WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today was appointed Chairman of the Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV).  The subcommittee works to strengthen U.S. competitiveness by promoting trade, investment, innovation and manufacturing.  

“It has never been more important to promote innovation here at home and export and trade opportunities abroad,” said Sen. Warner.  “I look forward to this opportunity for more of a leadership role in exploring ways we can maintain both Virginia and America’s competitive edge in this global economy. This also provides opportunities to look for additional ways we can build-up and strengthen sustainable economies in our rural communities.”

“Senator Warner will be a terrific chair of our Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee,” added Sen. Rockefeller. “Few people in the Senate have as much first-hand experience in high-tech innovation and business entrepreneurship, not to mention his time as Governor. I know his Subcommittee leadership will be invaluable in helping our country's economy grow and be more competitive." 

Additional members of the subcommittee include Sens. Mark Begich (D-AK), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Dan Coats (R-IN), William Cowan (D-MA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Pryor (D-AR), and Tim Scott (R-SC).

Sen. Warner, a former technology entrepreneur, investor and Virginia Governor (2002-6), has long worked to create jobs and strengthen the economy. In Sept. 2010, Sen. Warner brought the U.S. Commerce Secretary and the President of the Import-Export Bank to Richmond for a Virginia Summit on Export Opportunities to assist entrepreneurs and businesses in exploring export assistance programs and opportunities.

In 2012, Sen. Warner co-sponsored the bipartisan Building a Stronger America Act to increase U.S. manufacturing, competiveness and export opportunities. Earlier this year, Sen. Warner reintroduced the Startup Act 3.0, a bipartisan jobs and high-skilled immigration plan which will promote additional jobs and investment, and help the U.S. win the global competition for talented innovators and entrepreneurs