Anti-Terrorism

Generations of Virginians, beginning in the early 1600s, have been in the forefront for the cause of freedom. Today, our nation, and these freedoms, face new threats and challenges.

September 11, 2001, forever changed the world we live in. As a result, America is now in the midst of a global war against terrorism. As we continue this unrelenting campaign against terrorism, America remains inspired by the bravery, selflessness, and gallantry of our fellow citizens aboard the hijacked aircrafts and in the burning buildings. MORE

The Economy
and Tax Policy

Our nation's economy has shown great resiliency, and the economic forecast is strong. In particular, tax cuts implemented through the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003 have helped to spur this economic expansion. Recently, Congress passed legislation to extend some of these tax cuts, including the tax rate reductions on capital gains and dividends. MORE

Education

I believe that education is the key to a better quality of life for all Americans. From early childhood through adult life, educational resources must be provided and supported through partnerships with individuals, parents, communities and local government. MORE

Transportation

Virginians expect and deserve an efficient, easily accessible and well-connected surface transportation system, both for their own personal mobility, and the effective movement of goods and services. In today's one world market our transportation investments have the potential to secure our competitive advantage and provide economic prosperity for all Americans. I have actively worked to ensure that our Nation's infrastructure remains strong and will continue to work hard for those who are dependent on our highways, rail systems, and aviation facilities for mobility. MORE

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

The Social Security program was established in 1935 and has two components: (1) Old Age and Survivors Insurance and (2) Disability Insurance. The former provides benefits to retired workers, their families, and to survivors of deceased workers. Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits to disabled workers and their families. Currently, there are 47 million Social Security recipients. MORE

Environment

Preserving and restoring our rivers, lakes and oceans, cleaning up hazardous waste and brownfield sites on our land, and improving the quality of the air we breathe are national responsibilities that directly affect our quality of life and economic health.

Technology advancements in the 20th century fueled the engine that drove our economy and generated unprecedented prosperity for America. Restoring the environmental quality of our natural resources from the consequences of these many innovations is now the challenge we must meet to provide future generations with a cleaner world. MORE

Health Care

In the United States Senate, I am working in support of a number of initiatives to reduce the number of uninsured Americans, to enhance health care access for those without insurance, and to make health insurance more affordable for those who do have coverage. MORE

National Security

The venerable soldier, statesman, and Virginian, General George C. Marshall once noted, "In a democracy such as ours, military policy is dependent on public opinion." The Senate Committee on Armed Services is one of our nation's important congressional forums for ensuring that national security objectives and policy are guided by the priorities, concerns, and interests of the American people.

I am privileged to have been a member of the Armed Services Committee every year since first being elected in 1978. Currently, there are 24 Senators on the committee, and I serve as Chairman. Throughout my years of service, the committee has addressed the most critical fundamental security issues facing the nation, including: the revitalization of the armed forces under President Reagan; the restructuring of the military following our success in the Cold War; the review and implementation of the lessons learned from recent military operations, and; the countering of emerging threats from foreign nations and terrorist groups. MORE

Agriculture

Virginia has been a leader in agriculture since the settlers at Jamestown planted their first crops,. I am proud of Virginia's 14,000 farmers and the contribution that they make day in and day out in providing us with fresh food and preserving Virginia's rural landscape. MORE

Military Retirees and Veterans

As a veteran of World War II and Korea, I take great pride in representing retired military personnel and the veterans of our great nation. Those who served in the Armed Forces fought and defended the very freedoms we enjoy today, and, at a very minimum, our nation owes them a tremendous amount of gratitude. In addition, it is the responsibility of the U.S. Congress to ensure that our veterans and retirees are well taken care of following their service to country. MORE

Energy

Over the years, first as Secretary of the Navy, and now as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have come to appreciate the vital role energy plays in our national security. I can say without equivocation that U.S. national security depends on sufficient energy supplies to support U.S. and global economic growth.

Comprehensive energy legislation has been fiercely debated in Congress over the past few years. The goals of these efforts have been to expand domestic production, reduce dependence on foreign oil, promote new technology, enhance conservation and efficiency, and achieve them all while simultaneously growing the economy. MORE

Federal Employees

As Virginia's senior Senator, I am particularly aware of the unique challenges faced by federal employees. Throughout my Senate career, I have worked to ensure that federal workers receive fair and equitable treatment. My office has maintained an "open door" policy when it comes to the needs and concerns of one of Virginia's largest constituency groups. MORE

Technology

I am committed to keeping the Commonwealth of Virginia on the cutting edge of technological innovation. Virginia's economy was once supported exclusively by the agriculture sector. Like the rest of the world, Virginia has changed. Today, Virginia is known as the "Silicon Dominion," home to more than 12,000 high-tech companies that employ more than 300,000 Virginians. MORE