Webb's Washington Week

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Thank you for signing up to receive regular newsletters and updates from my office. It's been a busy five months in the U.S. Senate. Our freshman class in particular has been working to fulfill its promise to improve accountability in government, restore economic fairness to the American people, and advocate policies that enhance our national security and standing in the international community.

As we address these and other issues, I invite you to continue to be in touch with me and my staff. We are also continually updating our website, webb.senate.gov. So, check back regularly to see what's new.

I look forward to working with you in the years ahead,
Jim Webb

Last month, I announced the creation of "Webb Sites," satellite office-hour locations where Virginians will have the opportunity to speak with a representative of my staff in their local communities.

These sessions are designed to assist constituents across Virginia with difficulties relating to Social Security and Medicare benefits, veterans' benefits, legal immigration, federal student loans, military service, and other federally-related matters.

In addition to my five regular offices around Virginia, the "Webb Sites" program offers face-to-face contact with representatives from my staff, providing access to constituents traveling from long distances.

My staff is on hand to help complete casework injury and privacy forms so that assistance can be properly conducted in keeping with federal law. Constituents are asked to bring copies of all pertinent information regarding their cases in order to facilitate a timely response.

For more information about "Webb Sites" in your area, please visit: http://webb.senate.gov/services/webb_sites.cfm

Radford University 2007 Commencement

On May 5, I delivered the commencement address to the graduating seniors of Radford University. It was a day for families, friends, shared memories of good times on campus and for that feeling that comes from accomplishing something truly special. I was honored to be there.

Radford University 2007 Commencement

To read my speech, visit: http://www.webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=273702

Virginia Commonwealth University 2007 Commencement

On May 19, I was equally honored to deliver the commencement speech at VCU.

Virginia Commonwealth University 2007 Commencement

USS Carl Vinson, Newport News Shipyard Tour

On May 11, I visited the USS Carl Vinson at Northrop Grumman shipyard in Newport News. The aircraft carrier is a national strategic asset, and I thank the entire crew for the opportunity.

USS Carl Vinson, Newport News Shipyard Tour

IMMIGRATION REFORM

On Thursday night, I voted with a majority of the Senate to shelve the immigration reform bill because I believe significant improvements are still required in order to ensure the practicality and fairness of our immigration system.

Our immigration policy desperately needs a fix. I regret that the Senate was unable to find a common sense middle ground that recognizes the contributions of immigrants to our society but also protects America's workers and respects the rule of law.

I introduced exactly such an amendment this week which sought to create a fair and workable path to legalization for those who have truly put down roots in this country, while protecting the American workforce.

I will work with Senator Harry Reid to make sure we find a fair and workable policy. Until we succeed, I call on the President to vigorously enforce the laws that are on the books. This includes tough civil and criminal penalties for companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. We must also gain control over our porous borders by properly utilizing the assets and legal means now at our disposal. We have these laws and these means. The President needs to enforce them.

To read the transcript of my interview on Lou Dobbs Tonight from Thursday, visit: http://www.webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record_article.cfm?id=275723&&

To read my floor speech on my amendment to the Immigration Bill: http://www.webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275586&

G.I. BILL OF BENEFITS FOR VETERANS

On my first day in the Senate, I introduced and have since been fighting for legislation that affords returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan the educational benefits equal to what returning WWII service members received. In recent weeks, I argued for the bill in a Veterans Affairs Committee hearing calling the benefit "a cost of war" that our veterans have earned.

To read the press release and other materials from the hearing, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275401

To watch my testimony in the Veterans Committee, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/video/051507_hearing.ram

To read the Virginian-Pilot story, "Fighting for an Education," visit: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record_article.cfm?id=275402&&

EFFECTIVENESS OF BODY ARMOR FOR OUR TROOPS

Earlier this month, in light of recent media reports suggesting that a particular body armor system may offer better protection than the system currently being used by our servicemembers, Senator Hillary Clinton and I called on the United States Comptroller General to initiate a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation to reassess the body armor systems currently being issued by all the military services and the Special Operations Command for effectiveness and reliability against the threats facing U.S. troops in combat.

To read the full press release and letter to U.S. Comptroller General David Walker, visit: http://www.webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=274656

To read the NBC Nightly News story, “Army Responds to Dragon Skin,” visit: http://dailynightly.msnbc.com/2007/05/army_responds_t.html

FLIGHTS INTO NATIONAL AIRPORT

On May 16, I issued a letter to the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security expressing my concerns over amendments to the “Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007” that could be harmful to Reagan National Airport.

To read the letter to Senator Jay Rockefeller, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=274451

To read the WTOP story, “Webb Objects to Extra Flights at National,” visit: http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=25&sid=1146089

PROTECTING VIRGINIA'S FORESTS

Earlier this month, I co-sponsored legislation to protect more than 350,000 acres of roadless areas in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The “National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007” would protect roadless areas in the Washington and Jefferson National Forests from commercial logging and road-building and provide a sanctuary for native wildlife, provide clean water for hundreds of communities, and offer some of the best recreation spots for hunters, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts.

To read the press release and more about this legislation, visit: http://webb.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=275074

Jim Webb's Website | Constituent Services | Newsroom | Photos | Contact