Press Releases
Warner, Rounds Unveil Bipartisan Plan to Prepare American Workers for AI-Driven Workforce Changes
Mar 11 2026
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Economy of the Future Commission Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at developing practical solutions to help American workers adapt to the rapid economic and workforce changes driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The legislation will bring together policymakers and experts from across industries to identify steps Congress can take to strengthen workforce training, support workers as jobs evolve, and ensure the United States remains globally competitive in an AI-driven economy.
“AI is going to transform nearly every sector of our economy,” said Sen. Warner. “The question isn’t whether these changes are coming — it’s whether we are prepared. We need clear-eyed analysis and practical, bipartisan solutions to help workers gain new skills, support people whose jobs are disrupted, and make sure the United States leads the world in the industries of the future. This legislation is about bringing together the expertise needed to chart that path forward.”
“American dominance in AI is a matter of both economic and national security,” said Sen. Rounds. “America’s workforce must be equipped to lead the transformation of the economy happening due to AI. This commission would help keep America ahead of our global competitors and keep America prosperous and innovative.”
Under the legislation, the Economy of the Future Commission would develop recommendations to help policymakers address the economic and workforce impacts of AI. Within seven months of enactment, the commission would publish an interim report outlining expected employment changes from AI and providing accessible resources for the public to better understand the technology. Within 13 months, it would deliver a final report with legislative recommendations on issues including AI education and workforce training, reskilling for workers affected by automation, unemployment insurance policy, taxation policy, and strategies to maintain U.S. leadership in key industries such as technology and manufacturing.
The commission would include bipartisan members of Congress alongside leading experts from industry, academia, and government agencies focused on education, labor, commerce, and economic policy.
This legislation is endorsed by Americans for Responsible Innovation; Alliance for Secure AI; Dr. Eric Brynjolfsson, Professor at Stanford and Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab; Ali Crawford, Senior Research Analyst, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET); President Gregory Washington, George Mason University; Google; IBM; Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF); President James C. Schmidt, James Madison University; Jobs for the Future; Meta; Microsoft; National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU); Shalin Jyotishi, Managing Director at the Future of Work and Innovation Initiative, New America; President Anne M. Kress, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA); Partnership for Public Service; SeedAI; Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) Action Program; Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); Third Way; President Scott C. Beardsley, University of Virginia; President Tim Sands, Virginia Tech; William & Mary; and Workday.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping our economy, and policymakers must act now to ensure workers and learners are not left behind. The Economy of the Future Commission Act creates a bipartisan, expert-driven forum to develop practical solutions across education, workforce development, and worker supports. At Jobs for the Future, we believe this commission is a critical step toward aligning innovation with opportunity and ensuring the benefits of AI are broadly shared,” said Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future.
"The bipartisan Economy of the Future Commission Act takes a proven, consensus-driven approach to preparing the U.S. economy for the AI transition. As AI reshapes jobs, skills, and productivity across every sector, it is critical that Congress advance thoughtful solutions to support workers and long-term economic growth. We believe this legislation offers a pragmatic, bipartisan path forward at a pivotal moment for the U.S. workforce. Microsoft strongly supports Senator Warner and Senator Rounds’ efforts and thanks them for their leadership,” said Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft.
"AI is already dramatically reshaping our country's workforce and economy. Lawmakers have to act before advanced AI puts Americans' economic security at risk. The Economy of the Future Commission Act is a smart, bipartisan approach to developing legislative solutions that protect working Americans and their families. This is an important first step to navigating the AI-era economy, and Congress must continue working to guarantee that federal AI policy keeps Americans' livelihoods at the center," said Brendan Steinhauser, CEO, The Alliance for Secure AI.
"For all the hype and anxiety surrounding AI, the honest truth is we still have far more questions than answers about how this technology will reshape our economy. What we need is sober, bipartisan, whole-of-society analysis, not overconfident or alarmist predictions. The Economy of the Future Commission Act delivers that by bringing together policymakers, technologists, educators, and workforce experts to produce rigorous, consensus recommendations. SeedAI commends Senators Warner and Rounds for their leadership on this critical topic," said Josh New, Director of Policy, SeedAI.
“BPC Action applauds Sens. Rounds (R-SD) and Warrner (D-VA) for taking an important step forward on artificial intelligence. The need for a thoughtful national dialogue on AI and its impacts, particularly its impact on the workforce, has never been greater, and it’s encouraging to see a bipartisan effort bringing together voices from government, industry, and civil society to tackle such a complex issue. We must work together across our government to ensure workers have the skills, training, and support they need to stay connected to the workforce and succeed in a changing economy,” said Michele Stockwell, President, BPC Action.
“Artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the economy in ways we are only beginning to understand," said Americans for Responsible Innovation President Brad Carson. "The Economy of the Future Commission Act creates a bipartisan forum where Congress can seriously examine the opportunities and disruptions ahead and develop smart policy responses. That kind of bipartisan foundation is essential to building durable AI policy that strengthens American workers, innovation, and economic leadership.”
"AI has the potential to be the most transformative engine for growth in human history, but that growth isn't guaranteed to be inclusive. The Economy of the Future Commission Act recognizes that we cannot leave the transition to chance. By bringing together experts in technology, education, and taxation, this commission will provide the essential roadmap needed to ensure that AI-driven productivity gains translate into broad-based economic opportunity,” said Dr. Erik Brynjolfsson, Professor at Stanford and Director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab.
"Artificial intelligence is evolving at a pace that demands forward-looking leadership. The Economy of the Future Commission Act rises to that challenge by bringing together a bipartisan group of experts and policymakers to chart a path forward for our country. We applaud Senator Warner for introducing this legislation and encourage all lawmakers to focus on how AI is impacting the federal workforce — an essential component of ensuring our government can deliver on its mission responsibly and effectively," said Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.
“The AI transition will reshape every sector of the American economy, creating enormous opportunities for growth, competitiveness, and productivity. By establishing the Economy of the Future Commission, this bill will provide policymakers the evidence-based, consensus-driven recommendations they need to turn that transformation into a competitive advantage for American workers, businesses, and industries,” said the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF).
"In this era of transformation, the United States must recognize that workforce readiness is a paramount national security priority; it is the decisive factor in the struggle for strategic advantage," said Ylli Bajraktari, President of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) Action Program. "The outcome of the global technological competition will be determined by our ability to mobilize human capital through reskilling and education. This Commission provides the essential flightpath to cultivate an AI-ready workforce and sustain the enduring vigor of our economic growth and national security.”
“As artificial intelligence is continuously integrated into the mainstream economy, it is imperative that workforce policy responds in a timely and coordinated manner. But workforce development infrastructure is largely segmented at a time when cohesion is necessary to coordinate a federal response that effectively aligns industry momentum and demand with existing and scalable workforce development programming. Among other directives, this bill would establish and direct a Commission to develop evidence-based recommendations that connect workforce development to near-term demand, estimate changes in employment, and identify skills and training needs as a result—all of which are necessary to ensure economic competitiveness and resilience,” said Ali Crawford, Senior Research Analyst, Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET).
“The Economy of the Future Commission Act represents a sensible, even-keeled, and bipartisan proposal to comprehensively assess how the federal government can best support Americans in navigating the impacts of AI on our economy and labor market," said Shalin Jyotishi, Founder & Managing Director of the Future of Work & Innovation Economy Initiative, New America. “We look forward to supporting Senators Warner and Rounds in realizing the promise of this vision for a better future for workers and families.”
“Artificial intelligence can reshape the economy, the workforce, and education at all levels. The Warner-Rounds legislation is an important step forward in helping the United States find appropriate, consensus legislation that will help address the potentially disruptive nature of this very transformative technological innovation,” said President Tim Sands, Virginia Tech.
“UVA stands ready to work with Congress to advance responsible AI innovation and ensure our nation is prepared to thrive in the economy of the future. The bipartisan commitment led by Senator Mark Warner, Economy of the Future Commission Act, reflects a thoughtful commitment to understanding how AI will reshape our workforce, education systems, and economy,” said President Scott C. Beardsley, University of Virginia.
“On behalf of George Mason University, I commend Sen. Mark Warner and his colleague Sen. Mike Rounds for their important legislation, Economy of the Future Commission Act. By developing consensus legislative recommendations to address changes brought on by artificial intelligence, the Commission would provide a degree of certainty and stability surrounding AI technologies. This would be a tremendous help not only for institutions of higher education, but for the nation as a whole. George Mason, as Virginia’s largest public university and a national leader in AI research and education, would welcome the passage of this bill,” said President Gregory Washington, George Mason University.
“James Madison University (JMU) is pleased to endorse the establishment of the Economy of the Future Commission (EFC). We value the foresight and strategic intent driving this effort. As technology rapidly evolves, the nation must prepare for significant shifts in the workforce landscape,” said President James C. Schmidt, James Madison University.
“Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is already seeing AI reshape our region's workforce—creating new roles, eliminating legacy positions, and driving incumbent workers to rapidly upskill. The Economy of the Future Commission Act, introduced by Senators Warner and Rounds, will help community colleges across the country continue serving as regional economic engines by providing the clearer understanding of future career pathways needed to inform our programs and partnerships. NOVA thanks Senators Warner and Rounds for their important leadership at this critical moment,” said Anne M. Kress, PhD, President, Northern Virginia Community College.
“The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities is pleased to endorse the bipartisan Economy of the Future Commission Act, which will develop multi-jurisdictional legislative recommendations addressing a range of challenges arising from the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).? The Commission will help strengthen the essential partnership between the federal government and higher education as the nation navigates economic and educational changes driven by the integration of AI in the workplace and at schools and colleges across the United States,” said Karin Johns, Director of Tax and Workforce Policy, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU).
“More workers and businesses are using AI every day, a shift that is rapidly reshaping the workplace and will accelerate in the months and years ahead. SHRM research shows that nearly half of U.S. workers are using AI in their jobs, placing HR and business leaders on the front lines of helping organizations adapt while supporting workers through rapid change. As the voice of HR professionals and the employers they represent, SHRM supports the Economy of the Future Commission Act of 2026 and believes employer and HR perspectives are essential to ensuring that both workers and businesses succeed in an increasingly AI-integrated economy,” said the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
"Artificial intelligence is smart, so Washington must get smarter. We can rely on the industry for innovation, but not on ensuring the United States leads the economy of the future or that Americans will benefit widely from it. This commission is an urgent, bipartisan step to harness whole-of-society expertise and address the economy-wide changes AI will bring,” said Ruth Whittaker, Director of Technology Policy, Third Way.
"Workday applauds Senator Warner and Senator Rounds for their leadership,” said Chandler C. Morse, Vice President of Public Policy at Workday. "AI continues to drive opportunity, unlock human potential, and reshape the U.S. economy. Bringing together workforce, AI, and government experts through the Economy of the Future Commission will help key stakeholders across government, education, and industry better understand how to equip jobseekers, candidates, and employers with the agility to thrive in an ever-evolving future of work. This legislation meets the moment as the American economy seeks to advance AI competitiveness and strengthen workforce resilience."
Sen. Warner has been leading the charge in Congress to ensure American workers have the skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven economy and to improve understanding of how emerging technologies are reshaping the labor market. In March, Warner urged the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Census Bureau to expand data collection and public reporting on the impact of AI on the U.S. workforce. In December, Warner introduced the Investing in American Workers Act to modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy. In November, Warner introduced the AI-Related Job Impacts Clarity Act requiring major companies and federal agencies to report AI related layoffs to the Department of Labor to be compiled into a public report.
Read the full bill here. Read a section-by-section summary of the bill here.
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Warner, Daines, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Increase Economic Prosperity, Strengthen CDFI Fund
Feb 26 2026
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) today introduced the bipartisan “Access to Fair Financing for Opportunity and Resilient Development (AFFORD) Act.” The AFFORD Act will provide added transparency over CDFI Fund operations and strengthen its role in improving capital access and economic development in rural, tribal, and other underserved communities in Montana, Virginia, and across the country. Additionally, the bill would extend and enhance the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program to enable participation by smaller CDFIs, reauthorizes the CDFI liquidity enhancement program to increase CDFI lending capacity and reach more communities, and bolsters the role of Native CDFIs by expanding a USDA CDFI relending program that partners with Native CDFIs to deploy mortgage loans to eligible Native borrowers.
“CDFIs are critical in bringing capital and financial services to rural, tribal, and underserved communities, and they can be significant partners for local governments to battle rising costs and affordability. I’m proud to be introducing the AFFORD Act, which will expand the capacity of CDFIs so they can reach more communities across Virginia,” said Sen. Warner.
“CDFIs help hardworking families and small business owners in Montana gain access to the opportunities and capital they need for financial success, especially in Montana’s rural and tribal communities. It’s critical we improve transparency surrounding the operations of the CDFI Fund to ensure its programs continue to serve the vital role of increasing economic development and helping Montana communities thrive. I’m glad to introduce the AFFORD Act, which will do just that,” said Sen. Daines.
U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jim Justice (R-WV), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (D-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Boozman (R-AR) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) joined Sens. Warner and Daines in introducing the bill.
Read the bill text here.
Background:
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) play a critical role in bringing capital and financial services to a wide range of small businesses and families across Montana. The “CDFI Fund Transparency Act” would require the Secretary of the Treasury to testify annually before the Senate Banking and House Financial Services Committees regarding the operations of the CDFI Fund during the previous fiscal year.
Sen. Warner leads the bipartisan Senate CDFI Caucus. In March, he led his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Tresury Scott Bessent emphasizing the bipartisan support for the CDFI Fund and highlighting the Fund’s critical role in providing capital to underserved communities.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced legislation to require full refunds of Trump’s illegal tariffs, after they were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday by a 6-3 vote. To date, the Trump administration has collected an estimated $175 billion in illegal tariff revenue, raising taxes on products from nearly every country on earth, and jacking up prices for American families. The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 would require the full refund, with interest, of those funds.
“Trump’s reckless tariffs have driven up costs for families, consumers, and small businesses, and the money that Americans have lost as a result of these illegal taxes needs to be returned to them. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will prioritize providing relief to local businesses and working families,” said Sen. Warner. “As prices rise to new heights under the Trump administration, I will continue fighting to make the cost of living affordable for Virginians.”
“I am glad the Supreme Court ruled against President Trump’s ridiculous abuse of emergency power to impose broad-based, cost-raising taxes on American consumers and businesses,” said Sen. Kaine. “These tariffs were a mistake from the start, which is why I led the charge to challenge them in the Senate. Now, I’m glad to team up with my colleagues to press the Administration to fully refund Americans for the costs President Trump forced on them.”
The Tariff Refund Act of 2026 would ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) completes the payment of refunds quickly and prioritizes the interests of small businesses in that process. Importantly, the bill would ensure that importers are not required to take costly administrative steps to receive a refund of the tariffs unlawfully collected by the Administration. The bill would also direct CBP to coordinate with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide information and technical support. Finally, the bill’s reporting requirements would provide Congress, which has constitutional authority over trade and tariffs, with proper oversight over the refund payment process.
The Trump administration previously recognized that it must refund, with interest, any duties determined to have been unlawfully collected. However, it is unclear what timeline, process, or other guidelines the administration would follow to provide refunds—and the lack of a clear, accessible process would necessarily advantage large importers with resources to dedicate to outside counsel and consultants.
In addition to Warner and Kaine, this bill was led by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
A copy of the bill text is here.
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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *
Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court voting 6-3 to strike down President Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed on products Americans buy from other countries:
“Today’s ruling is a win for American families who have been paying the price for Donald Trump’s reckless tariff agenda. Let’s be clear: tariffs are a tax on American consumers and small businesses already struggling to keep up with rising costs. As families struggle to afford groceries, rent, and everyday essentials, President Trump doubled down on a blanket tariff policy that drove up prices across the board and injected unnecessary chaos into our economy. His whiplash approach has also undermined trust with our allies and opened the door for China to present itself as a more reliable trading partner than the United States.
“We need a smarter, targeted approach to trade that actually strengthens American competitiveness and helps workers without punishing the very people it’s supposed to help – and one that respects Congress’s role in setting trade policy. Today’s decision is an important step toward restoring some economic sanity for hardworking Americans.”
Sen. Warner has been a consistent voice in Congress pushing back on President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, which he has criticized as a tax on American families and small businesses. Warner has joined Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and other colleagues in advancing bipartisan legislation to repeal the administration’s tariffs on Canada imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support and a version of the bill was subsequently approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, reflecting growing congressional opposition to tariff policies that have raised costs for consumers, strained relationships with key allies, and disrupted cross-border trade.
Warner, Colleagues Introduce Bill Calling for Study on Financial Impact of Federal Firings
Feb 12 2026
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) joined his colleagues in introducing the Fiscal Harms of Federal Firings Act, legislation that would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study of the financial impacts of the Trump administration’s mass firings on state and local governments.
“The Trump administration’s reckless large-scale firing of federal workers has created serious harmful effects on the economy at federal, state, and local levels, and this legislation is critical in determining the full breadth of those impacts,” said Sen. Warner. “As Trump and his cronies continue to target federal workers and use them as political bargaining chips, I will continue working with my colleagues to defend our country’s dedicated civil service.”
This bill comes a year after the first waves of large-scale federal firings–many have been contested in court–sent state-administered programs in a scramble, such as unemployment insurance, Medicaid, workforce retraining, housing assistance, and other social services. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported that the federal workforce lost more than 317,000 employees in 2025. It also follows, by just one week, Trump’s latest assault on the federal workforce to implement a ‘Schedule Policy/Career’ category that could result in the stripping of protections and at-will firings of more than 50,000 federal employees.
The legislation would:
- Direct the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study of the fiscal impacts of federal reduction in forces (RIFs) on state budgets;
- Evaluate increased state expenditures for unemployment insurance, health care, workforce development, and housing assistance;
- Assess impacts on state and local tax revenues and regional economic activity;
- Identify states most affected by federal workforce reductions; and
- Directs the Comptroller General to submit recommendations to Congress with policy options and best practices to mitigate negative fiscal and economic effects.
This bill is also sponsored by U.S. Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Alex Padilla (D-CA). U.S. Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) introduced the legislation in the United States House of Representatives.
“This Administration has spent its first year driving up costs of goods, increasing health care costs, and spending our taxpayer dollars on a goon squad of masked men who are killing American citizens. But what’s the real threat in their eyes? Our patriotic civil servants. It’s a cruel lie meant to cause division and distract the American people from the awful things Republicans are doing. That’s why I’m proud to work with Rep. McClain Delaney on the Fiscal Harms of Federal Firings Act. Our legislation will force the Administration to come clean about the financial impacts of this Administration’s mass firings on state and local governments,” said Sen. Alsobrooks.
“The Trump Administration’s relentless attacks on federal employees are not only wreaking havoc on these workers and the essential public services they deliver but also straining local services and resources for our communities. This legislation will provide a clearer picture of the harm that this Administration has done – while giving Congress more tools to mitigate the damage, defend our merit-based civil service, and protect vital services Americans depend on,” said Sen. Van Hollen.
“Donald Trump has wreaked havoc on our federal workforce, illegally firing tens of thousands of civil servants and driving many more to leave out of fear,” said Sen. Padilla. “Federal workers in California and across our country provide essential services every day, from taking care of our veterans, to building our infrastructure, to keeping our workplaces safe, and so much more. Americans deserve a full accounting of the impact of these reckless cuts on our families, neighbors, and communities.”
“These firings were reckless and cruel, upending the lives of dedicated public servants, disrupting critical services the American people rely on, and leaving state and community budgets, such as those in Maryland, in deficit,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “The fight isn’t over. As Congresswoman for a district home to more than 35,000 government workers and active-duty service members, I will continue to push legislation to understand the full impact of these cuts so we can do right by these workers and the state and local governments that stepped up to help.”
“One year after the administration’s sweeping removal of more than 317,000 federal workers, the resulting widespread disruption to our state and local economies continues to be felt, especially in Virginia,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “We need to understand the true impact of these layoffs on our communities and budgets in order to fully recover and build a future where the contributions of federal workers and contractors to our economy are valued and protected.”
The bill was also endorsed by the AFL-CIO, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, National Federation of Federal Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and National Treasury Employees Union.
Read the full bill text here.
Read more in The Baltimore Sun here.
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Warner, Kaine and Colleagues Praise House Passage of Legislation to Repeal Trump's Tariffs on Canada
Feb 11 2026
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), as well as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee Ron Wyden (D-OR), praised the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of legislation to repeal President Donald Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on Canada. The senators led bipartisan legislation in the Senate to challenge Trump’s tariffs on Canada, and it passed the Senate in February by a 50-46 vote. The House legislation was led by U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-05). The House’s vote comes after Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) used a procedural loophole to prevent privileged resolutions like this one from receiving a vote on the House floor last year.
“It is unacceptable that Virginians and businesses across the Commonwealth are paying the price for Trump’s misguided trade war with Canada,” said Sen. Warner. “It is Congress’s responsibility to intervene and put an end to the President’s reckless policies that are inflating costs for working families and destroying the U.S.’s bilateral relationship with one of our closest allies and trading partners. I am glad the House has broken Speaker Johnson’s blockade and joined the Senate in voting to remove these tariffs on Canada.”
“President Trump’s tariffs on Canada have weakened our economy and caused millions of Americans to pay more for everyday goods, businesses to lose revenue, and tourism to the United States to decline,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m glad the House finally joined us in passing bipartisan legislation that would repeal President Trump’s tariffs on our longstanding ally Canada. Today’s vote makes clear that the American people aren’t interested in the higher prices and economic uncertainty created by President Trump’s chaotic trade policies. The Senate should pass it to once again rebuff these ridiculous tariffs.”
“Congress has sent President Trump a clear, bipartisan message: he cannot continue to abuse his power and unilaterally wage a trade war against one of our strongest allies. Canada is Minnesota’s top trading partner, but these chaotic tariffs are jeopardizing that relationship—and increasing costs for Minnesota families,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “We can’t afford to keep raising costs, hurting businesses, and eliminating jobs by attacking our neighbor and ally.”
“Congress has spoken with bipartisan clarity: it’s time to give Americans relief and end Trump’s tariff tax,” said Leader Schumer. “Both chambers have now rejected his phony ‘emergency’ and his fabricated trade war. The Supreme Court should take notice. This price-spiking tariff tax is raising costs on everything from groceries prices to energy bills — all because Trump chose chaos over common sense. It’s time to deliver relief.”
“The Senate has voted four times, on a bipartisan basis, to overturn Trump’s tariffs and give families some relief from high prices,” said Sen. Wyden. “With today’s vote in the House, it’s clear the tide has turned against the President’s price-hiking trade policies, and Congress should send legislation repealing the tariffs to Trump’s desk as soon as possible.”
Specifically, the legislation would terminate the February 1 emergency declaration that President Trump used to launch his trade war with Canada, and would eliminate the tariffs on Canadian imports implemented as a result. President Trump’s order cited the IEEPA, an unprecedented use of IEEPA’s emergency provisions in the law’s nearly half-century history. The IEEPA tariffs are among the largest tax increases on American families in recent history.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, released the following statement:
“The independence of the Federal Reserve isn’t optional – it’s the foundation of our economy. It stabilizes borrowing prices so families can buy homes, afford everyday necessities, and run small businesses.
“It is difficult to trust that any Chair of the Federal Reserve selected by this president will be able to act with the independence required of the position, knowing that this administration will levy charges against any leader who makes interest rate decisions based on facts and the needs of our economy rather than Trump’s personal preferences."
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* High-quality photographs of Sen. Mark R. Warner are available for download here *
Photos may be used online and in print, and can be attributed to ‘The Office of Sen. Mark R. Warner’
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, released the following statement:
“The Fed was designed to operate independently, insulated from political pressure, so that it can make tough decisions based on data and the long-term health of the economy, not the whims of any one president. That independence provides the stability that markets, investors, and everyday Americans rely on. Using the threat of criminal prosecution to pressure the Fed over interest rates is a direct assault on that foundation and puts the economic security of millions of Americans at risk. Uncertainty and instability can ripple through the economy, affecting borrowing costs and making it harder for families to buy a home, run a small business, or afford everyday necessities like food, fuel, and diapers.
“Unfortunately, we have seen this pattern before. Over the past year, the Justice Department has repeatedly targeted the president’s perceived political adversaries, only to have courts and grand juries reject these cases as baseless and politically motivated. We have also seen the president attempt to remove a sitting Federal Reserve Board member, underscoring his willingness to attack the Fed for refusing to fall in line.
“The administration’s latest attacks on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell are just the most recent example of Donald Trump’s chaos-driven approach to the economy – and once again, it’s working Americans who will pay the price. From impulsive trade wars and erratic tariffs to deficit-exploding tax cuts and attacks on Fed independence, President Trump has shown time and again that he’s more interested in political theater than helping the American people. The result is higher costs for families, uncertainty for businesses, and diminished confidence in our economic leadership around the world.”
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