Northam issued this statement: “Virginia benefits from the important work of securing our border and we have a responsibility to contribute to that mission. However, we also have a responsibility to stand up to policies or actions that run afoul of the values that define us as Americans. Today I spoke with the Adjutant General of the Virginia National Guard and ordered him to withdraw four soldiers and one helicopter from Arizona until the federal government ends its enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy that separates children from their parents.

Currently almost 50 percent of rural Virginians lack access to high speed internet and 29 percent don’t have any internet service at all. Rep. Rob Wittman, who represents part of Prince William County and Manassas, is trying to change that.

“This bipartisan bill will make it easier for people to receive degrees that they’ve already paid for, worked towards, and earned,” said Sen. Mark Warner. “This bill will give schools one more tool to prepare degree seekers for the workforce – equipping them with credentials that would have otherwise been left on the table."

Former Virginia Senator John W. Warner received the 2018 Gerald R. Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service June 4 for his years of dedication and service to his country.

U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) voted May 16 in favor of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to undo the Trump Administration’s repeal of net neutrality rules. The resolution passed the Senate 52-47 and it now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Representative Rob Wittman (VA-01) was joined by Representative Gerald Connolly (VA-11) in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating May 6-12, 2018 as Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW).

National Park Service (NPS) reports that it is developing a Comprehensive Trail Plan for Prince William Forest Park to provide guidance for enhancing the park’s trail system and visitor experience in a manner sympathetic with the natural and cultural surroundings and balances overall resource protection with intended trail uses and long-term management.

Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) has been selected by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to receive a $3.6 million grant to purchase six new OmniRide commuter buses, according to a PRTC news release. The grant award will enable PRTC to replace six older OmniRide commuter buses that have exceeded their useful life. There are 125 buses in the fleet.