Kaine Statement on 1600 Norfolk Shipyard Workers Receiving WARN Notices

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement following news that 1600 shipyard workers in Norfolk will be receiving WARN notices today:

“I feel great sympathy for the 1600 shipyard workers and their families receiving WARN notices today. As I learned from my visit with workers in Newport News yesterday, delayed ship repairs over budget uncertainty will have a devastating ripple effect on the Hampton Roads economy and an immediate impact on our readiness. As the Pentagon notifies DOD civilians about potential furloughs, I'm still not willing to accept that the sequester has to happen. All that's required is a willingness for leaders of both parties to take responsibility for this self-inflicted crisis and find a reasonable compromise."