Press Releases
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.”
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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.”
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden wave to members of Fauquier County’s Canine Companions for Independence during the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a special message encouraging groups throughout Virginia to apply for participation in the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade, which will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
“Presidential inaugurations are not just symbolic ceremonies – they are an instrument of democracy by which we execute the peaceful transfer of power in this country,” said Sen. Warner. “I encourage Virginia’s talented entities – including our many marching bands, floats, and equestrian groups – to take part in this time-honored tradition, dating back when President Jefferson rode his horse from the Capitol to the President's House in a procession that would become the Inaugural Parade we know today.”
The Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) Parade Coordinator Office is now accepting applications through December 4, 2024 for the 60th Inaugural Parade. The JTF-NCR is responsible for collecting and organizing all 2025 Presidential Inaugural Parade applications, which are then reviewed by the Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC), a group tasked with organizing all Inaugural events at the discretion of the President-Elect.
In 2017, the parade consisted of 48 non-Department of Defense elements chosen from 141 applications. Groups interested in applying are encouraged to review the parade application guide before registering for an account, which can be done HERE.
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WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s National Security Memorandum (NSM) on Artificial Intelligence:
“As we have seen just over the last two years, AI technology is rapidly evolving in a way that will have massive consequences for our economy, national security, and even democracy. I am heartened to see the administration recognize this very fact and take a leadership role to advance AI capabilities while simultaneously promoting responsible research, strong governance that ensures trust and safety, and the protection of human and civil rights.
“I am also gratified to see that the NSM appears to implement many of the legislative proposals I have advanced, including requirements to promote AI security research and address AI cyber vulnerabilities. However, as the chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee I am also acutely aware of the many threats to our AI efforts. I encourage the administration to work in the coming months with Congress to advance a clearer strategy to engage the private sector on national security risks directed at AI systems across the AI supply chain.”
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today wrote to American domain registrars NameCheap, GoDaddy, Cloudflare, NewFold Digital, NameSilo, and Versign – which were identified in a Department of Justice affidavit as providing domain services to the “Doppelganger” Russian covert influence network – pressing them to take immediate steps to address the continued abuse of their services for foreign covert influence, particularly in the period preceding and following Election Day.
Through the maintenance of both inauthentic social media accounts and websites, the hallmark of the Russian government-directed foreign malign influence campaigns known as “Doppelganger” has been the impersonation of Western media institutions online, including outlets like the Washington Post, Fox News, and Forward. Russian influence operatives have been attributed impersonating dozens of legitimate organizations online as early as September 2022, when researchers at the nonprofit EU Disinfo Lab first identified the network’s campaigns, using misleading domains (such as www.washingtonpost.pm, www.washingtonpost.ltd, www.fox-news.in, www.fox-news.top and www.forward.pw) to covertly spread Russian government propaganda with the aim of reducing international support for Ukraine, bolstering pro-Russian policies and interests, and influencing voters in U.S. and foreign elections, including the 2024 presidential election.
Citing research conducted by Meta in 2023, Warner noted several ways in which the global domain name industry has enabled Russian malign influence activity, including withholding vital domain name registration information from good-faith researchers and digital forensic investigators, ignoring inaccurate registration information submitted by registrants, and failing to identify repeated instances of intentional and malicious domain name squatting used to impersonate legitimate organizations.
Wrote Warner today, “Information included in the affidavit supporting recent seizure of a number of these domains provides further indication of your industry’s apparent inattention to abuses by foreign actors engaged in covert influence. Specifically, Russian influence actors utilized a number of tactics, techniques, and procedures that – against the backdrop of extensive open source literature on Doppelganger’s practices – should have alerted your company to abuse of its services, including the use of cryptocurrency to purchase domains, heavy reliance on anonymizing infrastructure to access your registration services (including the use of IPs widely associated with cybercriminal obfuscation network activity), the use of credit cards issued to a U.S. company “that has significant ties to, and employees based in, Russia,” use of fictitious and poorly-backstopped identities for registrants, and in at least one instance the use of a Russian address.”
Noted Warner, “While foreign covert influence represents one of the most egregious abuses of the domain name system, the industry’s inattention to abuse has been well-documented for years, enabling malicious activity such as phishing campaigns, drive-by malware, and online scams – all possible because of malicious actors using your services… Given the continued lapses of your industry to address these abuses, I believe Congress may need to evaluate legislative remedies that promote greater diligence across the global domain name ecosystem.”
“In the interim, your company must take immediate steps to address the continued abuse of your services for foreign covert influence – particularly in the days preceding, and weeks immediately following, Election Day. With the prospect of a close election – and declassified intelligence demonstrating the past practice of foreign adversaries in spreading narratives that undermine confidence in election processes– Americans will be particularly reliant on media organizations and state and local government websites to provide authoritative and accurate election information. It is imperative that your company work to diminish the risk that foreign adversaries use impersonated domains to promote false narratives in this context,” Warner concluded.
As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Warner has been consistently warning about the threat posed by foreign covert influence networks ahead of the 2024 elections. Last month, he convened a public hearing with representatives from Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft examining the roles and responsibilities of U.S. platforms to prevent the spread of foreign propaganda and misinformation on their networks.
A copy of the letters are available here.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-SD), Angus King (I-ME), and a bipartisan group of colleagues in urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) to release the maximum number of Congressionally-authorized H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
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 Virginia’s seafood industry, which relies on H-2B workers for tough jobs such as shucking oysters and processing crabs.
“Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that ‘counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers,’” wrote the senators.
“The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024,” they continued.
Along with Sens. Warner, Kaine, Rounds, and King the letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Susan Collins (R-ME), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Fetterman (D-PA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), George Helmy (D-NJ), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-IF), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Tim Scott (R-SC).
Sens. Warner and Kaine are committed to providing long-term relief for seasonal seafood processors through reform of the H-2B program. Last year, the Senators pushed for the Department of Labor 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.
A copy of the letter is available here and below.
Dear Secretaries Mayorkas and Su:
We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations.
In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024. These visas will help employers handle their labor challenges, and provide additional certainty regarding their workforce planning decisions in the coming months. We urge you to promptly publish a temporary rule implementing the release of these supplemental visas.
Many employers turn to the H-2B program to meet their workforce needs to not only sustain their businesses, but also support their American workers. The H-2B program places requirements on employers to recruit U.S. workers, who are intentionally prioritized by the program and also receive demonstrated, positive impacts from their seasonal colleagues. In fact, a 2020 Government Accountability Office report concluded that “counties with H-2B employers generally had lower unemployment rates and higher average weekly wages than counties that do not have any H-2B employers.”
The most current employment data illustrates the workforce struggles of seasonal businesses nationwide. The Department of Labor’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Surveys (JOLTS) show the rate of job openings have increased year over year for the industries that represent the top five H-2B occupations. As you know, the FY 2025 H-2B first half fiscal year cap was met on September 18, 2024—roughly three weeks earlier than the cap was met in FY 2024. The result is that seasonal employers whose peak seasons are in late fall and winter are capped out before their period of seasonal need begins. Absent cap relief, these employers will be unable to receive temporary, U.S. government-vetted guest workers.
Congress has acknowledged this seasonal labor shortage by providing DHS with the authority to lift the H-2B visa cap for each of the past eight fiscal years. Given the growing demand for H-2B workers as employers continue to struggle with staffing shortages, we encourage you to promptly promulgate a temporary final rule for FY 2025 along the same lines as the FY 2024 rule.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the statement below in response to a new form released by the U.S. Department of Education, which has begun to accept applications from joint consolidation loan borrowers seeking to separate their loans.
This announcement and new application follows longtime efforts by Sen. Warner to provide relief for individuals who previously consolidated their federal student loan debt. Borrowers who consolidated their student debt with a spouse, did so under a program that was created by Congress and subsequently eliminated without providing a way for spouses to sever existing loans – even in the event of domestic violence, economic abuse, or an unresponsive partner. In 2022, Sen. Warner secured the passage of the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act of 2021 in order to help borrowers who remain liable for their abusive or uncommunicative spouse’s portion of their consolidated debts. In July of 2024, Sen. Warner hailed new Ed implementation guidance that today culminates in the launch of this new application.
“Two years after getting the Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act into law, I’m proud to say that borrowers can now apply to separate their joint consolidation loans. While this took longer than I had hoped for, I have no doubt that it brings a sigh of relief to so many borrowers who remain trapped in financial agreements with unresponsive or abusive ex-spouses, and unable to access important loan forgiveness programs. I’m proud to have written the law that’s bringing this process to life and I’m glad to see the Department of Education take such a significant step towards freeing borrowers from these burdensome loans,” said Sen. Warner.
Through the new Department of Education form, borrowers are able to submit a:
- Joint Application: Both co-borrowers submit individual App/Notes to the Department, which will separate the JCL and create a new, individual Direct Consolidation Loan for each individual; or,
- Separate Application: An individual JCL applicant submits an App/Note to the Department without regard to whether or when the co-borrower applies, if the applicant has experienced an act of domestic violence or economic abuse from the other co-borrower, or if they are unable to reasonably reach or access the loan information of the other co-borrower.
Once the loans are separated, the applicants’ loan obligation will be consolidated into a Direct Consolidation Loan if both borrowers completed the joint application process. For those who submit a separate application, the loan obligation will follow the same process as the joint application process, but if the remaining co-borrower does not complete an application, their loan obligation will remain a JCL with one borrower.
Sen. Warner’s Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act, originally introduced in 2017, was inspired by Sara, a constituent from McLean, Virginia who contacted Sen. Warner to communicate her struggles with a joint consolidation loan. Sara was raising two children on a public school teacher’s salary in Northern Virginia and trying to keep up with payments on her student loans. Unfortunately, her ex-spouse, whom she had divorced and moved thousands of miles away from to start fresh, refused to pay his share of their joint loan. Because joint consolidation loans create joint and several liability for borrowers, Sara faced the threat of having her wages as a public school teacher garnished if she did not pay both her and her ex-husband’s portions of their debt. Sen. Warner did not think this was fair and sought to create a solution, so that constituents like Sara could control their own financial futures. You can hear Sen. Warner tell Sara’s story here.
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Warner & Kaine Applaud over $15 million in Federal Funding to Modernize Energy Infrastructure in Richmond
Oct 23 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-VA, announced $15,733,481 in federal funding for the City of Richmond to repair, replace, and modernize natural gas pipes. The funding is part of the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped pass.
“Upgrading our natural gas pipes will lower energy costs for families, reduce methane pollution, and reduce the risk of dangerous leaks,” said the senators. “We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue working to improve energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.”
While serving as Mayor of Richmond, Kaine helped oversee Richmond’s gas utility, which is one of the largest municipal gas utilities in the United States.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought over $8.4 billion in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, and improve airports, ports, and waterways.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $56,966,366 in federal funding for improvements to airports across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Terminals Program, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, which both senators helped pass.
“Virginia’s airports help Virginians and visitors get where they need to go and serve as critical economic development hubs,” said the senators. “We’re glad this funding, which was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make important upgrades to help airports across Virginia operate smoothly. We will keep working to bolster Virginia’s infrastructure and grow our economy.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $40,000,000 for Washington Dulles International Airport to support the construction of the new 14-gate, 400,000-square-foot terminal building, including direct connections to the Aerotrain and indirect connection to the Metrorail.
- $14,716,366 for Norfolk International Airport to support the realignment of the airport exclusive use access roadway to improve traffic flow into and out of the main terminal area.
- $2,250,000 for Richmond International Airport to design a proposed consolidated Passenger Screening Checkpoint to make passenger flow more efficient and reduce congestion.
Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to improve Virginia’s airports. Warner and Kaine have secured millions in federal funding for airports across Virginia through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law they voted to pass. In September, they announced more than $46 million in federal funding for improvements to Virginia airports through the Airport Improvement Program. The senators have previously announced $104.6 million in combined federal funding for the new terminal building at Dulles.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,192,538 in federal funding to support projects across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region.
“We’re glad to continue delivering for Southwest Virginia,” said the senators. “This funding will help the region continue to grow, expand job opportunities, and help those who are struggling with substance use disorder access resources they need in their recovery.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $1,692,538 to support Appalachian Sustainable Development for Groundwork. The funding will provide training and technical assistance needed to boost Appalachia's agriculture workforce. The funding will support 240 businesses and 182 workers/trainees. The funding will support agriculture entrepreneurs, providing organizations and trainees resources to engage and grow their businesses.
- $500,000 for the Piedmont Regional Community Services Board - Community Recovery Employment Ecosystem Expansion. The funding will directly expand access to recovery resources as well as assist those in recovery with job placement and retention.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC. Earlier this week, Sens. Warner and Kaine announced over $2 million in federal funding for Southwest Virginia courtesy of ARC.
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Warner & Kaine Join Senate Colleagues in Urging Additional Funding for Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery
Oct 18 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in urging the White House to rapidly submit a detailed supplemental government funding request to Congress that will fully cover the costs associated with clean-up and recovery following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so Congress can quickly pass aid for American families. In a bipartisan letter to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the senators highlighted the hardships facing southern communities recovering from the destruction of these storms and the need for full, uninterrupted federal support to restore and rebuild these communities.
“We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal,” wrote the senators.
“Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost. Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters,” concluded the lawmakers.
Warner and Kaine have been vocal regarding the need for federal resources to support Virginia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Earlier this month, they successfully advocated for President Biden to declare both an Emergency Declaration and an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Virginia. The senators also joined their colleagues earlier this month in calling for a bipartisan appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm. They additionally sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging action to address intravenous (IV) fluids supply challenges impacting the wellbeing of patients and health care workers’ ability to provide care.
Read the full letter to President Biden here and below:
Dear President Biden,
As the Southeastern United States continues to respond to life-threatening conditions in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the sheer scope of the destruction from these hurricanes is heartbreaking. We urgently request the White House’s Office of Management and Budget rapidly submit to Congress a detailed supplemental appropriations request that considers the full cost of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as other devastating natural disasters, so Congress can quickly consider supplemental appropriations this year, and affected communities can begin to heal.
Hurricane Helene struck Florida’s coast as a Category 4 storm on September 27 before devastating communities across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Tragically, the death toll continues to rise, with 228 being confirmed to date. Hurricane Milton struck Florida on October 9, bringing life-threatening storm surges and wind gusts and causing 24 deaths to date.
We are immensely grateful to first responders and federal workers as they perform life-saving work. However, the task of recovering from these storms has overwhelmed state and local governments. Federal support will be needed to restore and rebuild our communities.
While the recovery costs are still being determined, estimates of Hurricane Helene’s damage range from $34 billion to $47 billion. Hurricane Milton is likewise expected to cost billions more in damages.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will require significant additional funding to ensure it has the resources it needs for Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery, and additional federal funding will be required to support states and federal agencies’ emergency response efforts. Likewise, as communities begin to rebuild, uninterrupted access to key disaster assistance loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is imperative. Agricultural producers will also need financial assistance to help them recover from yet another natural disaster that is further compounding their already tenuous economic situation, and small businesses will need support to help cover the damage to their livelihoods and rebuild, so they can reopen their doors to communities.
Given the immense need, we respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricane Helene and Milton and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this full cost.
Congress stands ready to ensure the federal government and our communities have what they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and future natural disasters.
Sincerely,
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WASHINGTON – Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a statement on the death of Hamas terrorist Yahya Sinwar:
“Earlier today I spoke with Director Burns, who confirmed that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and one of the masterminds of the October 7 terrorist attack, has been killed in Gaza. As a terrorist leader, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocents, including Americans, Israelis and Palestinians. While justice has been served to Sinwar, let us not forget that the terrorist network he headed still holds dozens of people hostage in Gaza, and we must continue to press for their safe return.”
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Warner Announces Launch of Ashanti Alert Website
Oct 17 2024
WASHINGTON – With National Crime Prevention Month underway, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today announced the launch of the Ashanti Alert website administered by the Department of Justice. The Ashanti Alert, created by a Warner-authored law, seeks to notify the public about missing or endangered adults, ages 18-64, and assist by way of a national communications network. The public website unveiled today provides information about the law and the National Ashanti Alert Network, and it includes links to state missing person programs and other resources.
“Having fought for the passage and nationwide implementation of the Ashanti Alert nationwide, I’m very proud to announce the launch of a public website that will help the public better understand how to report a missing person,” said Sen. Warner. “I’ve been proud to work closely with the Department of Justice on the launch of these resources as we continue to honor Ashanti’s legacy and save lives.”
“From birth, I knew Ashanti had a purpose in this world. Not a day goes by I don’t miss my baby, but knowing she is a saving angel gives me a joy that keeps me going," said Brandy Billie-Moore, Ashanti's mother.
“The Bible says to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord, and Ashanti is with the Lord, watching over us and guiding missing people back to their families," said Meltony Billie, Ashanti’s father.
The Ashanti Alert Law, championed by Sen. Warner in 2018, was named after Ashanti Billie – a 19-year-old whose body was discovered in North Carolina, 11 days after she was first reported missing in Norfolk, Va. At the time of Ashanti’s abduction, she was too old for an AMBER Alert and too young for a Silver Alert.
In 2023, the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) reported 546,097 entries for missing individuals – 34 percent of whom were over 18 when reported missing. This data underscores the urgency of addressing missing adult cases, given that missing person reports for adults do not always receive the same mandatory attention as those involving juveniles.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Bob Casey (D-PA) in sending a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra urging continued action to address the critical intravenous (IV) fluid shortage affecting hospitals across the nation. This shortage, caused by the temporary closure of Baxter International's manufacturing plant in North Carolina due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, has created significant challenges for health care providers in Virginia and across the country.
The senators’ letter comes in response to the production halt at Baxter International, the largest manufacturer of intravenous (IV) solutions in the United States, which produces nearly two-thirds of the IV fluids used in U.S. hospitals. While federal agencies—including the HHS, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)—work to increase supply from other manufacturers, allow temporary importation of products manufactured abroad, and provide guidance on compounded alternatives, hospitals across the country, including in Virginia, continue to face shortages and need clear communication to effectively plan for the months ahead. The letter emphasized that the federal response must especially prioritize providers whose patient communities will be most at risk in the face of continued shortages.
“The uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently cancelled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues,” wrote the senators.
“As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton,” the senators concluded.
Read the full letter to Secretary Becerra here and below:
Dear Secretary Becerra:
We appreciate the Biden Administration’s efforts to swiftly respond to the catastrophic damage caused across the southeast by Hurricane Helene. As you continue this recovery work, on behalf of our constituents and the health care providers who serve them, we write to urge you to continue to work with hospital and health system partners to address disruptions in the intravenous (IV) solution supply chain resulting from the hurricane-induced closure of the Baxter International plant in North Cove, North Carolina.
As you know, Baxter is the largest manufacturer of IV solutions in the United States. Their facility in Western North Carolina produces nearly two-thirds of the IV solution used to provide health care nationwide. As you also know, to protect from stockpiling, Baxter has instituted limits on the amount of saline solution and dextrose product hospitals and health systems are currently able to order. We are encouraged by steps taken by your agency and other federal government agencies to move product more quickly, including rebuilding physical infrastructure, working with manufacturing partners to increase supply from other sites, and providing guidance on appropriate compounding.
However, the uncertainty created by reduced product deliveries has led to conservation policies in health facilities across our states. After orders were recently canceled, some providers have reported having only single-digit days’ worth of product on hand, while others are utilizing over-the-counter oral hydration solutions like Gatorade—and fear reduced allocations of those alternatives as well. While providers are seeing promising results from HHS’s actions so far, we must ensure this progress continues.
As you take the necessary steps to increase production of IV products at alternative domestic sites, facilitate the expedited arrival of additional product from overseas, and review product shelf life to consider extensions, we ask you provide clear and continuous communication to health providers on their options and the path forward as communities recover from this storm and any impact that may stem from Hurricane Milton. We also request intentional outreach to safety net, tribal, and rural providers, as well as those caring for vulnerable populations who may lack the resources to sustain prolonged shortages. Hospitals and health systems in our states are eager to work with you to protect patient care and welcome your outreach.
We look forward to working with you to ensure timely and robust communication to keep our communities healthy. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
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Warner and Kaine Announce over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Projects in Southwest Virginia
Oct 16 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $2,069,443 in federal funding to boost economic development across Southwest Virginia. The funding was awarded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, which provides funding to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
“We’re glad this funding will continue to create new jobs and spur economic development in communities across Southwest Virginia,” said the Senators. “These investments will help ensure that rural communities have the infrastructure to bring new opportunities to the region.”
The funding is broken down as follows:
- $1,319,443 to support the Central Appalachia Broadband Transport Infrastructure Improvements Project in Lee and Wise counties, as well as Claiborne and Hancock counties in Tennessee. The funding will be used to develop two data centers in Central Appalachia, creating 40 permanent technology jobs.
- $750,000 for the Friends of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon, VA. The funding will go towards assessing the economic impact of Friends of Southwest Virginia projects, including the Crooked Road, the Appalachian Spring Outdoor Recreation initiative, and Round the Mountain Artisan Network, in order to inform future community development projects.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long supported efforts to boost economic development in Southwest Virginia, including through strong support of ARC, an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments that innovates and invests to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in 423 counties across the Appalachian region. The draft of the Fiscal Year 2025 government funding package, which the Senators are working to pass, includes $200 million for ARC.
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Warner & Kaine Announce Nearly $32.5 Million in Federal Funding to Replace Lead Pipes in Virginia
Oct 10 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, both D-VA, announced an estimated $35,159,000 in federal funding for Virginia to identify and replace lead pipes and create good-paying water infrastructure jobs. The funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped pass and is being allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after the Biden-Harris Administration issued a rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to replace lead pipes within the next ten years.
“Every Virginian should have access to safe, reliable drinking water,” said the senators. “We’re thrilled this funding will eliminate dangerous lead exposure in the tap water of homes and schools across the Commonwealth, all while creating good-paying jobs. We’re glad to have helped pass the legislation that made this investment possible and will continue to do all that we can to keep Virginians safe.”
The EPA estimates that as of 2023, there are 187,883 lead services lines in Virginia, which can lead to significant long-term health risks for those exposed. In children, lead can severely harm mental and physical development, slow down learning, and irreversibly damage the brain. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer. If someone is impacted by lead exposure, there is no known antidote, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This funding will combat these risks by accelerating the lead pipe removal process.
The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold requiring communities to take action to protect people from lead exposure in water. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them.
Warner and Kaine have long advocated for clean drinking water for Virginians. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced nearly $2 million in federal funding for Lee and Wise counties and the Town of Clintwood to support infrastructure projects that will improve and extend waterline and sewer systems to additional homes. In February, they announced over $2.8 million in federal funding to improve water quality and increase access to safe drinking water in Wythe County and to assess the public health risk from harmful chemicals in local landfills in rural communities across Virginia. Last year, they announced $4,352,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (VCWRLF).
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Warner, Kaine Announce over $11.6 Million in Federal Funding to Protect Families from Lead Poisoning
Oct 08 2024
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $11,692,000 in federal funding to protect young children and their families from hazardous lead poisoning in their homes. The sale of lead-based paint is banned in the United States, but many older homes still have the old paint on walls, which can become dangerous as it peels and chips. Young children are most susceptible to lead poisoning and can face long-term developmental delays if exposed. This funding, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program, will be used to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in Virginia’s older housing units.
“Lead poisoning can have negative long-term health impacts for those exposed,” the senators said. “This funding will help to protect children and families by identifying and mitigating the presence of dangerous lead-based paint.”
This funding is broken down as follows:
- The Commonwealth of Virginia will receive $6,692,000 in funding to update older housing and improve community health. This funding will be distributed across Virginia;
- The City of Roanoke will receive $5,000,000 in funding to update older housing and improve community health.
Sens. Warner and Kaine been vocal about the need for safe, affordable housing for Virginians. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $55 million in federal funding for improvements to affordable housing across the Commonwealth.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, both D-VA, announced $2,225,710 in federal funding for education programs based in Alexandria, Richmond, and Harrisonburg to train behavioral health professionals to address substance use disorders, students’ mental health, and racial disparities in access to mental health treatment. The funding is being allocated by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for which the senators have consistently supported robust and continued funding.
“Helping those who struggle with behavioral health needs starts with adequately funding programs to recruit, educate, and train the first responders and behavioral health professionals who will be on the front lines,” said the senators. “This over-$2.2 million in grant funding will help us do that, and we will continue to do all that we can to bring resources to Virginia to support the mental health of our communities.”
The funding will be allocated as follows:
- $1,924,595 to the Alexandria-based Foundation for The Advancement of Human Systems via the Minority Fellowship Program to recruit, train and support master’s- and doctoral-level students in behavioral health care professions to address services disparities for racial and ethnic minority populations.
- $199,939 to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond to recruit and train first responders in rural areas on how to provide trauma-informed, recovery-based care for people with substance use disorders (SUD), and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD), in emergency situations.
- $101,716 to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg to strengthen mental health services for college students, including increasing protective factors that promote mental health, as well as reducing risk factors for suicide.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long advocated for federally-funded resources for Virginians who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. In September 2024, Warner and Kaine announced $3.5 million in federal funding to expand mental health and substance abuse disorder services at community health centers. In August 2023, Warner and Kaine announced $1.4 million in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to expand access to mental health care in Virginia. In December 2022, Warner and Kaine announced $1 million in federal funding from SAMHSA to expand the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline in Virginia.
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced legislation to improve customer service at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Specifically, the Improving IRS Customer Service Act would expand information regarding refunds available to taxpayers online and require the IRS to inform taxpayers applying for installment agreements about available collection alternatives if they appear to have an economic hardship.
“The IRS has been the source of massive headaches for taxpayers for years,” Sen. Warner said. “I am glad to introduce legislation that will ease some of this frustration by increasing clear communication and making IRS resources more readily available.”
“It should be easy for taxpayers to get the information they need from the IRS. Not every interaction with them has to be miserable,” Dr. Cassidy said. “We can streamline the process and give Americans the transparency they expect.”
Specifically, the legislation would:
- Establish a dashboard to inform taxpayers of backlogs and wait times;
- Expand electronic access to information and refunds;
- Expand callback technology and online accounts;
- Inform individuals facing economic hardship of collection alternatives.
Sen. Warner has been a tireless advocate for improving IRS customer service and accelerating return times. Sen. Warner strongly supported the Inflation Reduction Act — legislation that provides funding to modernize IRS systems and improve customer service when paying taxes. Investments from the IRA have ensured the IRS has the resources it needs to process tax returns quickly, get rebates to taxpayers faster, and address challenges Virginians have when filing taxes. With additional resources, IRS response rates this tax season have improved from answering two out of every 10 calls to answering nine out of every 10 calls.
“By introducing the Improving IRS Customer Service Act, Senator Warner and Senator Cassidy have earned the gratitude of every taxpayer who's ever had to contend with the IRS's notoriously inconsistent customer service,” said Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union. “The sensible reforms in this bill, which include a wait-time dashboard, better access to refund information, customer callback technologies, and fairer measurement of IRS service levels, will all make a big difference in solving some of the more frustrating problems that taxpayers have encountered for years. More complete information on tax collection alternatives for taxpayers facing financial hardships will likewise give hope for many struggling families. This legislation is exactly the kind of guidance Congress needs to provide the IRS for a successful transformation of our entire system of tax administration. National Taxpayers Union is proud to endorse this innovative legislation, and we urge every lawmaker to actively work toward its passage in the remaining days of this Congress.”
“The Virginia Society of CPAs is pleased to support this bipartisan legislation to aid with tax administration. Our members and their clients greatly appreciate the emphasis on streamlining the taxpayer and tax practitioner experience with the IRS,” said Virginia Society of CPAs President & CEO Stephanie Peters, CAE.
“The AICPA strongly supports the legislative proposals outlined in S. 5280, which provide taxpayers and their tax advisors with clear and detailed information from the IRS in an intuitive and interactive format. Additionally, S. 5280 strives to protect the most economically vulnerable taxpayers by doing away with installment agreement fees and offering collection alternatives to those facing economic hardships. Collectively, these proposals will strengthen the public’s confidence in the tax administration system, and we thank Senators Warner and Cassidy for their leadership on this bipartisan bill,” said Melanie Lauridsen, Vice President of Tax Policy & Advocacy for the American Institute of CPAs.
A copy of the bill text can be found here.
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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and Representative Morgan Griffith (R-VA-09) welcomed the approval of Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. The lawmakers wrote a letter urging President Biden to approve this request to surge federal resources to impacted areas and help Virginia more quickly respond to and recover from Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
“I’m glad to see President Biden step in and approve the Commonwealth’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the heartbreaking destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. This declaration opens the door to various avenues for assistance to help the region recover. As Southwest Virginia continues to hurt, I’m going to be pushing for Congress to pass needed disaster supplemental funding as soon as possible,” said Sen. Warner.
“I’m grateful President Biden approved Virginia’s request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following our bipartisan advocacy. This declaration will bring more federal support to the impacted areas,” said Sen. Kaine. “Over the past few days, I’ve visited residents, business owners, local officials, and first responders in Southwest Virginia and seen firsthand the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. I’m committed to continuing to work with local, state, and federal partners to help these communities recover.”
“The impacts of Hurricane Helene on Southwest Virginia have been devastating,” said Rep. Griffith. “I appreciate Governor Youngkin working tirelessly to support disaster relief efforts, and I will continue to work alongside Senators Warner and Kaine to bring more relief to the region.”
This Expedited Major Disaster Declaration grants emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs for impacted areas. Under this declaration, Individual Assistance is made available for the counties of Giles, Grayson, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, and Wythe, and the City of Galax. Individual Assistance provides financial support and direct services for eligible individuals and households impacted by a disaster. Public Assistance for all categories is made available for the counties of Bedford, Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Craig, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, Montgomery, Pittsylvania, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the cities of Bristol, Covington, Danville, Galax, Norton, and Radford. Public Assistance provides resources to local governments for eligible response and recovery work, such as repairing roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and equipment, and public utilities. Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance was also granted statewide, which will help keep Virginians safe from future floods.
Warner, Kaine, and Griffith continue to track Hurricane Helene’s devastation and advocate for Southwest Virginia at the federal level. The senators and Griffith wrote to President Biden in support of Virginia’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia – a request that was approved on Sunday. Yesterday, Warner and Kaine joined a bipartisan group of their colleagues in urging Congress to quickly pass disaster relief legislation. On Monday and Tuesday, Kaine met with Virginians impacted by Hurricane Helene.
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WASHINGTON– Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Ted Budd (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Tim Scott (R-SC), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Appropriations Chair Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senate Appropriations Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the urgent need to pass an appropriations package to support the millions of Americans affected by the storm.
“The devastation from Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States is simply inconceivable…Because of a lack of cell service, we anticipate even greater tragedy to unfold in the days and weeks ahead as communications and power are restored and we can understand the full scope of this disaster,” the senators wrote.
“Even preliminary damage assessments indicate that, at a minimum, the total damage and economic loss will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This amount will likely soar as recovery efforts continue and the full picture of this ruinous disaster becomes clear,” the senators continued.
“Although the true level of devastation is still unfolding, it is clear that Congress must act to meet the unmet needs in our states and address the scope and scale of destruction experienced by our constituents. This may even require Congress to come back in October to ensure we have enough time to enact legislation before the end of this calendar year. Tens of millions of Americans were impacted by Hurricane Helene, and we look forward to working with you to provide relief to those impacted by this horrific storm,” the senators concluded.
Text of the full letter is available here.
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