Senator Mark Warner, Democratic from Virginia

Mark Warner

Senator · Virginia · Democrat

Mark Warner

Senate Floor

Recent comments in the Senate

Mr. President, moving off of this vigorous debate between my two friends on a topic that I think actually is of equal importance. For most of the last decade, conversations about artificial intelligence were largely conversations about the future, but today they are conversations about the present. AI is already changing how we work, how we learn, how we defend ourselves, how businesses compete, and, candidly, how Americans live their daily lives. AI is writing software, discovering drugs, managing supply chains, helping defend our networks.
Artificial Intelligence (Executive Calendar)··Share
Thank you, Mr. President. I have only got a couple more minutes. I will wrap up as quickly as possible. Maybe my colleagues might want to even listen to some of this because I think we actually have some good ideas here that cross both sides of the aisle. The same frontier AI models that accelerate discovery can also figure out where the vulnerabilities are in our systems. That is why we cannot approach frontier AI models the same way we approach ordinary software updates. The most advanced AI systems deserve a higher standard of security before they are widely deployed.
Artificial Intelligence (Executive Calendar)··Share
Mr. President, first of all, I want to thank my friend from Delaware. I am going to take that admonition, as we approach the Fourth of July, and reflect back on, obviously, what makes this country great. Mr. President, I rise today to ask for unanimous consent on my bill to reassert congressional will when it comes to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
On S. 4876··Share
Biography
Mark Warner began his career as a successful business executive and technology investor before entering public service. Elected as U.S. Senator for Virginia in 2008, he has prioritized economic innovation, national security, and expanding broadband access. Warner played a leading role in crafting bipartisan cybersecurity legislation and serves as chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He is recognized for pragmatic problem-solving and works to ensure Virginia’s interests are represented with transparency and collaboration.
Education
  • J.D., Harvard Law School
    1980
  • B.A. in Political Science, George Washington University
    1977
Professional History
  • U.S. Senator

    2009–Present

    Senator from Virginia. 3 terms.

  • Chair, National Governors Association

    2004–2005

    Led the bipartisan association of U.S. governors while serving as governor of Virginia.

  • Governor of Virginia

    2002–2006

    Served as the 69th governor of Virginia, with Tim Kaine as lieutenant governor.

  • Chair, Democratic Party of Virginia

    1993–1995

    Led the state Democratic Party organization in Virginia.

  • Founder and Leader, Columbia Capital

    Founded and led the telecommunications-focused venture capital firm Columbia Capital in the 1980s.

  • Co-founder, Capital Cellular Corporation

    Co-founded Capital Cellular Corporation, a telecommunications company, before entering electoral politics.

Policy Focus
Health9%
Taxation7%
Finance and Financial Sector5%
Armed Forces and National Security4%
Notable Legislation

Key legislative actions from Mark Warner's record in Congress.

  • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

    Helped negotiate and pass the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, securing funding for roads, broadband, and water systems.

  • COVID-19 Relief Funding

    Secured billions in COVID-19 relief for Virginia hospitals, small businesses, and unemployment assistance through the CARES Act.

  • Intelligence Oversight

    As Senate Intelligence Committee Chair, led bipartisan investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.

  • Rural Broadband Expansion

    Advanced federal investments to expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural Virginia communities.

Committee Assignments
View details →
  • Senate Select Committee on IntelligenceVice Chairman
  • Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Senate Committee on Rules and Administration
  • Senate Committee on Finance
  • Senate Committee on the Budget

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