Senator Webb's Tour of Criminal Justice Tour of Virginia Underscores Need for Reform
April 20, 2009 - While Congress was adjourned for the district work period, Senator Webb visited various facilities related to the criminal justice system during a week-long tour through Virginia. With an eye toward reforming our system, the trip provided an opportunity to take a first-hand look at the problems and potential in our jails and rehabilitation programs.
Senator Webb's tour began at the Bragg Hill Family Life Center in Fredericksburg, followed by a visit to the Richmond City Jail and tour of The Healing Place, a Richmond-based rehabilitation facility. He concluded the trip in Charlottesville at the annual conference of Virginia-based federal public defenders and Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorneys, who represent indigent defendants, where he delivered the keynote address.
The sobering experience of walking through the Richmond City Jail fortified the Senator's determination to get the legislation that he introduced--the National Criminal Justice Commission Act--passed this year. "It is in the self-interest of every American that we dedicate time and energy to truly evaluate and reform our criminal justice system," said Webb.
Senator Webb Calls for Hearings into Upsurge in Piracy
April 20, 2009 - Senator Webb sent letters to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC), calling for hearings into the upsurge in piracy off the coast of Somalia. Webb has been outspoken about the need for forceful measures to reduce piracy and prevent the kind of incident experienced off the Somali Coast the weekend of April 18th.
"Piracy should not be tolerated. It is a violation of international law, and for centuries the use of force to stop it has been supported by virtually every nation," wrote Webb.
He proposed that the Committees address a number of issues, including the administration's efforts to bolster the authority of the transitional Somali government and greater international cooperation in reestablishing maritime security and freedom of the seas for all nations.
Webb, Specter Introduce Bill to Overhaul America's Criminal Justice System
March 26, 2009 - Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation, The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 (S.714), to create a blue-ribbon commission charged with conducting an 18-month, top-to-bottom review of the nation's entire criminal justice system and offering concrete recommendations for reform. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Member on the Judiciary Committee, is the principal Republican cosponsor.
The high-level commission created by the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 legislation will be comprised of experts in fields including criminal justice, law enforcement, public heath, national security, prison administration, social services, prisoner reentry, and victims' rights. It will be led by a chairperson to be appointed by the President. The Majority and Minority Leaders in the House and Senate, and the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations will appoint the remaining members of the commission.
"America's criminal justice system has deteriorated to the point that it is a national disgrace," said Senator Webb. "With five percent of the world's population, our country houses twenty-five percent of the world's prison population. Incarcerated drug offenders have soared 1200% since 1980. And four times as many mentally ill people are in prisons than in mental health hospitals. We should be devoting precious law enforcement capabilities toward making our communities safer. Our neighborhoods are at risk from gang violence, including transnational gang violence.
Webb continued: "There is great appreciation from most in this country that we are doing something drastically wrong. And, I am gratified that Senator Specter has joined me as the lead Republican cosponsor of this effort. We are committed to getting this legislation passed and enacted into law this year."
Senator Webb on AIG Bonuses, Accountability
March 17, 2009 - Senator Jim Webb offered the following statement upon learning of the excessive bonuses AIG granted its employees:
"There is nearly universal agreement in the Senate that AIG, the recipient of nearly $200 billion in U.S. taxpayer dollars, is out of line by offering excessive bonuses to some of the very executives that helped to feed the financial crisis by investing in toxic assets. The American people deserve accountability on how their money is spent.
"It is important to put into context that, while the U.S. auto industry was ultimately provided $24 billion in repayable loans to help ensure the viability of millions of American jobs, AIG received $197 billion in federal dollars with little apparent oversight. Of that amount, AIG has distributed tens of billions of dollars to foreign banks--more than the entire amount loaned to the auto industry. Furthermore, one of the requirements for the auto industry to receive federal assistance was to renegotiate existing workforce contracts, yet we are told that Wall Street contracts are sacrosanct.
"Most agree that government action was necessary to stabilize the financial system, but lavish bonuses and payouts to foreign banks were not Congress's intent and do not represent a proper usage of taxpayer money. I will continue to push the administration and this Congress to strengthen oversight, especially in light of AIG's recent actions."
Senator Webb Launches Initiative in SW Virginia to Prepare GED-Seekers for Technology Jobs
February 17, 2009 - As part of a two-day education tour through Southwest Virginia, Senator Webb participated in the kick-off of "PlugGED In"--an initiative launched in Russell County to prepare high school dropouts for entry-level technology jobs while they study for the GED exam. Webb has been a strong advocate in the U.S. Senate of making on-the-job training and continuing education programs more accessible to more Americans.
"I am honored to be a part of the launch of this innovative education initiative in Russell County," said Webb. "The PlugGED In program is a strong example of a public-private partnership that will work to ensure that employer demands are being met through a globally competitive, skilled workforce. I have every confidence that this initiative will strengthen the community and invigorate the local economy."
In the coming weeks, Senator Webb plans to introduce legislation to increase access to adult education and literacy services for adults who have limited basic skills and lack a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Senator Webb on Senate Passage of the Economic Recovery Package
February 10, 2009 - The following is an abridged statement from Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) on the Senate's passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:
"The Senate has reached consensus today on an economic recovery package that is designed to swiftly drive money into our struggling economy. With help for struggling families, meaningful tax cuts and concentrated funding on key infrastructure programs, I am hopeful that this responsibly-crafted legislation will create millions of new jobs and begin immediately to restore America's economic strength.
"As one of those who were deeply concerned with many aspects of the original package, I was pleased to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, under the strong leadership of Senator Ben Nelson, to put this plan into place within a set of targeted parameters for economic renewal. We focused on programs to help families struggling under today's serious economic downturn, on shovel-ready infrastructure and public works projects, and on addressing the housing crisis.
"Great deliberation was put into this process. What we have crafted is a significant improvement over the bill originally presented in the Senate. In my view, we have done what the country has expected of responsible leaders.
"I am hopeful that we will have a final bill to present to the President in short order."
Webb Says Accountability and Restoring the Public Trust are Paramount in Wartime Contracting, Press Commission to Deliver Results
Holding those accountable for wartime contracting waste, fraud, and abuse is as important as fixing systemic problems with the federal government's contracting procedures, said Senator Jim Webb on Monday, February 3rd.
Testifying at the inaugural hearing of the Commission on Wartime Contracting (CWC)--which Senators Webb and Claire McCaskill successfully created through legislation they introduced in 2007--the lawmakers pressed the panel's commissioners to aggressively use all available resources to deliver on this goal.
"Every interested American knows that there was waste, fraud and abuse following the invasion of Iraq," said Senator Webb. "They want us to demonstrate that we're going to do something about it--not simply in terms of process, but also in terms of accountability. There is a very urgent need to restore public trust in the process by holding those responsible accountable."
Webb Re-introduces Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees
On Thursday, January 29, Senator Webb re-introduced the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (S.354) to provide four weeks of paid leave to federal employees for the birth or adoption of a child.
"The legislation that we introduced is an issue of fairness for federal employees," said Senator Webb. "It is our goal to ensure that the federal government, the nation's largest employer, maintains policies that support strong families and set an example for the private sector."
With more than 2.7 million employees, the federal government is the country's largest employer. Paid parental leave for federal employees, Webb contended, will improve recruitment and retention of younger workers for federal agencies. The federal workforce is aging faster than the workforce overall, with approximately 40 percent of the federal workforce expected to retire over the next ten years.
Webb-Sponsored Measure to Preserve Virginia's Natural and Historic Sites Passes Senate
Washington, DC - On Thursday, January 15th, the U.S. Senate passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which included three pieces of legislation that Senator Webb introduced last year to protect the Commonwealth of Virginia's large number of natural and historic sites.
The measure re-authorizes the Civil War Battlefields Preservation program for another five years, begins the process of recognizing the Northern Neck region a National Heritage Area, and expands wilderness and scenic area tourism in Southwest Virginia.
"Virginia is fortunate to have such an abundant supply of pristine lands and Civil War battlefields," said Senator Webb. "This legislation will enable our children and grandchildren to experience the same untouched landscapes of their ancestors and visit the places where so many sacrifices were made, by soldiers and civilians alike."
Senator Webb on Navy's Record of Decision,
DoD Nominees Commit to Review Assessment
Washington, DC - On Wednesday, January 14, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) issued a statement with respect to the Navy's Record of Decision to move a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL.
"Today's announcement by the Navy that it intends to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Mayport was a foregone conclusion, given the Bush administration's attempt to fast-track this process before it departs.
"I intend to bring full scrutiny to this decision in the coming months as it makes its way through the appropriate congressional process. I have yet to receive a proper, intelligence-based assessment from the Navy on this matter, despite the fact that as late as January 12, the Chief of Naval Operations confirmed that he could not identify a threat-based requirement for this proposal.
"This is not a simple turf issue between competing interests in Virginia and Florida. It is a matter of properly identifying strategic and fiscal priorities. ..."
On Thursday, January 16, nominees for the Deputy Secretary of the Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in their U.S. Senate confirmation hearing before the Committee on Armed Services, committed to Senator Jim Webb to review the Navy's homeporting decision for Mayport, Fla., should they be confirmed for their positions.
To read Senator Webb's full statement on the Navy's Record of Decision, click here »
Webb and Virginia Leaders Call Navy's Proposal for New Aircraft Carrier Homeport "Strategically Flawed, Fiscally Irresponsible"
Washington, DC - On Thursday, November 20, Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Jim Webb (D-VA), Senator-elect Mark Warner (D-VA), and Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine called the Navy's announced preference to create a second East Coast homeport for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier at Mayport, Fla. "strategically flawed and fiscally irresponsible." They called on the Navy to delay its decision until a new administration is allowed to analyze the proposal's strategic and fiscal considerations.
At a press conference in the U.S. Capitol, the four Virginia leaders cited the "fiscal irresponsibility" of creating a new homeport for the carrier in Mayport-a move that the Navy estimates will cost at least $600 million to complete. Additionally, Senators Warner and Webb sent a letter to Defense Secretary Gates requesting that the Navy hold its decision, "until a new administration is able to evaluate the decision with greater rigor than the Navy has demonstrated."
Webb Hosts Symposium at GMU on Drugs in America
On Wednesday, October 15, Senator Jim Webb and the Administration of Justice Department of George Mason University hosted a symposium entitled "Drugs in America: Trafficking, Policy and Sentencing."
Moderated by Senator Webb, the three panels of experts examined drug distribution in the U.S; law enforcement practices; and punitive vs. public health responses to drug abuse.
To review materials from the symposium please click here »
Statement of Senator Jim Webb on the Economic Stabilization Bill
Washington, DC - The following is a statement from Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) on tonight's Senate passage of the economic stabilization bill:
"After much deliberation, I voted tonight to support the bipartisan compromise legislation to stabilize our dangerously threatened economic system. I came to this decision based on the reality that this legislation provides the only possible opportunity that will be offered in the Congress this year to address this situation. I am also satisfied that the significant recommendations I have offered over the past twelve days have been incorporated into an admittedly imperfect bill.
"The bill we approved tonight bears no resemblance to the hastily-written and woefully inadequate bill that the Bush administration proposed to Congress less than two weeks ago.
"Throughout these negotiations, I have been outspoken in support of several basic principles which are essential for the future economic well-being of our country. I wrote a letter to Chairman Dodd only one day after Secretary Paulson announced his original plan. I have spoken twice on the Senate floor. I led an effort to convince the Senate Majority Leader to include these principles in any legislation, including them in a letter that was co-signed by eight of my Senate colleagues.
"The fundamental principles that I raised included:
- a grave concern about the transfer of so much financial power and discretion to one individual in the executive branch of government, and the lack of a clear mechanism for the oversight of this unprecedented power;
- the need for proper limits on executive compensation, and a guarantee that those who mismanaged our financial markets not be unjustly enriched by a taxpayer bailout;
- the need for a guarantee that the American taxpayer be able to share directly in any benefits gained by the rescue legislation;
- appropriate limits on the ability of foreign institutions to participate in the program; and
- the release of federal funds for the program in installments in order to ensure that Congress can properly fulfill its oversight role, and to give Congress time to enact meaningful new reforms to the regulatory structure.
"We were able to achieve significant progress in each of these areas. In particular, I am pleased that we included meaningful provisions to limit executive compensation and to give taxpayers the chance to share in any gains achieved through this legislation. These provisions will help to restore taxpayer confidence in our financial system and ease the credit crunch that threatens economic growth.
"Going forward, I will work aggressively with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to ensure that this legislation is implemented fairly, and in a way that safeguards the American taxpayer. Equally important, the next Congress must restore to our financial system a regulatory structure that will prevent this terrible chapter in American history from ever happening again."
Webb Calls for Congressional Approval of Any Future U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement
On Friday, September 12, Senator Jim Webb introduced legislation providing that any new security agreement negotiated between the United States and the Government of Iraq would not remain in effect unless approved by Congress. It also calls for the United States to seek a one-year extension of the United Nations Security Council mandate of the Multi-National Force in Iraq. These provisions underscore the importance of constitutional oversight in reaching long-term security negotiations with Iraq.
Noting that the legal authority for the United States to be operating in Iraq will expire December 31, 2008, and that Congress will be adjourned at that time, Webb warned that the Bush administration was on the verge of "a constitutional coup d'etat, a further expansion of the powers of the presidency," by agreeing to a long-term relationship without the consent of Congress.
"The largest question, really, is what entity of the federal government has the authority to enter the United States into a long-term relationship with another government?" asked Webb on the Senate floor. "I would submit that the conditions under which we will continue to operate in Iraq--militarily, diplomatically, economically, and even culturally--are not the sole business of any administration. This amendment is designed to prevent this sort of an imbalance from occurring at the same time that it recognizes the realities of the timelines that are now involved with respect to the loss of international authority for our presence in Iraq."
To read the full press release, please click here »
Webb Hosts Energy Forum with Industry & Community Leaders in Lynchburg
On Thursday, August 21, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) hosted a Community Leaders Energy Roundtable in Lynchburg to discuss various initiatives to address the nation's growing energy crisis.
At the forum, held on the campus of Central Virginia Community College, Webb called for a comprehensive energy strategy that includes nuclear power, clean coal, offshore exploration, and renewing the nation's focus on conservation and alternative energy technologies.
"We are an energy-thirsty nation, and I believe we need diversified solutions," said Webb. "Working to develop a national energy strategy is prominent part of my legislative agenda. The forum in Lynchburg provided a real opportunity to engage community and industry leaders."
To read the full press release, please click here »
Webb Supports Comprehensive Housing Legislation,
Calls for Cap on Executive Compensation
On Saturday, July 26, the Senate passed a comprehensive bipartisan housing bill supported by Senator Webb designed to restore housing market confidence, help homeowners across Virginia deal with the ongoing housing crisis, and provide temporary authority to the Federal Government to help Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The legislation notably includes a provision advocated by Senator Webb, which gives federal regulators the authority to limit excessive compensation packages of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac executives.
"The bottom line is that if American taxpayer money is required to help correct the business decisions of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or for that matter any of our banks, our nation's workers shouldn't have their taxes used to continue the record-high benefits of the executives who run these institutions," said Webb. "Instead, those executives should be required to give up some of their huge compensation packages. We should challenge the notion that it is acceptable for profits to be privatized and losses to be socialized."
To read the full press release, click here »
Republicans Took Away an Opportunity to Drop Gas Prices by Filibustering Speculation Bill
On July 25, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) commented that Republicans who filibustered legislation designed to rein in market speculators had "taken away a golden opportunity to quickly drive down prices at the gas pump." The bill would have provided much-needed regulation in a market that has been flooded with speculative investment since being de-regulated in 2000, causing oil prices to reach unprecedented and unnatural highs.
Webb is calling for the Senate to reconsider the oil speculation issue in a new series of votes. "We should not let this issue slide off the legislative calendar simply because of the recalcitrance of the other side. It is too important to American consumers," he concluded.
To read the full press release, please click here »
House-Senate Appointments Named to Commission on Wartime Contracting
On June 20, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the appointment of the co-chair and three additional commissioners to the Commission on Wartime Contracting. Eight commissioners will be named to the Commission by congressional senior leadership and President Bush. The four commissioners named, following earlier consultations with the chairmen of the Senate and House committees of jurisdiction are Michael J. Thibault, to serve as Co-Chair, Charles Tiefer, Linda J. Gustitus, and Clark Kent Ervin.
Established as the result of legislation introduced by Senators Jim Webb (D-VA) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) last spring and signed into law on January 28, 2008, the Commission is charged with addressing the systemic problems associated with the federal government's wartime-support, reconstruction, and private security contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This Commission was inspired by the work of the "Truman Committee," which conducted hundreds of hearings and investigations into government waste during and after World War II at an estimated savings of more than $178 billion (in today's dollars) to the American taxpayer.
"These appointments are a major step forward in creating a commission that will improve our government's contracting practices, increase transparency, and hold accountable those responsible for waste, fraud and abuse," said Senator Webb. "We will likewise be watching the selections of our colleagues in Congress and the White House to make sure that they perform in consonance with the intentions of this legislation. The work that this Commission will perform during its two-year charter is something American taxpayers both demand and deserve."
To read the full press release, please click here »
More information on Commission on Wartime Contracting:
Webb Introduces Paid Leave Measure For Federal Employees
Bill Would Provide Four Weeks of Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees
On Monday, June 16, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation, the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act, to provide four weeks of paid leave to federal employees for the birth or adoption of a child. "The legislation we introduced today is an issue of fairness for the working family," said Senator Webb.
The federal government, the country's largest employer with more than 2.7 million employees, does not currently provide any paid parental leave for its employees, while 75% of Fortune 100 companies provide an average of six to eight weeks of paid leave to new mothers. Currently, all federal employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave guaranteed to them by the Family and Medical Leave Act, but most can't afford to forego pay to take leave.
To read the full press release, please click here »
Today in the Senate
May 6, 2009:The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and proceed to a period of morning business for up to one hour, equally divided, with Senators permitted to speak for up to ten minutes each. Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.896, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act.
More Senate Resources:
Daily Digest »
Senate Calendar »
www.senate.gov »
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