Press Releases
Virginia, Maryland Senators introduce legislation to guarantee pay for federal workers
~ Bill ensures retroactive pay for all involuntarily furloughed federal employees ~
Apr 08 2011
Senators Mark Warner (D-VA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and Jim Webb (D-VA) filed legislation today that would ensure that federal workers receive retroactive pay for the duration of a potential government shutdown.
Senate adopts Warner, Coburn amendment to cut $5 billion in program overlap and waste
~Today’s 64-36 vote will trigger action on savings identified in recent GAO report ~
Apr 07 2011
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) successfully amended Senate legislation today directing the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to find at least $5 billion in savings identified in a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on reducing government duplication.
Senators Warner (D-VA) and Tom Coburn (R-OK) have introduced bipartisan legislation directing the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to find at least $5 billion in savings identified in a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on reducing government duplication.
Budget Task Force holds hearing on gov't duplication & inefficiency
~ Task force hears from GAO's Dodaro, former White House Chief of Staff Podesta ~
Apr 04 2011
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), chairman of the Senate Budget Committee's bipartisan Task Force on Government Performance, convened a hearing today on duplicative and inefficient federal programs that included testimony from GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Center for American Progress president and former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, and former Bush Administration Associate OMB Director Robert Shea. Video and other materials from today’s hearing are available here.
Sen. Mark Warner files legislation ending unofficial VIP "reservations" of Arlington National Cemetery gravesites
~ Legislation requires a full audit, mandates fairness and consistency on gravesite decisions for military families ~
Mar 31 2011
U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today filed legislation that would end the improper and unofficial system of "reserved" gravesites for VIPs at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, Senator Warner's legislation directs the U.S. Army to fully investigate -- and report back to Congress within 180 days -- on the number of plots that may have been set aside in violation of a 1962 Army policy which clearly states that Arlington National Cemetery plots must be provided to any qualified military veteran, without regard to rank or status.
Senator Warner today filed legislation that would end the improper and unofficial system of "reserved" gravesites for VIPs at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, Senator Warner's legislation directs the U.S. Army to fully investigate -- and report back to Congress within 180 days -- on the number of plots that may have been set aside in violation of a 1962 Army policy which clearly states that Arlington National Cemetery plots must be provided to any qualified military veteran, without regard to rank or status.
Senator Warner calls on drug company to roll-back dramatic pricehike on prenatal drug
~ $10-$20 weekly injections to prevent premature births will now cost $1,500 each ~
Mar 30 2011
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner today called on Ohio-based K-V Pharmaceutical to voluntarily roll-back its dramatic increase in the price of a drug used to prevent premature labor for women in high-risk pregnancies. The prenatal progesterone treatment, which had been priced between $10 and $20 per weekly injection when compounded and dispensed by pharmacies, now will be sold under the brand name Makena at a cost of $1,500 per week.
Sens. Snowe, Warner Introduce Legislation to Enhance Technical Resources and Expertise at FCC
Mar 17 2011
U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia) today introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen technical resources and expertise at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The legislation would allow Commissioners to appoint a technical staff member and require the National Academy of Sciences to launch a study and examine the technical policy decision-making process and the availability of technical personnel at the FCC.
Senate Budget Task Force holds hearing on government duplication & inefficiency
Task force hears from GAO's Dodaro, former White House Chief of Staff Podesta
Mar 16 2011
Senator Warner, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee's bipartisan Task Force on Government Performance, convened a hearing today on duplicative and inefficient federal programs that included testimony from GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro, Center for American Progress president and former Clinton White House chief of staff John Podesta, and former Bush Administration Associate OMB Director Robert Shea.
Senators Webb and Warner today commended President Obama’s nomination of Robert “Bobby” Mathieson to serve as United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia. Recommended by Senators Webb and Warner last May, Mathieson would bring over three decades of local and state law enforcement experience to the federal post.
Senators Warner, Wicker introduce bill to improve future relocation of federal spectrum
~ Bill also promotes broadband deployment ~
Mar 09 2011
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) introduced a bill today to promote broadband deployment by improving the process for future federal wireless spectrum auctions. “Demand for mobile devices and services are expected to skyrocket over the next 5 to 10 years,” Senator Warner said. “This bill is one element of our strategy to make better use of spectrum - a finite resource - and keep America on the cutting-edge of wireless technology."
Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner today announced the inclusion of $27.4 million for the expansion of Craney Island in the President’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2012. In September 2010, the Senators wrote the Administration to request funding for Craney Island in the President’s budget.
It has been inspiring to see people across the Middle East demand more freedom and opportunity from their rulers. All of us are horrified, however, by the brutal response of the Qaddafi regime in Libya.
Sen. Warner introduces bill to free-up unused wireless spectrum & generate revenue to reduce the deficit
~ Bill will increase network capacity by incentivizing auctions of licensed spectrum ~
Feb 18 2011
Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) has introduced legislation to create wireless spectrum incentive auctions, which would enable license holders to return their underutilized spectrum to the federal government.
Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner reintroduced the Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act to recognize six of Virginia’s Native American tribes. Last year, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved a similar bill by Senators Webb and Warner, but it never received a full vote in the Senate.
Senators Warner, Webb work for Senate passage of new FAA bill
~ ‘Slots’ compromise limits effort to overburden Reagan National Airport operations ~
Feb 17 2011
U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA) today worked to promote airline safety by modernizing the Federal Aviation Administration’s outdated, radar-based air traffic control system.
The President’s budget shows a willingness to cut spending on programs he cares about. It also demonstrates there is only so much that can be achieved in a one-year budget when the problem is a significant, long-term structural imbalance in our country’s budget.
The President’s budget shows a willingness to cut spending on programs he cares about. It also demonstrates there is only so much that can be achieved in a one-year budget when the problem is a significant, long-term structural imbalance in our country’s budget.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner issued the following statement today on the death of Virginia Supreme Court Justice Leroy R. Hassell, Sr.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of my friend, Supreme Court Justice Leroy Hassell.
“Leroy was a groundbreaking lawyer, a dedicated public servant and my good friend. I was fortunate to know Leroy from the time we met as law school classmates more than 30 years ago, and as Governor it was a tremendous honor to witness his swearing-in as the first African American chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court.
“Leroy spent his life working to ensure that our justice system was fair and open to all, and his tireless work ethic and strong sense of personal responsibility and morality will be missed.
“My deepest sympathies go out to Justice Hassell’s family, friends, colleagues and admirers.”
Jim Webb is an American original. He is a patriot, an intellectual, and a man who has devoted his life to serving our country. He has been a great working partner in the Senate and a strong advocate on issues of importance to Virginia.
Statement on the Death of Justice Leroy Hassell
Feb 09 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of my friend, Supreme Court Justice Leroy Hassell. Leroy was a groundbreaking lawyer, a dedicated public servant and my good friend.
.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tom Coburn, M.D. (R-OK) today introduced the “STOP the OverPrinting Act” (S. 210), the Senate version of House legislation requiring the Government Printing Office to post legislative bills and resolutions on-line instead of automatically printing and distributing them to each Congressional office. It should result in significant savings in the $7 million GPO is expected to spend on Congressional printing this year.
Senator Warner announces new FDIC hotline to help Virginia small businesses access credit
~ Hotline provides “second look” for denied loans, referrals to add’l. resources ~
Jan 13 2011
Senator Warner today announced that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has established a new hotline to help small businesses struggling to access credit. The hotline was announced today by FDIC Chair Sheila C. Bair at a small business forum with Senator Warner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke.
"I am shocked by this senseless violence in Arizona, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have been impacted by this awful event. As we learn more about the circumstances of the shooting, we should pray for the victims and their families and urge a return to civility and mutual respect for one another in our nation's politics."
House adopts Sen. Mark Warner's legislation on gov't transparency and accountability
Bipartisan bill will be signed into law by the President
Dec 21 2010
On December 21 the House passed Senator Warner’s bipartisan legislation requiring federal agencies to identify their top priorities, publicly report program results, and identify ineffective and overlapping federal programs for possible consolidation or elimination. The legislation passed the Senate last week by unanimous consent, and will now be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.
