Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congress today approved a bipartisan, bicameral resolution led by Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA)—prompted by the violence and domestic terrorist attack in Charlottesville, Va. last month—condemning white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other hate groups. The joint resolution (S. J. Res. 49) also calls upon the Trump Administration to use all available resources to improve data collection on hate crimes and to work in a coordinated way to address the growing prevalence of hate groups.

“Our nation’s elected leaders have a responsibility to stand up to forces of hatred and bigotry wherever they may be found. What happened in Charlottesville was domestic terrorism perpetrated by white supremacists who tragically cut short the life of a young woman, Heather Heyer, and led to the deaths of two Virginia State Police troopers Berke Bates and Lt. Jay Cullen. The United States Congress has spoken up with one voice to recognize the lives of those we lost, to unconditionally condemn racist speech and violence, and to denounce the white nationalists, neo-Nazis, the KKK, and other hate groups,” said the Senators. “We hope that President Trump will move quickly to sign this resolution and commit his Administration to address the rise of hate groups.”

The legislation was co-sponsored in the Senate by 57 bipartisan Senators, including Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

A companion version with identical language was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week by Reps. Tom Garrett (R-VA-5) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA-11) with support from the entire Virginia House delegation.

The joint resolution recognizes the death of Heather Heyer, 32, and the injuries suffered by many others after a car allegedly driven by a neo-Nazi slammed into a crowd of counter-demonstrators in Charlottesville. The resolution specifically describes that event as a “domestic terrorist attack.” The resolution also acknowledges the heroism and public service of Virginia State Police troopers Berke Bates and Lt. Jay Cullen, who died in the crash of their helicopter while monitoring the protests. Finally, it expresses support for the people of Charlottesville as that community heals “following these acts of violent bigotry.”

The joint resolution also has the support of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Anti-Defamation League and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. It now heads to President Trump for his signature.

The text of the resolution is available here. More background on how a Joint Resolution works is available here.

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WASHINGTON – This morning, during the first full session of the Senate since the deadly violence that occurred in Charlottesville, Va., on August 11 and 12, 2017, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) are introducing a bipartisan resolution condemning white nationalists, white supremacists, the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and other hate groups. The joint resolution (S. J. Res.) also calls upon the Trump Administration to use all available resources to improve data collection on hate crimes and to work in a coordinated way to address the growing prevalence of hate groups.

The joint resolution recognizes the death of Heather Heyer, 32, and the injuries suffered by 19 other people after a car allegedly driven by a neo-Nazi slammed into a crowd of counter demonstrators in Charlottesville. The resolution specifically describes that event as a “domestic terrorist attack.” The resolution also acknowledges the heroism and public service of Virginia State Police troopers Berke Bates and Lt. Jay Cullen, who died in the crash of their helicopter while monitoring the protests. Finally, the resolution expresses support for the people of Charlottesville as that community heals “following these acts of violent bigotry.”

The Senators hope for quick action by the Senate to pass the resolution, which has support from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Anti-Defamation League, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The text of the resolution is available here.

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“U.S. District Judges are tasked with the solemn responsibility of upholding the law. They ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice in vitally important civil and criminal cases,” said the Senators. “As we begin the application process for this key position in Virginia’s Eastern District, we look forward to reviewing qualified candidates and selecting the right individuals.”

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Sens. Warner and Kaine announced that DOJ has awarded $570,326 in grants to support local law enforcement efforts and improve safety in communities throughout Virginia.

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The Senate unanimously passed the Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2016, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Warner to reauthorize programs within the Department of Justice to improve the accuracy and integrity of the criminal justice system, and ensure public confidence in our legal system by investing in cutting-edge DNA testing and forensic technology.

“I had a productive conversation with Judge Garland about his judicial philosophy, and Virginians and Americans deserve the same opportunity to hear his thoughtful answers."

"Judge Garland is an exceptional judge worthy of the honor of serving on the Supreme Court. On the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, he has served with integrity and distinction fitting of a nominee to our nation’s highest court, and is widely respected on both sides of the aisle."

On the Senate floor, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine urged Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans to abandon their obstructionist tactics and do their jobs by committing to hold a hearing and vote on the eventual Supreme Court nominee.

“We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed two extraordinarily qualified individuals, Dana Boente and John Fishwick, to serve as U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia."

Press Releases

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Aug 25 2017

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May 22 2017

Apr 03 2017

Mar 30 2017

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Mar 06 2017

Both a recent spike and longer-term trends show increases in discrimination, harassment and violence against members of minority communities

Mar 03 2017

Join nearly 200 lawmakers to say that Title IX law protects transgender and gender non-conforming students from discrimination

Mar 03 2017

Feb 08 2017

Jan 31 2017

Jan 26 2017

Legislation now awaits President’s signature

Dec 06 2016

Legislation would protect living eugenics victims by excluding their compensation payments from determination of eligibility for federal public benefits

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Jun 23 2016

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