WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on Monday concerning the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review, which was presented to Congress today:

“In a time of concern about federal spending and budget deficits, I will be asking tough questions about this Pentagon plan to divert $700 million to $1 billion -- or more – to reassign an aircraft carrier from the Norfolk Naval Station.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has long supported the world’s largest naval base at Norfolk. In fact, it was Virginia shipbuilders who constructed the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier nearly 50 years ago and who continue to build, refuel and maintain the carriers today.

"We will continue to work in partnership with Sen. Jim Webb, our colleagues in the House of Representatives, and our state and local partners to maintain Virginia's historic and long-standing commitment to support our military installations and Virginia's military men and women and their families."

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NOTE: This statement was updated from an earlier version released before the QDR was presented to Congress.