Warner Continues to Represent Virginia

U.S. Senator Mark Warner has done three things in the matter of hours to continue to solidify the fact that he represents Virginia, not ideology. Of course, the cynic says he’s doing his best to ensure his legacy.

So, what? Is he doing things that are relevant and matter to the commonwealth? In my estimation, I’d say yes.

Here are three major policy items where he has represented us very well.

First, he has voted to continue Iran Sanctions:

“Today I voted to extend the Iran Sanctions Act for another decade. Last renewed in 2006, this Act imposes sanctions on U.S. and foreign companies investing in Iran’s energy sector—a major component of its economy—but allows the President to waive sanctions on a case-by-case basis. Many of the Act’s sanctions, including those targeting investment in Iran’s oil and gas sector, have been waived as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that the United States and five other countries have signed with Iran to rein in Tehran’s nuclear program. I firmly believe the continuation of these sanctions is prudent to preserve America’s ability to re-impose sanctions should Iran violate that agreement and to signal to Tehran that its continued threatening and aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. In the last year alone, Iran has conducted at least four ballistic missile tests, illegally detained U.S. sailors in the Persian Gulf, threatened to shoot down U.S. Navy planes, and continued to support terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and dictators like Syria’s President Assad. I will continue to support efforts to keep Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and encourage Tehran to abide by international law and norms of behavior.”

Second, he knows that perfect capitalism is as ridiculous to achieve as perfection as a Christian. At some point, we’re going to need a little intervention on our behalf:

“Modern American capitalism is not working for many Americans. That’s why, no matter what your political leanings, fixing an economy that can no longer be counted on to create steady, well-paying jobs for all has to be our top priority. Whether you were heartened or heartbroken by the election results, millions of American voters have made one thing clear: There is a widespread belief that our once great institutions are unable, or at least unwilling, to work together to address today’s economic challenges… Democrats and Republicans in Washington largely have failed to respond adequately to the seismic shifts that have been occurring for some time across our economy, many of them triggered by increased automation and global, competitive pressures.”

Finally, we ARE a “global force for good” or the “world’s policeman.” The bottom-line, America’s Navy, particularly its carrier fleet, provides stability on this blue rock that is the third from the sun, peace, freedom, and commerce. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s promoting continuing Virginia’s rich heritage of manufacturing the vessels for the fleet.

“As you know, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier fleet is already stretched thin, and as a result, the Navy has required a waiver to have one fewer operational carrier than the 11 required by Congress. The current fleet of ten nuclear-powered aircraft carriers is being utilized at unprecedented rates because of a complex security environment and a delayed procurement of additional ships. This over-utilization is resulting in extended deployments, deferred maintenance, reduced operational availability, increased ownership costs and potentially shortened life spans for these strategic assets,” wrote Sens. Warner and Kaine in a letter to the leaders of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “Ensuring stable and adequate funding for the Carrier Replacement Program is one of the foremost steps Congress can take to allay the risks associated with the current shortfall in available aircraft carriers.”

So, save the date. Mark the time. I am giving our senior senator props: Kudos to Mark Warner. Public service is about doing what is right. Not about political party. In these three instances, it would appear Warner is doing us well in the commonwealth.