this Administration will stop at nothing to reach a new low.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-fetterman-mcgarvey-and-scott-introduce-legislation-to-strengthen-and-increase-accessibility-of-black-lung-benefits-program-for-miners,"Kaine, Warner, Fetterman, McGarvey, & Scott Introduce Legislation to Strengthen and Increase Accessibility of Black Lung Benefits Program for Miners",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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, Mark R. Warner (both D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation significantly reduces barriers, such as rising inflation and costs-of-living, complex claims processes, and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“Our miners make tremendous sacrifices to keep our lights on, communities powered, and nation running,” said Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will help the brave miners and retirees impacted by black lung disease finally get the medical coverage and compensation they've earned.”

“For generations, Virginia’s coal miners have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives to fuel our nation,” said Warner. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will eliminate red tape and help miners and their families get easy access to the benefits, compensation, and legal representation they deserve.”

“The job of a coal miner is often a dangerous and thankless one. Pennsylvania’s coal miners know the risk all too well,” said Fetterman. “It’s absolutely wrong when we have workers not receiving the benefits they were promised—zero exceptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act so we do right by our coal miners and their families. They risk their lives every day for our great country and we should have their backs when they need us, not leave them behind.”

“After paying for this country’s last energy revolution with their own health and safety, miners shouldn’t have to endure a costly, drawn-out legal process to prove they’ve earned their benefits,” said McGarvey. “Our bill would peg these benefits to inflation and make them easier to access, rather than letting these miners who have sacrificed so much be left further and further behind. I’m grateful for Senators Kaine and Fetterman and Ranking Member Scott’s continued dedication to strengthen black lung benefits, get miners the care they need, and uphold the dignity of financial security that they deserve.”

“Decades ago, Congress established the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are totally disabled. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office found that miners often lack the necessary medical and legal resources to develop evidence to prove their claims,” said Scott. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act helps miners and their survivors access legal representation, ensures benefits are not eroded due to inflation, reduces the time for processing claims, and protects taxpayers from taking a hit when a self-insured coal company goes bankrupt and cannot pay black lung claims.”

Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes necessary updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners by:

Automatically adjusting coal miners' benefits for inflation,

Helping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by increasing the number of attorneys willing to take on black lung claims,

Expanding the assistance provided by black lung clinics,

Ensuring miners get assistance from the Department of Labor (DOL) in rebutting medical evidence,

Improving access to CT scans to clarify medical eligibility,

Requiring the DOL to address potential conflicts of interest with physicians providing medical exams,

Accelerating the DOL’s access to employment and earnings verification for miners from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),

Establishing stringent criteria for mine operators that seek to self-insure,

Increasing civil penalties for mine operators that fail to secure benefits, and

Expanding the parties that the DOL can hold liable when an operator fails to secure benefits.

Warner and Kaine have long worked to support miners, miner retirees, and their families. The senators successfully secured more than $600,000 for Norton Community Hospital and Black Lung Clinic in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2025 government funding bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass, included a permanent extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’s excise tax at a higher rate, providing certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. This followed Warner and Kaine’s successful efforts to ensure that miners receive the pensions and health care they earned. Warner and Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to issue new silica standards to protect miners across America – a push that contributed to the release of those standards.

The legislation has been endorsed by Appalachia Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, the BlueGreen Alliance, the Sierra Club, and the United Mine Workers of America.

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=7D740A02-4CDD-46E4-AAFB-510065DD8C42,"Warner, Kaine, Fetterman, McGarvey & Scott Introduce Legislation to Strengthen and Increase Accessibility of Black Lung Benefits for Miners",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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, Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Reps. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation significantly reduces barriers, such as rising inflation and costs-of-living, complex claims processes, and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“For generations, Virginia’s coal miners have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives to fuel our nation,” said Sen. Warner. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will eliminate red tape and help miners and their families get easy access to the benefits, compensation, and legal representation they deserve.”

“Our miners make tremendous sacrifices to keep our lights on, communities powered, and nation running,” said Sen. Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will help the brave miners and retirees impacted by black lung disease finally get the medical coverage and compensation they've earned.”

“The job of a coal miner is often a dangerous and thankless one. Pennsylvania’s coal miners know the risk all too well,” said Sen. Fetterman. “It’s absolutely wrong when we have workers not receiving the benefits they were promised—zero exceptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act so we do right by our coal miners and their families. They risk their lives every day for our great country and we should have their backs when they need us, not leave them behind.”

“After paying for this country’s last energy revolution with their own health and safety, miners shouldn’t have to endure a costly, drawn-out legal process to prove they’ve earned their benefits,” said Rep. McGarvey. “Our bill would peg these benefits to inflation and make them easier to access, rather than letting these miners who have sacrificed so much be left further and further behind. I’m grateful for Senators Kaine and Fetterman and Ranking Member Scott’s continued dedication to strengthen black lung benefits, get miners the care they need, and uphold the dignity of financial security that they deserve.”

“Decades ago, Congress established the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are totally disabled. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office found that miners often lack the necessary medical and legal resources to develop evidence to prove their claims,” said Rep. Scott. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act helps miners and their survivors access legal representation, ensures benefits are not eroded due to inflation, reduces the time for processing claims, and protects taxpayers from taking a hit when a self-insured coal company goes bankrupt and cannot pay black lung claims.”

Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes necessary updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners by:

Automatically adjusting coal miners' benefits for inflation,

Helping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by increasing the number of attorneys willing to take on black lung claims,

Expanding the assistance provided by black lung clinics,

Ensuring miners get assistance from the Department of Labor (DOL) in rebutting medical evidence,

Improving access to CT scans to clarify medical eligibility,

Requiring the DOL to address potential conflicts of interest with physicians providing medical exams,

Accelerating the DOL’s access to employment and earnings verification for miners from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),

Establishing stringent criteria for mine operators that seek to self-insure,

Increasing civil penalties for mine operators that fail to secure benefits, and

Expanding the parties that the DOL can hold liable when an operator fails to secure benefits.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long worked to support miners, miner retirees, and their families. The senators successfully secured more than $600,000 for Norton Community Hospital and Black Lung Clinic in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2025 government funding bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass, included a permanent extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’s excise tax at a higher rate, providing certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. This followed Warner and Kaine’s successful efforts to ensure that miners receive the pensions and health care they earned. Warner and Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to issue new silica standards to protect miners across America – a push that contributed to the release of those standards.

The legislation has been endorsed by Appalachia Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, the BlueGreen Alliance, the Sierra Club, and the United Mine Workers of America.

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=87B58ADF-E43E-489C-9146-E0DD13FEA7DB,"Warner, Scott Honor Civil Rights Leader Barbara Johns at U.S. Capitol Statue Dedication",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) delivered remarks at the Congressional Statue Dedication Ceremony honoring Barbara Rose Johns, a Prince Edward County civil rights leader whose student-led strike and its subsequent lawsuit became one of five cases combined into Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions in our nation’s history. Her statue will represent Virginia in National Statuary Hall.

“On April 23, 1951, a 16-year-old Barbara Johns led a walkout of students at the Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest school segregation and the discriminatory education conditions of Black students. Her courage forced this country to reckon with its conscience on a scale much larger than she ever could have imagined,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to unveil Barbara Johns’ statue in the U.S. Capitol where she will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia and be recognized for the vital role she played in ending school segregation.”

""At the age of 16, Barbara Johns’ refused to accept inequality in our public schools. Her determination led to the lawsuit Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, which ultimately became part of the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Her strength and unwavering belief in equality and justice helped change the entire nation for the better. It is hard to think of a better example of a Virginian to represent the Commonwealth in the United States Capitol,” said Rep. Scott.

Under federal law, each state is represented by two statues in National Statuary Hall, selected by the state to honor notable individuals from its history. The Johns statue was recommended by Virginia’s Commission for Historical Statues to replace Virginia’s statue of Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol.

Sen. Warner and Rep. Scott are both cosponsors of the Confederate Monument Removal Act, legislation to remove statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Warner has spoken publicly about the need to remove public symbols honoring the Confederacy as part of broader efforts to advance racial justice.

As Governor, Sen. Warner helped establish a commission to build a monument on Capitol Square honoring Johns after his youngest daughter asked why the grounds did not include more diverse representation of famous Virginians. In the Senate, Sen. Warner has led efforts to expand the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site in Kansas and designate National Park Service (NPS) Affiliated areas, including the Moton Museum, which recognizes the central role of the Moton School in Farmville in ending school segregation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=B47AC547-DC15-49E8-8024-5FF1F776F2EE,"Warner, Krishnamoorthi Introduce Legislation to Help Workers Adapt to AI-Driven Economy",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,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) and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced legislation to help American workers gain the skills they need to succeed as artificial intelligence, automation, and rapid technological change reshape the economy.

The Investing in American Workers Act would modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials – particularly for lower- and moderate-income workers – so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy.

“As artificial intelligence and automation transform nearly every sector of our economy, the question isn’t whether jobs will change – it’s whether workers will be given a fair shot to keep up. If we want the United States to lead in innovation, we must also lead in preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” said Sen. Warner. “Right now, our tax code rewards companies for investing in machines and software, but not nearly enough for investing in people. This bill applies a proven model, the R&D tax credit, to incentivize employers to offer workforce training, so workers can build new skills, businesses can stay competitive, and the benefits of technological change are more widely shared.”

“Businesses across the country are still struggling to find workers with the training needed for today’s jobs, and workers need better access to affordable, employer-supported opportunities to build new skills,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “This legislation expands access to high-quality training programs that help workers move into good, stable careers while strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses and growing the middle class. If we want the United States to remain the world’s economic leader, we must invest in the workers who drive our economy. When people have the skills they need to get ahead, our communities grow stronger and the entire country benefits.”

As AI tools increasingly alter job requirements in sectors from manufacturing and logistics to health care, finance, and professional services, many workers lack access to affordable, employer-supported training. At the same time, businesses often face little incentive to make long-term investments in their employees. While the tax code offers a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for investments in technology and capital assets, it provides no comparable incentive for workforce training.

The Investing in American Workers Act addresses this gap by:

Establishing a tax credit for employers who increase spending on worker training, equal to 20 percent of increased training expenditures for eligible workers earning $96,000 or less per year.

Incentivizing high-quality, industry-aligned training, including registered apprenticeships, WIOA-certified programs, community college and career and technical education programs, and employer- or labor-sponsored training that leads to recognized postsecondary credentials.

Encouraging participation by small businesses, allowing eligible small employers and tax-exempt entities to apply the credit against payroll taxes through a simplified filing process.

Promoting accountability and transparency, including data collection to ensure training investments are reaching a diverse workforce.

Supporters note that aligning workforce policy with the pace of technological change is critical to maintaining U.S. economic leadership and ensuring that AI-driven productivity gains benefit workers as well as employers.

“The accelerating pace of change in the workplace is reshaping workforce needs and reinforcing the importance of proactive, sustained investment in skills. Workday strongly supports the reintroduction of the Investing in American Workers Act, which recognizes the critical role employers play in helping workers build the agility needed for the future of work. This legislation affirms a powerful truth: reskilling is not an operational burden, but a strategic investment in an organization’s most valuable resource – its people,” said Chandler Morse, Vice President of Public Policy, Workday.

""Workers need access to high-quality skills training, and employers need a workforce with the skills required to meet rapidly changing hiring needs. By incentivizing employer investments in training, including small businesses, this bill helps meet hiring needs while expanding workers’ access to good jobs and strengthening communities more broadly,” said Megan Evans, Senior Government Affairs Manager, National Skills Coalition.

“AI is transforming jobs at unprecedented speed, putting many workers at risk of being left behind unless we act quickly to help them build new, in-demand skills before they exit the labor market. The Investing in American Workers Act offers a smart, scalable solution - modeled on the R&D credit - by incentivizing employers to expand high-quality training that leads to portable credentials and enables workers to advance while staying connected to the workforce,” said Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future.

The legislation has also been endorsed by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Sen. Warner has long focused on the economic and workforce implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and has repeatedly warned that chronic underinvestment in workers threatens both economic growth and American competitiveness. He recently introduced bipartisan legislation to track the number of jobs lost to AI by requiring major companies and federal agencies to report AI related layoffs to the Department of Labor to be compiled into a publicly available report.

Text for the Investing in American Workers Act is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-statement-reports-mass-elimination-positions-veterans-affairs,Scott Statement on Reports of Mass Elimination of Positions at Veterans Affairs Health Care Facilities,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 the Washington Post reported the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to eliminate 35,000 health care positions:

“Our veterans put their lives on the line, and they are entitled to quality health care. The Trump Administration has spent this year attacking, demoralizing and firing huge swaths of our federal workforce. That includes many veterans who worked at VA facilities. And now VA facilities across the nation are struggling to retain and hire new employees. There are reports that the new Chesapeake Battlefield VA outpatient clinic in my congressional district is still woefully understaffed, and the Hampton VA continues to face staffing shortages. If these reports are true, it is going to only exacerbate and worsen the problem and further hinder veterans’ ability to access the health care they were promised. The Trump Administration must reverse course for the sake of our veterans.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-slams-trump-administrations-scheme-to-eliminate-35000-health-care-positions-at-veterans-affairs-clinics,"Kaine Slams Trump Administration’s Scheme to Eliminate 35,000 Health Care Positions at Veterans Affairs Clinics",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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) released the following statement regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs’ plans to abruptly eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions this month:

“Back in March, when I sounded the alarm about staffing levels at the new Veterans Affairs (VA) facility in Chesapeake, VA Secretary Doug Collins called me a liar. While I don’t expect an apology, America’s veterans—who will be forced to wait longer to see fewer doctors because of Collins’ plans to axe 35,000 VA health care workers—deserve one. This news is dangerous and reckless—but not surprising. President Trump fired more veterans in his first few weeks in office alone than any other U.S. President. Congress must provide critical oversight and do everything possible to protect our veterans from this shameless Administration.”

Senate Democrats proposed legislation in July to prevent the Trump Administration from baselessly firing veterans from the federal workforce. Senate Republicans blocked it.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-warner-and-mcguire-applaud-committee-passage-of-wintergreen-emergency-egress-act,"Kaine, Warner, & McGuire Applaud Committee Passage of Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act",2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 and Mark R. Warner (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative John McGuire (R-VA-05) applaud the advancing of the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act, bipartisan legislation to issue a right-of-way to add an additional emergency route and road to enhance public safety in Wintergreen, Virginia—a popular tourist destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County. The Wintergreen community currently has only one entrance and exit route, presenting a significant safety concern if there were to be an evacuation due to a natural disaster. This legislation would direct the Secretary of the Interior to finish a new emergency route—ensuring residents and visitors have an alternative evacuation route—while minimizing disturbance to federal land.

“There is currently only one road for entry to and exit out of Wintergreen, and residents have shared their concerns with me about the risks that poses if there is an emergency,” said Kaine. “I’m proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to support the construction of a new road and enhance public safety.”

“Currently, there is only one road in and out of Wintergreen, posing a great risk to residents and first responders in the event of an emergency,” said Warner. “This legislation takes the first step towards fixing this potentially life-threatening problem and prioritizing public safety during a natural disaster or emergency situation.”

“I am proud to introduce this legislation which will help solve an over 25-year problem for the town of Wintergreen and puts public safety first,” said McGuire. “The danger posed by limited evacuation routes is well documented. The difference between survival and catastrophe comes down to whether there is more than one way out during times of emergency. I’m proud to have the support of seven of my House colleagues in the Virginia Delegation and both of Virginia’s Senators on this straightforward bill that prioritizes public safety.""

Wintergreen is home to the very popular Wintergreen Resort, but it has only one entrance and exit road, creating a serious safety risk for the thousands of residents and visitors who rely on it. Without an additional emergency evacuation route, lives could be endangered during a natural disaster or crisis. The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act would authorize the construction of a crucial emergency exit on National Park Service land, providing the community with a safe, reliable way out when it matters most.

Full text of the legislation is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/video-kaine-statement-ahead-of-unveiling-of-barbara-rose-johns-statue-in-us-capitol,Video: Kaine Statement Ahead of Unveiling of Barbara Rose Johns Statue in U.S. Capitol,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s unveiling ceremony of the Barbara Rose Johns statue at the U.S. Capitol:

“There is a line in the Book of Isaiah, ‘And a little child shall lead them,’ that reminds me of Barbara Rose Johns and the incredible bravery and leadership she displayed when she walked out of Moton High School in Farmville. I’m thrilled that millions of visitors to the U.S. Capitol, including many young people, will now walk by her statue and learn about her story. May she continue to inspire generations to stand up for equality and justice.”

In 1951, Barbara Rose Johns led her classmates in a strike to protest substandard conditions at Robert Russa Moton High School that led to legal action against Prince Edward County. That case became one of five that the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka when it declared segregation unconstitutional.

Barbara Rose Johns was selected by the Commission on Historical Statues to replace the Robert E. Lee statue that was one of Virginia’s two statues in the U.S. Capitol. In 2020, Kaine watched the Robert E. Lee statue being removed from the Capitol.

Video Kaine recorded of the Robert E. Lee statue’s removal from the Capitol is available here.

As Lieutenant Governor, Kaine served on the commission that created the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial. When Kaine was Governor, he unveiled the Civil Rights Memorial featuring Barbara Rose Johns and others on Virginia Capitol Square in Richmond. Now, as Senator, Kaine looks forward to attending the unveiling of the new statue tomorrow.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-and-kaine-statement-on-support-for-proposal-to-strengthen-virginias-child-welfare-system,Warner & Kaine Statement on Support for Proposal to Strengthen Virginia’s Child Welfare System,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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 joint statement in support of a new proposal unveiled this afternoon to reform and strengthen Virginia’s child welfare system:

“As former Governors, we know that Virginia’s economy and future depend on investments in the well-being of our youngest generations. That’s why we are pleased to see this new proposal to meaningfully reform Virginia’s child welfare system and better support children and families. Turning this vision into reality is going to take determination and a strong commitment to bipartisanship, and we urge leaders on both sides of the aisle in Richmond to come together, embrace this proposal, and get it done.”

According to Virginia Children’s Partnership, Virginia ranks last nationwide in terms of the number of children ‘aging out’ of foster care—meaning becoming adults with no permanent home. Last year, 500 Virginians, or 20 percent of those in foster care, experienced this.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=C9987C0E-F551-4A14-BED7-32B642646E38,Warner & Kaine Statement on Support for Proposal to Strengthen Virginia's Child Welfare System,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,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) released the following joint statement in support of a new proposal unveiled this afternoon to reform and strengthen Virginia’s child welfare system:

“As former Governors, we know that Virginia’s economy and future depend on investments in the well-being of our youngest generations. That’s why we are pleased to see this new proposal to meaningfully reform Virginia’s child welfare system and better support children and families. Turning this vision into reality is going to take determination and a strong commitment to bipartisanship, and we urge leaders on both sides of the aisle in Richmond to come together, embrace this proposal, and get it done.”

According to Virginia Children’s Partnership, Virginia ranks last nationwide in terms of the number of children ‘aging out’ of foster care—meaning becoming adults with no permanent home. Last year, 500 Virginians, or 20 percent of those in foster care, experienced this.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-subramanyams-statement-attack-bondi-beach,Congressman Subramanyam's Statement on Attack at Bondi Beach,2025-12-14,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“Hanukkah is a yearly celebration of light and miracles, and yet the Jewish community was deliberately targeted and attacked at Bondi Beach in Australia, where families were gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.

We must call out the rise in antisemitism and threats to the Jewish community in our country and around the world. We cannot let this hate win.

My prayers are with the families of the victims and with the Commonwealth’s Jewish community this week. We must always push back against hate and make people of all faiths and backgrounds feel safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8743,House and Senate Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Students from Dangerous Seclusion and Restraint Practices,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"House and Senate education leaders reintroduced the bipartisan Keeping All Students Safe Act to protect students from dangerous seclusion and restraint practices in school.

In the House, the bill is sponsored by House Committee on Education and Workforce Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Representative Don Beyer (D-VA-08), and Representative Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08). And in the Senate, it is sponsored by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee.

The Keeping All Students Safe Act would make it illegal for any school receiving federal taxpayer money to seclude children and ban dangerous restraint practices that restrict children’s breathing, such as prone or supine restraint. The bill would also prohibit schools from physically restraining children, except when necessary to protect the safety of students and staff. The bill would provide grants to train school personnel to address school-expected behavior with evidence-based, proactive strategies, require states to monitor the law’s implementation, and increase transparency and oversight to prevent future abuse of students.

According to yearlong investigation by Hearst Media, federal data show that incidents of restraint and seclusion occur on average at least 2,300 times per school day and impact upwards of 102,000 students each academic year. The most recent data shows that more than 50,000 public school students were restrained or secluded during the 2020-2021 school year. However, schools underreport incidents of restraint and seclusion, and there are likely many more incidents than are reflected in the data.

“Every child should be safe and protected while in school. Sadly, that is not always the case. Despite evidence that seclusion and restraint practices make schools less safe, thousands of students are still subjected to these dangerous discipline methods. Students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by these harmful practices,” said Ranking Member Scott. “A quality education cannot be achieved without a safe learning environment. The Keeping All Students Safe Act would establish nationwide requirements and provide states and teachers the support they need to improve their schools’ culture by using evidence-based interventions.”

“Every child deserves a safe environment in which to learn and grow, but too many students – particularly Black students and those with disabilities – face harmful and abusive disciplinary actions instead. Many states have recognized the harm of seclusion and inappropriate restraint in the classroom and banned these practices, but this remains an issue that requires a federal solution,” said Representative Beyer.“Our bill would enact critical protections for students by creating national safety standards for schools and by providing personnel training and support. By enacting this legislation, Congress can ensure that children have a safer learning environment in every school.”

“No kid should be locked alone in a room or forcibly restrained while at school. Yet a shocking amount of schools continue to use unnecessary force to discipline kids, particularly those with disabilities. These methods are not only ineffective, they risk traumatizing and physically harming students in need of care. Our bill will protect kids from abuse while giving teachers and staff the tools they need to address disruptive behavior to keep all students safe,” said Senator Murphy.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that children across this country, disproportionately students of color and students with disabilities, face dangerous seclusion and restraint practices. It is our moral responsibility to ban these practices once and for all,” said Ranking Member Sanders.

“It’s past time we ban dangerous discipline practices that put students at risk in the classroom, and I’m going to keep pushing until our bill banning these practices gets signed into law,” said Vice Chair Murray. “Every kid deserves to learn in a safe, nurturing environment—full stop.”

This legislation is endorsed by Access Ready, Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, Alliance of and for Visually Impaired Texans, Allies for Independence, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, American Psychological Association, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autistic People of Color Fund, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN), Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Boys Town, Center for American Progress (CAP), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Crisis Prevention Institute, DeafBlind Community of Texas, Disability Belongs, Disability Rights California, Education Trust, Epilepsy Foundation, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education (HECSE), Little Lobbyists, Lives in the Balance, Maine Parent Federation, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), National DeafBlind Coalition, National Disability Rights Network, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Parents Union, National PTA, New America's B-12 Education Policy Program, New Disabled South, Oregon State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, Respect ABILITY Law Center, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, TASH, the Advocacy Institute, the Arc, the Arc of Northern Virginia, the Center for Learner Equity, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Family Association for DeafBlind, the Satanic Temple and Protect Children Project, the U.S. Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Unsilenced, and Zero to Three.

To read the bill text for the Keeping All Students Safe Act, click here.

To read the fact sheet on the Keeping All Students Safe Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8744,SEEC Blasts House Republicans' Attack on Cheap Energy and Clean Water,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko and Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Suzanne Bonamici, Sean Casten, Mike Levin, and Chellie Pingree, released the following statement in response to the House passage of the Improving Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act (H.R. 3668), State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act (H.R. 3628), and Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act (H.R. 3898).

“The promise of permitting reform has always been that, if done properly, it could unlock cheaper, cleaner energy to the benefit of all Americans. Unfortunately, House Republicans have chosen to use the guise of ‘permitting reform’ as an excuse to pursue their pro-polluter agenda. The bills they brought to the floor this month do nothing to actually address the primary challenges holding back cheap and reliable energy here in America. The biggest threat to affordable energy in America is Donald Trump’s all-out assault on solar and wind, but House Republicans have proven too scared to push back against him.

“Electricity prices have now increased by 13% since Trump took office, yet he continues to lie and dismiss the cost-of-living crisis as a ‘scam’. Trump can try to ignore the very real concerns of the American people, but we all know that life is more expensive thanks to Donald Trump, his billionaire polluter donors, and his army of Congressional yes-men.

“We remain willing to engage in good-faith bipartisan negotiations on true ‘permitting reform’. Hopefully, Congressional Republicans will heed the wake-up call of the ever-worsening energy affordability crisis and join us in that effort.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-announces-2025-2026-congressional-app-challenge-winner,McClellan Announces 2025-2026 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) announced the winner of the 2025-2026 Congressional App Challenge for Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District: Akash Arun Kumar Soumya. Akash designed ElderLink AR, an application that utilizes AI to provide targeted physical and emotional wellness guidance for seniors, while also offering options for real-time feedback and coaching during exercises. Akash created ElderLink AR to address the challenges posed by sedentary lifestyles among older adults.

The Fitness Chatbot offers a platform for exercise and wellbeing tips, allowing users to message questions and receive insights. It also features voice capabilities, similar to Companion Chat, which provide direct guidance on emotional wellness, including stress management. Lastly, Akash created the Exercise AR feature, which offers a real-time feedback option for seniors performing exercises through camera tracking technology.

“Akash has designed an innovative tool that gives seniors a free, accessible way to improve their health and address the issue of living a sedentary life,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Sedentary lifestyles can increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers, as well as cause muscle or bone loss. They can also trigger depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. Too often, providers keep mental and physical care in separate silos. Akash created a coding project that thoughtfully understands and addresses the deep connection between mental and emotional health in aging. I congratulate Akash for winning the Congressional App Challenge for Virginia’s Fourth!”

Akash currently attends Maggie Walker Governor’s School as a tenth grader.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that fosters students’ interest and passion in STEM and computer science. As technology rapidly evolves, STEM education is crucial for innovation, economic growth and workforce readiness. Akash, as a representative of Virginia’s Fourth in the Congressional App Challenge, will be invited to Washington, D.C. to meet Congresswoman McClellan and attend the annual #HouseofCode science fair.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/12/vindman-barrett-introduce-bipartisan-legislative-package-to-confront-the-impact-of-screen-addiction-on-mens-mental-health-2/,"Vindman, Barrett Introduce Bipartisan Legislative Package to Confront the Impact of Screen Addiction on Men’s Mental Health",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Tom Barrett (R-Mich.-07) today introduced a pair of bipartisan bills to confront the rising crisis of screen addiction, and its toll on American men and boys — a trend increasingly linked to worsening mental health, declining workforce participation, and weakened social and family connections.

The two bills — the Tech Wellness for Men Act and the Tech Wellness for Young Men Act — direct the federal government to comprehensively study the mental, social, and economic consequences of screen addiction among men and boys, and to deliver evidence-based recommendations to Congress.

“Too many men and boys in our country are quietly suffering — struggling with anxiety, isolation, and lost opportunities as screen addiction erodes their mental health, undermines family bonds, and pulls them out of the workforce,” said Vindman. “These bills are the first step toward confronting a growing crisis by putting facts and evidence above assumptions. Our families and our communities deserve real solutions.”

“One of the biggest challenges of raising four kids today is managing screen time in an increasingly digital world. Kids and teenagers all across the country are more interested in burying their face in a video game than playing outside,” said Barrett. “This isolation from the real world has led to an alarming spike in anxiety and depression, especially among boys and young men. These bills are about understanding the toll screen addiction is having on the next generation and getting serious about addressing the root cause before this trend gets any worse.”

The Tech Wellness for Men Act confronts screen addiction as a growing threat to men’s mental health, stability, and economic participation. This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation to conduct a federal study of men ages 25–64, investigating screen addiction’s impacts on their mental, social, and developmental wellbeing.

Specifically, the study would:

Assess links between excessive screen use and depression, anxiety, substance misuse, sleep disorders, workforce disengagement, and social isolation.

Include focused analysis of veterans and unemployed men with data broken down by urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Confront an overlooked driver of male decline and restore personal and family resilience.

HHS will report its findings and provide policy recommendations to Congress within 18 months.

The Tech Wellness for Young Men Act would also direct a comprehensive study through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institute of Mental Health, and the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation to study screen addiction’s effects on the mental, social, and developmental health of boys and young men ages 12–25. This age group now faces unprecedented levels of digital exposure during a critical stage of emotional and cognitive development.

Specifically, the study would:

Examine emotional development, impulse control, academic performance, attention span, and the erosion of friendships, dating relationships, and family ties.

Examine compulsive gaming, streaming, and social media use, and their impact on civic and physical engagement to measure digital dependency.

Require input from adolescent psychiatrists, addiction scientists, educators, and technology ethicists.

HHS must provide Congress with findings, identify the most vulnerable subgroups, and outline recommended next steps within 18 months.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/warner-kaine-announce-federal-funding-for-virginia-airports,"Warner, Kaine Announce Federal Funding for Virginia Airports",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) announced $620,060 in federal grant funding for infrastructure upgrades to three Virginia airports. This funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for FY26, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.

“This investment in Virginia airports will help open doors for travelers and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce funding that improves our infrastructure and passenger experience, and helps train Virginia’s next generation of pilots.”

The program grants will be distributed as follows:

The Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission will receive $109,000 to assist in the construction of a T-hangar for aircraft storage at the Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport (EMV).

Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. will receive $226,050 to expand an existing fuel farm at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) by adding two fuel tanks with two self-service pumps.

The City of Suffolk will receive $285,000 to assist in the construction of a hangar for aircraft at the Suffolk Executive Airport.

Warner and Kaine have been fierce supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $2 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize infrastructure for three of Virginia’s regional and international travel hubs. Last year, the senators announced over $46 million in federal funding from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to improve airports across the Commonwealth.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought billions of dollars in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, improve airports, ports and waterways, and modernize public transportation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=18802E9F-766F-4856-B68A-57C2274153F6,Warner Sponsors Bipartisan Amendment to NDAA to Improve Aviation Safety,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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) sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strike Section 373, a reckless provision that could undo key safety measures implemented over the Capital region airspace following the January 29, 2025, collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), and replace it with the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. The bipartisan ROTOR Act was unanimously passed by the Commerce Committee earlier this year and includes critical air safety measures championed by Sen. Warner.

“The current version of the NDAA would make flying into the Capital region significantly less safe,” said Sen. Warner. “Following the January 29 tragedy, I fought to implement safety measures and oversight practices to prevent a collision like this from ever happening again. The ROTOR Act preserves those safety measures and requires military aircraft to be equipped with advanced technology so they can better communicate their precise locations with control towers and other aircraft.”

The bipartisan amendment to the NDAA:

Protects key safety measures implemented over D.C. airspace: Eliminates Section 373 of the NDAA which would clear the way for military aircraft to switch from the safer ADS-B Out system that the military switched to for operations in the National Capital Region after the January 29 crash back to less precise systems like TCAS, which the Army helicopter was using on January 29. Section 373 also allows military commanders to waive military aircrafts’ location broadcasting system requirement entirely when flying in the region, creating a loophole that would increases the risk to the flying public.

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:

Expands ADS-B In and Out Implementation for Commercial and Military Aircraft: Includes a provision mandating a clear 2031 deadline for aircraft operators to equip with ADS-B In technology to provide pilots increased situational awareness and provide traffic advisories and alerting for airport operations to reduce the risk of mid-air and runway collisions. All commercial (e.g. passenger, cargo, business), military and general aviation operators who are already required by the FAA to be equipped with ADS-B Out must also equip with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031. The agreement also ends many Department of Defense (DoD) longstanding ADS-B Out transmission exemptions that have allowed military and other government aircraft to fly near DCA and other busy airports without transmitting their location. Training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing pre- and post-reform use of exemptions, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly reporting requirements for all agencies performing sensitive government missions, and biannual reporting to Congress on the frequency of flights using any remaining exemptions, with special 14-day notification if agencies use exemptions five or more times per month.

Requires Comprehensive Safety Reviews of DCA and All Major, Mid-size Airports: Requires a comprehensive FAA safety review of DCA airspace to assess how civil and military helicopter, drone, and emergency first responder flights impact commercial operations at airports and to better prevent future incidents. These reviews ensure a thorough evaluation of all non-commercial flight routes near the airport. The agreement requires the same comprehensive FAA safety review of other Class B airports and Class C airports, prioritizing safety reviews for airports with high volumes of mixed flight traffic.

Sets New Level of Coordination and Information Sharing Between FAA and DoD: The bipartisan agreement requires each military service with an aviation component to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to share appropriate aviation safety information and enhance coordination to prevent future incidents.

Reviews Army Policies and Standards: Mandates an Army Inspector General audit evaluating coordination with FAA, pilot training standards, ADS-B usage compliance, helicopter maintenance protocols, and the Army's review of loss of separation incidents in the National Capital Region. Results must be transmitted to Congress and publicly released within 14 days of completion.

Advances Next-Generation Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAS-X): Lays the foundation for advancing the deployment of next generation collision avoidance technology – known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) and its variants that can deliver strong improvements for aviation safety. During NTSB’s hearings on the DCA collision, this technology was discussed due to its more versatile applications to helicopter operations. This technology provides better traffic conflict resolution alerts to pilots and can better prevent mid-air helicopter collisions at lower altitudes where existing collision avoidance technology does not activate. The agreement directs FAA to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for widespread adoption of the technology among aviation operators.

Sen. Warner was closely involved with the investigation of the January 29th collision, meeting with first responders and offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost immediately following the tragedy. He also saw through passage of a legislation to remember the victims of the crash. Sen. Warner also requested answers from FAA on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision. In March of this year, the Sen. Warner responded to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the crash. He has also sounded the alarm for years about the need for increased safety for the flying public, including fighting against additional flights out of DCA that contribute to overcrowding.

Text of the amendment is available here. Text of the ROTOR Act is available here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=9F89B97F-7B55-46EA-9157-53F8C3280600,Warner Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Strengthen VA Acquisitions & Accountability for Veterans,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Democrat,Senate,VA,Mark R. Warner,W000805,www.warner.senate.gov,warner,https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation advanced by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) that would enact major reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) acquisition processes to achieve improved outcomes for veterans. Through creating a centralized Office of Acquisition at the VA, the Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment (ARCA) Act will allow the VA to define major acquisition programs, streamline oversight and contracting processes, enhance accountability through independent evaluations and reporting, and implement improved training for VA personnel. This will address known deficiencies in the VA’s current acquisition processes, all with the aim of strengthening the VA’s ability to achieve timely and cost-effective results for veterans across the country.

“Our veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our country, deserve quick access to high-quality care, and a VA that works for them,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to have worked with Chairman Moran and bipartisan colleagues to pass this legislation that reforms and modernizes the way the VA manages acquisitions and its contracting processes, strengthens accountability, and improves the experience of veterans and their clinicians.”

In addition to Sen. Warner, this legislation was led by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), with bipartisan cosponsors Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jim Banks (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

This legislation will now be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Since 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has had the VA acquisition process on its “high risk list” and the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released multiple reports stating a need for acquisition reform.

“Vietnam Veterans of America supports the Acquisition Reform Cost Assessment Act. Veterans need systems and facilities delivered on time and on budget,” said James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America. “Earlier this year, we backed S. 2412 to fix fragmentation across VA construction, leasing, acquisition, and logistics and to strengthen the acquisition workforce; ARCA complements that work by sharpening cost review and transparency on major programs. Together, these reforms improve delivery and accountability for veterans and taxpayers.”

""The Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act (ARCA) delivers common sense, strategic acquisition reform to VA procurement operations. ARCA creates an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Acquisition and Innovation and places all VA contracting officers and acquisition centers under this new office,” said Roger Waldron, President, Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement. “Consolidation of procurement operations will standardize practices, leverage resources, improve communication with industry, and streamline processes. The result will be a VA acquisition management framework that delivers essential goods and services to veterans more efficiently and at better value. The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement (the Coalition) applauds the passage of this strategic acquisition reform legislation.""

“PSC commends Chairman Moran and his co-sponsors for their bipartisan leadership in advancing meaningful, practical reform at the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said James Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Professional Services Council. “The ARCA Act addresses long-standing structural challenges at VA and puts the Department in a stronger position to deliver technology and infrastructure that directly improve outcomes for veterans. With the dedicated leadership of Secretary Doug Collins, VA is now positioned to deliver best-in-class outcomes for our heroes. Collaboration across the aisle was essential to moving this legislation forward. The senators’ commitment to strengthening VA acquisition systems and infrastructure will help reduce program risk, expand competition, and accelerate the delivery of needed, modern capabilities across the VA enterprise.”

Letters of support for the legislation from Vietnam Veterans of America and the National Veteran Small Business coalition can be found here and here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=E646B595-1649-4A84-B5E5-0A91E36BB79F,"Warner, Kaine Announce Federal Funding for Virginia Airports",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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 $620,060 in federal grant funding for infrastructure upgrades to three Virginia airports. This funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for FY26, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.

“This investment in Virginia airports will help open doors for travelers and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce funding that improves our infrastructure and passenger experience, and helps train Virginia’s next generation of pilots.”

The program grants will be distributed as follows:

The Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission will receive $109,000 to assist in the construction of a T-hangar for aircraft storage at the Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport (EMV).

Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. will receive $226,050 to expand an existing fuel farm at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) by adding two fuel tanks with two self-service pumps.

The City of Suffolk will receive $285,000 to assist in the construction of a hangar for aircraft at the Suffolk Executive Airport.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been fierce supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $2 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize infrastructure for three of Virginia’s regional and international travel hubs. Last year, the senators announced over $46 million in federal funding from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to improve airports across the Commonwealth.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought billions of dollars in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, improve airports, ports and waterways, and modernize public transportation.

###

‘* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8742,AI Caucus Co-Chair Beyer Response To Trump’s AI Order,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus, today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order targeting state regulations on artificial intelligence:

“President Trump’s AI order is an attempt to kill responsible safety reforms passed by states, which would create a lawless Wild West environment for AI companies that puts Americans at risk. This is a terrible idea.

“Congress has been slow to respond to the AI revolution and in the absence of a strong federal response, states are wisely taking the lead to create guardrails and protect the public. Trump’s attempt to undo this progress without providing any federal regulatory protections would be extremely harmful. A moratorium on state legislation will reduce the likelihood of Congressional action as well, which is the unstated goal of this Executive Order. Moreover, his attempt to block state laws through federal coercion likely violates the 10th Amendment, and as such constitutes an unconstitutional abuse of power.

“The first attempt to pass this harmful AI moratorium policy in the One Big Beautiful Bill failed because of robust bipartisan opposition. Trump is using this executive order to bypass this opposition in both chambers of Congress. Hostility on Capitol Hill to this damaging and irresponsible policy remains strong, and I am actively exploring legislative options with members in both chambers and both parties in response to this order.”

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) serves as co-Chair of the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus. He was one of a handful of members selected to serve on the bipartisan Task Force On Artificial Intelligence, convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Speaker Mike Johnson. He is the author of the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and a lead cosponsor of the CREATE AI Act, the Federal Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act, and the Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-send-trump-impeachment-inquiry-judiciary-committee,Scott Votes to Send Trump Impeachment Inquiry to Judiciary Committee,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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 No on the Republican Motion to Table H.Res. 939, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States for high crimes and misdemeanors:

“During his first term in office, I voted twice to impeach Donald Trump for his abuse of his office and his incitement of the deadly insurrection on January 6, 2021. House Republicans have shown little interest in conducting congressional oversight over Donald Trump and his Administrations during his time in office.

“During his second term, Donald Trump has engaged in corrupt abuses of the Emoluments Clause, threatened violence against Members of Congress, and committed apparent war crimes in the Caribbean amongst other out-of-control, illegal behavior that demeans and abuses the Office of the President. It is long overdue for the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings and investigate all potential high crimes and misdemeanors committed by President Trump.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://cline.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2629,Rep. Cline Introduces Bill to Restore Standard Rulemaking Procedures at Federal Agencies,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,VA,Ben Cline,C001118,cline.house.gov,cline,https://cline.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Rep. Ben Cline (VA-06) introduced the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025, legislation to bring transparency, accountability, and public input to federal agency consent decrees and settlement agreements. Currently, activist groups leverage behind-closed-doors lawsuits to pressure agencies into sweeping regulatory changes without meaningful input from the public, job creators, or affected industries, effectively sidestepping the traditional rulemaking process. Rep. Cline’s bill restores accountability by requiring public notice and comment, strengthened judicial review, agency head certification of settlements, and detailed reporting to Congress to ensure these agreements serve the public interest.

“The American people deserve a transparent, accountable government, not one where major regulatory decisions are made behind closed doors through backroom legal deals,” said Rep. Ben Cline. “For too long, activist-driven lawsuits have been used to force sweeping policy changes without public input or congressional oversight. The Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act restores openness and accountability by ensuring these agreements are subject to public notice, comment, and judicial review so that taxpayers, workers, and small businesses all have a voice.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcguires-wintergreen-emergency-egress-act-advances-through-committee,Rep. McGuire's Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act Advances Through the Committee Process,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,VA,John J. McGuire III,M001239,mcguire.house.gov,mcguire,https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative John McGuire’s (VA-05) legislation, the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act, was included in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands’ legislative hearing. Senator Tim Kaine (VA) leads the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate with Senator Mark Warner (VA) as an original cosponsor.

Wintergreen, Virginia is a popular tourist destination located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Nelson County, Virginia. Currently, the Wintergreen community has only one entrance and exit route; presenting a significant safety concern if there were to be an evacuation due to a natural disaster.

Congressman McGuire’s Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue a right-of-way to Wintergreen to finish an emergency route upon the completion of the required reviews; ensuring residents and visitors have an alternative route to use to evacuate during a catastrophic event, while minimizing disturbance to federal land.

“I am proud to introduce this legislation which will help solve an over 25-year problem for the town of Wintergreen and puts public safety first,” said Congressman McGuire. “The danger posed by limited evacuation routes is well documented. The difference between survival and catastrophe comes down to whether there is more than one way out during times of emergency. I’m proud to have the support of seven of my House colleagues in the Virginia Delegation and both of Virginia’s Senators on this straightforward bill that prioritizes public safety.""

Watch Rep. McGuire's testimony here.

“There is currently only one road for entry to and exit out of Wintergreen, and residents have shared their concerns with me about the risks that poses if there is an emergency,” said Senator Kaine. “I’m proud to be introducing this bipartisan legislation to support the construction of a new road and enhance public safety.”

“Every American is taught as a child the importance of knowing where emergency exits are located. It’s why schools have fire drills,” said Curtis Sheets, Chief of Wintergreen Fire & Rescue. “Every American who travels by air understands the importance of knowing where the exits from the plane are located. That is why we have safety briefings on every single flight. Serious wildfire events such as those in Gatlinburg, TN, and Paradise CA, have all underscored the importance of having emergency exits from neighborhoods. The Wintergreen community does not have an emergency exit, even though creating such an exit would be incredibly simple. We have tried for over 25 years to gain approval from the National Park Service. We appreciate Congressman McGuire for helping us continue and hopefully finish the fight.”

While Congressman McGuire and other members of the Virginia Delegation work to pass this through the House, Virginia’s Senator Kaine and Senator Warner are advancing it in the Senate. This important piece of legislation will provide the thousands of residents and visitors with a reliable and safe emergency evacuation route and help keep Virginians safe.

“Currently, there is only one road in and out of Wintergreen, posing a great risk to residents and first responders in the event of an emergency,” said Senator Warner. “This legislation takes the first step towards fixing this potentially life-threatening problem and prioritizing public safety during a natural disaster or emergency situation.”

“This legislation is critical to the safety of the thousands of residents and visitors who visit Wintergreen Resort every year,” said Congressman Wittman (VA-01) “I am proud to support this investment into the emergency preparedness of Virginia’s tourism industry — ensuring that both tourists and staff aren’t put in harm’s way.”

“The thousands of people who live in Wintergreen or are staying at the Wintergreen Resort deserve a safe and reliable evacuation route — this legislation would establish just that,"" said Congressman Vindman (VA-07) ""I'm proud to support the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act to decrease the risk in the event of a natural disaster or emergency, guaranteeing that federal partners can help Wintergreen build the infrastructure its residents and first responders have needed for years.”

“Wintergreen is one of Virginia’s greatest treasures, and the safety of the families who live, work, and visit there must always come first,” said Congressman Cline (VA-06) “With only a single road in and out, the risk during a natural disaster or emergency is simply too great to ignore. Congressman McGuire’s Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act is a commonsense, life-saving solution that will give first responders and residents the critical access they need to safely evacuate when it matters most.”

“In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, we must prioritize the safety of our communities above all else,” said Congresswoman McClellan (VA-04) “Construction of an additional exit route for Wintergreen will give residents and tourists the peace of mind that they can safely and calmly evacuate the area if needed. I am pleased to join Congressman McGuire’s efforts to save lives through the Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act.”

“The Blue Ridge Parkway is a major tourism engine that generates revenue for mountain communities in Virginia, including in Virginia’s Ninth District,” said Congressman Griffith (VA-09). “I am proud to join my Virginia colleagues in exploring sensible policies that support the Parkway. The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act provides a safer environment for a significant Parkway attraction.”

Background:",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-applauds-senate-introduction-his-bill-support-family-farmers,Rep. Subramanyam Applauds Senate Introduction of His Bill to Support Family Farmers and Grow Agritourism,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Agritourism Caucus and primary sponsor of the AGRITOURISM Act, released the following statement after Senate introduction of a companion to Rep. Subramanyam’s bill:

“I thank Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ted Budd (R-NC) for introducing the companion to my legislation for the first time in the Senate. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to pass this legislation to support our agritourism farmers and contribute to the resiliency of small-town America. Agritourism is a booming industry in Virginia and critical to our local economy. From wineries to ranches, breweries, distilleries, and farm stands, our farmers deserve dedicated resources within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make sure they have everything they need to be successful.”

Rep. Subramanyam introduced the bipartisan Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act earlier this year. The bill would create an Office of Agritourism at USDA to represent the interests of agritourism businesses in federal policymaking and consolidate federal resources to sustain agritourism businesses, such as loans, grants, and broadband connectivity programs.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-subramanyam-votes-restore-collective-bargaining-rights-almost-million,Rep. Subramanyam Votes to Restore Collective Bargaining Rights for Almost a Million Federal Workers,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) joined members from both parties in voting to repeal President Trump’s executive order that stripped union rights from almost one million federal workers.

“This administration has lived up to their promise to make federal workers ‘traumatically affected,’ with firings, reductions in force, and the closure of whole offices within departments. The president’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from federal workers was another insult to thousands of our neighbors who are civil servants,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “Repealing this executive order will ensure federal workers maintain their right to fight for competitive pay and benefits. We want to retain these hardworking employees who could be making more money in the private sector, and collective bargaining is a key component of retention.”

President Trump’s March 27 Executive Order, “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” sought to end collective bargaining with unions at the departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice and Energy, and some workers at the departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior and Agriculture. The order affected hundreds of thousands of federal workers.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act would fully repeal the executive order and guarantee that the federal government honors union contracts in place at the time it was made.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/11/u-s-house-passes-three-vindman-led-efforts-as-part-of-bipartisan-defense-bill/,U.S. House Passes Three Vindman-Led Efforts as Part of Bipartisan Defense Bill,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The legislation included three Vindman-led provisions to strengthen support for military families, improve the educational environment in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and protecting the Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce from arbitrary firings.

“As a 25-year Army veteran, I know that passing a strong, bipartisan defense bill is one of the most important things Congress does each year,” said Vindman. “This NDAA reflects months of work to strengthen our national security and support the people who make that mission possible. I’m glad to see three provisions I championed included — one that bolsters quality education by making DoDEA classrooms phone-free, another that guarantees children of reservists can attend DoDEA schools when their parent is serving their country, and one that protects Virginia’s federal workers. These are practical steps that give military families more stability and help their kids succeed.”

Specifically, the Vindman-led provisions in the bipartisan defense bill would:

Require all DoDEA schools to adopt phone-free classroom policies. These schools, which serve the children of U.S. military personnel stationed across the globe, would become leaders in restoring in-class focus and reducing screen time during school hours.

Guarantee that children of reservists can access DoDEA schools while their parent is serving their country. Vindman pushed for this change after hearing directly from an affected constituent about the challenges they faced.

Protecting federal workers from DOGE by standing up for the DoD civilian workforce by strengthening protections against arbitrary firings. With 55,000 federal workers in Virginia’s Seventh District, Vindman will always fight our federal workers.

Vindman was one of 17 Democrats to vote to pass the bipartisan NDAA when it first came to the House floor in September. He believes the national security of our country should remain a bipartisan issue and will continue to put our military families and service members over politics.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran. He served as an infantry officer and paratrooper including assignments in the 82D Airborne Division and as a company commander leading troops. Soon after, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. As a JAG, Vindman served as an international law advisor in Iraq; as the senior prosecutor in the busiest jurisdiction in the Army; and as a White House National Security Council (NSC) deputy legal advisor. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/11/vindman-votes-to-give-troops-well-deserved-pay-raise-invest-in-military-readiness/,"Vindman Votes to Give Troops Well-Deserved Pay Raise, Invest in Military Readiness",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee released the following statement after voting to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This bipartisan bill delivers real investments in readiness, innovation, and the wellbeing of our service members and their families,” said Vindman. “Two measures I led successfully passed the U.S. House as part of this legislation: one to guarantee children of reservists are able to go to school on base while their parents are serving our country and another to make DoDEA classrooms phone-free so students can learn with fewer distractions. With this bill, we will strengthen our military and back our service members with the resources they deserve. Every military family and service member should know that I will always have their back.”

The majority of this legislation reflects months of bipartisan negotiations done in good faith between the U.S. House and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committees.

Vindman was one of 17 Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee to pass the bipartisan NDAA when it first came to the House floor in September. He believes the national security of our country should remain a bipartisan issue and will continue to put our military families and service members in front of politics.

Vindman championed and secured the following priorities for Virginia’s service members and military families in the NDAA:

$18 million increase in funding for the U.S. Army to procure First-Person View (FPV) drones

$17 million in additional funding for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) to purchase drones

$10 million in additional funding for the USMC’s Warfighting Lab

Children of reservists are guaranteed access to Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools while serving their country

Requiring that all DoDEA schools adopt phone-free classroom policies

$20 million increase in funding for U.S. Army Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization to address infrastructure issues at Ft. Walker

Requiring parental notification within 24 hours of any negative incidents at DoD Child Development Centers

Stands up for the DoD civilian workforce by strengthening protections against arbitrary reductions in force

Repealing the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for use of Military Force against Iraq

Reauthorizing the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) for $400 million for FY26 and $400 million for FY27

Vindman’s yes vote — along the majority of his colleagues — also supported critical priorities for the United States, including:

A well-deserved 3.8% pay raise for service members

$1.5 billion for new and needed barracks, housing, and child development centers

Extends a limitation on recognizing Russian sovereignty over any part of Ukraine

$460 million for necessary environmental cleanup at Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) sites

Extends the Child Care In Your Home pilot program for eligible community-based childcare providers

These provisions reflect Vindman’s commitment to holding the Department of Defense accountable, safeguarding our national security, and guaranteeing our service members have the resources and support they need to succeed.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Vindman is a U.S. Army veteran. He served as an infantry officer and paratrooper including assignments in the 82D Airborne Division and as a company commander leading troops. Soon after, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals (JAG) Corps. As a JAG, Vindman served as an international law advisor in Iraq; as the senior prosecutor in the busiest jurisdiction in the Army; and as a White House National Security Council (NSC) deputy legal advisor. In Congress, he sits on the House Armed Services Committee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=215,"Walkinshaw Calls Out OPM Director Kupor for Misleading, Deplorable Comments on Federal Workforce",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman James R. Walkinshaw (VA-11) issued the following statement responding to U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor’s misleading claim that nearly 97% of departing federal workers “voluntarily” left civil service rather than being coerced by the Trump administration.

“Federal workers were hit with DOGE, watched agencies shutter, were threatened with imminent Reductions in Force, demagogued, and bombarded with those mindless “5 things” emails.

Nothing about that was voluntary — the Fork in the Road was coercion.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-ahead-of-critical-health-care-vote,Kaine Statement Ahead of Critical Health Care Vote,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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 Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement ahead of a vote on a three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits proposed by Senate Democrats. The credits are set to expire at the end of the year after Republicans failed to extend them as part of the budget bill they passed this summer to cut taxes for billionaires.

“Later today, the Senate will vote on simple legislation to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and prevent health care costs from sky-rocketing for millions of Americans and nearly four hundred thousand Virginians. I have heard from countless constituents about the difference this extension would make for their families, who are already struggling with high prices on everything else, from food to housing and energy. The floodlights will be on my Republican colleagues, who know that the American people—78 percent of whom support extending these tax credits—expect them to vote for this legislation. If they don’t, they could very well be replaced at the ballot box by someone who will.”

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 78 percent of the public say they want Congress to extend the enhanced tax credits. As a member of HELP, Kaine has long advocated for their extension. Thus far, Republicans have refused to cross the aisle to extend them.

Nearly 400,000 Virginians are enrolled in marketplace coverage. Expiration of these credits is predicted to cause 94,000 Virginians to be unenrolled in health insurance through the marketplace, 50,000 Virginians to be uninsured, and hundreds of millions of dollars to be lost in federal funding and state gross domestic product.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=0E20C227-39B1-4A7B-8AEE-CC4C2451AAD7,Warner Applauds House Passage of His Bipartisan Bill to Repeal Union-Busting Executive Orders,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to repeal two union-busting executive orders signed by President Trump and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers:

“Federal workers are the backbone of agencies that keep Americans safe, healthy, and informed. They inspect our food, support our troops, respond to natural disasters, and protect our safety. They deserve basic workplace protections that prevent retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful terminations.

“Today’s bipartisan vote in the House is an important step toward undoing one of the most sweeping attacks on federal workers in our nation’s history. President Trump’s executive orders ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million public servants under a false national security pretext in order to make it easier to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants and replace them with political loyalists.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House, Democrats and Republicans alike, who stood up for these workers and rejected this administration’s union-busting campaign. Now it’s the Senate’s turn. I urge my colleagues to move quickly to pass this bipartisan bill so we can restore long-standing labor protections, safeguard the integrity of the civil service, and ensure the federal workforce can continue serving the American people.”

The Protect America’s Workforce Act would repeal two executive orders issued earlier this year that revoked collective bargaining rights from the majority of federal employees and unilaterally canceled hundreds of thousands of existing union contracts. The legislation has earned broad support from labor unions representing federal workers across the country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=F983B3E2-C240-4616-B1FC-6FBEF08C33AA,Warner Statement on Failed Vote to Preserve Health Care for Millions of Americans,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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) released the statement below after voting to preserve the health care tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year. The legislation, which would have extended these tax credits for three years, failed to advance in the Republican-led Senate by a vote of 51-48.

“Enhanced Premium Tax Credits have put health insurance within reach for millions of Americans, including small business owners and employees, gig workers, and many other people who cannot count on employer-provided health care. The legislation put forth by Democrats today would have extended these tax credits for three years, providing Americans with certainty while allowing Congress to focus on improving our health care system and fixing its flaws. Today is a sad day for middle-class families, for parents with vulnerable children, and for people whose lives are better because they can buy their medications every month and see a doctor when they need to.

“As my Republican colleagues prepare to leave town and spend the holidays with their loved ones, I’m thinking of the millions of American families who will be counting down the New Year knowing they’ll have to pay more, settle for less, or perhaps forgo health insurance altogether when the clock strikes midnight.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8740,"Raskin, Beyer, Welch Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Ranked Choice Voting to all Congressional Elections",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Donald S. Beyer, Jr.",B001292,beyer.house.gov,beyer,https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Don Beyer (VA-08) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced bicameral legislation to bring ranked choice voting (RCV) to congressional races across America. The Ranked Choice Voting Act would require RCV for all primary and general congressional races beginning in 2030, allowing voters to express their ranked support for multiple candidates. This would make our elections fairer and more representative and create a more positive politics.

With RCV, voters rank candidates in order of preference. If a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins, just like in any election. If not, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who picked that candidate as ‘number 1’ have their votes redistributed and counted for their next favored choice. This process continues until a candidate wins with more than half the votes.

“Ranked choice voting is a great advance in democracy. It gives voters more power at the ballot box and makes our politics more positive and inclusive, encouraging candidates to connect with more voters,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m proud to partner with Representative Beyer and Senator Welch on this important legislation to keep growing and improving electoral democracy.”

“Polarization in Congress is worse than ever, and this is making it harder and harder for Congress to solve basic problems for the American people,” said Rep. Beyer. “Ranked choice voting would help fix our broken political system by changing election incentives to favor leaders who build broad and diverse coalitions focused on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. This reform would strengthen our democracy and make Congress more responsive to the needs of the people we represent.”

“Our democracy is at its strongest when everyone is heard and represented. Ranked choice voting offers an opportunity to break through polarization and strengthen our democracy by ensuring that our elected candidates have received the broad support of the folks they’ll represent,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my friends and former colleagues Representatives Raskin and Beyer on this pro-democracy bill to make our elections more equitable, more civil, and more representative.”

“The Ranked Choice Voting Act will give voters more choice and more power. It will make Congress more responsive and more accountable to the people they represent,” said Meredith Sumpter, president and CEO of FairVote, a nonpartisan organization seeking better elections. “At a time when polarization and gridlock are making it harder for Congress to deliver for the American people, ranked choice voting gives members of Congress incentives to lead, legislate, and govern together.”

The RCV Act is endorsed by FairVote Action, Campaign Legal Center, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Public Citizen, People Power United, Third Way, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland, National Council of Jewish Women, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, United Church of Christ, #unifyUSA, 7th Generation Labs, Better Ballot SC, Bridge Alliance Education Fund, Citizen Works, Clean Elections Texas, Connecticut Voters First, DemCast USA, Divided We Fall, FairVote Illinois, FairVote Minnesota, Fix Democracy First, Founding Mothers Movement, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, Greenpeace USA, HeadCount, Healthfox US, Indivisible Howard County, N.C. For The People Action, National Network for Arab American Communities, National Organization for Women, NH Ranked Choice Voting, Ocean State RCV, Rank the Vote, Rank The Vote Ohio, RepresentUs, RepresentWomen, SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce, Task Force for Democracy, UpVote Virginia, Vote Nevada, Voter Choice Arizona, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Women's Committee of the Forward Party.

The legislation is cosponsored in the House by Representatives Steve Cohen (TN-09), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Summer Lee (PA-12), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Scott Peters (CA-50), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://beyer.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=8741,Virginia Delegation Statement On NDAA Rotary Wing Aircraft Provision,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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. Representatives Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, James Walkinshaw, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, and Eugene Vindman, Members of Congress representing Virginia, issued the following statement on Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which addresses “Manned Rotary Wing Aircraft Safety” in the wake of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport that took 67 lives:

“We share serious concerns raised by the Families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board about Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act related to safety in the airspace around National Airport following the tragic collision in January. We are deeply disappointed that this provision, which only applies to training flights, creates a waiver process to allow training flights in the region that further congest the airspace, an issue that contributed to January’s deadly crash.

“This provision falls short of NTSB’s preliminary safety recommendations and omits changes that are essential to improve visibility, safety, and communications between military and civilian aircraft in D.C. airspace. Further action is needed to prevent a repetition of the mistakes that led to this incident, and we will continue working with all possible speed on legislative solutions with our colleagues and transportation officials to get this right before any waivers are issued, and to ensure air safety in the region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-labor-leaders-introduce-bill-protect-workers-and-level-playing,House Labor Leaders Introduce Bill to Protect Workers and Level the Playing Field,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House labor leaders will introduce the Labor Enforcement to Securely (LET’S) Protect Workers Act. The LET’S Protect Workers Act is a transformative bill that will protect America’s workers and crack down on dishonest employers and corporations by raising penalties for violations of workers’ rights and protections.

The bill introduction is accompanied by a damning report entitled, “A Slap on the Wrist: How it Pays for Dishonest Employers to Take Advantage of Workers” which illustrates how current civil monetary penalties for labor violations fall short, allowing dishonest employers to exploit workers. And it underscores the lack of accountability for serious infractions, such as illegal child labor, worker fatalities, wage theft, union-busting, and discriminatory health coverage practices, emboldens companies to keep breaking the law.

“Every American should be fairly compensated and be able to return home safely at the end of the day,” said Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce. “Unfortunately, shortcomings in our labor laws enable unethical employers to exploit workers, endanger children, and suppress the right to organize—with little accountability. That’s why I'm proud to reintroduce the LET’S Protect Workers Act, which will hold bad actors accountable and strengthen penalties for labor law violations. This bill will help level the playing field and, once again, restore the balance of power between workers and their employers.”

“Far too often, bad employers break our labor laws by violating safety standards or retaliating against workers for union organizing, and yet they get off with merely a slap on the wrist,” said Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Donald Norcross, Mark Pocan, Debbie Dingell, and Steven Horsford. “Today, we’re introducing legislation that would finally establish meaningful penalties to protect workers and hold bad actors accountable. Every day, working people bravely organize for fairer workplaces, and lawmakers need to have their backs. We’re calling on every one of our colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation and fighting for workers.”

Responsibly strengthening civil monetary penalties will save workers’ lives, prevent disabling injury, protect the welfare of children, safeguard the most vulnerable workers, and undergird the right to organize by raising the cost of noncompliance and deterring violations. The LET’S Protect Workers Act will:

Increase civil monetary penalties for violations of child labor, minimum wage and overtime, worker health and safety, and farmworker protection standards.

Improve mine safety and reliable funding of black lung benefits through new and increased civil monetary penalties and the option to shut down scofflaw operators.

Set new penalties for retaliation against workers who exercise their family and medical leave rights.

Strengthen enforcement of mental health parity requirements for employer-sponsored health plans.

Close a loophole that allows employers to escape penalties for failing to keep records of workplace injuries if OSHA does not detect the violation within six months.

Create new penalties for violations of the National Labor Relations Act, consistent with the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act.

The LET’S Protect Workers Act is co-sponsored by 70 Representatives including Alma S. Adams (NC-12), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), André Carson (IN-07), Troy A. Carter (LA-02), Greg Casar (TX-25), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Gilbert Ray Cisneros, Jr. (CA-31), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Christopher R. Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-04), Lois Frankel (FL-22), John Garamendi (CA-08), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (IL-04), Daniel S. Goldman (NY-10), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Timothy M. Kennedy (NY-26), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Greg Landsman (OH-01), Summer L. Lee (PA-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Seth Magaziner (RI-02), John W. Mannion (NY-22), Doris O. Matsui (CA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Jennifer L. McClellan (VA-04), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert Menendez (NJ-08), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Frank J. Mrvan (IN-01), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Emily Randall (WA-06), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Janice D. Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie A. Stansbury (NM-01), Haley M. Stevens (MI-11), Thomas R. Suozzi (NY-03), Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13), Mark Takano (CA-39), Dina Titus (NV-01), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Val T. Hoyle (OR-04), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Angie Craig (MN-02).

The LET’S Protect Workers Act is endorsed by AFL-CIO, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Child Labor Coalition, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Economic Policy Institute (EPI), Family Values @ Work, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), National Consumers League, National Employment Law Project (NELP), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), UNITE HERE, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and United Steelworkers (USW).

To read the full text of the LET’S Protect Workers Act, click here.

To read the fact sheet of the LET’S Protect Workers Act, click here.

To read the section-by-section of the LET’S Protect Workers Act, click here.

To read the report entitled, “A Slap on the Wrist: How it Pays for Dishonest Employers to Take Advantage of Workers,” click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-votes-defense-bill-fy26,Scott Votes for Defense Bill for FY26,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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 S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026:

“The FY26 NDAA provides support to servicemembers, guarantees the defense of the American people, and invests in shipbuilding and our national security. This bill includes a 3.8% raise for all servicemembers, extends efforts to improve childcare and military housing, and protects workers from reduction in force at a public shipyard without cause.

“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 $26 billion for shipbuilding provisions that includes full funding for the advance procurement of the first CVN-82 and full funding of the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Program, as well as full funding of the third Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine and one Virginia-class Submarine. The final bill also improves the AUKUS agreement between our partners and strengthens the efficiency of the agreement. The bill also authorizes funding for military construction projects across Hampton Roads including funding for a Child Development Center at Naval Station Norfolk and Dry Dock 3 Modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.”

“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 LGBTQ+ servicemembers, undermining efforts to diversify our fighting force, and restricting university research. Ultimately, this bill supports our service members and our allies while ensuring America’s national security.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/virginia-delegation-statement-ndaa-rotary-wing-aircraft-provision,Virginia Delegation Statement On NDAA Rotary Wing Aircraft Provision,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,"Robert C. ""Bobby"" Scott",S000185,bobbyscott.house.gov,bobbyscott,https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, James Walkinshaw, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, and Eugene Vindman, Members of Congress representing Virginia, issued the following statement on Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which addresses “Manned Rotary Wing Aircraft Safety” in the wake of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport that took 67 lives:

“We share serious concerns raised by the Families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board about Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act related to safety in the airspace around National Airport following the tragic collision in January. We are deeply disappointed that this provision, which only applies to training flights, creates a waiver process to allow training flights in the region that further congest the airspace, an issue that contributed to January’s deadly crash.

“This provision falls short of NTSB’s preliminary safety recommendations and omits changes that are essential to improve visibility, safety, and communications between military and civilian aircraft in D.C. airspace. Further action is needed to prevent a repetition of the mistakes that led to this incident, and we will continue working with all possible speed on legislative solutions with our colleagues and transportation officials to get this right before any waivers are issued, and to ensure air safety in the region.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-joins-rep-nikema-williams-introduce-resolution-declaring-abortion,McClellan Joins Rep. Nikema Williams to Introduce Resolution Declaring Abortion as a Human Right,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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) joined Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) to introduce a Congressional Resolution, along with 108 other members, affirming reproductive freedom as a human right. According to the UN Committee on Human Rights, parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), including the United States, are obliged to protect reproductive freedom. Following the Dobbs decision, many states are not upholding their obligations under the ICCPR and other human rights treaties. The resolution is also co-led by Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12), and Rep. Greg Casar (TX-35).

Over the last three decades, more than 60 nations have reformed their abortion laws while only four have rolled abortion rights back: Poland, El Salvador, Nicaragua — and now, the United States.

Last Month, the United States was scheduled to appear before the United Nations for the Universal Periodic Review–a human rights assessment that every UN member state undergoes every 4.5 years. Despite participating in all previous reviews, this year, the Trump Administration boycotted, signaling a disregard for the obligation to comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) said:

“From the overturning of Roe v. Wade by Trump-appointed Justices on the Supreme Court to drastic Medicaid cuts that hurt patients and providers alike, we’ve seen reproductive health care fall further and further out of reach for millions. Comprehensive and accessible reproductive health care remains a public health, social justice and human rights issue — and this resolution ensures we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. I thank Rep. Williams for her leadership on this resolution. We won’t rest until reproductive rights are fully restored and upheld across our nation.”

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:

“Abortion bans are extremely dangerous—and, in some cases, deadly—in Georgia, a state already reeling from a maternal health crisis, and across the country. Without reproductive freedom, we are not truly free. This resolution affirms that reproductive freedom is a fundamental human right under United States law, and that state abortion bans violate federal law and endanger the lives of women. We must uphold our most basic freedoms and get our country back on track as a global leader in human rights, restoring health, dignity, and freedom for pregnant women everywhere.”

Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) said:

“Democrats are fighting to make reproductive care a fundamental human right as MAGA Republicans seek to destroy it as a right and even an available social good. We believe Americans should be able to make their own health care decisions without asking Donald Trump or Mike Johnson for permission. We’re on the side of protecting personal freedom, lowering health care costs and opposing government control. That’s why we’re introducing this critical resolution.”

Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02) said:

“Access to safe, legal abortion is healthcare. It’s as fundamental as any other medical service. I’m proud to support this resolution because it sends a message that no matter where you live in this country, your rights to make decisions about your body and your health should not be up for debate. That’s a matter for you, your doctor, and your family. Not the government.”

Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) said:

“I am proud to support this resolution. Abortion care is healthcare and women can’t be free without their right to reproductive freedom. As the United States faces a maternal mortality crisis, draconian abortion bans are costing women their lives. Since Roe was overturned, women living in states that ban abortion are nearly two times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than states where abortion is legal and accessible. For women of color, the maternal mortality rate is even higher. Abortion is a healthcare issue, an autonomy issue, an equity issue, and a dignity issue—we must fight to protect this fundamental right.”

The resolution is endorsed by 160+ organizations. See endorsers here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/mcclellan-statement-fy26-ndaa,McClellan Statement on the FY26 NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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 the House voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26 NDAA):

“While the FY26 NDAA is not a perfect bill and contains provisions I oppose, it represents a significant step forward in raising pay for service members; strengthening protections for civilian workers against reckless mass layoffs; investing in housing and childcare centers for service members and their families; advancing scientific research; and more. It stands as one of the few instances in this 119th Congress of an ongoing bipartisan, bicameral negotiation process based in cooperation and compromise. For these reasons, I voted yes.

“The FY26 NDAA makes marked improvements in pay, infrastructure and quality of life for our service members, their families and the service community. It bolsters our positioning as a leader on the global stage, supports our allies in countries like Ukraine, includes tens of millions in funding for scientific research at HBCUs and more. These positive changes will be felt across every sector of our nation.

“Unfortunately, the Trump Administration and Speaker Johnson continued their efforts to politicize this bill to stoke culture wars. The FY26 NDAA was no exception. I vehemently oppose their efforts to undermine Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and the work of the Naming Commission; exclude hard-won provisions for collective bargaining rights for civilian employees and funding for in vitro fertilization; and target transgender athletes at military academies. I also share the concerns raised by the families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board regarding safety in the airspace around Reagan National Airport. I will continue working to address these deficiencies in the FY27 NDAA.

“Despite its shortcomings, the FY26 NDAA goes a long way to meet the quality of life needs of our service members and families, supports our nation’s military readiness and reasserts some Congressional oversight responsibility over the Department of Defense. I commend my Democratic colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee for their steadfast work to counter actions taken by the Trump Administration that consistently undermine our national security. I’ll continue to work with them and House Democrats to uplift service members and keep attention on the issues that matter to the American people, not culture wars.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases/virginia-delegation-statement-ndaa-rotary-wing-aircraft-provision,Virginia Delegation Statement on NDAA Rotary Wing Aircraft Provision,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Jennifer L. McClellan,M001227,mcclellan.house.gov,mcclellan,https://mcclellan.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, James Walkinshaw, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, and Eugene Vindman, Members of Congress representing Virginia, issued the following statement on Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which addresses “Manned Rotary Wing Aircraft Safety” in the wake of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport that took 67 lives:

“We share serious concerns raised by the Families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board about Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act related to safety in the airspace around National Airport following the tragic collision in January. We are deeply disappointed that this provision, which only applies to training flights, creates a waiver process to allow training flights in the region that further congest the airspace, an issue that contributed to January’s deadly crash.

“This provision falls short of NTSB’s preliminary safety recommendations and omits changes that are essential to improve visibility, safety, and communications between military and civilian aircraft in D.C. airspace. Further action is needed to prevent a repetition of the mistakes that led to this incident, and we will continue working with all possible speed on legislative solutions with our colleagues and transportation officials to get this right before any waivers are issued, and to ensure air safety in the region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mcguire-votes-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-fiscal-year-2026,Rep. McGuire Votes for Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,VA,John J. McGuire III,M001239,mcguire.house.gov,mcguire,https://mcguire.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05), voted for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 on the House Floor.

“As a Navy SEAL veteran, I am pleased to see the House pass the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This year’s NDAA advances President Trump’s Peace through Strength Agenda,” said Congressman John McGuire. “This legislation improves the quality of life for all servicemembers, invests in new equipment and systems for enhanced deterrence, removes radical DEI policies from the Department, and improves acquisition reform at the Pentagon so our warfighters get what they need to win now. Virginia is home to numerous defense innovators, installations, and military families. I was proud to support this critical legislation on the floor as it ensures our military is modern and lethal. I promised, when I took office, to deliver for Virginia’s 5th District. This bill does just that and more for the Commonwealth, supporting the growing nuclear industry, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development sectors. I look forward to President Trump signing this critical legislation.”

Watch Rep. McGuire’s House floor remarks in support of the NDAA here.

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026:

Fundamentally reforms defense acquisition – streamlining the process, cutting through red tape, and getting our warfighters what they need when they need it.

Supports the Trump Administration’s budget request for a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers and improves housing, education, and access to childcare for military families.

Invests in the capabilities needed to maintain a strong U.S. posture. It strengthens nuclear deterrence, expands missile defense, and provides resources and authorities to counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Ensures our Armed Forces have the capabilities they need to prevail in the wars of the future by accelerating innovation, prioritizing cutting-edge technologies like hypersonics and autonomous systems.

Expands U.S. production capacity and provides certainty to rebuild the defense industrial base.

Codifies all or parts of 15 President Trump executive orders and 30 legislative proposals requested by the Trump Administration.

Supports President Trump’s top priorities, including the Golden Dome, F-47 fighter aircraft, submarines, warships, and autonomous vehicles.

This year’s NDAA includes several key provisions critical to Virginia and the Fifth District, many of which Congressman McGuire championed:",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-subramanyam-raises-concerns-over-imran-khans-condition,Congressman Subramanyam Raises Concerns Over Imran Khan's Condition,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"“I am concerned by reports that members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s family went weeks without establishing direct contact with him, raising fears that he may have suffered irreversible harm. While it was later reported that Mr. Khan is in stable physical condition, he largely remains in solitary confinement with limited communication to others.

I will continue to monitor these developments, and reaffirm my commitment to justice, human rights, and democracy around the world.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases/virginia-delegation-statement-ndaa-rotary-wing-aircraft-provision,Virginia Delegation Statement On NDAA Rotary Wing Aircraft Provision,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Suhas Subramanyam,S001230,subramanyam.house.gov,subramanyam,https://subramanyam.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam, Don Beyer, James Walkinshaw, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, and Eugene Vindman, Members of Congress representing Virginia, issued the following statement on Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which addresses “Manned Rotary Wing Aircraft Safety” in the wake of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport that took 67 lives:

“We share serious concerns raised by the Families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board about Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act related to safety in the airspace around National Airport following the tragic collision in January. We are deeply disappointed that this provision, which only applies to training flights, creates a waiver process to allow training flights in the region that further congest the airspace, an issue that contributed to January’s deadly crash.

“This provision falls short of NTSB’s preliminary safety recommendations and omits changes that are essential to improve visibility, safety, and communications between military and civilian aircraft in D.C. airspace. Further action is needed to prevent a repetition of the mistakes that led to this incident, and we will continue working with all possible speed on legislative solutions with our colleagues and transportation officials to get this right before any waivers are issued, and to ensure air safety in the region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://vindman.house.gov/2025/12/10/vindman-bresnahan-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-expand-small-business-administration-lending-eligibility-for-residential-developers-boost-housing-supply/,"Vindman, Bresnahan Lead Bipartisan Effort to Expand Small Business Administration Lending Eligibility for Residential Developers, Boost Housing Supply",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,Eugene Simon Vindman,V000138,vindman.house.gov,vindman,https://vindman.house.gov/category/press-releases/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.-08) introduced bipartisan legislation to require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to carry out a pilot program for the construction or management of build-to-rent multifamily housing.

The Main Street Home Builders Act would authorize the SBA’s 504-loan program to support small-scale residential construction under a new pilot. The program would operate under clear performance standards to track success and protect taxpayer dollars. By leveraging the proven structure of the SBA’s 504-loan program, focusing support on small builders, and establishing strict caps and time limits, this bill would increase the nation’s housing supply.

“Communities across America are being squeezed by rising construction costs and a shrinking housing supply. This bill will unlock new opportunities for small builders — empowering them to help deliver the homes our neighbors desperately need,” said Vindman. “By using the Small Business Administration’s proven 504-loan framework in a responsible pilot program, we can grow housing supply, lower costs, and safeguard taxpayer dollars all at once.”

“Families in Northeastern Pennsylvania are being priced out of the housing market, and we can’t afford to let red tape keep holding back the small businesses that are ready to build more homes,” said Bresnahan. “The Main Street Home Builders Act is a commonsense step to lower costs by helping local builders access the tools they need to get more homes on the market. When our local builders can get shovels in the ground faster, families across NEPA see lower costs and more housing options.”

BACKGROUND

Rising construction costs and limited housing supply are putting pressure on communities nationwide. Meeting the country’s economic and workforce needs will require building more homes — and empowering small builders is essential to lowering costs and extending supply. Under current law, the SBA’s 504 Loan Program helps small businesses finance commercial development projects but doesn’t allow small builders to use it for residential construction. This gap limits the ability of local builders to respond to housing demand and slows efforts to increase affordable, attainable housing across the country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=204,Virginia Delegation Statement On NDAA Rotary Wing Aircraft Provision,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Democrat,House,VA,James R. Walkinshaw,W000831,walkinshaw.house.gov,walkinshaw,https://walkinshaw.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives James Walkinshaw, Don Beyer, Suhas Subramanyam, Bobby Scott, Jennifer McClellan, and Eugene Vindman, Members of Congress representing Virginia, issued the following statement on Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2026, which addresses “Manned Rotary Wing Aircraft Safety” in the wake of the January 29, 2025 mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan National Airport that took 67 lives:

“We share serious concerns raised by the Families of Flight 5342 and the National Transportation Safety Board about Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act related to safety in the airspace around National Airport following the tragic collision in January. We are deeply disappointed that this provision, which only applies to training flights, creates a waiver process to allow training flights in the region that further congest the airspace, an issue that contributed to January’s deadly crash.

“This provision falls short of NTSB’s preliminary safety recommendations and omits changes that are essential to improve visibility, safety, and communications between military and civilian aircraft in D.C. airspace. Further action is needed to prevent a repetition of the mistakes that led to this incident, and we will continue working with all possible speed on legislative solutions with our colleagues and transportation officials to get this right before any waivers are issued, and to ensure air safety in the region.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-on-house-passage-of-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense-authorization-act,Kaine Statement on House Passage of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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 Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, released the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“I’m glad that the House voted to pass this year’s defense bill, which includes important provisions that will support servicemembers, military families, Virginia’s defense community, and our allies. However, I’m extremely disappointed that a provision I fought for to restore a bipartisan commission’s names of our military bases was taken out at the last minute because President Trump threatened to veto the entire defense bill—just like he did in 2020, even though it included a pay raise for servicemembers—to prevent changes to bases named for Confederates. Virginians were proud to honor Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot, Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, Lt. Col. Charity Adams, and Dr. Mary Walker. It’s shameful that the Virginia bases won’t continue to be named after these four amazing individuals.”

During the SASC markup of the FY26 NDAA, an amendment to restore the names of three Virginia military bases to those chosen by the bipartisan commission was passed by voice vote. The House Armed Services Committee similarly passed an amendment to restore the names of all military bases on a bipartisan basis.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.kaine.senate.gov/press-releases/kaine-statement-regarding-aviation-safety-provision-in-defense-bill,Kaine Statement Regarding Aviation Safety Provision in Defense Bill,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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, released the following statement regarding the aviation safety provision in the final, conferenced Fiscal Year 2026 defense bill:

“I was proud to work alongside the families of those who lost loved ones in the January 29 crash near DCA to secure a provision in the Senate-passed annual defense bill to require all DOD aircraft that operate near commercial airports to be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Congressional leaders watered my provision down to accommodate DOD concerns. While this final provision is a smaller step forward than I wanted, I will work to ensure that it won’t be the last. In the coming weeks, the NTSB and Army are releasing their reports regarding the crash, which will provide guidance as Congress considers additional steps the DOD and the FAA can take to avoid catastrophe in the future, including reducing commercial air traffic to and from DCA.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z