Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced the inclusion of key Virginia priorities in the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 draft funding bills. So far, 11 of 12 appropriations bills have been passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee on a broad bipartisan basis. Senate appropriators continue to work to negotiate the 12th and final bill, which would provide funding for homeland security priorities.

“We’re thrilled to see the Senate move forward on government funding legislation that includes essential funding to support our servicemembers and military families, implement our seismic investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, promote public safety, invest in affordable housing, curb fentanyl trafficking, improve customer service at the IRS, and much more. We’re also very glad this draft legislation includes $125 million for communities in every corner of the Commonwealth to carry out community-based, high-impact projects that grow our economy and benefit Virginians. We are looking forward to advocating for these priorities and working with the House of Representatives to provide robust funding bills that address the needs of Virginia and the country,” said Sens. Warner and Kaine.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, members of Congress worked with their constituents to request funding for local community projects, otherwise known as earmarks, in a manner that promotes transparency and accountability. The Senators worked to secure more than $125 million for community projects across the Commonwealth in the eleven bills that have been released by the Senate so far. In addition to battling for these priorities, the Senators will work to ensure funds obtained by Virginia House members also remain in the final spending bills.