The following was published in the January 12, 2015 issue of the Congressional Record: COMMEMORATING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF VIRGINIA ORGANIZINGMr. WARNER. Mr. President, I wish to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Virginia Organizing, a group committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities across the Commonwealth to address the issues affecting the quality of their lives.

Virginia Organizing has been on the forefront of the debate on local, statewide, and national issues such as economic security for families, education, environment, health care, equality, poverty, and other social justice issues.

Virginia Organizing and I share a common goal—-one that I have spoken about many times—-that all Virginians and all Americans should have a fair shot at success. We share the belief that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity in all aspects of life, regardless of race, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability or country of origin. Both as Governor and now as Senator, I am proud to have served alongside a group who embraces and celebrates diversity.

This year, during their 20th anniversary, I would like to recognize and thank the leaders, members, and staff of Virginia Organizing, who continue to work tirelessly to provide children, low-income residents, immigrants, veterans, retirees, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups with the resources that they need to have a fair shot. I appreciate their work for the people of the Commonwealth and wish them all the best as they embark on their next 20 years.