History of Tim Kaine in Timeline
"Timothy Michael Kaine is an American politician and lawyer who currently serves as the junior U.S. Senator from Virginia. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the 70th Governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010 and as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006. In the 2016 election, he was the Democratic nominee for Vice President as Hillary Clinton's running mate."
February 26, 1958: Tim Kaine's Birth
Timothy Michael Kaine was born on February 26, 1958, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
1966: Foundation of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation
In 1966, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation was established to preserve open land in the state.
1973: War Powers Act in Effect
The War Powers Act of 1973, which Tim Kaine and Senator John McCain later sought to replace with the War Powers Consultation Act of 2014, was in effect.
1974: 1974 Pension Plan Operational
The 1974 Pension Plan, which the American Miners Act of 2019 aimed to support, was operational.
1976: Graduation from Rockhurst High School
Tim Kaine graduated from Rockhurst High School, a Jesuit all-boys preparatory school in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1976.
1977: Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act in Effect
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, which the American Miners Act of 2019 sought to amend, was in effect.
1978: Coro Foundation Fellow
Tim Kaine was a Coro Foundation fellow in Kansas City in 1978.
1979: Graduation from University of Missouri
Tim Kaine received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Missouri in 1979.
1980: Work in Honduras
Tim Kaine worked in Honduras for nine months, from 1980 to 1981, assisting Jesuit missionaries.
1981: Return from Honduras
Tim Kaine returned to the U.S. from Honduras in 1981 after working with Jesuit missionaries.
1983: Graduation from Harvard Law School
Tim Kaine graduated from Harvard Law School with a J.D. degree in 1983.
November 1984: Marriage to Anne Bright Holton
In November 1984, Tim Kaine married Anne Bright Holton, daughter of former Virginia Governor A. Linwood Holton Jr. They met while attending Harvard Law School.
1984: Admission to Virginia Bar
Tim Kaine was admitted to the Virginia bar in 1984.
1987: Director at Mezzullo & McCandlish, P.C.
Tim Kaine became a director of the law firm of Mezzullo & McCandlish, P.C. in 1987.
1988: Professor at University of Richmond School of Law
Tim Kaine started teaching legal ethics as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond School of Law in 1988.
1994: Elected to Richmond City Council
Tim Kaine was elected to the Richmond City Council in 1994, representing the 2nd district.
1994: Elected to Richmond City Council
Tim Kaine won a seat on the Richmond City Council in 1994, marking his first elected public office.
July 1, 1998: Elected Mayor of Richmond
Tim Kaine was elected Mayor of Richmond on July 1, 1998, succeeding Larry Chavis.
1998: Mayor of Richmond
Tim Kaine was elected Mayor of Richmond in 1998 and served until 2001.
2000: Reopening of Maggie L. Walker High School
The historic Maggie L. Walker High School, renovated under Kaine's leadership as Mayor, reopened as a magnet governor's school in 2000.
2000: Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
Tim Kaine received the Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, then known as the Virginia Region of the National Conference for Community and Justice, in 2000.
September 10, 2001: Resignation from Richmond City Council
Tim Kaine resigned from his position on the Richmond City Council on September 10, 2001.
2001: Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor
Tim Kaine ran against state delegates Alan A. Diamonstein and Jerrauld C. Jones in the Democratic primary election for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2001 and won the nomination.
2001: Campaign for Lieutenant Governor
Tim Kaine ran for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2001, touting his success with Project Exile during his time as Mayor.
2001: Elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Tim Kaine was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 2001.
January 12, 2002: Inauguration as Lieutenant Governor
Tim Kaine was inaugurated as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia on January 12, 2002.
2002: Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Tim Kaine served as the 38th Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006.
2004: Virginia Outdoors Foundation achievements
By 2004, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation had protected more land than in the previous 40 years. This was highlighted by Tim Kaine as his term came to a close in 2009.
2005: Kaine's stance on adoption by couples
In 2005, Kaine stated that only married couples should be allowed to adopt in Virginia, calling it the right policy.
2005: Promise on land conservation
In 2005, Tim Kaine made a promise to protect 400,000 acres of Virginia land from development, focusing on conservation easements and tax credits.
2005: Campaign for Governor of Virginia
Tim Kaine ran for Governor of Virginia in 2005 against Republican candidate Jerry W. Kilgore.
2005: Support for Safe Drinking Water Act
Tim Kaine voted against an amendment in 2005 that would have removed the exemption of fracking from the Safe Drinking Water Act, leaving regulation in the hands of state agencies rather than the EPA.
2005: Elected Governor of Virginia
Tim Kaine was elected Governor of Virginia in 2005.
2005: Stance on Abortion
While running for governor in 2005, Tim Kaine expressed support for reducing abortions by enforcing existing restrictions, promoting abstinence-focused education, ensuring women's healthcare access, and encouraging adoption.
January 14, 2006: Kaine inaugurated as governor at colonial Capitol
On January 14, 2006, Tim Kaine was sworn in as governor of Virginia at the colonial Capitol in Williamsburg, becoming the first governor since Thomas Jefferson to be inaugurated there.
January 31, 2006: Democratic response to State of the Union
On January 31, 2006, Tim Kaine delivered the Democratic response to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address. He criticized the No Child Left Behind Act, congressional Republicans' cuts to student loan programs, and the Bush administration's spending increases and tax cuts. He also condemned the administration's conduct of the Iraq War and treatment of U.S. soldiers.
October 2006: Executive order on smoking ban
In October 2006, Tim Kaine signed an executive order to ban smoking in all government buildings and state-owned cars effective from January 1, 2007.
2006: Start of Governorship
Tim Kaine's term as the Governor of Virginia began in 2006.
2006: Governor of Virginia
Tim Kaine served as the 70th Governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010.
2006: Introduction of the CTE Excellence and Equity Act
In 2014, Kaine and Portman introduced the CTE Excellence and Equity Act as an amendment to the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, aiming to provide funding for high school CTE programs.
2006: Virginia's top management grade
In 2006, Virginia earned the highest grade in terms of management in a report by the Pew Center on the States. Virginia also took first place in Forbes magazine's "Best States For Business" rankings that year.
2006: Traffic congestion legislative package
In 2006, Tim Kaine pushed for a legislative package to ease traffic congestion by raising $1 billion annually for transportation projects, but the effort failed due to opposition from the Republican-controlled House.
January 1, 2007: Smoking ban in government buildings and cars
As of January 1, 2007, an executive order signed by Tim Kaine banned smoking in all government buildings and state-owned cars.
February 2007: Kaine Endorses Obama for President
Kaine announced his support for Barack Obama's presidential bid in February 2007, becoming one of the first statewide elected officials outside of Illinois to do so.
April 2007: Executive order on gun sales and mental health
In April 2007, Tim Kaine signed an executive order to block gun sales to people involuntarily committed to mental health treatment centers, following the Virginia Tech shooting.
May 2007: Virginia Tech Review Panel first meeting
In May 2007, the Virginia Tech Review Panel, appointed by Tim Kaine to probe the Virginia Tech shooting, held its first meeting.
July 2007: Support for Silver Line elevated track
In July 2007, Tim Kaine supported an elevated track solution for the Silver Line of the Washington Metro through Tysons Corner to avoid costs and delays that could jeopardize federal funding.
August 2007: Virginia Tech Review Panel findings
In August 2007, the Virginia Tech Review Panel issued its findings and recommendations, which included many mental health reforms.
September 27, 2007: Resignation of Esam Omeish
On September 27, 2007, Tim Kaine learned that Esam Omeish, who he had recently appointed to the Virginia Commission on Immigration, had made controversial remarks about Israel and President Bush. Omeish resigned at Kaine's request.
2007: HPV vaccine legislation
In 2007, Tim Kaine signed legislation requiring girls to receive the HPV vaccine before entering high school, with a provision that allowed parents to opt out without citing a reason.
2007: Early childhood education expansion
In 2007, early childhood education participation in Virginia increased by 40.2% due to Tim Kaine's expansion of the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Virginia was rated as the best state to raise a child in a report by Education Week and the Pew Center on the States.
2007: Funding Cut for Abstinence-Only Education
As governor in 2007, Tim Kaine cut state funding for abstinence-only sex education programs, citing their ineffectiveness compared to comprehensive programs, advocating for an evidence-based approach including both abstinence and contraception.
2007: Appointments to the Supreme Court of Virginia
In 2007, Tim Kaine, as Governor of Virginia, appointed Chesapeake circuit judge S. Bernard Goodwyn to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
2007: Increased funding for nursing
In 2007, Tim Kaine secured increases in state funding for nursing, announced a 10% salary increase for nursing faculty, and provided additional funds for scholarships to address a nursing shortage.
2007: Republican transportation-funding bill
In 2007, Republicans in the Virginia General Assembly passed a transportation-funding bill, which relied on borrowing and local tax increases rather than a statewide tax increase.
June 2008: Commutation of Death Sentence
In June 2008, Tim Kaine commuted Percy Levar Walton's death sentence to life imprisonment, citing mental incompetence and potential unconstitutionality of execution.
July 28, 2008: Kaine on Vice-Presidential Shortlist
On July 28, 2008, Politico reported that Kaine was on Obama's shortlist for vice president, but Obama ultimately chose Joe Biden.
2008: Economic crisis management
During the 2008–09 economic crisis, Tim Kaine managed to keep Virginia's state operations running, with unemployment remaining lower than the national average.
2008: Chairman of Southern Governors' Association
In 2008, Tim Kaine served as the chairman of the Southern Governors' Association.
2008: Support for coal-fired power plant project
In 2008, Tim Kaine supported a controversial coal-fired power plant project in Wise County, which faced opposition from environmentalists.
2008: Appointments to the Supreme Court of Virginia
In 2008, Tim Kaine, as Governor of Virginia, appointed Virginia Court of Appeals Judge LeRoy F. Millette Jr. to the Supreme Court of Virginia.
2008: Financial Crisis Impacts Miners' Pensions
The 2008 financial crisis had a significant impact on miners' pensions, contributing to the need for support that the American Miners Act of 2019 aimed to address.
January 2009: Kaine Becomes DNC Chair
In January 2009, Tim Kaine became chair of the Democratic National Committee at the request of President Obama, while continuing his term as governor of Virginia.
March 2009: Legislation banning smoking in restaurants and bars
In March 2009, Tim Kaine signed legislation banning smoking in restaurants and bars with some exceptions, making Virginia the first Southern state to do so.
2009: Chairman of Southern Governors' Association
In 2009, Tim Kaine continued his role as the chairman of the Southern Governors' Association.
2009: Faith in Action Award
Tim Kaine was awarded the Virginia Council of Churches' Faith in Action Award in 2009.
2009: Support for tighter mountaintop removal mining restrictions
In 2009, Tim Kaine expressed his support for the Obama administration's tighter restrictions on mountaintop removal coal mining.
2009: Kaine supports transportation and smart growth policies
In 2009, Kaine participated in a White House round-table discussion on high-speed rail, supporting smart growth policies and expansions in public transportation, including Amtrak service in Virginia.
2009: Chair of the Democratic National Committee
Tim Kaine served as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2009 to 2011.
2009: Land conservation efforts
In 2009, towards the end of his term, Tim Kaine highlighted his administration's success in protecting 400,000 acres of Virginia land from development through conservation easements and tax credits.
2009: Virginia's top management grade
In 2009, Virginia continued to earn the highest grade in terms of management in a report by the Pew Center on the States. The state also maintained its first-place ranking in Forbes magazine's "Best States For Business."
2009: "Choose Life" License Plate
In 2009, Tim Kaine signed a bill to create a "Choose Life" license plate, with proceeds partly going to an anti-abortion organization, citing free speech and existing specialty plates with various messages.
2009: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Enacted
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 (Obamacare), which Tim Kaine supported and defended, was signed into law.
January 2010: Teaching at the University of Richmond
After completing his term as governor in January 2010, Kaine began teaching part-time at the University of Richmond.
2010: End of Governorship
Tim Kaine's term as the Governor of Virginia ended in 2010.
2010: 2010 Midterm Elections
In the 2010 midterm elections, the Democratic National Committee, under Kaine's leadership, outraised the Republican National Committee but lost control of the House and lost seats in the Senate.
2010: Opposition to Citizens United
Tim Kaine expressed strong disagreement with the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) ruling, which he believes increased corporate influence in politics.
2010: End of Governorship
Tim Kaine's term as the Governor of Virginia ended in 2010.
February 2011: Organizing for America in Wisconsin
In February 2011, after Kaine spoke to union leaders in Madison, Organizing for America, President Obama's campaign apparatus, became involved in opposing Republican-sponsored anti-union legislation in Wisconsin.
April 5, 2011: Kaine Announces Senate Candidacy
On April 5, 2011, Kaine announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat held by Jim Webb, who decided not to seek re-election.
2011: End of Term as DNC Chair
Tim Kaine's term as Chair of the Democratic National Committee ended in 2011.
2012: Kaine supports raising FICA cap
In 2012, Kaine supported raising the cap on income subject to the FICA payroll tax to levels similar to those under President Reagan in the 1980s, aiming to extend the solvency of the Social Security program.
2012: Support for Contraceptive Mandate Amendment
In 2012, Tim Kaine praised an amendment to the Affordable Care Act that ensured access to birth control for employees even when employers objected on religious grounds.
2012: William Green Award for Professional Excellence
The University of Richmond School of Law honored Tim Kaine with the William Green Award for Professional Excellence in 2012.
2012: Continued Support for the Affordable Care Act
Tim Kaine reaffirmed his support for the Affordable Care Act in 2012, viewing it as a step towards positive change in healthcare.
January 3, 2013: Kaine Sworn in as Senator
Kaine was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on January 3, 2013, reuniting him with Mark Warner in the Senate.
March 2013: Kaine supports same-sex marriage
In March 2013, Kaine announced his support for same-sex marriage.
June 11, 2013: Kaine Delivers Spanish Speech on Senate Floor
On June 11, 2013, Kaine delivered a speech entirely in Spanish on the Senate floor in support of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" immigration bill, marking the first time a senator had ever done so.
2013: Defense of the Affordable Care Act
Tim Kaine defended the Affordable Care Act in 2013 while expressing openness to debating potential improvements. He criticized Republicans for using the threat of a government shutdown as leverage.
2013: Kaine Supports Reevaluating Offshore Drilling Moratorium
In 2013, Tim Kaine advocated for a reassessment of the moratorium on offshore drilling, arguing that the cost-benefit analysis conducted decades prior should be revisited.
2013: U.S. Senator from Virginia
Tim Kaine began serving as the junior United States Senator from Virginia in 2013.
January 2014: Establishment of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus
In January 2014, Kaine and Senator Rob Portman established the bipartisan Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, focusing on vocational and technical education.
November 2014: Emphasis on Congressional Authorization for Military Action
In November 2014, at the Halifax International Security Forum, Tim Kaine and Senator John McCain publicly stressed the need for Congressional authorization for the U.S. military intervention against ISIL.
December 11, 2014: Approval of Measure Authorizing Force Against ISIL
On December 11, 2014, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, after a five-month effort by Tim Kaine, approved a measure that would authorize military force against ISIL while prohibiting the use of ground troops.
2014: Anne Holton Appointed Secretary of Education
Anne Holton was appointed as Virginia's Secretary of Education by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014. This followed her time as the First Lady of Virginia during her husband's term as governor.
2014: Addressing Sea Level Rise
Concerned about the impact of climate change, Tim Kaine collaborated with Virginia Republicans in 2014 to address sea-level rise, particularly its effects on coastal Virginia and military installations.
2014: Kaine Supports Israel's Right to Self-Defense
During the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, Tim Kaine voiced his support for Israel's right to defend itself.
2014: Award for Public Service in the Americas
In 2014, Tim Kaine received the Award for Public Service in the Americas from the Inter-American Dialogue.
2014: Introduction of the War Powers Consultation Act
In 2014, driven by concerns over the "process and communication over decisions of war," Tim Kaine and Senator John McCain introduced the War Powers Consultation Act of 2014. This act aimed to replace the War Powers Act of 1973 and ensure Congressional involvement in deploying U.S. military forces.
2014: Criticism of Climate Change Deniers
In a 2014 Senate speech, Tim Kaine criticized climate change deniers and those who oppose US leadership in addressing the issue, demonstrating his acceptance of climate science.
2014: Liberal Rating
The liberal group Americans for Democratic Action gave Tim Kaine a 90% rating in 2014, reflecting his alignment with liberal policies.
April 2015: Kaine Reiterates Opposition to Offshore Drilling Moratorium
In April 2015, Tim Kaine publicly restated his opposition to the existing moratorium on offshore oil drilling.
October 2015: Criticism of Obama's Approach to Syrian Civil War
In October 2015, Tim Kaine expressed criticism of President Obama's handling of the Syrian Civil War, suggesting that establishing humanitarian no-fly zones would have been a more effective approach.
2015: Advocacy for Transparency in Political Spending
In 2015, Tim Kaine joined Senate Democrats urging the SEC to mandate disclosure of political spending by publicly traded companies to enhance transparency in political financing.
2015: Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Congressional Award
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy honored Tim Kaine with their Congressional Award in 2015.
2015: Kaine Supports Saudi-Led Airstrikes in Yemen
In 2015, Tim Kaine expressed support for the airstrikes conducted by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen against Houthi rebels.
2015: League of Conservation Voters Gives Kaine High Scores
During his vice-presidential campaign in 2015, the League of Conservation Voters had given Tim Kaine an 88% score for that year and a 91% lifetime score based on his environmental record.
March 2016: Kaine Signals Softening Stance on Offshore Drilling
In March 2016, Tim Kaine indicated a shift in his stance on offshore drilling, citing concerns from the Department of Defense regarding potential conflicts with naval operations off the Virginia coast.
July 2016: Anne Holton Steps Down as Secretary of Education
In July 2016, Anne Holton resigned from her position as Virginia's Secretary of Education, a role she had held since 2014, following her husband's vice presidential nomination.
July 2016: Kaine Supports Tailored Financial Regulations
In July 2016, Tim Kaine signed a bipartisan letter urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to implement Dodd-Frank regulations in a way that wouldn't place excessive burdens on community banks and credit unions.
July 2016: Kaine comments on TPP agreement
In July 2016, Kaine commented that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was an improvement over the status quo, but he had significant concerns over its dispute resolution mechanism and later stated he could not support the TPP in its current form.
July 22, 2016: Announcement as Vice Presidential Running Mate
Hillary Clinton announced Tim Kaine as her Vice Presidential running mate on July 22, 2016.
July 27, 2016: Democratic VP Nomination
On July 27, 2016, at the Democratic National Convention, Tim Kaine was officially nominated as the vice presidential candidate alongside Hillary Clinton.
August 2016: Kaine Supports Ban on Offshore Drilling
By August 2016, Tim Kaine declared his support for a ban on offshore drilling, aligning his position with that of Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration.
September 2016: Kaine Opposes UN Resolution Against Israel
In September 2016, Tim Kaine was among the signatories of an AIPAC-backed letter urging President Obama to veto a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
October 2016: Vice Presidential Debate
During the vice-presidential debate in October 2016, Tim Kaine, facing Mike Pence, was criticized for being too aggressive and interrupting, according to ABC News.
November 8, 2016: Defeat in Presidential Election
The Clinton-Kaine ticket lost the Presidential election to the Republican ticket of Donald Trump and Mike Pence on November 8, 2016, despite winning the popular vote.
December 2016: Senators urge Trump to lower prescription drug costs
In December 2016, Kaine was one of 17 senators to sign a letter to Trump asking him to fulfill a campaign pledge to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.
2016: First Spanish Speech in a Presidential Campaign
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Tim Kaine became the first candidate on a presidential ticket to deliver a speech entirely in Spanish, showcasing his fluency stemming from his nine months spent in Honduras.
2016: Democratic Nominee for Vice President
Tim Kaine was the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 2016 election as Hillary Clinton's running mate.
2016: Distinguished Service Award
Tim Kaine received the Center for the National Interest's Distinguished Service Award in 2016.
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Tim Kaine endorsed Hillary Clinton for president and actively campaigned for her in seven states. He was considered a potential running mate, with reports placing him high on Clinton's list.
2016: Kaine supports Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
In 2016, Kaine supported the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to expand cases against gender pay discrimination and was praised by the National Organization for Women after being selected as Clinton's running mate.
2016: Political Ideology Assessment
In 2016, FiveThirtyEight characterized Tim Kaine as a "mainstream Democrat" with an ideology score similar to Joe Biden's, indicating a center-left political stance.
2016: Kaine Outlines Foreign Policy Philosophy in Essay
Following the 2016 presidential election, Tim Kaine published a comprehensive essay in Foreign Affairs, outlining his foreign policy vision and advocating for a new grand strategy centered around democracy promotion.
2016: Kaine Criticizes Donald Trump
During the 2016 vice-presidential campaign, Kaine frequently criticized Donald Trump's qualifications and temperament.
2016: Kaine's position on same-sex marriage and the Catholic Church
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Kaine acknowledged that his support for same-sex marriage was at odds with the Roman Catholic Church's doctrine, predicting the Church would eventually adopt his view.
2016: Kaine Announces Re-election Bid
After the 2016 election, Kaine announced that he would run for reelection to the Senate in 2018.
February 2017: Senators address opioid overdose device price hike
In February 2017, he and 30 other senators signed a letter to Kaléo Pharmaceuticals addressing the price increase of the opioid-overdose-reversing device Evzio from $690 in 2014 to $4,500, requesting detailed pricing information and donation data.
February 2017: Kaine Meets with Pope Francis and Addresses Chatham House
In February 2017, Kaine met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss refugees and Latin American issues. That same month, he delivered an address, "The Truman Doctrine at 70", at London's Chatham House.
April 2017: Criticism of Shayrat Missile Strike
In April 2017, following the Shayrat missile strike in Syria authorized by President Trump, Tim Kaine condemned the action as lacking legal justification and emphasized the need for Congressional approval.
July 2017: Kaine Votes for Sanctions Against Iran, Russia, and North Korea
In July 2017, Tim Kaine voted in favor of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which imposed sanctions on Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
July 2017: Interview at the Brookings Institution
In July 2017, at the Brookings Institution, Tim Kaine elaborated on his proposed grand strategy during an interview with international relations expert Robert Kagan.
November 2017: Cosponsoring the Military Domestic Violence Reporting Enhancement Act
Tim Kaine showed his support for addressing domestic violence in the military in November 2017 by cosponsoring the Military Domestic Violence Reporting Enhancement Act. This bill aimed to improve the reporting of domestic violence convictions and prevent abusers from acquiring firearms.
2017: Introduction of the Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act
Kaine and Portman introduced the Educating Tomorrow's Workforce Act in 2017, similar to their previous legislation, to promote apprenticeships and CTE initiatives.
2017: Trump Dismantles Arctic Envoy Position
In 2017, the Trump administration eliminated the position of special envoy for the Arctic.
2017: Kaine Continues Criticism of Trump
In 2017, after Trump took office, Kaine continued to criticize what he saw as Trump's "authoritarian tendencies".
2017: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic
Tim Kaine was bestowed the honor of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic in 2017.
February 2018: Opposition to Potential Strikes on North Korea
In February 2018, Tim Kaine joined 17 other senators in formally opposing a potential preemptive U.S. military strike on North Korea, arguing that such action would require Congressional approval.
March 2018: Request for Hearing on Mass Shootings
Following the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in March 2018, Tim Kaine joined nine other senators in urging the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to hold a hearing to investigate the causes of mass shootings and discuss potential solutions.
April 2018: Criticism of Airstrikes in Syria
Tim Kaine, in April 2018, publicly criticized President Trump's authorization of a military strike on Syria without consulting Congress, labeling it an "illegal military act."
October 2018: Senators urge reversal on visa policy for LGBTQ diplomats
In October 2018, Kaine was one of 20 senators to sign a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the reversal of the State Department's policy denying visas to same-sex partners of LGBTQ diplomats.
December 2018: Opposition to Trump Administration's Healthcare Policy
In December 2018, Tim Kaine was among 42 senators who voiced their disapproval of the Trump administration's interpretation of the Affordable Care Act, specifically its potential to increase healthcare costs and weaken protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
2018: Proposal for "Medicare X"
Tim Kaine and Senator Michael Bennet put forward a proposal for "Medicare X" in 2018, presenting it as a more moderate alternative to the "Medicare for All" single-payer system.
2018: Re-elected to the Senate
Tim Kaine was re-elected to a second Senate term in 2018, defeating Republican Corey Stewart.
2018: Endorsement from The Richmond Times-Dispatch
In his 2018 Senate campaign, Kaine received the endorsement of The Richmond Times-Dispatch.
2018: Coal Company Bankruptcies Affect Miners' Healthcare
Coal company bankruptcies in 2018 had a detrimental effect on miners' access to healthcare, prompting the inclusion of provisions to protect healthcare benefits in the American Miners Act of 2019.
2018: League of Conservation Voters Gives Kaine High Scores
In 2018, the League of Conservation Voters awarded Tim Kaine a 95% score for his Senate votes on environmental issues, along with a 94% lifetime score.
2018: Critic of Trump's Syria Strikes
In 2018, Tim Kaine, known for his stance on presidential war powers, deemed the U.S. missile strikes against the Syrian government, ordered by President Trump, as illegal due to the lack of Congressional approval.
2018: Kaine Questions Saudi Arabia's Commitment to Protecting Civilians
In 2018, Tim Kaine was one of seven senators who signed a letter expressing concerns about the Trump administration's certifications regarding Saudi Arabia's efforts to protect civilians in Yemen.
2018: Kaine Seeks Re-election to the Senate
In 2018, Kaine ran for re-election to the Senate against Republican nominee Corey Stewart.
2018: Concerns Raised Over U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts
Concerns were raised by senators, including Tim Kaine, about the potential negative impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid to Central American countries in the Fiscal Year 2018 national security appropriations bill.
January 2019: Introduction of the American Miners Act of 2019
In January 2019, Tim Kaine joined five other Democratic senators in introducing the American Miners Act of 2019. The bill aimed to support the 1974 Pension Plan and the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, particularly in light of challenges faced by coal miners.
February 2019: Senators confront insulin price hikes
In February 2019, Kaine was one of 11 senators to sign a letter to insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi about increased insulin prices, charging that the price hikes caused patients to lack access to life-saving medications.
March 2019: Kaine Co-Sponsors Climate Security Act
In March 2019, Tim Kaine was among 11 senators who co-sponsored the Climate Security Act of 2019, aiming to create a new State Department group focused on incorporating climate data into national security strategies and restoring the special envoy for the Arctic position.
April 2019: Senators support HUD's Section 4 Capacity Building program
In April 2019, Kaine was one of 41 senators to sign a bipartisan letter supporting HUD's Section 4 Capacity Building program, opposing its proposed elimination in Trump's budget for Fiscal Year 2020 and urging continued funding.
April 2019: Kaine Supports Carbon Capture Funding
In April 2019, Tim Kaine joined a group of 12 senators in signing a bipartisan letter advocating for increased funding for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) research and development within the Energy Department.
June 2019: Cosponsoring the HEAR Act
In response to the Virginia Beach shooting in June 2019, Tim Kaine became a cosponsor of the Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act. This legislation aimed to restrict the use of suppressors, particularly after the shooter in Virginia Beach used one.
July 2019: Introduction of Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
In July 2019, Kaine and 15 other Senate Democrats introduced the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which mandates that ICE agents obtain supervisor approval before conducting immigration raids at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, except in special circumstances.
July 2019: Senators oppose ending deportation protections for military families
In July 2019, Kaine was one of 22 senators to sign a letter opposing the Trump administration's reported plans to end protections against deportation for the families of active-duty service members, arguing it would cause personal hardship for service members in combat.
July 31, 2019: Support for Death Penalty Ban
Tim Kaine co-sponsored a bill to ban the death penalty on July 31, 2019, following the announcement of the federal government's resumption of capital punishment after two decades.
August 2019: Senators request healthcare data from Trump administration
In August 2019, Kaine was one of 19 Democratic senators to sign a letter to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar requesting data on the potential consequences for healthcare if Texas prevailed in its lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act.
September 2019: Senators advocate for coal miners' benefits
In September 2019, Kaine was one of six Democratic senators to sign a letter to congressional leadership advocating legislation to permanently fund health care and pension benefits for retired coal miners, highlighting the urgency as families would start receiving termination notifications by the next month.
2019: Kaine Co-Sponsors South China Sea Sanctions Act
In 2019, Tim Kaine co-sponsored the South China Sea and East China Sea Sanctions Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at countering China's assertive actions in the South China Sea.
2019: Kaine Urges Trump to Reconsider Foreign Aid Cuts
In 2019, Tim Kaine joined 34 Senate Democrats in urging President Trump to reassess proposed cuts to U.S. foreign aid for Central American countries in the Northern Triangle region.
January 2020: Introduction of War Powers Resolution on Iran
In January 2020, Tim Kaine introduced a war powers resolution to prevent the U.S. from engaging in hostilities with Iran without Congressional approval unless facing an imminent threat.
May 28, 2020: Positive Test for COVID-19 Antibodies
Tim Kaine and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies on May 28, 2020.
2020: Trump's Budget Request Raises Concerns
Tim Kaine and other senators expressed concerns about the Trump administration's 2020 budget request, which proposed combining two federal programs related to carbon capture research.
February 2021: Demanding Answers from President Biden
In February 2021, Tim Kaine pressed President Biden for a legal justification following airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in Syria, highlighting the lack of prior consultation with Congress.
March 2022: Reports of Long COVID Symptoms
In March 2022, it was reported that Tim Kaine was experiencing long covid symptoms.
January 20, 2023: Kaine Announces 2024 Senate Candidacy
On January 20, 2023, Kaine announced his candidacy for reelection in 2024.
December 30, 2023: Kaine Criticizes Biden's Emergency Arms Sale to Israel
On December 30, 2023, Tim Kaine publicly criticized President Biden's decision to bypass Congress in approving an emergency sale of weapons to Israel during the Israel-Hamas war.
2023: Kaine Introduces Provision Requiring Congressional Approval for NATO Withdrawal
In 2023, Tim Kaine successfully added a provision to the National Defense Authorization Act that mandates congressional approval for any U.S. withdrawal from NATO.
2024: Kaine Voices Support for Independent Palestine
In 2024, Tim Kaine expressed his support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, suggesting that U.S. recognition should be contingent upon Palestine's commitment to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors.
2024: Kaine to Face Hung Cao in General Election
Kaine will face Republican Hung Cao in the general election in 2024.