U.S. Senator Mark Warner made two stops in the southside on Thursday as he visited Martinsville Speedway and also held an event at Cottontail Weddings & Events in Danville.

During his stop in Danville, Warner visited with representatives across the spectrum of Southside’s economic development community, including economic development professionals, elected officials, and business support organizations. As part of this discussion, Sen. Warner provided an update from Congress and discuss the new economic opportunities available to Virginia communities through the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS + Science ACT.

Warner also took the time to praise the City of Danville for the recent growth and improvement.

“When I think about the the renovations in terms of housing that’s gone on, this comeback city, this is not simply a slogan, it’s a reality. The fact that the population is growing and the fact that the community is so vibrant…people are understanding that what’s happening in the greater Danville area is really remarkable and I am so proud of all of you who have been part of this process and I’ve been proud to be that cheerleader,” said Warner.

During his speech Warner also discussed the infrastructure bill and what it should mean for internet in the area.

“If we don’t get everybody in Danville and Pittsylvania County with high-speed, affordable internet by the end of 2025, it’s failure of execution. It is not because we don’t have the money,” said Warner.

Another talking point Warner discussed was the CHIPS + Science Act. Warner discussed why it’s an important bill for the country.

“In the 1990’s the United State made almost all of the sophisticated semiconductor chips,” said Warner, “we went from almost making everything, making more than 45% of all the chips in the world and we went down to 9%. We didn’t make a single advanced chip. You think about any of our spacecraft, fighter jets, aircraft carriers, all of the chips are being made in Taiwan and a lot of that growth also came in China.”

Warner also stated that he believes Southside Virginia should be the home of a future CHIPS facility.