Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and seven of his colleagues urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to reverse the agency’s decision to weaken broadband label rules that help consumers understand the type of broadband services they are buying before committing to a provider.

In a letter to Chairman Carr, the senators expressed strong opposition to the FCC’s proposed rulemaking that would scale back key broadband consumer label requirements that the FCC adopted unanimously in 2022. Congress directed the FCC to create broadband labels in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in order to improve consumers’ ability to get a better understanding of the broadband services that they are paying for and receiving.

“The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit. After years of development and a bipartisan vote to implement these protections, we are now at the point where providers have integrated these labels into their systems and consumers are beginning to rely on them. This is not the moment to reverse course,” the senators wrote.

“The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why,” the senators continued.

Under the FCC’s proposal, internet service providers would be allowed to take actions such as bundling optional fees instead of listing them clearly and removing labels from customer account portals, which consumers often use to compare and review their service terms. The proposal could also allow providers to not display labels in the same languages used to advertise their plans.

This letter is also signed by Sens. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D- HI), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).

The full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Chairman Carr:

We write to express strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would scale back key broadband consumer label requirements this Commission adopted unanimously in 2022. Congress gave the Commission explicit instructions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to create these labels, and we are concerned that the current proposal moves in the opposite direction from what the law requires and what consumers deserve. This letter is submitted as a follow-up to the letter sent by Senators Klobuchar and Lujan on October 24, 2025, prior to the Commission’s 2-1 vote to advance the proposed changes.

The broadband label framework was designed to work like nutrition labels, giving consumers a clear, consistent way to understand what services they are buying before they commit. After years of development and a bipartisan vote to implement these protections, we are now at the point where providers have integrated these labels into their systems and consumers are beginning to rely on them. This is not the moment to reverse course.

The proposal to exclude telephone sales from point-of-sale disclosure requirements would eliminate transparency for some of the most vulnerable consumers in our country. Seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents, and households shopping for their first internet service frequently rely on phone conversations to compare plans and sign up for service. Under this proposal, those consumers would lose access to the very information that online shoppers take for granted. Instead of regulatory efficiency, this change would create a two-tier system that disadvantages the Americans who can least afford confusion about the services they are purchasing.

We are equally troubled by the Commission’s proposal to let providers aggregate discretionary fees that companies choose to impose rather than itemize them. The entire purpose of the broadband label is to show consumers the real, total cost of service so that they can make informed choices. Allowing providers to bundle these fees into vague line items recreates exactly the kind of billing opaqueness that Congress sought to end. Families need to see what they are being charged and why. Comparison shopping becomes meaningless if the prices are not actually comparable.

The proposal to remove labels from customer account portals is also misguided. Right now, a consumer can log into their account months after signing up, pull up their label, and verify what they were promised at the initial point of sale. They can check whether their promotional rate is about to expire or compare their current plan to newer options. Eliminating that access would leave consumers with no reliable way to review their own service terms. At a time when internet service costs are rising and many families are managing tighter budgets, we should be making it easier for people to understand what they are paying for.

Public interest advocates have long emphasized that ongoing access to these labels is not merely a convenience but a core consumer protection. Broadband plans change frequently, promotional rates expire, and providers sometimes introduce new terms or fees long after the initial sale. Without a persistent label visible in customers’ online accounts, consumers have no simple way to verify whether their service still matches what they were promised or to detect price increases and speed changes that may occur over time. Removing this requirement would make it easier for providers to bury bill changes in dense terms of service or scattered emails, and it would hinder consumers’ ability to exercise their rights, switch plans, or challenge inaccurate billing. Continuous transparency is essential to preventing bait-and-switch tactics and to ensuring broadband markets function fairly for all people.

We also urge the Commission to reconsider eliminating multilingual label requirements. Providers actively market to non-English-speaking communities in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages. It is both reasonable and fair to require that the same consumers receive pricing and service term disclosures in the language they were sold in. Marketing in one language while providing key financial information only in English will only result in confusion and exploitation.

Furthermore, the proposed elimination of machine-readable formats and archiving requirements would undermine accountability across the board. These technical features allow consumer advocates, researchers, regulators, and journalists to analyze pricing trends, track harmful practices, and fuel tools that help families make fully informed financial decisions. They also support the Commission's own enforcement work. Removing these features would weaken oversight at a time when the broadband market needs more scrutiny.

The broadband label program represents bipartisan recognition that clear information is essential to a functioning market. The law Congress passed was not a suggestion. It was a directive, rooted in the straightforward principle that consumers deserve to know what they are purchasing in easy-to-understand terms and what it costs when they sign a contract.

We respectfully urge the Commission to withdraw or substantially revise this proposal and to maintain the comprehensive transparency protections that Congress mandated in IIJA. Families across the country are counting on the FCC to ensure that broadband providers compete in quality and price. That requires consumers to actually see and understand both.

Thank you for considering these views.

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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. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today welcomed Senate approval of the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act, sending it to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bipartisan legislation, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year, comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that tragically claimed 67 lives.

“Congress owes it to the traveling public, and to the families who lost loved ones in the January 29 crash over the Potomac River, to address the systemic flaws that contributed to this tragedy,” said Sens. Warner and Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation is a meaningful step forward to ensure the safety and security of air travel. It strengthens oversight, improves coordination between the FAA and the Department of Defense, and requires comprehensive safety reviews of DCA and other busy airports. We urge the House to act quickly so this legislation can become law and provide real protections for passengers, flight crews, first responders, and the families still grieving the loss of their loved ones. When the NTSB and Army release their comprehensive reports about the crash, we stand ready to determine the next best steps Congress can take to further improve aviation safety, including removing slots from DCA.”

The January 29 crash over the Potomac River exposed multiple system failures, including the Army Black Hawk not transmitting safety-enhancing ADS-B technology (radio systems that aircraft use to share their positions with each other and with air traffic control), unsafe route design for mixed traffic near DCA, and lack of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) coordination to prevent future incidents. The ROTOR Act addresses these specific failures, as well as broader long-standing FAA air traffic controller shortages, FAA internal safety management systems, and the need for important post-accident safety reviews.

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act specifically:

Expands ADS-B In and Out Implementation for Commercial and Military Aircraft: Establishes a clear 2031 deadline for aircraft operators to equip with ADS-B In technology to provide pilots increased situational awareness and provide traffic advisories and alerting for airport operations to reduce the risk of mid-air and runway collisions. All commercial (e.g. passenger, cargo, business), military and general aviation operators who are already required by the FAA to be equipped with ADS-B Out must also equip with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031. The agreement also ends many Department of Defense (DoD) longstanding ADS-B Out transmission exemptions that have allowed military and other government aircraft to fly near DCA and other busy airports without transmitting their location. Training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing pre- and post-reform use of exemptions, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly reporting requirements for all agencies performing sensitive government missions, and biannual reporting to Congress on the frequency of flights using any remaining exemptions, with special 14-day notification if agencies use exemptions five or more times per month.
Requires Comprehensive Safety Reviews of DCA and All Major, Mid-size Airports: Requires a comprehensive FAA safety review of DCA airspace to assess how civil and military helicopter, drone, and emergency first responder flights impact commercial operations at airports and to better prevent future incidents. These reviews ensure a thorough evaluation of all non-commercial flight routes near the airport. The agreement requires the same comprehensive FAA safety review of other Class B airports and Class C airports, prioritizing safety reviews for airports with high volumes of mixed flight traffic.
Sets New Level of Coordination and Information Sharing Between FAA and DoD: The bipartisan agreement requires each military service with an aviation component to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to share appropriate aviation safety information and enhance coordination to prevent future incidents.
Reviews Army Policies and Standards: Mandates an Army Inspector General audit evaluating coordination with FAA, pilot training standards, ADS-B usage compliance, helicopter maintenance protocols, and the Army's review of loss of separation incidents in the National Capital Region. Results must be transmitted to Congress and publicly released within 14 days of completion.
Advances Next-Generation Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAS-X): Lays the foundation for advancing the deployment of next generation collision avoidance technology – known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) and its variants that can deliver strong improvements for aviation safety. During NTSB’s hearings on the DCA collision, this technology was discussed due to its more versatile applications to helicopter operations. This technology provides better traffic conflict resolution alerts to pilots and can better prevent mid-air helicopter collisions at lower altitudes where existing collision avoidance technology does not activate. The agreement directs FAA to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for widespread adoption of the technology among aviation operators.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been closely involved with the investigation of the January 29th collision, meeting with first responders and offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost immediately following the tragedy. The senators also saw through passage of a legislation to remember the victims of the crash. Sens. Warner and Kaine also requested answers from FAA on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision. In March of this year, the senators responded to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the crash. Earlier this month, the Senate passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a provision Kaine secured to require all aircraft of the Defense Department that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. The senators have also sounded the alarm for years about the need for increased safety for the flying public, including fighting against additional flights out of DCA that contribute to overcrowding.

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WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued a statement after the Trump administration proposed new steps to make it easier for seniors to switch their Medicare Advantage plan or choose Traditional Medicare if a doctor or hospital they use leaves their insurance plan network.

“Navigating the health care landscape is hard enough as is – we shouldn’t be forcing seniors to jump through hoops in order to continue seeing the doctors they know and trust,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m glad to see CMS heed our call by proposing new measures that would allow Medicare Advantage enrollees to change their coverage more easily when they experience mid-year provider network changes. I’ll keep working with CMS to get this proposed rule finalized and ensure that elderly Americans can count on the continuity of care they need.”

“American seniors should not have the rug pulled out from under them when it comes to seeing the doctor of their choice,” said Sen. Wyden. “These proposed improvements will reduce confusion and make it easier for seniors to continue seeing their local health care providers. I urge CMS to finalize this proposal and bring more transparency and consumer protection to Medicare Advantage.”

In October, Wyden and Warner called on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to address the rising number of incidents where doctors or health care facilities leave a Medicare Advantage plan network, which triggers a “special enrollment period” that allows seniors to change plans. Over the past year, more than a dozen states have had provider network changes deemed “significant” by CMS.

Late last month, CMS proposed changes to streamline the process by allowing seniors to change plans if virtually any of the health care providers they see leaves their plan network. An enrollee who loses a provider within their plan network will be notified of the network change and their right to change plan or switch to Traditional Medicare with guaranteed access to Medigap coverage.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR), Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the Senate passed the annual Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (IAA) as a part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), following passage last week in the House of Representatives. The IAA represents a bipartisan effort by the Senate and House Intelligence Committees to authorize the funding, provide legal authorities, and ensure vigorous congressional oversight of national security threats and our United States Intelligence Community.

“I thank my colleagues and am glad to see this bill pass once again on a strong bipartisan basis. It provides the Intelligence Community the resources it needs to do its mission while ensuring that we maintain rigorous oversight of the IC’s activities. This year’s IAA responds to important concerns, including by demanding continued support and transparency for AHI victims, ensuring IC facilities can be protected from the growing threat of commercial drones, and requiring cyber protections for our electoral systems. At the same time, it readies the IC for the future by promoting IC energy resiliency, enhancing the IC’s ability to detect and counter threats related to emerging biotechnology, and ensuring the IC adopts artificial intelligence in a secure and responsible manner. While I am disappointed that we were unable to reach agreement on a provision to secure our Nation’s telecom infrastructure, I look forward to continuing to work with my Senate colleagues to address the unprecedented Salt Typhoon breach that exposed the personal data and communications of millions of Americans,” said Sen. Warner.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for supporting this bill and the many members of both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees for building this bill and getting it across the finish line. Since becoming chairman, I have been clear about the need for real reform across the entire intelligence community, starting with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The FY26 IAA will enact many of these reforms, which will mean a more efficient intelligence community and a safer United States. This law also includes many other important provisions to ensure and enhance our nation’s security. These include prohibiting the intelligence community from contracting with Chinese military companies, improving the security of CIA installations, identifying the threat to America’s food security posed by Communist China, and directing necessary resources towards defending our nation from threats posed by Iran. I’m glad this bill passed both houses of Congress as part of the NDAA and I look forward to it being signed into law by the President,” said Sen. Cotton.

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 will:

Significantly reform and improve efficiencies and effectiveness within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the broader Intelligence Community;
Prohibit the Intelligence Community from contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing;
Improve the Intelligence Community’s artificial intelligence capabilities and capacity and establish guidance for the Intelligence Community’s procurement and use of artificial intelligence;
Increase transparency to Congress regarding Iran’s enrichment activities, including decisions to weaponize uranium;
Improve the security of Central Intelligence Agency installations;
Require the Intelligence Community to develop a plan for sharing biotechnological threats with U.S. agencies, allies, and private-sector partners;
Require the Director of National Intelligence to identify sites for deployment of advanced nuclear technologies;
Establish a strategy to support Intelligence Community efforts to acquire and integrate emerging technologies proven to meet mission needs;
Require any Intelligence Community element with information regarding Iranian lethal threats to United States persons to provide the information to the FBI and to any person responsible for protecting the intended victim;
Support the Intelligence Community workforce by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to issue standard guidelines for Intelligence Community personnel to document and report Anomalous Health Incidents;
Expose the People’s Republic of China’s investments that are undermining America’s agricultural security.
Mandate an annual Intelligence Community survey of analytic objectivity among each element’s officers and employees, and ensure that analytic training includes instructions on avoiding political bias;
Mandate Intelligence Community notifications and reporting to ensure greater congressional oversight of the terrorist watchlist or the transnational organized crime watchlist;
Require the Director of National Intelligence to enhance efforts to counter narcotics trafficking with the Government of Mexico; and
Promote transparency by requiring the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a declassification review and publish intelligence relating to the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner, Tim Kaine (both D-VA), and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Reps. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03) and Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and Labor, reintroduced the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act, legislation that would help miners who have suffered from black lung disease access the workers’ compensation and benefits they are entitled to receive under the federal Black Lung Benefits Program. This legislation significantly reduces barriers, such as rising inflation and costs-of-living, complex claims processes, and lack of legal representation, that prevent miners and their survivors from accessing benefits.

“For generations, Virginia’s coal miners have made tremendous sacrifices to power America, literally risking their lives to fuel our nation,” said Sen. Warner. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will eliminate red tape and help miners and their families get easy access to the benefits, compensation, and legal representation they deserve.”

“Our miners make tremendous sacrifices to keep our lights on, communities powered, and nation running,” said Sen. Kaine. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act will help the brave miners and retirees impacted by black lung disease finally get the medical coverage and compensation they've earned.”

“The job of a coal miner is often a dangerous and thankless one. Pennsylvania’s coal miners know the risk all too well,” said Sen. Fetterman. “It’s absolutely wrong when we have workers not receiving the benefits they were promised—zero exceptions. I’m proud to join my colleagues on the Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act so we do right by our coal miners and their families. They risk their lives every day for our great country and we should have their backs when they need us, not leave them behind.”

“After paying for this country’s last energy revolution with their own health and safety, miners shouldn’t have to endure a costly, drawn-out legal process to prove they’ve earned their benefits,” said Rep. McGarvey. “Our bill would peg these benefits to inflation and make them easier to access, rather than letting these miners who have sacrificed so much be left further and further behind. I’m grateful for Senators Kaine and Fetterman and Ranking Member Scott’s continued dedication to strengthen black lung benefits, get miners the care they need, and uphold the dignity of financial security that they deserve.”

“Decades ago, Congress established the Black Lung Benefits Act to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are totally disabled. Unfortunately, the Government Accountability Office found that miners often lack the necessary medical and legal resources to develop evidence to prove their claims,” said Rep. Scott. “The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act helps miners and their survivors access legal representation, ensures benefits are not eroded due to inflation, reduces the time for processing claims, and protects taxpayers from taking a hit when a self-insured coal company goes bankrupt and cannot pay black lung claims.”

Many miners have developed coal workers’ pneumoconiosis—commonly referred to as “black lung”—a debilitating and deadly disease caused by the long-term inhalation of coal dust in underground and surface coal mines. In response, Congress passed the Black Lung Benefits Act in 1976 to provide monthly compensation and medical coverage for coal miners who develop black lung disease and are disabled. The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act makes necessary updates to ensure Congress is fulfilling its commitment to the nation’s coal miners by:

Automatically adjusting coal miners' benefits for inflation,
Helping miners and their survivors secure legal representation by increasing the number of attorneys willing to take on black lung claims,
Expanding the assistance provided by black lung clinics,
Ensuring miners get assistance from the Department of Labor (DOL) in rebutting medical evidence,
Improving access to CT scans to clarify medical eligibility,
Requiring the DOL to address potential conflicts of interest with physicians providing medical exams,
Accelerating the DOL’s access to employment and earnings verification for miners from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
Establishing stringent criteria for mine operators that seek to self-insure,
Increasing civil penalties for mine operators that fail to secure benefits, and
Expanding the parties that the DOL can hold liable when an operator fails to secure benefits.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long worked to support miners, miner retirees, and their families. The senators successfully secured more than $600,000 for Norton Community Hospital and Black Lung Clinic in the committee-passed Fiscal Year 2025 government funding bill. The Inflation Reduction Act, which the senators helped pass, included a permanent extension of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund’s excise tax at a higher rate, providing certainty for miners, miner retirees, and their families who rely on the fund to access benefits. This followed Warner and Kaine’s successful efforts to ensure that miners receive the pensions and health care they earned. Warner and Kaine also urged the Biden Administration to issue new silica standards to protect miners across America – a push that contributed to the release of those standards.

The legislation has been endorsed by Appalachia Voices, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, the BlueGreen Alliance, the Sierra Club, and the United Mine Workers of America.

A one-pager on the bill is available here. Full text of the bill is available here.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) today introduced legislation to help American workers gain the skills they need to succeed as artificial intelligence, automation, and rapid technological change reshape the economy.

The Investing in American Workers Act would modernize the tax code to encourage employers to invest in workforce training tied to recognized postsecondary credentials – particularly for lower- and moderate-income workers – so employees can adapt to new technologies, transition into emerging roles, and share in the gains of a rapidly evolving economy.

“As artificial intelligence and automation transform nearly every sector of our economy, the question isn’t whether jobs will change – it’s whether workers will be given a fair shot to keep up. If we want the United States to lead in innovation, we must also lead in preparing workers for the jobs of the future,” said Sen. Warner. “Right now, our tax code rewards companies for investing in machines and software, but not nearly enough for investing in people. This bill applies a proven model, the R&D tax credit, to incentivize employers to offer workforce training, so workers can build new skills, businesses can stay competitive, and the benefits of technological change are more widely shared.”

“Businesses across the country are still struggling to find workers with the training needed for today’s jobs, and workers need better access to affordable, employer-supported opportunities to build new skills,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “This legislation expands access to high-quality training programs that help workers move into good, stable careers while strengthening the competitiveness of our businesses and growing the middle class. If we want the United States to remain the world’s economic leader, we must invest in the workers who drive our economy. When people have the skills they need to get ahead, our communities grow stronger and the entire country benefits.”

As AI tools increasingly alter job requirements in sectors from manufacturing and logistics to health care, finance, and professional services, many workers lack access to affordable, employer-supported training. At the same time, businesses often face little incentive to make long-term investments in their employees. While the tax code offers a Research and Development (R&D) tax credit for investments in technology and capital assets, it provides no comparable incentive for workforce training.

The Investing in American Workers Act addresses this gap by:

Establishing a tax credit for employers who increase spending on worker training, equal to 20 percent of increased training expenditures for eligible workers earning $96,000 or less per year.
Incentivizing high-quality, industry-aligned training, including registered apprenticeships, WIOA-certified programs, community college and career and technical education programs, and employer- or labor-sponsored training that leads to recognized postsecondary credentials.
Encouraging participation by small businesses, allowing eligible small employers and tax-exempt entities to apply the credit against payroll taxes through a simplified filing process.
Promoting accountability and transparency, including data collection to ensure training investments are reaching a diverse workforce.

Supporters note that aligning workforce policy with the pace of technological change is critical to maintaining U.S. economic leadership and ensuring that AI-driven productivity gains benefit workers as well as employers.

“The accelerating pace of change in the workplace is reshaping workforce needs and reinforcing the importance of proactive, sustained investment in skills. Workday strongly supports the reintroduction of the Investing in American Workers Act, which recognizes the critical role employers play in helping workers build the agility needed for the future of work. This legislation affirms a powerful truth: reskilling is not an operational burden, but a strategic investment in an organization’s most valuable resource – its people,” said Chandler Morse, Vice President of Public Policy, Workday.

"Workers need access to high-quality skills training, and employers need a workforce with the skills required to meet rapidly changing hiring needs. By incentivizing employer investments in training, including small businesses, this bill helps meet hiring needs while expanding workers’ access to good jobs and strengthening communities more broadly,” said Megan Evans, Senior Government Affairs Manager, National Skills Coalition.

“AI is transforming jobs at unprecedented speed, putting many workers at risk of being left behind unless we act quickly to help them build new, in-demand skills before they exit the labor market. The Investing in American Workers Act offers a smart, scalable solution - modeled on the R&D credit - by incentivizing employers to expand high-quality training that leads to portable credentials and enables workers to advance while staying connected to the workforce,” said Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future.

The legislation has also been endorsed by the American Association of Community Colleges.

Sen. Warner has long focused on the economic and workforce implications of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and has repeatedly warned that chronic underinvestment in workers threatens both economic growth and American competitiveness. He recently introduced bipartisan legislation to track the number of jobs lost to AI by requiring major companies and federal agencies to report AI related layoffs to the Department of Labor to be compiled into a publicly available report.

Text for the Investing in American Workers Act is available here.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03) delivered remarks at the Congressional Statue Dedication Ceremony honoring Barbara Rose Johns, a Prince Edward County civil rights leader whose student-led strike and its subsequent lawsuit became one of five cases combined into Brown v. Board of Education, one of the most consequential Supreme Court decisions in our nation’s history. Her statue will represent Virginia in National Statuary Hall.

“On April 23, 1951, a 16-year-old Barbara Johns led a walkout of students at the Robert Russa Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia, to protest school segregation and the discriminatory education conditions of Black students. Her courage forced this country to reckon with its conscience on a scale much larger than she ever could have imagined,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to unveil Barbara Johns’ statue in the U.S. Capitol where she will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia and be recognized for the vital role she played in ending school segregation.”

"At the age of 16, Barbara Johns’ refused to accept inequality in our public schools. Her determination led to the lawsuit Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, which ultimately became part of the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. Her strength and unwavering belief in equality and justice helped change the entire nation for the better. It is hard to think of a better example of a Virginian to represent the Commonwealth in the United States Capitol,” said Rep. Scott.

Under federal law, each state is represented by two statues in National Statuary Hall, selected by the state to honor notable individuals from its history. The Johns statue was recommended by Virginia’s Commission for Historical Statues to replace Virginia’s statue of Robert E. Lee in the U.S. Capitol.

Sen. Warner and Rep. Scott are both cosponsors of the Confederate Monument Removal Act, legislation to remove statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Warner has spoken publicly about the need to remove public symbols honoring the Confederacy as part of broader efforts to advance racial justice.

As Governor, Sen. Warner helped establish a commission to build a monument on Capitol Square honoring Johns after his youngest daughter asked why the grounds did not include more diverse representation of famous Virginians. In the Senate, Sen. Warner has led efforts to expand the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site in Kansas and designate National Park Service (NPS) Affiliated areas, including the Moton Museum, which recognizes the central role of the Moton School in Farmville in ending school segregation.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following joint statement in support of a new proposal unveiled this afternoon to reform and strengthen Virginia’s child welfare system:

“As former Governors, we know that Virginia’s economy and future depend on investments in the well-being of our youngest generations. That’s why we are pleased to see this new proposal to meaningfully reform Virginia’s child welfare system and better support children and families. Turning this vision into reality is going to take determination and a strong commitment to bipartisanship, and we urge leaders on both sides of the aisle in Richmond to come together, embrace this proposal, and get it done.”

According to Virginia Children’s Partnership, Virginia ranks last nationwide in terms of the number of children ‘aging out’ of foster care—meaning becoming adults with no permanent home. Last year, 500 Virginians, or 20 percent of those in foster care, experienced this.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $620,060 in federal grant funding for infrastructure upgrades to three Virginia airports. This funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program for FY26, which is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that the senators helped negotiate and pass.

“This investment in Virginia airports will help open doors for travelers and businesses across the Commonwealth,” said the senators. “We’re proud to announce funding that improves our infrastructure and passenger experience, and helps train Virginia’s next generation of pilots.”

The program grants will be distributed as follows:

The Emporia-Greensville Airport Commission will receive $109,000 to assist in the construction of a T-hangar for aircraft storage at the Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport (EMV).
Virginia Aviation Associates, L.L.C. will receive $226,050 to expand an existing fuel farm at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) by adding two fuel tanks with two self-service pumps.
The City of Suffolk will receive $285,000 to assist in the construction of a hangar for aircraft at the Suffolk Executive Airport.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have been fierce supporters of efforts to modernize Virginia’s airports. Earlier this year, the senators announced over $2 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to modernize infrastructure for three of Virginia’s regional and international travel hubs. Last year, the senators announced over $46 million in federal funding from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to improve airports across the Commonwealth.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought billions of dollars in investments to Virginia, including resources to repair roads and bridges, expand broadband access, improve airports, ports and waterways, and modernize public transportation.

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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 – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation advanced by U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) that would enact major reforms to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA’s) acquisition processes to achieve improved outcomes for veterans. Through creating a centralized Office of Acquisition at the VA, the Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment (ARCA) Act will allow the VA to define major acquisition programs, streamline oversight and contracting processes, enhance accountability through independent evaluations and reporting, and implement improved training for VA personnel. This will address known deficiencies in the VA’s current acquisition processes, all with the aim of strengthening the VA’s ability to achieve timely and cost-effective results for veterans across the country.

“Our veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our country, deserve quick access to high-quality care, and a VA that works for them,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to have worked with Chairman Moran and bipartisan colleagues to pass this legislation that reforms and modernizes the way the VA manages acquisitions and its contracting processes, strengthens accountability, and improves the experience of veterans and their clinicians.”

In addition to Sen. Warner, this legislation was led by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), with bipartisan cosponsors Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jim Banks (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

This legislation will now be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Since 2018, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has had the VA acquisition process on its “high risk list” and the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released multiple reports stating a need for acquisition reform.

“Vietnam Veterans of America supports the Acquisition Reform Cost Assessment Act. Veterans need systems and facilities delivered on time and on budget,” said James McCormick, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America. “Earlier this year, we backed S. 2412 to fix fragmentation across VA construction, leasing, acquisition, and logistics and to strengthen the acquisition workforce; ARCA complements that work by sharpening cost review and transparency on major programs. Together, these reforms improve delivery and accountability for veterans and taxpayers.”

"The Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act (ARCA) delivers common sense, strategic acquisition reform to VA procurement operations. ARCA creates an Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Acquisition and Innovation and places all VA contracting officers and acquisition centers under this new office,” said Roger Waldron, President, Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement. “Consolidation of procurement operations will standardize practices, leverage resources, improve communication with industry, and streamline processes. The result will be a VA acquisition management framework that delivers essential goods and services to veterans more efficiently and at better value. The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement (the Coalition) applauds the passage of this strategic acquisition reform legislation."

“PSC commends Chairman Moran and his co-sponsors for their bipartisan leadership in advancing meaningful, practical reform at the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said James Carroll, Chief Executive Officer, Professional Services Council. “The ARCA Act addresses long-standing structural challenges at VA and puts the Department in a stronger position to deliver technology and infrastructure that directly improve outcomes for veterans. With the dedicated leadership of Secretary Doug Collins, VA is now positioned to deliver best-in-class outcomes for our heroes. Collaboration across the aisle was essential to moving this legislation forward. The senators’ commitment to strengthening VA acquisition systems and infrastructure will help reduce program risk, expand competition, and accelerate the delivery of needed, modern capabilities across the VA enterprise.”

Letters of support for the legislation from Vietnam Veterans of America and the National Veteran Small Business coalition can be found here and here.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) sponsored an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to strike Section 373, a reckless provision that could undo key safety measures implemented over the Capital region airspace following the January 29, 2025, collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), and replace it with the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. The bipartisan ROTOR Act was unanimously passed by the Commerce Committee earlier this year and includes critical air safety measures championed by Sen. Warner.

“The current version of the NDAA would make flying into the Capital region significantly less safe,” said Sen. Warner. “Following the January 29 tragedy, I fought to implement safety measures and oversight practices to prevent a collision like this from ever happening again. The ROTOR Act preserves those safety measures and requires military aircraft to be equipped with advanced technology so they can better communicate their precise locations with control towers and other aircraft.”

The bipartisan amendment to the NDAA:

Protects key safety measures implemented over D.C. airspace: Eliminates Section 373 of the NDAA which would clear the way for military aircraft to switch from the safer ADS-B Out system that the military switched to for operations in the National Capital Region after the January 29 crash back to less precise systems like TCAS, which the Army helicopter was using on January 29. Section 373 also allows military commanders to waive military aircrafts’ location broadcasting system requirement entirely when flying in the region, creating a loophole that would increases the risk to the flying public.

The Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act:

Expands ADS-B In and Out Implementation for Commercial and Military Aircraft: Includes a provision mandating a clear 2031 deadline for aircraft operators to equip with ADS-B In technology to provide pilots increased situational awareness and provide traffic advisories and alerting for airport operations to reduce the risk of mid-air and runway collisions. All commercial (e.g. passenger, cargo, business), military and general aviation operators who are already required by the FAA to be equipped with ADS-B Out must also equip with ADS-B In technology by December 31, 2031. The agreement also ends many Department of Defense (DoD) longstanding ADS-B Out transmission exemptions that have allowed military and other government aircraft to fly near DCA and other busy airports without transmitting their location. Training flights, proficiency flights, and flights of Federal officials below Cabinet rank will no longer qualify for the exemption. The bill also requires a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review comparing pre- and post-reform use of exemptions, annual DOT Inspector General compliance audits, quarterly reporting requirements for all agencies performing sensitive government missions, and biannual reporting to Congress on the frequency of flights using any remaining exemptions, with special 14-day notification if agencies use exemptions five or more times per month.
Requires Comprehensive Safety Reviews of DCA and All Major, Mid-size Airports: Requires a comprehensive FAA safety review of DCA airspace to assess how civil and military helicopter, drone, and emergency first responder flights impact commercial operations at airports and to better prevent future incidents. These reviews ensure a thorough evaluation of all non-commercial flight routes near the airport. The agreement requires the same comprehensive FAA safety review of other Class B airports and Class C airports, prioritizing safety reviews for airports with high volumes of mixed flight traffic.
Sets New Level of Coordination and Information Sharing Between FAA and DoD: The bipartisan agreement requires each military service with an aviation component to establish a memorandum of understanding with the FAA to share appropriate aviation safety information and enhance coordination to prevent future incidents.
Reviews Army Policies and Standards: Mandates an Army Inspector General audit evaluating coordination with FAA, pilot training standards, ADS-B usage compliance, helicopter maintenance protocols, and the Army's review of loss of separation incidents in the National Capital Region. Results must be transmitted to Congress and publicly released within 14 days of completion.
Advances Next-Generation Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAS-X): Lays the foundation for advancing the deployment of next generation collision avoidance technology – known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System-X (ACAS-X) and its variants that can deliver strong improvements for aviation safety. During NTSB’s hearings on the DCA collision, this technology was discussed due to its more versatile applications to helicopter operations. This technology provides better traffic conflict resolution alerts to pilots and can better prevent mid-air helicopter collisions at lower altitudes where existing collision avoidance technology does not activate. The agreement directs FAA to develop a strategic plan and roadmap for widespread adoption of the technology among aviation operators.

Sen. Warner was closely involved with the investigation of the January 29th collision, meeting with first responders and offering condolences to the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost immediately following the tragedy. He also saw through passage of a legislation to remember the victims of the crash. Sen. Warner also requested answers from FAA on its plans to protect the flying public in the wake of the January 29 collision. In March of this year, the Sen. Warner responded to the preliminary National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the crash. He has also sounded the alarm for years about the need for increased safety for the flying public, including fighting against additional flights out of DCA that contribute to overcrowding.

Text of the amendment is available here. Text of the ROTOR Act is available here.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the statement below after voting to preserve the health care tax credits that are set to expire at the end of this year. The legislation, which would have extended these tax credits for three years, failed to advance in the Republican-led Senate by a vote of 51-48.

“Enhanced Premium Tax Credits have put health insurance within reach for millions of Americans, including small business owners and employees, gig workers, and many other people who cannot count on employer-provided health care. The legislation put forth by Democrats today would have extended these tax credits for three years, providing Americans with certainty while allowing Congress to focus on improving our health care system and fixing its flaws. Today is a sad day for middle-class families, for parents with vulnerable children, and for people whose lives are better because they can buy their medications every month and see a doctor when they need to.

“As my Republican colleagues prepare to leave town and spend the holidays with their loved ones, I’m thinking of the millions of American families who will be counting down the New Year knowing they’ll have to pay more, settle for less, or perhaps forgo health insurance altogether when the clock strikes midnight.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to repeal two union-busting executive orders signed by President Trump and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers:

“Federal workers are the backbone of agencies that keep Americans safe, healthy, and informed. They inspect our food, support our troops, respond to natural disasters, and protect our safety. They deserve basic workplace protections that prevent retaliation, discrimination, and wrongful terminations.

“Today’s bipartisan vote in the House is an important step toward undoing one of the most sweeping attacks on federal workers in our nation’s history. President Trump’s executive orders ripped away collective bargaining rights from more than a million public servants under a false national security pretext in order to make it easier to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants and replace them with political loyalists.

“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House, Democrats and Republicans alike, who stood up for these workers and rejected this administration’s union-busting campaign. Now it’s the Senate’s turn. I urge my colleagues to move quickly to pass this bipartisan bill so we can restore long-standing labor protections, safeguard the integrity of the civil service, and ensure the federal workforce can continue serving the American people.”

The Protect America’s Workforce Act would repeal two executive orders issued earlier this year that revoked collective bargaining rights from the majority of federal employees and unilaterally canceled hundreds of thousands of existing union contracts. The legislation has earned broad support from labor unions representing federal workers across the country.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) released the following statement today on language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that could undo key safety measures implemented over the D.C. airspace in the wake of the January 29, 2025 collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA):

“Buried in the NDAA, there is a provision that could make flying into the Capital region significantly less safe. The language in this provision could allow rolling back crucial new safety practices I fought to implement after the January 29 tragedy, and give the Department of Defense more discretion over safety procedures in the region. After what happened in January, it’s clear that we cannot rely on the DoD alone to be the safety authority over its flights in this area and that we need more, not less, oversight to prevent another tragedy from ever occurring again. I will be speaking to the DoD and my colleagues in Congress to highlight the significant safety risk presented by this provision.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) hosted a spotlight forum underscoring the urgent need for Congress to extend the soon-expiring tax credits that have made health care more affordable for tens of millions of Americans. The spotlight forum, entitled “The Cost of Inaction: Why Congress Must Extend the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits”, featured several Democratic Senators and five witnesses and came ahead of a Senate vote Thursday on a Democratic proposal to extend the tax credits. Click HERE to watch the full forum and click HERE for media files.

“Today we heard from Americans and their message was clear: health care tax credits save lives. These tax credits make it possible for Americans to navigate life with the certainty that they’ll be able to see a doctor, afford medication, and receive critical care when they need it,” said Sen. Warner. “In three short weeks, these and many more Americans will have to begin shouldering the financial burden of Republican inaction to the tune of hundreds of dollars per month. We cannot leave Americans in the lurch. We must extend ACA tax credits.”

“The cost of inaction is too high for my Republican colleagues to ignore: It is past time for Congress to come together and pass an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits that ensure working families can afford health care. I was glad to host this forum with my colleague Senator Warner to emphasize how important these tax credits are and to hear directly from those who are going to be affected if they expire,” said Sen. Shaheen. “Here in Congress, we have the opportunity to address the concerns of millions of Americans who worry about the rising cost of health care. I’m calling on my colleagues across the aisle to join us to prevent millions of Americans from losing their health insurance.”

In addition to Sens. Warner and Shaheen, Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Chris Coons (D-DE) spoke at the forum. Witnesses included: Katie Keith, Director of Georgetown University’s Center for Health Policy and the Law at the O’Neill Institute, Audrey Gasteier, Executive Director of Massachusetts Health Connector, Susan Stearns, Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Hampshire, Kathleen Winters, Small Business Owner in Norfolk, Virginia and Kendra Bush, a Patient Advocate in Portage, Indiana.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and author of the bipartisan law to invest in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, released the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement that it would allow American chipmaker Nvidia to send H200 chips to China:

“American companies must remain the undisputed leader in AI hardware because our strategic competition with China on AI will boil down to whose ecosystem drives adoption and innovation globally, as NVIDIA has acknowledged. Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s haphazard and transactional approach to export policy demonstrates that it does not have any sort of coherent strategy for how we will compete with China, specifically as it relates to whose chips, tools, cloud infrastructure, and ecosystem will influence the most AI developers worldwide. I fear that with no strategic vision for that broader competition across multiple key dimensions of AI innovation, this administration risks squandering U.S. AI leadership and deferring to the People’s Republic of China up and down the AI stack.”

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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’

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BROADCAST-QUALITY B-ROLL AND PHOTOGRAPHY FROM SEN. WARNER’S TREE DECORATION

THE NORTH POLE – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) is ready for Christmas! Today, Sen. Warner welcomed 3^rd and 4^th grade students from Woodburn Elementary School in Fairfax County, VA to his Capitol Hill office to kick off the holiday season with tunes, milk and cookies, and Christmas tree decorating. This year, Sen. Warner’s office has two trees, a 12-foot and a 7-foot Fraser fir from Mt. Rogers Tree Farm in Grayson County, VA.

Students helped Sen. Warner decorate his tree with handmade ornaments and then had fun coloring and playing games!

Sen. Warner has hosted students from across the Commonwealth to help him get in the holiday spirit nearly every year since taking office in 2009.

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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 – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and John Cornyn (R-TX) reintroduced the Health Care Cybersecurity and Resilience Act to protect Americans’ health data by strengthening cybersecurity. This legislation is a product of the senators’ bipartisan health care cybersecurity working group launched in 2023.

“Cyberattacks on our health care organizations threaten the sensitive information of millions of Americans and can have life-or-death consequences on the care patients receive,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to strengthen our cybersecurity, protect patients, and provide additional tools for rural health care providers in Virginia.”

“Cyberattacks on our health care sector not only put patients’ sensitive health data at risk but can delay life-saving care,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This bipartisan legislation ensures health institutions can safeguard Americans’ health data against increasing cyber threats.”

“Cyberattacks in the health care sector can have a wide range of devastating consequences, from exposing private medical information to disrupting care in ERs – and it can be particularly difficult for medical providers in rural communities with fewer resources to prevent and respond to these attacks,” said Sen. Hassan. “Our bipartisan working group came together to develop this legislation based on the most pressing needs for medical providers and patients, and I urge my colleagues to support it.”

“Patients deserve absolute confidence that their sensitive medical data stored online is protected and shielded from cybersecurity breaches or ransomware attacks,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This legislation would strengthen interagency coordination and improve security practices for rural providers, ensuring Texans’ health care is not delayed or compromised by cyberattacks.”

The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2025:

Strengthens cybersecurity in the health care sector by providing grants to health entities to improve cyberattack prevention and response.
Provides training to health entities on cybersecurity best practices.
Supports rural communities by providing best practices to rural health clinics and other providers on cybersecurity breach prevention, resilience, and coordination with federal agencies.
Improves coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to better respond to cyberattacks in the health care sector.
Modernizes current regulations so entities covered under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) use the best cybersecurity practices.
Requires the HHS Secretary to develop and implement a cybersecurity incident response plan.

Click here for full bill text.

BACKGROUND

Health records, unlike other personal records like credit card numbers, are more valuable on the black market since health conditions are permanent and cannot be reissued.

There were more than 730 cyber breaches last year, affecting over 270 million Americans. This includes the attack on Change Healthcare, the largest health care cybersecurity incident in history. This attack exposed the data of over 190 million people, leading to significant delays in care and electronic prescribing.

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) and U.S. Rep. James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11) introduced bicameral legislation to rename a United States Postal Service facility in Fairfax, Virginia in honor of the late Congressman Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly, whose decades of service and leadership transformed Northern Virginia and inspired a generation of public servants.

The bill designates the USPS facility located at 10660 Page Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22030 as the “Congressman Gerald E. ‘Gerry’ Connolly Post Office Building."

“Whether he was fighting for federal employees, strengthening our transportation network, or standing up for democratic values at home and abroad, Gerry Connolly always led with integrity and purpose. Renaming this facility in his honor is a fitting tribute to a colleague and friend whose impact will be felt in Fairfax and across the Commonwealth for generations to come,” said Sen. Warner.

“From protecting federal workers and advocating for foreign aid to securing transformative transportation investments, Gerry Connolly was a one-of-a-kind public servant and fighter for Virginia’s 11th Congressional District,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m proud to join my Virginia delegation colleagues to introduce this bipartisan legislation to honor my friend Gerry’s legacy.”

“Gerry Connolly was a singular force for good in Fairfax, and for 11 years I had the privilege of working beside him as his Chief of Staff. I watched him pour his intellect, integrity, and energy into serving this community every single day. He devoted his life to lifting up disadvantaged community members and giving voice to those too often unheard. He was widely respected as one of Congress’s most effective lawmakers, a champion for federal workers and the postal service, and a principled statesman who defended democracy with courage and clarity on the international stage,” said Rep. Walkinshaw.

“But Gerry was more than a Member of Congress. He was my mentor, my best friend, and one of the most formative figures in my life. His love for Fairfax continues to guide me in every decision I make. Introducing this bill with Senators Kaine and Warner is deeply meaningful because it honors a giant whose legacy is etched into every corner of our community. The best way to honor Gerry is to continue the work he loved and serve Fairfax with the same devotion he brought to it,” added Rep. Walkinshaw.

Sens. Warner and Kaine and Rep. Walkinshaw were joined by a bipartisan group of original cosponsors: Chairman James Comer (R-KY-01), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY-03), Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA-03), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02), Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH-10), Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), and Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07).

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform unanimously passed the bill on December 2, 2025.

Congressman Gerry Connolly’s Public Service:

Gerry Connolly served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including five years as chairman. His leadership helped guide the county through a period of rapid growth and positioned it as a national model for smart planning, environmental stewardship, transit expansion, and affordable housing policy. He championed initiatives that were ahead of their time in addressing housing shortages, expanding the tree canopy, preserving open space, and advancing Washington Metro’s Silver Line.

His local government experience informed a distinguished career in Congress, where he rose to become the Ranking Member and top Democrat on the Oversight Committee. He was widely regarded as one of the most experienced Members on oversight, and a respected advocate for good governance, infrastructure, and the federal workforce. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking recognized him as the most effective Democratic lawmaker in the U.S. House during the 117th Congress.

Connolly was also a statesman whose leadership extended well beyond the United States. As a two-time President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, he was a fierce defender of transatlantic unity and democratic values. He presided over the Assembly’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, advocated for the establishment of a Centre for Democratic Resilience at NATO Headquarters, and supported the accession of Sweden and Finland to the Alliance.

His international work, combined with decades of service in Congress and in Fairfax County, reflects a legendary career defined by integrity, vision, and a steadfast commitment to democracy at home and abroad.

Read the bill text here.

WASHINGTON – Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued a statement after an investigation by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) independent watchdog found that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth violated DoD policy and endangered the lives of Virginia-based pilots by sharing classified information over an unsecure personal group chat:

“An objective, evidence-based investigation by the Pentagon’s internal watchdog leaves no doubt: Secretary Hegseth endangered the lives of American pilots based aboard the USS Harry S. Truman as they prepared to launch a mission against terrorist targets. By sharing classified operational details on an unsecure group chat on his personal phone, he created unacceptable risks to their safety and to our operational security.

“The report also notes that the IG is aware of several other Signal chats Hegseth used for official business, underscoring that this was not an isolated lapse. It reflects a broader pattern of recklessness and poor judgment from a secretary who has repeatedly shown he is in over his head.

“Our servicemembers, including those stationed in Virginia and around the world, expect and deserve leaders who honor the sacrifices they make every day to protect our nation and never put them at unnecessary risk. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Pete Hegseth should resign, or the president must remove him at once.”

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Jim Risch (R-ID), co-chairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, today introduced a resolution to designate December 2, 2025, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the development of nuclear energy technologies and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.

“The U.S. is a long-time leader in the nuclear energy sector, and it’s vital that we continue driving progress and innovation in order to meet our energy demands at home and abroad,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating World Nuclear Energy Day and all the folks who play a role in the U.S.’s nuclear energy advancements with my co-chair Senator Risch.”

“Nuclear energy is America’s creation and will be essential to powering our nation’s future,” said Sen. Risch. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and recognize the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”

Sens. Warner and Risch are joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Curtis (R-UT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Husted (R-OH), Jim Justice (R-WV), Angus King (I-ME), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Todd Young (R-IN).

December 2nd marks two significant milestones in the advancement of nuclear energy:

December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.
December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.

The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.

“NEI joins Senators Risch and Warner in recognizing World Nuclear Energy Day. The commercial nuclear energy industry is proud of the role we will play in meeting the growing global demand for clean and reliable energy. The U.S. is home to the world’s largest fleet of nuclear reactors and is the incubator of next generation technology. We applaud the bipartisan support in Congress and its work to advance policies that will allow the U.S. to continue to be recognized as the world leader in nuclear technology and the solutions we provide to countries around the globe,” said Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terry Cole urging the DEA to extend telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances. The current flexibilities, which have been critical in connecting individuals in rural and underserved communities with access to essential medications, are set to expire December 31, 2025.

“We write to urge the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to act quickly and extend critical flexibilities for telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances that were first put in place during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency,” wrote the senators. “These policies ensure individuals can successfully access medical treatment via telehealth, and for many—including those with substance use disorder—these flexibilities have been life-saving.”

The senators continued, “Telemedicine has been instrumental in expanding access to health care, supporting those with the greatest need and bridging the divide between patients and providers, especially for individuals in rural and under-resourced areas. The flexibility afforded by telemedicine has been particularly important in providing access to essential medications, including those for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and chronic illnesses.”

The senators highlighted that without continued telemedicine flexibilities, millions of Americans could lose access to essential health services, including mental and behavioral health care.

“Americans face barriers to accessing mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities. As of August 2024, more than one third of the U.S. population, or 122 million individuals, live in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, as determined by an insufficient psychiatrist-to-population ratio.Rural areas face additional provider shortages, with many lacking access to psychologists, clinical social workers, and other types of providers. These challenges underscore the importance of maintaining flexibilities that increase access to treatment and services. Telemedicine flexibilities have ensured that patients receive timely and necessary care, at a time and location that is convenient for them,” added the senators.

These telemedicine flexibilities were made possible by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, which allowed for an exception to the in-person medical evaluation requirement under the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, legislation regulating the online prescription of controlled substances. The DEA has previously recognized the life-saving success of telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances and since January 2020, has extended these temporary flexibilities three times.

Sen. Warner has been a longtime advocate for increased access to telehealth services, emphasizing that consistent, uninterrupted access to providers is fundamental to managing chronic conditions, supporting mental health, preventing small health issues from becoming crises, and modernizing our health system. He is an original co-author of the CONNECT for Health Act, which seeks to expand the coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, and make it easier for patients to safely connect with their doctors. He also previously wrote to both the Biden and Trump administrations urging the DEA to finalize regulations that allow doctors to prescribe controlled substances through telehealth. At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Sen. Warner sent a letter to Senate leadership calling for the permanent expansion of access to telehealth services. In September 2023, Sen. Warner led bipartisan partners to share serious concerns about an earlier version of DEA’s proposed rule, which would also have seriously curtailed access to prescriptions through telemedicine.

In October 2025, Sens. Warner and Whitehouse reintroduced the bipartisan Telehealth Response for E-prescribing Addiction Therapy Services (TREATS) Act, which addresses regulatory hurdles to accessing telehealth services. In 2018, Sen. Warner included a provision to expand financial coverage for virtual substance use treatment in the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. In 2003, then-Gov. Warner expanded Medicaid coverage for telemedicine statewide, including evaluation and management visits, a range of individual psychotherapies, the full range of consultations, and some clinical services, including in cardiology and obstetrics. Coverage was also expanded to include non-physician providers. Among other benefits, the telehealth expansion allowed individuals in medically underserved and remote areas of Virginia to access quality specialty care that isn’t always available at home.

The full letter is available 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, today issued the following statement after successfully pushing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide more options to Medicare Advantage seniors who lose network access to their doctors in the middle of the year:

“Navigating the health care landscape is hard enough as is – we shouldn’t be forcing seniors to jump through hoops in order to continue seeing the doctors they know and trust. I’m glad to see CMS heed our call by proposing new measures that would allow Medicare Advantage enrollees to change their coverage more easily when they experience mid-year provider network changes. I’ll keep working with CMS to get this proposed rule finalized and ensure that elderly Americans can count on the continuity of care they need.”

CMS currently has the ability to allow affected Medicare Advantage enrollees to switch plans as part of a “special enrollment period” when a significant number of doctors or hospitals no longer accept their insurance in the middle of the year. However, the circumstances for how these special enrollment periods are determined are currently opaque, and there is minimal notice to the public, states, and enrollees. In November, Sen. Warner joined Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) in calling on CMS to clarify how these special enrollment periods are determined and provide seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage with more information about plan changes.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $4.5 million in federal grants to support suicide prevention efforts for veterans. This funding is made possible by the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which was created via bipartisan legislation that Sen. Warner wrote and Sen. Kaine helped pass into law to support community-based initiatives that connect veterans and their families to outreach programs, prevention services, and resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and local communities.

“Too many veterans silently suffer with their mental health when their tours of duty conclude. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to make sure that those who have served and sacrificed for our country have the support and resources they deserve,” said Sen. Warner. “I’m proud to have helped advance the legislation that makes this funding possible, and I’m glad that Virginia’s veterans will receive more support as we continue to tackle the alarming rate of veteran suicide.”

“Our nation makes a sacred promise to the men and women who serve: that when they come home, they’ll have the support and opportunities they need and deserve,” said Sen. Kaine. “I’m proud to have helped pass this legislation to fund crucial community-based veteran suicide prevention efforts across the Commonwealth.”

The Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program was created through the IMPROVE Wellbeing for Veterans Act, legislation led by Sen. Warner in 2019 to improve the coordination of veteran mental health and suicide prevention services and to better measure the effectiveness of these programs. The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which was passed unanimously in the Senate in August 2020. In February 2025, Sen. Warner introduced bipartisan legislation to renew and expand the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. In June 2025, Sen. Warner testified before the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to advocate for this program’s extension.

The grants will be distributed as follows:

Western Tidewater Community Services Board will receive $613,911 to serve the cities of Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg, as well as Accomack, Essex, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, Matthews, Middlesex, Northampton, Sussex, Southampton, and Washington counties.
Volunteers of America Chesapeake will receive $750,000 to serve the cities of Alexandria, Bristol, Chesapeake, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Newport News, Norfolk, Norton, Staunton, Virginia Beach, Waynesboro, and Winchester, as well as Arlington, Augusta, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Cumberland, Fairfax, Fauquier, King and Queen, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.
Boulder Crest Foundation will receive $725,000 to serve Clarke, Frederick, and Loudoun counties.
Blue Star Families will receive $750,000 to serve the city of Norfolk.
EveryMind will receive $750,000 to serve the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park, as well as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties.
United States Veterans Initiative will receive $400,000 to serve Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren counties.
Westcare Kentucky will receive $512,053 to serve Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties.

Sens. Warner and Kaine have long been strong advocates for improving mental health care for Virginia’s veterans. In addition to his legislative efforts, Sen. Warner has repeatedly met with senior leadership at the Richmond VA Medical Center and Hampton VA Medical Center to discuss suicide prevention and other issues affecting the local veteran community. Sen. Kaine has led legislation to protect veterans from housing discrimination and address homelessness and cosponsored legislation to improve veteran transition programs aimed at reducing veteran suicide. He has also been outspoken against the Trump Administration’s cuts at the VA and the mass layoffs of federal employees, which disproportionately affect veterans.

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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’

U.S. Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA), Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman, Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Patty Murray (D-WA), Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair, Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, issued the following statement in response to a reported deal the Trump administration proposed to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that would require heavy Ukrainian concessions:

“The United States is safer and stronger when democracies like Ukraine are free, stable, and strong enough to deter our adversaries. The deal President Trump is forcing on Ukraine calls on Ukraine and NATO allies to make major concessions or risk losing American support. It goes so far as to hand Russia substantial territory it has not been able to take on the battlefield thanks to the bravery of the Ukrainian forces. This deal will not create a just and lasting peace. It will leave Ukraine vulnerable, Europe unstable, and America weaker. It will not end the war in Eastern Europe. It will only give Russia time to rebuild and rearm before coming back for the rest of Ukraine and then setting its sights on NATO allies.

“President Trump needs to work with Republicans and Democrats in Congress alongside our partners in Ukraine and NATO allies to find a lasting solution that will make Americans and the world safer.

“We support the cause of peace in Ukraine. Ukraine must emerge as a free, sovereign state with the ability to defend itself and deter Russia, and President Putin must learn that aggression does not pay. Ukraine should not be forced into accepting this dangerous proposal, and Congress must make unmistakably clear that we stand firmly against it.

“Let us be clear: this is a war of Russian aggression, led by a dictator who has commanded his troops to commit war crimes, steal children from their families, and torture civilians. President Trump is rewarding President Putin for these crimes while cutting out the Ukrainians who have fought and died for the cause of democracy and our European allies who have stepped up to support them.

“Americans would also have to live with the ramifications of a bad deal: allies and partners who see us as untrustworthy and are less willing to come to our aid when we call for help. A weakened nation on the world stage. Adversaries who know they can simply wait for us to cave. A government in Washington that continues to abandon the principles of separate but equal branches of government.

“We will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and for American safety and security.”

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