Press Releases
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO FROM SEN. WARNER'S TREE DECORATION
SANTA’S WORKSHOP – Consider the Senate halls decked! Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) welcomed 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students from Weyanoke Elementary in Fairfax County to his Capitol Hill office to kick off the holiday season with carols, milk and cookies, and decoration of the office Christmas tree. This year’s tree, a 14-foot Fraser fir, is from Mt. Rogers Tree Farm in Grayson County, Va.
Students helped Sen. Warner decorate his tree with handmade ornaments while serenading members of his staff with classic carols such as “Jingle Bells.”
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” Sen. Warner said. “As we head into the holiday season, meeting and celebrating with these kids is a great reminder of why I do this job.”
Sen. Warner has hosted students from across the Commonwealth to help him get in the holiday spirit nearly every year since taking office in 2009.
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) applauded the congressional passage of legislation he cosponsored to provide tax relief for individuals affected by storms in Southwest Virginia.
“Since my time as governor of the Commonwealth, I’ve fought for the people of Southwest Virginia, who are too often overlooked. I’m proud to see the full Congress vote to approve legislation I cosponsored to provide tax relief for those struggling under the weight of Hurricane Helene’s devastation. I will keep doing everything I can at the federal level to pass a full disaster relief package and support Southwest Virginians affected by severe weather events,” said Sen. Warner.
Specifically, the provision cosponsored by Sen. Warner would allow taxpayers to fully deduct qualified disaster casualty losses that exceed $500 and are attributable to federally-declared disasters beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending 60 days following the date of enactment.
In Southwest Virginia, many families affected by Hurricane Helene are facing massive out-of-pocket costs due to not having flood insurance or adequate homeowner’s insurance. This measure will provide needed assistance to those families in particular, allowing them to deduct nearly the full cost of those losses from their taxes and receive speedy assistance in the form of larger refunds during tax season. Currently, taxpayers can deduct losses only when those combined losses exceed 10 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.
The Warner-sponsored provision passed as part of a broader tax package designed to provide tax relief for Americans impacted by recent natural disasters, including various hurricanes and wildfires. This package now heads to the President’s desk for his signature.
Sen. Warner has been a staunch advocate for Virginians affected by Hurricane Helene. Most recently, he led a bipartisan and bicameral group of colleagues in calling on congressional leadership to ensure that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS). He has also raised the alarm about the need to allow the U.S. Small Business Administration to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses, and pushed for a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. In November, Sen. Warner also spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to Damascus, a community along the heavily-impacted Creeper Trail, and the long road to recovery to get the trail operational and support the communities and businesses that rely on it.
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a former fair housing lawyer, (both D-VA) announced $1,450,000 in federal funding to address lead-based paint hazards in homes across Virginia. Many older homes still have lead-based paint on walls, which is dangerous when it peels and chips. Young children are most susceptible to lead poisoning and can face long-term developmental delays if exposed. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, which provides federal funding to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in eligible homes.
“Lead poisoning can pose long-term health issues for those exposed,” the senators said. “This funding will help to protect Virginians from lead-based hazards and help ensure they have safe housing.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $750,000 for the City of Roanoke.
- $700,000 for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This funding will be distributed across Virginia by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Lead Hazard Reduction Program.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for safe, affordable housing for Virginia families. This funding builds on the $11.6 million in federal funding the senators announced in October to address this issue. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $98 million in federal funding for affordable housing, community development, and homelessness assistance and over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.
###
Warner, Risch Celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day
Dec 02 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced a resolution in the Senate to designate today, December 2, 2024, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the peaceful development of nuclear energy technology and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.
“Nuclear energy is critical to meeting U.S. and global energy demands,” Sen. Warner said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my co-chair Sen. Risch to celebrate the advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy industry and highlight the importance of building on the progress we have made.”
“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going,” Sen. Risch said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and acknowledge the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”
Sens. Warner and Risch are joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in introducing the resolution.
Historically, December 2 marks two significant turning points in the advancement of nuclear energy:
- December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.
- December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.
The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.
###
Warner, Tillis, Colleagues Push for Public Lands Support in Supplemental Disaster Funding Package
Nov 26 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leadership requesting that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene, include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS).
“When Hurricane Helene brought torrential rainfall and severe winds through our states in late September, catastrophic flooding resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage,” the lawmakers wrote. “Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were devastated as many communities were left without power, potable water, and cell service – some remain without these critical resources to this day. While thousands of our constituents are beginning to rebuild their lives, many of these communities are simultaneously contending with the fallout that large segments of federally owned public lands that anchor these local economies are closed, not fully opened, or are simply inaccessible to visitors due to Hurricane Helene’s destruction.”
In addition to Warner and Tillis, the letter was signed by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ted Budd (R-NC) and U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC.)
The lawmakers continued, “Public lands are critical economic engines for many of our communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. For example, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited national park in the U.S. which spans 469 miles through Southwest Virginia and North Carolina, serves as the primary driver of economic activity for many of the communities in Helene’s path. In 2023, the Parkway saw over 16.7 million visitors who spent nearly $1.4 billion in surrounding communities. Visitor spending connected to the Parkway supports over 19,000 jobs in communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina and results in a cumulative economic impact of $1.8 billion to local economies. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway that has resulted in indefinite closures of large segments of the roadway and many trails and historical sites. Substantial federal funding is needed for the Parkway to rebuild its infrastructure to support the millions of visitors the park hosts each year, which supports dozens of Appalachian communities.”
Sen. Warner has been vocal about the need for federal resources to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Last week, he welcomed the Biden administration’s request for disaster relief funding, but highlighted the need for additional funding for public lands like the Creeper Trail in Southwest Virginia. Immediately following Hurricane Helene, Sen. Warner, joined by Sen. Kaine and Rep. Griffith, urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia, which opened various avenues for financial and physical assistance to help the region recover. Sens. Warner and Tillis, as well as Sen. Kaine, also joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to meet the needs of Virginians and the millions of Americans affected by the storm.
Full text of the letter is available here.
###
Warner, Tillis, Colleagues Push for Public Lands Support in Supplemental Disaster Funding Package
Nov 26 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in sending a letter to congressional leadership requesting that any supplemental appropriations bill responding to recent natural disasters, including Hurricane Helene, include substantial funding for the agencies that manage public lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the National Park Service (NPS).
“When Hurricane Helene brought torrential rainfall and severe winds through our states in late September, catastrophic flooding resulted in hundreds of deaths and billions of dollars in damage,” the lawmakers wrote. “Homes, businesses, and livelihoods were devastated as many communities were left without power, potable water, and cell service – some remain without these critical resources to this day. While thousands of our constituents are beginning to rebuild their lives, many of these communities are simultaneously contending with the fallout that large segments of federally owned public lands that anchor these local economies are closed, not fully opened, or are simply inaccessible to visitors due to Hurricane Helene’s destruction.”
In addition to Warner and Tillis, the letter was signed by Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Ted Budd (R-NC) and U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC.)
The lawmakers continued, “Public lands are critical economic engines for many of our communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. For example, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited national park in the U.S. which spans 469 miles through Southwest Virginia and North Carolina, serves as the primary driver of economic activity for many of the communities in Helene’s path. In 2023, the Parkway saw over 16.7 million visitors who spent nearly $1.4 billion in surrounding communities. Visitor spending connected to the Parkway supports over 19,000 jobs in communities throughout Virginia and North Carolina and results in a cumulative economic impact of $1.8 billion to local economies. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway that has resulted in indefinite closures of large segments of the roadway and many trails and historical sites. Substantial federal funding is needed for the Parkway to rebuild its infrastructure to support the millions of visitors the park hosts each year, which supports dozens of Appalachian communities.”
Sen. Warner has been vocal about the need for federal resources to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Last week, he welcomed the Biden administration’s request for disaster relief funding, but highlighted the need for additional funding for public lands like the Creeper Trail in Southwest Virginia. Immediately following Hurricane Helene, Sen. Warner, joined by Sen. Kaine and Rep. Griffith, urged President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia, which opened various avenues for financial and physical assistance to help the region recover. Sens. Warner and Tillis, as well as Sen. Kaine, also joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to meet the needs of Virginians and the millions of Americans affected by the storm.
Full text of the letter is available here.
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement:
“This agreement to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has killed thousands of people, is a welcome development for the region and should increase pressure on Hamas to reach a cease-fire agreement to end the fighting and destruction in the Gaza Strip, which has already claimed so many innocent lives. I applaud diplomatic efforts by the Biden administration and other international partners over many months in helping to reach this point.”
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, John Cornyn (R-TX), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced legislation to strengthen cybersecurity in the health care sector and protect Americans’ health data. This legislation is a product of the senators’ health care cybersecurity working group launched last year.
“Cyberattacks on our health care systems and organizations not only threaten personal and sensitive information, but can have life-and-death consequences with even the briefest period of interruption. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that strengthens our cybersecurity and better protects patients,” said Sen. Warner.
“Cyberattacks on our health care sector not only put patients’ sensitive health data at risk but can delay life-saving care,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bipartisan legislation ensures health institutions can safeguard Americans’ health data against increasing cyber threats.”
“In an increasingly digital world, it is essential that Americans’ health care data is protected,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation would modernize our health care institutions’ cybersecurity practices, increase agency coordination, and provide tools for rural providers to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.”
“Cyberattacks in the health care sector can have a wide range of devastating consequences, from exposing private medical information to disrupting care in ERs – and it can be particularly difficult for medical providers in rural communities with fewer resources to prevent and respond to these attacks,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan working group came together to develop this legislation based on the most pressing needs for medical providers and patients, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”
The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024:
- Strengthens cybersecurity in the health care sector by providing grants to health entities to improve cyberattack prevention and response.
- Provides training to health entities on cybersecurity best practices.
- Supports rural communities by providing best practices to rural health clinics and other providers on cybersecurity breach prevention, resilience, and coordination with federal agencies.
- Improves coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to better respond to cyberattacks in the health care sector.
- Modernizes current regulations so entities covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) use the best cybersecurity practices.
- Requires the HHS Secretary to develop and implement a cybersecurity incident response plan.
Click here for full bill text.
###
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are now accepting applications for the positions of U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia to replace current officeholders as the incoming Trump Administration begins its transition. After receipt of applications, the Senators will select from the list of qualified attorneys to recommend for the nomination. The White House will then nominate individuals to be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. The nominations are subject to confirmation by the full Senate.
“U.S. Attorneys play an integral role in protecting a geographically diverse commonwealth on a wide range of issues – from human trafficking, narcotics, and gang violence to white collar crime and public corruption,” said the Senators. “As we begin the transition process for these key positions in Virginia’s two districts, we look forward to reviewing qualified candidates and selecting the right individuals.”
Interested applicants should visit Sen. Warner’s website for application instructions. The application period will close Monday, December 16, 2024.
###
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), introduced the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2024, legislation aimed at shoring up America’s response to financial threats stemming from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Companion legislation, introduced by U.S. Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Roger Williams (R-TX), was passed in the House of Representatives last year.
The China Financial Threat Mitigation Act would require deeper analysis of potential financial threats from the CCP that may have substantial impacts on the U.S. economy.
“As the Chinese Communist Party continues to ramp up aggression towards the United States, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to protect U.S. institutions and interests, and our financial sector is no exception,” Sen. Warner said. “This bipartisan legislation takes the first step towards ensuring that the U.S. is prepared to counter the threat posed by the CCP by shoring up our financial systems.”
“Despite four decades of promised liberalization, the Chinese Communist Party retains the ability to intervene decisively in China’s banking system to achieve desired outcomes – a reality that poses potential risks to American businesses,” Sen. Rounds said. "To counter this, we need a clear understanding of how China's financial sector impacts the U.S. economy and global financial systems. Our legislation tasks the Treasury Department, working with other federal agencies, to assess and report on U.S. exposure to China's financial activities, providing a clearer picture of the threat.”
“The Chinese Communist Party poses a significant threat to our national and financial security, and we have a responsibility to hold the CCP accountable,” Sen. Lummis said. “I am partnering with my colleagues to protect U.S. interests for the sake of not only our financial system but the global economy, and I look forward to getting this bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”
“As a former CIA case officer and current Member of the House Intelligence Committee, I know that America’s exposure to the Chinese economy brings substantial risks,” Rep. Spanberger said. “Congress must do more to strengthen America’s response to emerging financial threats from the Chinese Communist Party. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation would help protect America’s economic interests and improve coordination with our international partners. I’m encouraged by our legislation’s momentum in the U.S. Senate, and I look forward to seeing it sent to the president's desk to be signed into law.”
The legislation would also require the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and State Department, to issue a report on the exposure of the United States to the threats posed by China's financial sector. Specifically, the required report must include:
- Effects the reforms to China's financial sector have on U.S. and global financial systems;
- Description of the policies the United States is adopting to protect U.S. interests;
- Description and analysis of any risks presented by China to the financial stability of the United States and the global economy; and
- Recommendations for additional actions to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate risks and protect U.S. interests.
Full text of the legislation is available here.
###
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) issued the following statement today after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the expected release of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This announcement follows strong advocacy by the Senators, who pushed DHS and DOL in October to release these visas – the maximum number authorized by congress for FY 2025.
“We are pleased to see the Department of Homeland Security plan to release these additional H-2B visas, which will allow workers to legally and temporarily fill seasonal job openings that would otherwise sit vacant. This move will help the small family businesses that make up Virginia’s seafood industry by ensuring they have the labor needed to get their product to market ahead of the commercial harvesting season.”
The H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Visa Program allows U.S. employers to hire seasonal, non-immigrant workers during peak seasons to supplement the existing American workforce. In order to be eligible for the program, employers are required to declare that there are not enough U.S. workers available to do the temporary work, as is the case with the seafood industry, which relies on H-2B workers for tough jobs such as shucking oysters and processing crabs.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for the expansion of H-2B visas in order to ensure that seafood processors in Virginia have the seasonal workforce they need. Last year, the Senators pushed for DOL to reform the H-2B Visa process in order to help meet the need of Virginia’s seafood processors. In 2022, Sens. Warner and Kaine pushed for and secured the release of an additional H-2B visas for seasonal workers.
###
Virginians Continue to Reap Benefits of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on its Three-Year Anniversary
Nov 15 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement to mark the three-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law becoming law:
“In the past three years, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which we authored and helped pass, has been transformative for communities across Virginia. This law has upgraded our roads, railways, and airports, made our air and water cleaner, connected communities through expanded broadband access, and more. We look forward to continuing to secure investments for Virginia from this law and will do all that we can to fight for its reauthorization so the Commonwealth can benefit from it for many more years to come.”
So far, Virginia has received over $10.5 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, including funding for over 350 specific projects. Read below for some examples of how Virginians across the Commonwealth are benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Augusta Free Press: Virginia receives $13M to expand rail service for Buckingham, Richmond, Bedford
Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine announced $13,317,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand and secure rail service across Virginia.
The funding was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, landmark legislation championed by both senators.Cardinal News: Virginia’s largest megasite lands the biggest project Southside has ever seen, after years of trying
Tennessee-based Microporous, which manufactures components for electric vehicle batteries, said it will bring at least $1.3 billion in investment to the region and create more than 2,000 jobs.
The Commonwealth Times: Virginia is on track for more trains, VCU students are all aboard
The U.S. Department of Transportation is putting over $1.7 billion into Virginia’s trains and rail services, a move that will increase daily trips and further connect Southern states to Washington, D.C., according to their website.Over $1 billion will support the construction of a high-speed rail line between Richmond and Raleigh, North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The project will restore miles of abandoned track along the S-Line Corridor, a rail line running through the Southeast that connects Richmond to Tampa, Florida. Portions of the currently closed line between Richmond, Virginia, Petersburg, Virginia and Raleigh, North Carolina have been under development for decades, according to Amtrak.
[…]
The money for the S-Line is coming from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, more commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law by President Biden in 2021, as shown on DOT’s website.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin, gubernatorial hopeful Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Rep. Jennifer McClellan and Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner were all present when it was announced that $729 million in federal funds would go toward upgrading Northern Virginia rail corridors. The upgrade includes plans to build a new bridge across the Potomac River between Washington, D.C. and Virginia, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.
Inside NOVA: Buttigieg, federal lawmakers celebrate Long Bridge Project groundbreaking in Arlington
The $2.3 billion Long Bridge Project will create a four-track corridor and make nearly two miles of rail improvements over land and the Potomac River.
[…]
Last December, Spanberger, Warner, Kaine, Connolly, Rep. Don Beyer and Rep. Jennifer McClellan held an event along with local officials and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to announce $729 million in federal funding for the Transforming Rail in Virginia Phase 2 projects.
Loudoun Now: Superfund Cleanup Begins at Hidden Lane Landfill
Sixteen years after Hidden Lane Landfill was named a federal Superfund site, the Environmental Protection Agency is beginning work to remove contaminated soil and address tainted groundwater at the former dump that sits between Broad Run Farms and CountrySide in eastern Loudoun.
[…]
Now, with funding from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, cleanup work is beginning, and expected to last much of the rest of the year.
Northern Virginia Magazine: Dulles Gets Another $40M for New Airport Terminal Building
Airports in Virginia will get nearly $57 million in federal funding, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine said Tuesday, with the bulk of the money going toward Dulles International Airport’s terminal building.
Dulles will receive $40 million from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program. The money will go toward the construction of a new 14-gate, 400,000-square-foot terminal building, including “direct connections to the Aerotrain and indirect connection to the Metrorail,” the senators said in a news release.
Earlier in the year, they announced additional funding for Dulles that added up to $104.6 million for the new terminal building at Dulles.
Virginia Mercury: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aiding Virginia Energy’s abandoned mine cleanup
Record amounts of funding in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enabled OSMRE to find and diversify opportunities stemming from abandoned mine lands.Called AMLs for short, abandoned mine lands are patches of earth dug up by previously existing mining operations that weren’t restored when the businesses left prior to the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which stopped that practice from continuing.
Virginia Mercury: Federal government awards pollution cleanup funding to Dublin, Dumfries
The Southwest Virginia located town of Dublin will use their allocation for assessments, community engagements, planning and cleanup activities for sites within the 271-acre Dublin Industrial Park that include legacy pollutants from its former user, the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, which makes rocket propellants and munitions for the U.S. Military.[…]
In Northern Virginia-based Dumfries, funding will be similarly used for assessment, community engagement, plans to reuse and clean up the Colonial Port Corridor, which includes a 3.5 acre site at 3800 Graham Park Road and the former 147-acre Campbell Salvage Yard.
Virginia Mercury: In Va., electric vehicle infrastructure development is underway. Incentives could spur growth.
The commonwealth has received $61 million, with a future allocation of $45 million, from the federal government’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to build out charging stations along interstate highways, with one planned at least every 50 miles, and within one mile of federally identified designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs).Virginia Mercury: Virginia airports and trails win federal funding bids
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) just keeps on giving and giving.
[…]
In Virginia, that translates to 45 airports getting more than $76 million for fixes. These include big airports like Washington Dulles International (which obtained $22 million) and Richmond International Airport ($6.8 million), to smaller airports like Tangier Island ($113,000) and Chesterfield’s Executive ($294,000).
Virginia Mercury: White House unveils $1 billion for electric and low-emission school buses
This is a second part of funding of a $5 billion, five-year initiative from the bipartisan infrastructure law. In total, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program has awarded nearly $2 billion and funded approximately 5,000 electric and low-emission school buses nationwide.
[…]
Out of the 2,737 school buses, 95% will be electric, the White House said. There are roughly half a million school buses across the U.S. used by public schools. A recent Office of Inspector General’s report found that EPA’s Clean Bus Program could be delayed by local utility companies trying to meet demand for electric school buses.
Virginian-Pilot: Virginia Port Authority: $83 million Norfolk International Terminals’ railyard expansion complete
The Virginia Port Authority on Tuesday announced the completion of the $83 million expansion of the central railyard at Norfolk International Terminals.
The expansion at the port authority’s largest terminal enables it to process the equivalent of 2 million 20-foot-long containers by rail annually, according to a news release. The project expands the authority’s annual on-dock rail capacity by 31%. Rail carriers Norfolk Southern and CSX provide service to the terminal.
WAVY: Norfolk International Airport awarded $14M in federal funds
Norfolk International Airport is getting nearly $15 million in federal money for a project to help with traffic flow in and out of its main terminal area.
The funding was made possible by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act that Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine helped pass. They announced nearly $60 million in federal improvements to airports across Virginia.
WSET: Multi-million dollar investments to bring high-speed internet to Central, Southwest Va.
There's a new billion-dollar initiative to expand broadband in the Commonwealth, and it will have major impacts for many of our local communities.
Virginia will receive $1.48 billion through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) federal Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.
###
Warner Presses Valve to Crack Down on Hateful Accounts and Rhetoric Proliferating on Steam
Nov 15 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today urged leadership at Valve, a prominent video game company, to respond to reports that their gaming distribution and social networking platform, Steam, is hosting extremist and hateful content – including over 1.5 million users and tens of thousands of groups that share and amplify antisemitic, Nazi, sexuality- or gender-based hate, and white supremacist content. Sen. Warner called for broad action from Valve to bring its content moderation standards in line with industry standards and crack down on the rampant proliferation of hate-based content.
“I write to you today regarding the hate and extremism that has recently been identified on your gaming digital distribution and social networking platform Steam,” Warner wrote. “Recently, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a report where ADL identified over 1 million unique user accounts and nearly 100,000 user-created groups that glorified antisemitic, Nazi, white supremacist, gender- and sexuality-based hatred, and other extremist ideologies on Valve’s Steam platform.”
The letter notes that Steam has millions of active users that are now exposed to extremist ideologies. According to the ADL report, Steam hosts almost 900,000 users with extremist or antisemitic profile pictures, 40,000 groups with names that included hateful words, and rampant use of text-based images, particularly of swastikas, resulting in over 1 million unique hate-images.
“My concern is elevated by the fact that Steam is the largest single online gaming digital distribution and social networking platform in the world with over 100 million unique user accounts and a userbase similar in scale to that of the ‘traditional’ social media and social network platforms. Steam is financially successful, with a dominant position in its sector, and makes Valve billions of dollars in annual revenue. Until now, Steam has largely not received its due attention as a de facto major social network where its users engage in many of the same activities expected of a social media platform,” Warner continued.
“We have seen on other social networking platforms that lax enforcement of the letter of user conduct agreements, when coupled with a seeming reluctance by those companies to embrace the spirit (namely providing users with a safe, welcoming place to socialize) of those same agreements, leads to toxic social environments that elevate harassment and abuse. You should want your users (and prospective users) to not have to wonder if they or their children will be harassed, intimidated, ridiculed or otherwise face abuse,” Warner concluded.
The letter ends with a series of questions for Valve regarding their enforcement of their own terms of service and their commitment to reining in toxic content.
For years, Sen. Warner, a former tech entrepreneur, has been raising the alarm about rise of hate-fueled content proliferating online, as well as the threat posed by domestic and foreign bad actors circulating disinformation. Recently, he pressed directly for action from Discord, another video game-based social networking site that is hosting violent predatory groups that coerce minors into self-harm and suicide. He has also called attention to the rise of pro-eating disorder content on AI platforms. A leader in the tech space, Sen. Warner has also lead the charge for broad Section 230 reform to allow social media companies to be held accountable for enabling cyber-stalking, harassment, and discrimination on their platforms.
A copy of the letter is available here and below.
Dear Mr. Newell:
I write to you today regarding the hate and extremism that has recently been identified on your gaming digital distribution and social networking platform Steam. Recently, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) released a report where ADL identified over 1 million unique user accounts and nearly 100,000 user-created groups that glorified antisemitic, Nazi, white supremacist, gender- and sexuality-based hate, and other extremist ideologies on Valve’s Steam platform.
It has been brought to your attention before that extremist ideologies seem to find a home on Steam. In 2022, Valve received a Senate letter identifying nearly identical activity on your platform, and yet two years later it appears that Valve has chosen to continue a ‘hands off’-type approach to content moderation that favors allowing some users to engage in sustained bouts of disturbing and violent rhetoric rather than ensure that all of its users can find a welcoming and safe environment across your platform.
My concern is elevated by the fact that Steam is the largest single online gaming digital distribution and social networking platform in the world with over 100 million unique user accounts and a userbase similar in scale to that of the ‘traditional’ social media and social network platforms. Steam is financially successful, with a dominant position in its sector, and makes Valve billions of dollars in annual revenue. Until now, Steam has largely not received its due attention as a de facto major social network where its users engage in many of the same activities expected of a social media platform.
ADL also found that, in addition to the extremely concerning number of hateful account and user groups:
- Almost 900,000 users with extremist or antisemitic profile pictures
- 40,000 groups with names that included hateful words, with the most prominent being “1488”, “shekel” and “white power”
- Rampant use of text-based images (so-called “copypasta” or “ASCII art”), particularly of swastikas, resulting in over 1 million unique hate-images.
Valve has a Steam Online Conduct policy (“Conduct Policy”) and a Steam Subscriber Agreement (“Agreement”) that Steam subscribers agree to abide by as a condition of using the service. The Conduct Policy requires that “[in] general, as a Steam user you should be a good online citizen and not do anything that prevents any other Steam user from using and enjoying Steam”. The Conduct Policy explicitly directs subscribers to not:
- “Engage in unlawful activity [including] encouraging real-world violence…”
- “Upload or post illegal or inappropriate content [including] [real] or disturbing depictions of violence…”
- “Violate others’ personal rights”
- “Harass other users or Steam personnel [which includes not engaging in] trolling; baiting; threatening; spamming; intimidating; and using abusive language or insults.”
It is reasonable to question how committed Valve is to effectively implement and enforce Valve’s own, self-created Conduct Policy for its users, in light of the 1 million Steam user accounts and 100,000 user-created groups glorifying hateful ideologies that ADL found. We have seen on other social networking platforms that lax enforcement of the letter of user conduct agreements, when coupled with a seeming reluctance by those companies to embrace the spirit (namely providing users with a safe, welcoming place to socialize) of those same agreements, leads to toxic social environments that elevate harassment and abuse. You should want your users (and prospective users) to not have to wonder if they or their children will be harassed, intimidated, ridiculed or otherwise face abuse.
As Black Friday and the holiday buying season approaches, the American public should know that not only is Steam an unsafe place for teens and young adults to purchase and play online games, but also that, absent a change in Valve’s approach to user moderation and the type of behavior that it welcomes on its platform, Steam is playing a clear role in allowing harmful ideologies to spread and take root among the next generation.
Valve must bring its content moderation practices in line with industry standards or face more intense scrutiny from the federal government for its complicity in allowing hate groups to congregate and engage in activities that undoubtedly puts Americans at risk.
Please provide answers to the following questions no later than December 13, 2024. Please provide answers in-line with the questions, and not a narrative that attempts to answer multiple questions.
- Please describe Valve’s current practices used to enforce its terms of service.
- Please provide the definition that Valve uses internally to define each of the following terms and/or behaviors from the Conduct Policy in order to evaluate potential violations of said policy:
- “Encouraging real-world violence”;
- “Inappropriate content”;
- “Real or disturbing depictions of violence”;
- “Violate others’ personal rights”; and
- “Harass other users or Steam personnel”, including:
i. trolling;
ii. baiting;
iii. threatening;
iv. intimidating; and
v. abusive language or insults.
- How many allegations did Valve receive from users about potential violations of the Conduct Policy? Include in your response each date when the Conduct Policy was changed, updated, or otherwise modified. Please provide data sufficient to answer this question for each of the following:
- Each month of each of the years of 2014 to 2024;
- Each category of violation (however Valve tracks types or categories of violations of the policy;
- Each category of violation for each month of each of the years of 2014 to 2024;
- The disposition and/or any findings of each complaint received (this may be presented in aggregate) by Valve, whether through Steam’s internal reporting mechanisms or any other means, and subsequent action taken by Valve in response to each complaint (this may be presented in aggregate).
- The number of unique user accounts that were subject to adverse, punitive, or corrective actions by Valve:
i. In response to a user-generated complaint; and
ii. In response to violations identified by Valve moderators of their own accord.
- For item e, above, please provide data on unique payment methods (e.g. credit card accounts, PayPal or similar payment method accounts, JCB, Klarna, Paysafecard, and any other payment methods accepted on Steam that are uniquely identifiable) associated with each account subject to adverse, punitive, or corrective actions by Valve that was subsequently used for any other account (this may be presented on aggregate).
- Approximately how many human content moderators work for Steam?
- How many of those moderators are in-house Valve employees?
- How many of those moderators are contracted by Valve?
- Does Steam supplement this work with AI-content moderation systems? If so, describe the ways in which any AI system is deployed for that purpose, including any evaluation process that Valve carried out to test any such system and the results that demonstrate the efficacy of any such system in identifying and/or removing content that violates the Conduct Policy and Subscriber Agreement.
- What steps does Valve take to prevent, monitor, and mitigate extremist, white supremacist, and terrorism-related content?
- What commitments will Steam make to ensure that it has meaningfully curbed white supremacist, antisemitic, terroristic, Nazi, homophonic, transphobic, misogynist, and hateful content by November 15, 2025?
- What transparency measures does Valve plan to implement to inform users and the public about content moderation actions related to extremists and behavior that could be reasonably interpreted as endorsing extremist thoughts, beliefs, and/or actions on the platform?
- The research shows a period from late 2019 to mid-2020 where it appears Valve may have stepped up its moderation of certain types of hateful content on Steam. Can you provide more detail on your content moderation practices during this time?
- How frequently does Valve evaluate its content moderation practices related to extremism?
- How frequently do those evaluations result in changes, updates, or other modifications to Valve’s content moderation practices related to extremism?
- Has Steam, or Valve, made policy, enforcement, or practical decisions that have had the effect of limiting or its content moderation? If so, provide the date(s) of each decision and enough information to understand the context and analysis that led to each decision.
I greatly appreciate your swift attention to this matter and look forward to reviewing your response.
Sincerely,
###
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the statement below, following an announcement by the Biden-Harris administration that TSMC will receive up to $6.6 billion in direct funding, which will be paired with over $65 billion in private investment to support three leading-edge facilities in Arizona that will manufacture the world’s most advanced semiconductor process technologies. This funding was awarded through the Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Incentives Program and appropriated through the CHIPS and Science Act – legislation negotiated and championed by Sen. Warner.
“Congress originally passed the CHIPS and Science Act because we knew that our national security depended on it. Today’s $6.6 billion investment will help support production of the most advanced chips, used for advanced applications like Artificial Intelligence. This is a win for American workers, for our advanced manufacturing industry, and for the resilience and security of our supply chains,” said Sen. Warner.
At full capacity, TSMC’s three fabs are expected to manufacture tens of millions of leading-edge logic chips that will power products like 5G/6G smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and high-performance computing and AI applications. Reshoring and rebuilding production of these most advanced chips in the United States will help maintain our national security by strengthening our qualitative advantage against foreign adversaries.
Sen. Warner, co-chair of the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus and former technology entrepreneur, has long sounded the alarm about the importance of investing in domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Sen. Warner first introduced the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act in June 2020 along with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).
###
Warner Pushes for Bipartisan Bill to Get Immediate Relief for Small Businesses Impacted by Helene
Nov 14 2024
HIGH-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for a bipartisan bill that would allow the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to continue paying out disaster assistance loans to small businesses. On Oct. 15, SBA announced that they had run out of funding in their disaster loan program shortly after Hurricane Helene devastated small businesses across the Southeast, leaving tens of thousands of businesses approved for loans but without any funding. The bipartisan legislation to refill the fund was blocked today by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). After the legislation was blocked, Sen. Warner said:
“While I’m deeply disappointed my colleagues blocked us from doing our duty and reauthorizing this essential funding for small businesses devastated by Helene, I’m as committed as ever to fighting for impacted communities across Southwest Virginia. We absolutely must pass support for small businesses and a broader supplemental aid package that will meet the needs of businesses, farms, and families that were hurt by Helene. If we don’t get this done soon, communities across Southwest Virginia will see businesses permanently shutter and an even longer path to recovery. I’m going to keep fighting as hard as I can for every federal resource available for Southwest Virginians.”
In the 48 days since Hurricane Helene devastated Southwest Virginia, Sen. Warner has pushed for federal emergency disaster declarations, immediate action to reauthorize federal aid, and a full supplemental package to meet the needs of impacted communities across the country. In his remarks today, Sen. Warner told the story of his visit to Damascus, a community along the heavily-impacted Creeper Trail, and the long and essential road to recovery to get the trail operational and support the communities and businesses that rely on it.
A copy of the remarks as delivered are available here:
Let me thank my friends from North Carolina, Senator Budd and Senator Tillis. And let me acknowledge on the front end, you guys got hit the hardest. But we got hit as well in Southwest Virginia. And we got communities that without this relief are going to die.
I want to echo what both my colleagues have said. You know, this relief package… it’s bipartisan. It is what we do as a matter of course, when an entity like the SBA runs out of money. Since October 15, 34,000 businesses across the country have applied for SBA relief. In response, many of them got approved, but they get a response that says, we'll give you your money when Congress does its job. This is done as a matter of course.
And frankly, the SBA screwed up a little bit on not getting better numbers before we broke before the election.
I want to take one moment and tell you about a community in particular in Southwest. Damascus, Virginia was an old town… and basically the economy had disappeared. It came back because there's something called the Creeper Trail. [It has] biking and hiking… I’ve biked this trail. And, Senator Tillis, parts of that trail are gone now.
There were 34 trestles, 18 of them were damaged or gone. We've got part of our road that gets to the top of the mountain gone as well. I went to Damascus, I went to ten jurisdictions across Southwest Virginia, but in this little town, every business and home was affected. One guy had three businesses: two restaurants and a bed and breakfast. He paid out of his pocket to try to keep his workers on, even though it'll be months before anything happens. Even if the money was there. We owe it to the folks in Damascus, across Southwest Virginia and North Carolina and across all of the jurisdictions in our country that have been hard hit to do our job.
Just like folks in western North Carolina, folks in Southwest Virginia are proud. You had an enormous amount of self-help, but this kind of assistance, whether it's FEMA dollars or SBA loans, is not charity. It is their right as Americans. It’s what we pay our taxes for.
Instead, thousands of Virginians who asked for that right to apply for this loan have gotten a note saying, we can't send you the money until Congress does its job.
We have a chance today for unanimous consent to take this bipartisan piece of legislation, pass it through, and get those businesses the funds they deserve. And I thank my colleague and yield back to the senior senator from North Carolina.
###
Warner Applauds Rubio for Secretary of State
Nov 13 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) as Secretary of State:
“I have worked with Marco Rubio for more than a decade on the Intelligence Committee, particularly closely in the last couple of years in his role as Vice Chairman, and while we don’t always agree, he is smart, talented, and will be a strong voice for American interests around the globe.”
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, announced the first shipment of U.S.-grown turkey products from Virginia to India, marking a historic milestone in international trade, expanding the reach of American turkey products in global markets, and opening new doors for U.S. turkey producers.
This shipment comes as a result of a recent trade agreement and tariff reduction, facilitated by a collaborative effort between the Republic of India and the United States government, including through strong efforts driven by the senator. Last year, ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, Sen. Warner was joined by a number of his colleagues in urging Ambassador Tai to increase market access for U.S. turkey and poultry products. These products previously faced significant barriers to the Indian market due to prohibitively high tariff rates.
“This shipment is a tremendous opportunity for Virginia’s poultry producers and a huge step forward for U.S.-India trade,” said Sen. Warner. “As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I look forward to the ongoing cooperation between our two nations and to seeing a wealth of new opportunities open up for Virginia’s poultry producers.”
“Our U.S. turkey producers have long been committed to providing safe, nutritious, and versatile protein options worldwide, and we’re excited to see Indian consumers experience the exceptional quality of American turkey. This first shipment is a testament to the strength of U.S.-India trade relations and a reflection of our shared commitment to expanding food diversity and quality,” said Leslee Oden, CEO of the National Turkey Federation.
“Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative is excited to be part of this new market opportunity. We thank Senator Warner and the many dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. Their efforts will directly benefit our nearly 200 independent grower owners,” said John King, President of Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative.
“Virginia turkey farmers are pleased to offer high quality, lean protein for export to India, and we are grateful for those who facilitated this opportunity,” said Hobey Bauhan, President of the Virginia Poultry Federation.
Under the trade agreement announced in September 2023, the Republic of India eliminated and reduced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. turkey products, paving the way for increased access to the nation’s rapidly growing protein market. This development creates new opportunities for U.S. producers and exporters, including those in Virginia, while providing Indian consumers with more affordable, high-quality American turkey. The first shipment, containing turkeys raised by the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, was recently shipped from the Port of Virginia. The shipment comes ahead of the holiday season, as India seeks whole birds in restaurants and hotels.
In 2021, Virginia was the sixth largest turkey source in America after producing 14.5 million birds. Turkey production plays a key role in the Commonwealth's poultry industry, which provides a direct economic impact of $5.8 billion and contributes $13.6 billion in economic activity in Virginia.
###
Warner, Kaine & Beyer on Inspector General Report About the Use of Deadly Force Against Bijan Ghaisar
Nov 12 2024
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (all D-VA) released the statement below following the release of a report by the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Inspector General on the use of deadly force by U.S. Park Police officers against Bijan Ghaisar.
“The death of Bijan Ghaisar remains a great tragedy. Despite the OIG’s findings that the officers who killed Bijan Ghaisar did not seemingly violate written U.S. Park Police policy and procedure in place at the time, it’s clear this incident should never have occurred. U.S. Park Police policy at the time of Bijan’s killing was outdated and inconsistent with the goal of safeguarding lives. This report – which we first requested more than two years ago – underscores that these officers’ actions would not have been acceptable under the DOI guidelines that govern vehicular pursuits today. As we approach the seven-year anniversary of Bijan’s death, we will continue to urge DOI to put policies in place to ensure that investigations around use of force incidents are handled with greater urgency and transparency.”
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement on Congressman Gerry Connolly’s (D-VA) cancer diagnosis:
“Gerry Connolly is a fighter — plain and simple. Throughout his career, he has shown remarkable strength, dedication, and resilience in everything he does, and we have no doubt that he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that has defined his public service.
“Gerry has always been a steadfast advocate for the people of Northern Virginia, and we know that he will continue to show that same fierce commitment as he faces this battle. We are confident he will emerge from this even stronger, as he has done time and time again.
“As his colleagues and friends, we stand with him every step of the way. Gerry’s courage and determination inspire us all, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to do what he does best — fighting for his constituents and for the values we all share.”
###
WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s election as President of the United States:
“Americans made their choice, and while it wasn’t my favored candidate, I respect the democratic process and the outcome of this election. In the years to come, I am committed to working with President-elect Trump to get things done for Virginians, just as I did during his first term. Despite losing our majority, I will use my power in the Senate to push for progress – fighting to expand opportunity for the middle class, invest in national security priorities, protect democracy, expand access to reproductive care, and make housing and child care more affordable. I urge all who are disheartened or frightened by this outcome to spend the next four years organizing, building consensus, and fighting for a brighter future for our communities. Today, tomorrow, and every single day, I will be your partner in building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Virginia.”
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $9,460,000 in federal funding for Carroll and Rockbridge counties to expand high-speed internet access for residents and businesses. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Connect Program that provides financial assistance to increase broadband services in rural communities where service is limited.
“High-speed internet allows Virginians to access more educational, health care, and economic opportunities, which is why we’ve worked hard to expand internet access during our time as governors and senators,” said the senators. “We’re glad to see this federal funding headed to Carroll and Rockbridge counties to build broadband infrastructure. We will continue working to ensure families and businesses across the Commonwealth can access the internet.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $5,000,000 for Citizens Telephone Cooperative in Carroll County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 1,838 residents and 22 businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Dugspur Community Center.
- $4,460,000 for BARC Electric Cooperative in Rockbridge County to build a fiber-to-the-premises system that will benefit 816 residents and four businesses in the area. Residents will be able to access free internet for at least two years at the Lake Robertson Recreational Area.
Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand broadband access across the Commonwealth. They have worked to secure significant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to deploy broadband infrastructure across Virginia and make internet access more affordable for Virginians, including through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Warner and Kaine secured significant funding for broadband through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the December 2020 government funding bill that included COVID relief, and the American Rescue Plan Act.
###
BROADCAST-QUALITY AUDIO AND VIDEO OF THE FULL MEDIA AVAILABILITY IS AVAILABLE HERE
WASHINGTON – With just five days until the election, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today issued a special message to Virginians, urging them to remain level-headed in the lead up to the election and the days after – especially in the face of surging election disinformation, conspiracy theories, and false videos generated or altered with artificial intelligence.
On the broad feeling of uncertainty plaguing 69 percent of Americans who report feeling anxious or frustrated about the election, Sen. Warner said:
“I think we’re all going to be tested. Because what’s more important than whatever candidate you’re supporting, is making sure that we have faith in our system. I have been blessed to have been your governor and your senator. I have faith in our democracy, I have faith in the integrity of the literally thousands of folks who give their time and volunteer at our polling locations.” (2:21)
On the likely outcome that the election will not be immediately called on election night, Sen. Warner said:
“If your election is not called right away on Tuesday night – even if it doesn’t appear to be that close – there are reasons. Rules have changed. Certain jurisdictions are hand-counting ballots now. That just takes a lot more time. Just because it takes a while to have an election called doesn’t mean there’s anything nefarious or bad going on.” (1:58). He continued, “This is not going to end in Virginia when our polls close at 7 o’clock on Tuesday, or later in the evening as later states close. We’re probably not going to have a declared winner on Tuesday night. I think we just all got to be prepared for that, and have a little patience with a system that has served us well.” (9:25)
On the barrage of disinformation and artificial videos targeting Americans, Sen. Warner said:
“It’s going to be a tense time. Please don’t jump to conclusions. As we all tell our kids: just because you see it on the internet, does not mean it’s true. And if you see some story or conspiracy that seems so outrageous, take a deep breath, take a moment, and check other news sites to see if that story is being repeated or if it may just be a one-off.” (3:04). He continued, “If it comes from a meme or a TikTok video, chances are that may not be accurate. We all need to recognize that these next few days and the hours and days after the election are going to be some of the most critical time, I think, in recent history.” (1:34)
On efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of our election, Sen. Warner said:
“I’ve said this many times as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee: there are other nations – China, Iran and Russia in particular – who want to interfere in our elections. They may have a candidate choice, but at the end of the day, what they mostly want to do is undermine our confidence in our system. In two years, we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation. Our democracy has stood up to the test of time, but over these next few days, it may be tested again. At the end of the day, I want to count on my fellow Virginians. We’ll get to a fair result. Whether your candidate wins or loses, we’ll make sure the process is fair, that the votes are counted fairly, and I again implore you, if you see crazy stuff, don’t take rash action.” (3:31)
###
Warner, Kaine, and Scott Applaud $380 Million in Inflation Reduction Act Funding for the Port of Virginia
Oct 29 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) announced $380,000,000 in federal funding for the Port of Virginia to accelerate its plan to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Warner, Kaine, and Scott advocated for this funding and sent a letter of support for this grant. The funding was awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program, which was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act that the members helped pass.
“The Port of Virginia is one of the largest and busiest ports on the eastern seaboard, and it’s critical to Virginia’s economy and offshore wind industry. As the Port of Virginia continues to grow thanks to investments we’re making, we must also ensure we’re reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which result in negative health and environmental impacts for our communities,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we’re thrilled that this federal funding, which was made possible by theInflation Reduction Act we supported, will accelerate the Port’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and further cement Virginia’s place as a leader in clean energy.”
The Inflation Reduction Act made historic investments to support clean energy projects. It included clean energy tax credits that have incentivized a series of corporate investments in Virginia, including:
- A $681 million investment by LS GreenLink to build a state-of-the-art facility to manufacture high-voltage subsea cables used for offshore wind farms inChesapeake, which will create over 330 jobs in Virginia.
- An investment of over $400 million by Topsoe to build a new manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County, which will create at least 150 new jobs in Virginia.
- An investment of $208 million by Mack and Volvo Trucks—in addition to a federal grant award of over $208 million for the company—to sustain 7,900 union jobs and create 295 new jobs in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Volvo Trucks is the second largest employer in the New River Valley, sustaining 3,600 jobs in Dublin, including 3,200 United Automobile Workers (UAW) jobs. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine visited Volvo’s New River Valley plant to celebrate the investment.
Today’s announcement builds on other transformational investments made to the Port of Virginia by the Biden-Harris administration with the backing of Warner, Kaine, and Scott. That includes $225.4 million to fully fund the Norfolk Harbor Deepening and Widening Project, which will improve navigation and expand capacity by deepening and widening Norfolk Harbor’s shipping channels, allowing for two-way traffic in and out of the harbor. Of this amount, $141.7 million was made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $83.7 million was provided through the Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus appropriations bill.
The Port also previously received $20 million in federal funding from the Department of Transportation for improvements to Portsmouth Marine Terminal that will allow it to serve as a staging area to support the manufacturing and movement of offshore wind goods to support the 2.6 gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind commercial project and other commercial offshore wind projects up-and-down the East Coast. Warner, Kaine, and Scott led a Virginia Congressional Delegation letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in support of the Port’s application for that funding.
###
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $13,317,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to expand and secure rail service across Virginia. This funding was made possible by the bipartisan infrastructure law, landmark legislation championed by both senators.
“Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re unlocking investments in rail across the Commonwealth, which create jobs, cut costs, and give you the freedom to get where you need to go,” said the senators. “These investments will build on our work expanding funding for Amtrak and addressing rail bottlenecks across the country, creating a future where passenger rail is more affordable, reliable, and accessible for all Virginians, including folks in communities like Bedford.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $6,000,000 for the Buckingham Branch Railroad Company to replace old rail tracks and ties across central Virginia. The project will make freight rail service more resilient, efficient, and secure and reduce the risk of derailments by resurfacing approximately 83 miles of track and seven grade crossings.
- $5,836,000 for the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to improve the Richmond Staples Mill Amtrak Station by upgrading two platforms, adding one platform canopy, and promoting accessibility. This will make the station ADA compliant and will create a better and safer passenger experience. It will also support Staples Mill’s addition of 10 Amtrak trains per day, rapidly scaling up the number of passenger rail options available to Richmonders.
- $1,481,000 for the Town of Bedford to develop plans for a new intercity passenger rail station. This funding will allow for initial engineering and environmental work on the proposed station, which could connect Bedford to passenger rail service for the first time in several decades.
The funding is made possible by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which is supported by several recent government spending bills and the bipartisan infrastructure law, all of which were strongly supported by the senators.
Warner and Kaine have consistently supported and led efforts to expand passenger rail across the Commonwealth. Sens. Warner and Kaine advocated directly for the funding for Staples Mill Station and Bedford. In 2021, Warner and Kaine wrote and passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which has brought over $8.4 billion in federal funding to Virginia for hundreds of projects. In December 2023, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced $500,000, also courtesy of the infrastructure law, to explore the possibility of creating an infill stop in Bedford. Last week, the senators broke ground on the Long Bridge Project, a major effort to invest in rail in Virginia by easing one of the worst rail bottlenecks in America while creating 36,000 jobs.
###