WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced that Virginia will receive $79,907,625 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support 26 community health centers across the Commonwealth. The funding – which was made possible through the American Rescue Plan – will be awarded beginning in April by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

“For the past year, our community health centers have been on the front lines of providing care to our most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 crisis,” said the Senators. “Thanks to the congressional passage and eventual signing of the American Rescue Plan, we are now able to provide these critical federal dollars so that our community health centers can continue to provide lifesaving care to the folks who need it the most.”

The funding for the 26 community health centers will be awarded as follows:

Health centers will be able to use these funds to support and expand COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and treatment for vulnerable populations; deliver needed preventive and primary health care services to those at higher risk for COVID-19; and expand health centers’ operational capacity during the pandemic and beyond, including modifying and improving physical infrastructure and adding mobile units. 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and a number of their colleagues in reintroducing bipartisan legislation to support and expand programs such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a collaborative effort across states including New Hampshire that uses market-based tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia sits on the front lines of the fight against climate change,” said Senator Warner. “This bipartisan legislation would help address the growing climate threat by providing federal support and coordination for regional greenhouse gas reduction programs that have proved to be effective in reducing emissions and protecting the environment. I am proud that Virginia recently joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state effort which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth and provide significant funding for energy efficiency programs, coastal resiliency projects, and community flood prevention efforts in Virginia.”

“Climate change threatens our economy, our health, and our natural resources. Initiatives like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative leverage market-based solutions to reduce emissions, lower energy use and bills, and create jobs,” said Senator Hassan, who helped lead the drive to have New Hampshire join RGGI when she served in the New Hampshire State Senate. “Our bipartisan legislation would support current RGGI programs and help expand this type of regional greenhouse gas initiative to other states and local governments. I look forward to working with my colleagues to build support for this important, bipartisan legislation that will help our country combat climate change and build up our clean energy economy.”

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia are all part of the existing RGGI program. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tom Carper (D-DE), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), all of whom represent states currently participating in RGGI, as well as Bob Casey (D-PA), whose state has taken steps recently to join the initiative.  

“There is no doubt that climate change poses a significant threat to our economy and our natural resources, including Maine’s forestry, fishing, agricultural, tourism, and recreation industries,” said Senator Collins. “This significant challenge requires cooperation at all levels of government and across geographical boundaries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our bipartisan bill would add to the work already being done through the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative by creating an office within the EPA to strengthen and support new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs.”

“Climate change is a global challenge, but that doesn’t mean that this crisis can be confronted through a one-size-fits all mindset – so it’s important to be agile and take a ‘think global, act local’ approach,” said Senator King. “The Northeast’s power needs are different than Southwest’s, so it only makes sense that we would use varied, customized approaches to achieve the same goal of carbon reductions. That’s where regional-specific programs come in: by encouraging collaboration between neighboring states that share energy opportunities and challenges, we can advance changes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local needs. I’m proud to stand alongside my Northeast colleagues to build on the good work of these regional-specific programs, and will continue fighting for policies that secure our energy future and address the crisis of climate change.

“To reduce emissions and combat the climate crisis, we need every tool in the toolbox.  In Vermont, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has proven that climate solutions are not just about saving the planet and protecting our communities – they are a tremendous economic opportunity as well,” said Senator Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee said. “This bill would help export our success and encourage more states and regions to adopt this promising model for carbon reduction.”

“This bipartisan initiative is the bold federal action we need to combat greenhouse emissions that threaten our planet’s survival. Connecticut has been an early leader in this fight as a founder of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, laying the groundwork for this successful model to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The federal government must urgently follow suit to put a stop to the climate crisis for the sake of future generations,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“In Connecticut, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has already proven to be an innovative and effective way to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This bipartisan legislation would expand existing programs like RGGI, help new states and regions replicate its success, and take major steps toward reducing emissions. Addressing the global threat of climate change requires bold, urgent action, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get this done,” said Senator Murphy.

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling the climate crisis is the challenge of our time. It’s an all-hands-on-deck moment that requires us all to come together to make it happen,” said Senator Carper, Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative are proof that when states work together, they can reduce emissions, improve public health, and foster economic growth. We’ve seen it firsthand in Delaware. This bill would scale the success of that program across the country.” 

“Since 2009, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has helped provide Delaware families and businesses with energy that’s clean, affordable, and reliable, thanks to more than $120 million in investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, weatherization activities, and direct bill assistance for low-income households,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to join Senator Hassan and my colleagues in supporting and expanding this important state-led, market-based initiative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Virginia has led the region in reducing emissions, including becoming the first Southern state to join RGGI,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan bill will support states like Virginia that are taking proactive steps to become carbon-neutral and will help other states join the effort to become cleaner tomorrow than we are today. The climate crisis requires collaboration from all levels of government and all sectors of the economy; this legislation will help bolster that collaboration.” 

“In New Hampshire and throughout the northeast, we are already seeing alarming effects from climate change, which is why we need to take action before it’s too late. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is an important tool we have been using for more than a decade to make progress to that end,” said Senator Shaheen. “By establishing an Office of Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs within the Environmental Protection Agency, this legislation will provide technical assistance and guidance for states in other regions to replicate the success of RGGI and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I’ll keep working across the aisle to pursue policies that tackle the threats created by climate change head on.”

“In Pennsylvania, and across the country, we are seeing the harmful effects of climate change on the economy, agriculture and the health of our communities,” said Senator Casey. “The Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act would help address the climate crisis by providing support and coordination for regional efforts to reduce air pollution. I support efforts in Pennsylvania to bring the Commonwealth into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and also believe it is critical that we advance federal climate change legislation that responds to the severity of the crisis.”

The bipartisan Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act would establish, within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an Office of Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs. This office would provide analysis and technical assistance to help establish new regional greenhouse gas reduction programs, expand existing programs such as RGGI and the Western Climate Initiative, and support states that are already members of such programs. The bill would also provide grants for state and local governments to take preliminary steps toward developing or participating in a regional greenhouse gas reduction program.

To read the one-pager on the bipartisan Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, click here.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today applauded Senate passage of a bill that will help 14 rural health clinics across Virginia continue to serve patients during COVID-19.  

“Over the last year, rural clinics have been on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19. But as a result of the pandemic, rural health care providers are facing significant financial distress,” said Sen. Warner. “Today, the Senate passed legislation to fix a mistake that was causing further financial uncertainty for many of these clinics, which will allow them to continue serving rural communities across America both during and after COVID-19.” 

The Senate today amended and passed H.R. 1868, which makes several changes to Medicare and Medicaid to address the ongoing impact of COVID-19. The bill included a provision from Sen. Warner’s bipartisan legislation, the Strengthening Rural Health Clinics Act of 2021, making a technical fix to protect rural health clinics that were built between December 2019 and December 2020 from a sudden and unexpected Medicare payment rate change that was erroneously brought on by the December 2020 COVID-19 relief bill. Once signed into law, the following clinics in Virginia will be protected from the accidental rate cuts:

The emergency COVID-19 relief bill that was signed into law in December included a provision to reform Medicare payment rates for future rural health clinics. While this provision intended to “grandfather” existing rural health clinics at their current payment rates in order to ensure their financial stability, a technical error ultimately excluded clinics that were established after December 2019. In order to protect these clinics from the chaos associated with a sudden payment rate change, Sen. Warner along with Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) earlier this week introduced the Strengthening Rural Health Clinics Act of 2021 to amend the law to grandfather in at the earlier payment rate all clinics that were built before December 2020, including the 14 clinics listed above. Sen. Warner’s bipartisan legislation would also grandfather in an additional 13 clinics in rural Virginia that were in “mid-build” or had already signed a lease or building agreement prior to December 31, 2020. A full list of those clinics is available here. 

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WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a former Governor of Virginia, wrote a letter to Gov. Ralph Northam urging him to do everything he can to accelerate Virginia Employment Commission’s (VEC) process of disbursing benefits to unemployment insurance claimants now that the American Rescue Plan has been signed into law.

“I am writing this letter today to urge you to use every lever at your disposal to speed up the process by which unemployment insurance claimants can receive their benefits. As of this writing, President Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan into law,” wrote Sen. Warner in his letter to Governor Northam. “The new law extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program for the long-term unemployed, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed and gig workers, and the newly created Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) benefit that I championed for workers with mixed sources of income.” 

The American Rescue Plan provided billions in federal relief for struggling Virginians who are out of work through no fault of their own by extending the historic unemployment insurance reforms established in the CARES Act through September 6, 2021. The bill extended the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program for the self-employed, gig workers, freelancers and others in non-traditional employment; the $300 in weekly federal enhancement to state benefits; and the additional weeks of federal unemployment insurance for workers who exhaust their regular state benefits.

Warner noted, “It is my understanding that, following earlier passage of congressional legislation to extend these programs in December, constituents in Virginia faced many delays and communication problems with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). With the knowledge that these benefit systems were originally set to expire on December 26th, I worked with a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers in the U.S. Congress to pass a relief package shortly before Christmas because it was understood that loss of benefits at this time of the year would be particularly cruel. Now, several months later, I hope you can agree that for constituents still experiencing delays the lack of pandemic unemployment insurance is unconscionable.”

In his letter to Gov. Northam, Sen. Warner referenced three items he would like the VEC to report back on:

1. What changes are being administered to ensure seamless disbursement of current PEUC/PUA funds and a seamless transition into this new PEUC/PUA extension into September 6th? 
2. What are the current plans to improve the communications between VEC and Virginians? 
3. What are the current plans to improve communications between VEC and employers to quickly determine worker eligibility for UI benefits and approve claims?

Sen. Warner also urged the VEC to implement six key solutions to address communication issues and provide clarity for Virginians seeking benefits by:

1. Providing detailed status updates on CARES Act related unemployment insurance benefits via vec.virginia.gov and getgov2go.com and through press releases.
2. Establishing a more robust phone system and customer service protocol. 
3. Providing updates across all VEC websites as well as web.getgov2go.com. 
4. If individuals must file a new claim, allowing the new claimant to use the previous PIN in order to prevent a further lag in weekly benefits due to postal service delays. 
5. Working with the Virginia Commission on Unemployment Compensation to collaborate on ways that the Virginia General Assembly can improve benefits delivery to constituents. 
6. Partnering with a nonprofit, non-partisan entity such as the U.S. Digital Response (USDR) or 18F, an office within the U.S. General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS), to address practical, low-cost ways to modernize technology and streamline the payment process. 

Concluded Warner, “I recognize that some of the issues experienced at the state level have been a direct result of the burden inherited from a patchwork unemployment insurance system that has not been updated since its inception. For that reason, I recently co-sponsored the Unemployment Insurance Technology Modernization Act to make sure that the U.S. Department of Labor has the resources to develop a robust technology system that states can opt into using. This new system would address many of the issues that have caused delays for claimants and I will continue to work to pass this bill into law. In the meantime, I plan to also ask the DOL to more proactively communicate with state agencies, consider issuing guidance on automatic renewal of claims, evaluate the funding formula to make sure it does not disadvantage large diverse states like the Commonwealth, and address fraud issues that have led to complications in implementation.” 

From the start of this crisis, Sen. Warner, a former tech entrepreneur and longtime leader on labor issues affecting contractors and the contingent workforce, has pushed to expand benefits for Americans who have found themselves unemployed through no fault of their own during the pandemic. In the months following passage of the CARES Act, Sen. Warner urged states to quickly implement federal provisions easing restrictions on emergency unemployment benefits, and called on the Department of Labor (DOL) to issue and clarify state guidance in order to ensure that workers were able to receive benefits. He also introduced legislation to help guarantee that Americans who earn a living through a mix of traditional (W-2) and independent employment income (1099) were able to fully access the financial relief made available under the PUA program.

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

Dear Governor Northam: 

I am writing this letter today to urge you to use every lever at your disposal to speed up the process by which unemployment insurance claimants can receive their benefits. As of this writing, President Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan into law. The new law extends the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program for the long-term unemployed, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for self-employed and gig workers, and the newly created Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) benefit that I championed for workers with mixed sources of income. The new expiration date for these programs is September 6th, 2021.

Congress created these pandemic unemployment programs to disburse benefits to workers who would normally not be eligible for unemployment assistance for a variety of reasons. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 171,364 continuing PUA claims and 29,425 PEUC claims in Virginia as of the week of February 27th. These workers include employees with insufficient earnings or work history to qualify for the regular state unemployment program, the long-term unemployed who have exhausted state benefits, domestic workers, freelance workers, contractors, and workers with mixed sources of income. Without these new programs and with limited opportunities for employment in this pandemic economy, these workers have no alternative safety net.

It is my understanding that, following earlier passage of congressional legislation to extend these programs in December, constituents in Virginia faced many delays and communication problems with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). With the knowledge that these benefit systems were originally set to expire on December 26th, I worked with a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers in the U.S. Congress to pass a relief package shortly before Christmas because it was understood that loss of benefits at this time of the year would be particularly cruel. Now, several months later, I hope you can agree that for constituents still experiencing delays the lack of pandemic unemployment insurance is unconscionable.

I am hearing about this issue from constituents all across the Commonwealth. A constituent in Warrenton let us know that she applied to the PUA program weeks ago. She tried calling the VEC’s customer service line every day, all day for weeks. She then received a letter instructing her to provide more information and a phone number to call. When she called, VEC had no record of her application. The situation for this constituent is severe, she is now homeless. Another constituent in Centreville indicated he has not received benefits since December 26th. This constituent has a family with two children and cannot pay rent for February, insurance bills, or phone bills.

From Newport News to Henrico to Alexandria, constituents are contacting my office from every corner of the Commonwealth with desperate requests for relief. Some of them have waited 3 months, others have waited 11 months, and many are struggling to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads.

Now that President Biden has signed the American Rescue Plan into law and provided months of additional relief, it is imperative that the VEC work diligently to speed up the process of disbursing benefits to constituents and proactively communicate with claimants. I understand that earlier delays in delivering benefits were partly a result of time-intensive deliberations between the VEC and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that could have been streamlined. In light of these issues, I would like the VEC to report on the following: 

1. What changes are being administered to ensure seamless disbursement of current PEUC/PUA funds and a seamless transition into this new PEUC/PUA extension into September 6th?

2. What are the current plans to improve the communications between VEC and Virginians?

3. What are the current plans to improve communications between VEC and employers to quickly determine worker eligibility for UI benefits and approve claims?

To address these communication issues going forward and provide clarity for the citizens Commonwealth, I recommend that the VEC implement the following solutions:

1. Provide detailed status updates on CARES Act related unemployment insurance benefits via vec.virginia.gov and getgov2go.com and through press releases, in order to reassure individuals that they will receive back-pay for the weeks they have certified. Official and concrete communications will allow Virginians to better communicate with landlords, utility companies, and others.

2. Establish a more robust phone system and customer service protocol. VEC should allow individuals who do not connect immediately with a representative to register on a “waitlist” or receive an approximation of when a representative will call them back. In addition, such an automated system would provide information such as the phone number that will call them and what materials should be readily available to ensure a more efficient conversation. The phone system should have two simple options for those who call in regarding claims and benefit questions versus technical, web-based questions regarding web.getgov2go.com. These measures would also help VEC prioritize phone tasks more efficiently.

3. Provide updates across all VEC websites as well as web.getgov2go.com. Automatically sign up those with getgov2go.com profiles to receive update emails. Create a visible notice specifically on the getgov2go website, reminding individuals to check their email spam settings and their getgov2go messages in order to mitigate constituents missing out on important information.

4. If individuals must file a new claim, allow the new claimant to use the previous PIN in order to prevent a further lag in weekly benefits due to an unreliable USPS. Recommend that VEC establish an online functionality to retrieve one’s PIN if lost or forgotten using corroborating information such as a recent utility bill or picture of an identification card before establishing the sole recourse of requesting one’s PIN via mail. Prepare the web.getgov2go.com website for the new extension of PUA, PEUC, and MEUC into September 6th, 2021.

5. Work with the Virginia Commission on Unemployment Compensation to collaborate on ways that the Virginia General Assembly can improve benefits delivery to constituents.

6. Partner with a nonprofit, non-partisan entity such as the U.S. Digital Response (USDR) or 18F, an office within the U.S. General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) to address practical, low-cost ways to modernize technology and streamline the payment process. We know other states, such as Wisconsin, have gone this route with immediate success.

I recognize that some of the issues experienced at the state level have been a direct result of the burden inherited from a patchwork unemployment insurance system that has not been updated since its inception. For that reason, I recently co-sponsored the Unemployment Insurance Technology Modernization Act to make sure that the U.S. Department of Labor has the resources to develop a robust technology system that states can opt into using. This new system would address many of the issues that have caused delays for claimants and I will continue to work to pass this bill into law. In the meantime, I plan to also ask the DOL to more proactively communicate with state agencies, consider issuing guidance on automatic renewal of claims, evaluate the funding formula to make sure it does not disadvantage large diverse states like the Commonwealth, and address fraud issues that have led to complications in implementation.

Thank you for your timely attention to this request.

Sincerely, 

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WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-Virginia) joined Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) along with 34 of their Senate colleagues introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of anti-Asian sentiment, racism, and discrimination, and call on federal officials, in collaboration with state and local agencies and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community organizations, to address the rise in COVID-19-related hate crimes. The resolution was introduced in the wake of the Atlanta shooting—where eight people were killed, including six women of Asian descent, and following a new report that AAPIs were targeted in nearly 3,800 hate incidents across the country since last March.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our nation has witnessed a surge in racism, xenophobia, and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders – even as many of them work on the front lines to defeat this virus,” said Senator Warner. “These actions have no place in our communities. To address the spike in anti-Asian rhetoric and hate crimes, we must stand in solidarity with the AAPI community while making clear that there is absolutely no connection between the virus and a person’s race or ethnic group.”

“Our country’s AAPI community has experienced escalating verbal attacks and physical violence since the coronavirus pandemic began, including the devastating killings last week in Atlanta. We must reject all forms of xenophobia and address the harm to our AAPI communities. Passing this resolution would send a clear message that hate, bigotry, and anti-Asian sentiment have no place in our country,” Senator Hirono said. 

“After a year of hateful, offensive rhetoric being used in an attempt to racialize the COVID-19 pandemic against Asian Americans, we’ve seen a spike in hate crimes, violent assaults and discrimination targeting the AAPI community,” said Senator Duckworth. “As the AAPI community continues to be attacked, I’m proud to introduce this important resolution with Senator Hirono to condemn all forms of anti-Asian sentiment, including those made worse by the COVID-19 outbreak.”

A similar resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) last month and now has 145 cosponsors.

“The answer to racism is never more racism; it is solidarity with others. It is up to each of us to call out those who would commit anti-Asian hate crimes, be it verbal or physical acts of xenophobia and bigotry. I thank Senators Hirono and Duckworth for introducing the Senate version of my House resolution condemning those hateful incidents,” said Representative Meng. “Their resolution comes at a particularly tragic moment as we continue to mourn the eight people—including the six Asian women—who were murdered last week in the Atlanta-area. Last year, my resolution passed the House, but 164 Republicans voted against it. Let’s correct these errors. Passing both resolutions should not be a partisan issue. Stopping the attacks against Asian Americans is not a partisan issue. Standing against hate, fear, and injustice is not a partisan issue. I urge both the House and Senate to bring these measures up for a vote.”

In addition to Senators Hirono and Duckworth, the resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The resolution:

·       Condemns all forms of anti-Asian sentiment, including racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and scapegoating, related to COVID–19;

·       Recognizes that the health and safety of all people of the United States, regardless of background, must be the utmost priority;

·       Calls on federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local agencies to

o   expeditiously investigate and document all credible reports of hate crimes, harassment, bullying, and threats against AAPI communities;

o   expand data collection and reporting to document the rise in incidences of hate crimes relating to COVID–19; and

o   hold the perpetrators of those crimes, incidents, or threats accountable and bring such perpetrators to justice;

·       Calls on the Attorney General to work with state and local agencies and AAPI community-based organizations to prevent discrimination, and expand culturally appropriate education campaigns on public reporting of hate crimes;

·       Calls on the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the COVID–19 Health Equity Task Force and AAPI community-based organizations, to issue guidance to mitigate racially discriminatory language in describing the COVID–19 pandemic; and

·       Recommits the United States to serve as a model in building a more inclusive, diverse, and tolerant society.

The full resolution text is available here.

“We must confront the episodes of hate and violence Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have long endured in this country, and call out the lies fueling anti-Asian scapegoating today,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Senators Hirono and Duckworth in this fight and thank them for their leadership.”

“The increase in hate crimes against the Asian American community in the United States shows once again how far our country has to go to defeat racism and white supremacy. Especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian attacks have been on the rise, fed in part by ugly rhetoric, pointed insinuations and slurs from politicians trying to win political points. Congress must recognize these atrocities and fight intolerance in our own halls and around the nation,” Senator Wyden said.  

“Over the past year, throughout the pandemic, we have seen a rise in discrimination and violence targeting the Asian-American community, culminating last week when six Asian-American women were murdered during a killing spree in Atlanta,” Senator Durbin said. “I am joining Senators Duckworth and Hirono to condemn anti-Asian sentiment in this country at every level, because hate should have no place in America.”

“The violence and racism Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have experienced this past year is wrong and it must stop. Nevada’s AAPI community is a vital, vibrant part of our state, and we must all speak out against the hatred that has been spreading during the pandemic. I’m proud to join this resolution to unequivocally condemn intolerance and discrimination, and to call on Congress to protect and uplift AAPI voices across the country,” said Senator Cortez Masto.

“The violent hate crimes we have seen committed against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Washington state and across the country are unacceptable and there must be accountability,” Senator Murray said. “These heinous acts have become increasingly common during the pandemic and as we work to address the broader consequences of systemic racism throughout our society, we must take steps right now to keep members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities safe and send a message that violence and hate crimes against these communities must stop immediately.” 

“Since the start of the pandemic one year ago, the AAPI community in the U.S. has been the target of increased attacks, both verbal and physical. While the previous Administration gave oxygen to racist and xenophobic rhetoric, this resolution sends a clear message that there is no place in our nation for bigotry and discrimination,” Senator Carper said. “I stand firm in condemning these acts of hate, and stand in solidarity with our Asian-American community.”

“According to Stop AAPI Hate, there have been nearly 3,800 reports of anti-AAPI incidents in the U.S. this year. We must all stand in solidarity with the AAPI community to denounce hateful rhetoric and condemn the alarming rise in anti-Asian violence fueled by extremism and false narratives regarding COVID-19,” said Senator Casey. “The Senate must also acknowledge America’s long history of racism towards Asian Americans, and work to eradicate the extremism, bias and ignorance fueling this hateful violence.”

“The rise in anti-Asian hate crimes is shameful, dangerous, deadly and has no place in our country,” said Senator Menendez. “AAPI community members are our neighbors, teachers, small business owners and community leaders. They are an integral part of the fabric of our nation and part of the incredible diversity that makes New Jersey unique and a great place to live, work and raise a family. We may not be able to legislate hatred out of one’s heart but we can certainly stand unified against racism, xenophobia and discrimination.”

“The alarming surge of racist and violent attacks against Asian Americans is unacceptable. More than ever, we must stand together,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’ve joined this resolution calling for our federal agencies to address these indefensible attacks and confront anti-Asian xenophobia in the face of COVID-19. I’m honored to represent Nevada, home to one of the fastest growing AAPI communities in the nation, and I’ll continue to listen to the needs of our AAPI community members to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

“Over the past year, violence against Asian American communities has risen dramatically, culminating in last week’s horrific shooting in Atlanta that took the lives of six Asian women. We cannot stand by while these forces of bigotry and ignorance continue to plague our nation,” said Senator Coons. “I’m proud to join Senator Hirono in introducing this resolution to strongly condemn anti-Asian racism and intolerance, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable.” 

“The conspiracy theory that Asian Americans are responsible for the COVID pandemic is reprehensible and has turned dangerous. We have a responsibility to refute such vile racism in all of its forms, particularly when it leads to violence. All of us must stand up together and proclaim that hatred and racism directed at Asian Americans has to stop. I call on all our colleagues to join us in condemning these abhorrent actions,” Senator Feinstein said. 

“The blatantly racist language we’ve seen over the last year related to COVID-19 has tragically worsened attacks against Asian Americans across the country,” Senator Kaine said. “Congress must take a stand for our Asian American constituents and make clear that the rise of anti-Asian bigotry and violence has no place in our communities.” 

"I stand with AAPI communities in Washington state and everywhere around the country. There must be accountability for the heinous violence we’ve seen, and we must stand up and speak out to stop the hate,” Senator Cantwell said.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 epidemic, Trump and political leaders have stoked violence against AAPI communities by repeatedly using racist rhetoric in regard to the virus,” said Senator Padilla. “The ongoing attacks against Asian Americans have been deeply disturbing – we must always condemn hate in all forms. I’m proud to join Senators Hirono and Duckworth on this critical resolution, and stand in solidarity with our AAPI communities to make clear that hate and racism will not be tolerated in this country.”

"I'm heartsick for the victims of the recent murders in Atlanta, their families, and for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community that has already lived in fear of violence during this crisis. Acts of terror and hate have no place in this country - and that is why I am glad to cosponsor this resolution to stand up to bigotry and hate whenever we see it,” said Senator Warren.

“Asian-American communities in Atlanta, Connecticut, and across the country are hurting. I’m glad to join my colleagues in standing up in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and calling out hate wherever, and whenever, we see it,” said Senator Murphy.

“The shootings we saw last week in Atlanta were a shattering attack, and sadly, we know that they were not the first and will not be the last attack sparked by dangerous anti-Asian bias. We’ve seen a sharp rise in hate crimes against the AAPI community here in the U.S. and it’s got to end. It’s incumbent on all of us to speak out against this dangerous hatred in our communities and confront bigotry and racism in our country,” Senator Merkley said.

“Over the last year, racist violence against Asian-Americans, particularly women, older people, and workers, has increased sharply. It must end now. We cannot tolerate this kind of racism. We cannot allow ourselves to be divided up by hate. We must stand with the Asian-American community all over this country,” Senator Sanders said.

“We cannot be silent in the face of the violence and hate targeting our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Each of us not only has a moral obligation to forcefully speak out against this bigotry and racism, but to also take action to stop it. That’s why this resolution wholly condemns these despicable words and actions and calls on all levels of government to do more to combat this hate,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“We need to stop the hate. Referring to this global pandemic by anything other than its appropriate, medical names has inflamed the worst stereotypes, fear, and xenophobia in the face of a health crisis. Irrationally blaming Asian or Asian-American neighbors and random strangers is simply wrong,” said Senator Cardin. “The Senate, and every person in this country, needs to call out the hate, bullying and scapegoating whenever we see it and work together as one community to overcome COVID-19.”

“The horrific shooting rampage in Georgia is only the latest egregious incident in a sickening, despicable trend of anti-AAPI violence that has terrorized the Asian American community over recent months. Stop AAPI Hate has recorded more than 3,800 incidents of harassment, discrimination, and sometimes physical assault against Asian Americans since last year – spurred and encouraged and condoned by public officials who use hate-filled rhetoric to cover their own failings in dealing with the pandemic. The increase in violence against Asian Americans must end – we need to acknowledge it, and then we need to do something about it,” Senator Blumenthal said.

"We cannot tolerate the anti-Asian hate that has surged in our country. It is on all of us to stand up against anti-Asian sentiment and take concrete actions to stop it," Senator Bennet said.

“As we see a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans, we are again reminded that these crimes inflict trauma not just on individual victims but on entire communities,” said Senator Klobuchar. “We must condemn this hateful rhetoric and violence and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.

“The events of January 6, the attack in Atlanta, the near-daily reports of anti-Semitic graffiti, and the continued rise of attacks against Asian Americans throughout the pandemic should be a wakeup call to the urgent need to tackle domestic violent extremism in this country. We all have a responsibility to step up and loudly condemn violence against Asian Americans — and the bigoted language which fuels it,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to join Senators Hirono and Duckworth to condemn all forms of anti-Asian sentiment. It is critical that Congress immediately act to remove dangers, target white supremacists, and take the necessary steps to keep Americans safe.” 

“As Americans, we have a duty to speak out when we see instances of racism. We need to call the murder of eight people last week in Atlanta for what it is. Hatred and bigotry of any kind has no place in our country. I stand with our Asian American and Pacific Islander friends in condemning this violence,” said Senator Stabenow.

“In the last year alone, there were nearly 3,800 hate incidents reported against the AAPI community, with the majority perpetrated against Asian American women,” said Senator Booker. “These hate incidents are both a part of the rising threat of white supremacist violence and a unique manifestation of the hatred, discrimination, and bias that Asian Americans have faced throughout our country’s history. It only worsened as we saw members of the previous administration, including the former president, use words that degraded and demeaned members of the Asian community. This kind of hatred and violence is not an inevitability. The hateful words and actions against our AAPI family must stop and we must all confront and end this discrimination and violence.

“We’ve seen a rise in discrimination and violence against the AAPI community during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Brown. “We will not make progress until we acknowledge the role anti-Asian stigma has played in these horrific acts of violence and harassment. There is absolutely no place for racism and hate against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and we need to stand together and make clear that we will not tolerate these threats and acts of violence against our neighbors.”

“I stand in solidarity with the Asian and Asian American communities and condemn any and all forms of anti-Asian rhetoric and violence,” said Senator Markey. “We must forcefully stop the disgusting and vile misinformation campaign that has made too many in the Asian community a target for violence and abuse.”

“We need to join together and stand up against racist hate crimes towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” said Senator Smith. “This means speaking out against dangerous anti-Asian rhetoric related to COVID-19 that has contributed to the sharp rise of these events. And this means rooting out white supremacy violence in all its forms. This resolution sends a clear message that hate crimes should have no place in the United States." 

“Racist attacks against Asian Americans are disgusting and unacceptable. We must stand in solidarity against racism and racist violence,” said Senator Schatz.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and 40 of their Senate colleagues in a letter to the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee urging them to provide at least $185 million in funding for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (NeighborWorks America) in order to address the nation’s affordable housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the letter, the Senators state that additional funding for NeighborWorks America will help create housing opportunities for more Americans to live in affordable homes.

“As you consider the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, we write to ask that you provide at least $185 million for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, commonly known as NeighborWorks America. With the nation’s affordable housing crisis continuing to worsen, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to increase our investment in ensuring that Americans have access to reasonably-priced, quality housing options,” wrote the Senators.

“Given the program’s demonstrated record of success in increasing access to affordable housing and continued bipartisan support in Congress, we request that you provide at least $185 million in funding. With additional funding, NeighborWorks will be able to increase grants to network community-development organizations, leverage additional investments from private sources, and create opportunities for more Americans to live in affordable homes,” continued the Senators.

BACKGROUND: NeighborWorks America is a Congressionally-chartered, national nonprofit, that helps create opportunities for Americans to live in affordable and safe homes by providing community development organizations in all fifty states with financial resources and counseling services. In 2020, NeighborWorks created and maintained 43,800 jobs, repaired 76,200 homes, and empowered 23,400 new homeowners. That same year, NeighborWorks provided 149,200 families with vital housing and counseling services that helped prospective homebuyers and renters make informed housing decisions. Additionally, NeighborWorks leverages $59 in private capital for every $1 appropriated to the program.

This critically important program has provided funding to Nevada HAND and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada (NHSSN).

The letter was also signed by Senators Booker (D-NJ), Smith (D-MN), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Feinstein (D-CA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Menendez (D-NJ), Manchin (D-WV), Markey (D-MA), Sanders (D-VT), Cantwell (D-WA), Hirono (D-HI), Stabenow (D-MI), Tester (D-MT), Padilla (D-CA), Reed (D-RI), Hassan (D-NH), Whitehouse (D-RI), Warren (D-MA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Peters (D-MI), Casey (D-PA), Durbin (D-IL), Shaheen (D-NH), Baldwin (D-WI), Merkley (D-OR), Carper (D-DE), Duckworth (D-IL), Brown (D-OH), King (I-ME), Warner (D-VA), Blumenthal (D-CT), Warnock (D-GA), Sinema (D-AZ), Klobuchar (D-MN), Wyden (D-OR), Murphy (D-CT), Cardin (D-MD), Lujan (D-NM), Kelly (D-AZ), Coons (D-DE), and Hickenlooper (D-CO).

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

Dear Chairman Schatz and Ranking Member Collins:

As you consider the Fiscal Year 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, we write to ask that you provide at least $185 million for the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, commonly known as NeighborWorks America. With the nation’s affordable housing crisis continuing to worsen, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to increase our investment in ensuring that Americans have access to reasonably-priced, quality housing options.

As a Congressionally-chartered, national nonprofit, NeighborWorks helps create opportunities for Americans to live in affordable and safe homes by providing community development organizations in all fifty states with financial resources and counseling services. In 2020, NeighborWorks created and maintained 43,800 jobs, repaired 76,200 homes, and empowered 23,400 new homeowners. That same year, NeighborWorks provided 149,200 families with vital housing and counseling services that helped prospective homebuyers and renters make informed housing decisions. Providing consumers access to this kind of accurate, comprehensive information throughout the home-buying process can help protect our nation from another mortgage crisis. This has all come at a relatively low cost – NeighborWorks has demonstrated the ability to attract private sector investments to its affordable housing projects, leveraging $59 in private capital for every $1 appropriated to the program.

Additionally, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the nation’s affordable housing crisis extend from urban centers to our rural communities, NeighborWorks’ Rural Initiative is specifically dedicated to delivering a range of services to rural communities in America that face unique challenges when it comes to creating affordable homeownership and rental opportunities. With approximately 20 percent of our nation’s population living in rural communities, NeighborWorks’ financial services, technical assistance, leadership development, and training for community-based development are critical to empowering rural homeownership and rental opportunities. 

Last year, Congress passed with broad bipartisan support a Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations package, increasing Neighborworks funding by more than $7 million above the Fiscal Year 2020 enacted level. Given the program’s demonstrated record of success in increasing access to affordable housing and continued bipartisan support in Congress, we request that you provide at least $185 million in funding. With additional funding, NeighborWorks will be able to increase grants to network community-development organizations, leverage additional investments from private sources, and create opportunities for more Americans to live in affordable homes.

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages communities and the affordable housing crisis continues to affect an increasing number of Americans nationwide, we ask that you work with us to invest in our communities and our constituents by requesting robust funding for Neighborworks.

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner issued a statement after Postmaster General Louis DeJoy released a ten-year strategic plan for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) that would raise postage rates, slow some mail service, and reduce post office hours:

“I have heard from too many Virginians who are understandably upset with the poor mail service they have experienced in recent months. Louis DeJoy’s failures as Postmaster General are apparent to anyone who has been forced to wait weeks, sometimes months, for birthday cards, bills, or medications to arrive. I recognize that USPS has serious financial and logistical challenges ahead, but the least we owe the American people is a full USPS Board to review DeJoy’s new 10-year plan for the Postal Service. The Senate should confirm President Biden’s nominees as soon as possible.”

Last week, Sen. Warner along with Sen. Tim Kaine (both D-VA) sent a letter to congressional leaders urging speedy confirmation of President Joe Biden’s nominees to the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors that oversees the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), citing the need for strict oversight over DeJoy’s ten-year plan. 

Sen. Warner has been vocal about reversing USPS operational changes that have affected the reliability of mail delivery. On Feb 1., Sens. Warner and Kaine sent a letter to DeJoy, calling on him to rescind policy changes that are delaying mail delivery including life-saving medicines, groceries, supplies, and more in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also last month, Sen. Warner joined 34 of his Democratic colleagues in pressing DeJoy on persistent mail delays and what action he is taking to restore on-time mail delivery. He earlier joined colleagues in calling on DeJoy to testify before Congress and provide clear, transparent answers on service delays that have caused seniors and veterans to miss their prescription medications, small businesses to lose money and customers over delayed packages, and other serious disruptions that affect communities across the country who count on the Postal Service for timely delivery. Additionally, Sen. Warner previously raised concerns over the USPS operational changes and the heightened impact to servicemembers and their families and pushed to correct the changes that are needlessly delaying veterans’ access to life-saving prescriptions.  

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WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine joined Senator Amy Klobuchar and their colleagues in reintroducing the Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act to allow Medicare to negotiate the best price of prescription drugs for seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D. Current law only allows for bargaining by pharmaceutical companies, not Medicare. By harnessing the bargaining power of the nearly 46 million seniors enrolled in the program, Medicare could negotiate bigger discounts from pharmaceutical companies. This bill is co-sponsored by 30 other senators, and a companion bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives.

“No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and their prescription medication,” said the Senators. “This legislation would help combat the rising costs of prescription medications and ensure more Americans, including our most vulnerable, have access to quality, affordable health care.” 

The Empowering Medicare Seniors to Negotiate Drug Prices Act would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to directly negotiate with drug companies for price discounts for the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, eliminating the “non-interference” clause that expressly bans Medicare from negotiating for better prices. By bargaining on behalf of nearly 46 million seniors, Medicare would be in a position to secure significant discounts and ensure enrollees are receiving the best prices.

Warner and Kaine have been strong advocates for making health care more affordable and reducing prescription drug prices. Both Senators supported congressional passage of the American Rescue Plan. The new law now caps health care premiums on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange at a maximum of 8.5 percent of household income for all families and includes funding to encourage states to expand their Medicaid programs to millions more Americans. Last week, Warner introduced the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act of 2021, a bill supported by Kaine that would undo Trump-era rulemaking and guidance that, if fully enacted, would destabilize the ACA health insurance market, weaken protections for Americans with preexisting conditions, and increase costs for millions of individuals with quality health plans. Earlier this year Warner also introduced the Health Care Improvement Act of 2021 to expand health care coverage, reduce costs, and protect Americans with preexisting conditions. Kaine has recently reintroduced legislation to create a public option by expanding on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicare. In 2019, Kaine introduced the Biologic Patent Transparency Act to increase access to lower-cost drugs by making it easier for competitors to evaluate and plan for the development of generic versions of these drugs. Kaine also sent letters to three insulin manufacturers requesting information about recent price increases, how the revenue contributes to research and development, and what the companies are doing to help patients access affordable insulin.

This legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 

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WASHINGTON – With more than 7 million Virginians slated to get over $9 billion in relief as a direct result of the American Rescue Plan, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) urging the agency to ensure that families receive their promised COVID-19 stimulus payments by quickly and proactively addressing three common issues that Virginians experienced with the last round of economic impact payments (EIPs) earlier this year.

“I write today following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to raise specific issues my constituents had in accessing their second economic impact payments (EIP) in hopes those problems can be resolved and taken into consideration as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers the third round of economic impact payments,”wrote Sen. Warner in his letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig.

In his letter to the IRS, Sen. Warner identified the three most prevalent issues Virginia families ran into when attempting to access their second round of COVID-19 stimulus payments. The issues commonly heard from Virginians were: 

1. Couples who filed a 2019 tax return as married filing jointly who reported that only one spouse received a second EIP even though they received a joint EIP in the first round. 

2. Social Security recipients who received the first EIP via direct deposit or direct express card but did not receive the second EIP.

3. Virginians who reported that the IRS’s Get My Payment application showed that they would either receive their payment via direct deposit or check but never received it. 

During the COVID-19 crisis, Sen. Warner has been a strong advocate for Virginians, working to ensure that they get the funds to which they are entitled. Last April, he pressed the Treasury Department to ensure that families who are not normally required to file taxes do not need to wait until the following year to receive the additional $500 payment per dependent child that they were promised. He also successfully pushed the Treasury Department to allow Social Security recipients to automatically receive CARES Act direct cash assistance without needing to file a tax return.

A copy of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Rettig,

I write today following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to raise specific issues my constituents had in accessing their second economic impact payments (EIP) in hopes those problems can be resolved and taken into consideration as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) administers the third round of economic impact payments.

The Administration is well aware of the millions of Americans facing economic hardship, and should be applauded for its tireless work to deliver more relief as part of the ARPA. Further, I am appreciative of the IRS’s hard work throughout the pandemic. IRS employees have worked diligently to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in EIPs to Americans while managing the risks associated with COVID-19.

Virginians continue to reach out with specific problems they are having, particularly those trying to access their second EIP. Below, I lay out the three most prevalent issues my staff has identified. To help me respond adequately to my constituents, please review the three issues and answer the following related questions.

1. Couples that filed a 2019 tax return as married filing jointly are reporting that only one spouse received a second EIP even though they received a joint EIP in the first round. When the spouse not receiving the payment checked the IRS’s Get My Payment App, there was no information. Is the couple’s only recourse to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)? Is there a reason why the second EIP was treated differently in this situation? Can the IRS take steps to ensure the same problem does not occur with the third EIP? 

2. A number of my constituents who are Social Security recipients received the first EIP via direct deposit or direct express card but did not receive the second EIP. The IRS has said those constituents can file a tax return and claim a RRC but I am concerned for those Social Security recipients who are non-filers and are less equipped to file a tax return to claim their RRC. I am also concerned that these same constituents will not receive their third EIP. Please explain why the IRS did not send the second (December) round of EIPs automatically to Social Security recipients. Will the IRS commit to sending past due checks to Social Security recipients who should have received them? For the third round of EIPs, can the IRS commit to automatically sending checks to Social Security recipients? If not, why not? 

Last year, the IRS created a Non-Filers tool to allow non-filers to gain access to the first round of EIPs to address this problem and make it easier for non-filers to access their EIP. Why did the IRS not reopen the Non-Filers tool to help Americans access their second EIP? Will the IRS commit to reopening the Non-Filers tool for the third round of EIP to ensure non-filers can easily access their third EIP? And will they be allowed to use this tool to claim checks owed to them from the first two rounds?

3. A number of constituents reported that the IRS’s Get May Payment application showed that they would either receive their payment via direct deposit or check but they never received it. Although the payment was issued to them and they qualified based on their 2019 tax return, the RRC is based on their 2020 tax filing. In some situations this has eliminated constituents’ eligibility for the second EIP. Will the IRS offer any flexibility or recourse for constituents in these circumstances? 

I know the IRS is working diligently to serve the American people, and I welcome our continued collaboration to help Americans across the country. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.

Sincerely,

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $4,387,500.00 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to support COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Virginia.

“As more Americans receive one of the three COVID-19 vaccines, the supply of available vaccines still can't meet the demand,” said the Senators. “We are glad to announce that this funding will provide increased support to distribute vaccines equitably throughout the Commonwealth, and we remain committed to ensuring that every Virginian has access to the vaccine as quickly as possible.”

The American Rescue Plan included $7.5 billion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID–19 vaccine distribution and administration, including support for State, local, Tribal, and territorial public health departments. 

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the Senate confirmed former Ambassador William Burns as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA):

“I applaud today’s unanimous confirmation of former Ambassador Burns to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. As our nation continues to face a growing and diverse set of threats around the globe, we must have experienced leaders in place who are ready to grapple with these risks head-on. I am confident that Director Burns, a loyal public servant, will lead the CIA with integrity and objectivity, and provide the leadership and support that the brave men and women of the CIA deserve.”

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is supporting two major projects designed to increase the reliability of rural electric utility systems in Virginia. The Senators today announced two low-interest loans of $25 million to the Northern Neck Electric Cooperation in Warsaw, Va., and $16 million to the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative in Palmyra, Va., through the Electric Loan Program, which targets rural regions where capital is limited to finance infrastructure upgrades, create jobs, and improve rural electric customers' operations in Virginia. 

“We applaud this investment in Virginia’s rural communities,” said the Senators. “These low-interest loans will help improve reliability for local residents and businesses, which in turn strengthens our entire economy.”

The $41 million in funding will be disbursed to the following electric cooperatives in Virginia:

• $25,000,000 in loans to the Northern Neck Electric Cooperation in Warsaw, VA to build and improve 40 miles of electrical line, fund smart grid projects, and make system improvements. Northern Neck Electric Cooperation will also use the funding to install 45 miles of fiber-optic communication lines.
• $16,000,000 in loans to the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative in Palmyra, VA to build and improve 27 miles of electrical line, fund smart grid projects, and make system improvements.

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