Press Releases

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 Snowe, Warner Introduce Legislation to Increase Wireless Coverage

Bill would require federal buildings to install small wireless base stations to free up commercial network capacity

Dec 03 2010

U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) introduced legislation requiring the installation of small wireless base stations in all publicly accessible federal buildings in order to increase wireless coverage and free up essential commercial network capacity.

Sens. Warner, Webb announce $26 million in grants for rural broadband expansion

Grants will provide high-speed, affordable broadband and create jobs

Aug 19 2010

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Jim Webb announced today that Virginia has received a combined $26 million in federal grants for three regional projects that will expand rural broadband access, creating hundreds of jobs and providing a platform for additional economic activity and job creation. The U.S. Department of Commerce grants target rural and economically distressed areas with low rates of broadband accessibility.

Sens. Warner, Klobuchar, LeMieux win support for measure to boost US innovation, economic competitiveness

Amendment to COMPETES Act requires 10-year competitiveness plan

Jul 22 2010

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and George LeMieux (R-FL) successfully amended the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 during today’s Senate Commerce Committee meeting to include an amendment that will promote long-term job growth and boost the economic competitiveness of the United States. The amendment also is co-sponsored by Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Mark Begich (D-AK).
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner and Representatives Tom Perriello and Rick Boucher today announced two grants totaling more than $21.5 million to expand broadband Internet infrastructure in Virginia. The grants, awarded through the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas, enhance and expand public computer centers, and encourage sustainable adoption of broadband service. These investments will help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth and create jobs.

Warner, Webb Announce $75 Million to Upgrade Va. Passenger Rail Capacity

~ Project will help facilitate high-speed passenger rail between Richmond & D.C. ~

Jan 28 2010

U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that Virginia has been awarded nearly $75 million in stimulus funds to upgrade passenger rail capacity between Richmond and Washington, D.C. These funds were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Warner, Webb, Nye Urge IRS to Approve Tax Deduction for Drywall Homeowners

~ Casualty loss deduction would be significant for 80+ Virginia homeowners ~

Nov 25 2009

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Mark Warner, Jim Webb and Rep. Glenn Nye have joined members of Congress from two other states in urging the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to approve a tax deduction known as a "casualty loss" for homeowners in Virginia, Florida and Virginia who are dealing with the structural defects and health problems associated with contaminated drywall. Casualty loss deductions allow property owners to deduct from their taxes a portion of the decrease in value of the property following sudden or unexpected damage. The joint letter to the IRS is below.

Webb, Warner Introduce BRAC Measure to Study Growth, Address Traffic Congestion

Amendment aims to assist affected communities that lack funding, time to complete major transportation projects

Nov 06 2009

Washington, DC – Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner today introduced an appropriations measure that directs a transportation study of improvements needed to accommodate growth and traffic associated with the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) program. The Senators’ amendment aims to address the lack of adequate funding and time for BRAC-affected communities to undergo needed transportation projects.

Virginia, Florida, Louisiana Senators Introduce Resolution Urging Mortgage Relief for Homeowners with Contaminated Drywall

~ Bipartisan measure builds on efforts to assist 1,300 homeowners in 26 states ~

Nov 04 2009

WASHINGTON – Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb joined four of their Senate colleagues from Florida and Louisiana in introducing a Resolution today that urges banks and mortgage lenders to work with the estimated 1,300 homeowners in 26 states who are dealing with health and safety issues linked to the use of contaminated drywall, including at least 51 Virginia families, primarily in the southeastern region of the Commonwealth. The Resolution encourages banks and mortgage servicers to provide temporary forbearance on mortgage payments to help affected families afford the costs of alternative housing since many of their homes are uninhabitable.

Webb, Warner Introduce Bill to Complete Appalachian Development Highway System

~Highway will Provide Expanded Access to Appalachian Region~

Jul 31 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) joined Senator Robert Byrd (D-VA), in introducing the Appalachian Development Highway System Completion Act of 2009, which will re-authorize the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS). Completion of this much-needed infrastructure would provide significant economic benefits to the region.

Warner & Webb Announce $17.7 Million Grant to Upgrade Metrorail Services

Stimulus Funds Will Improve Emergency Systems, Sales Center

Jun 12 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner today announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has provided a $17.7 million grant for upgrades to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). Funding was made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).