Sen. Warner voices concerns about challenges U.S. faces

WASHINGTON, DC. (WVIR) - Virginia Senator Mark Warner held a remote news conference Thursday, raising concerns about U.S.-Iran negotiations, a shakeup inside the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and urging President Donald Trump to sign a bipartisan housing bill into law.

Warner said conflicting accounts from the U.S. and Iran about the weekend’s negotiations are raising serious concerns, including the Strait of Hormuz’s capability to shut down at any time.

Trump has insisted Iran agreed to nuclear inspections. Iran has said it made no such commitment.

“America is, unfortunately, worse off after this war of choice, and none of the strategic goals that the president aspired to have been accomplished,” Warner said.

Warner also addressed the shakeup inside the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, where acting Director Bill Pulte removed more than 50 career intelligence staffers days into his role.

“My fear is Bill Pulte, who’s only shown total loyalty to Trump ... him getting access to our nation’s most classified secrets is a danger,” Warner said.

Warner urged Trump to immediately sign the Road to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill he described as the largest legislative housing package in decades. The legislation aims to lower housing costs, support veterans, reduce homelessness and deliver aid to disaster-affected communities across Virginia.

“The average age of a first-time homebuyer is 40 now in America — that’s a disgrace,” Warner said.

His final statement states that as America and Virginians head into July 4th and America’s 250th, we must look back and reflect. “We are still a country in pursuit of a more perfect union.”

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