Warner leads Senate in recognizing 20th anniversary of Virginia-based NGA

U.S. Sen. MarkWarner (D-VA), incoming Vice Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, alongside committee member Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), released the following statement after the Senate passed their resolution recognizing the 20th anniversary of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

The NGA was founded on October 1, 1996.

“For over 20 years, the intelligence personnel at NGA have quietly served in defense of our nation. By helping us map and understand the globe, NGA has proven to be an invaluable resource for policymakers to make the best decisions to protect our citizens in an uncertain world,” said Sen. Warner. “I am proud that Virginia is home to this vital intelligence agency. The men and women that serve there are essential not only to our intelligence gathering, but to disaster relief and humanitarian efforts that exemplify the true meaning of public service. As the incoming Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I am honored to be a part of this well-deserved recognition for their quiet sacrifice.”

“Throughout its 20 year history, the NGA and its dedicated team of intelligence professionals have provided vital, timely information to keep our country safe,” Sen. Blunt said. “The agency’s work has proved invaluable to U.S. policy makers and military commanders in both war and peacetime, and during significant national security and natural disaster events. I’m proud to have NGA facilities in St. Louis and Arnold, Mo., and will continue working to support the agency’s critical mission.”

The military and civilian employees serving at NGA headquarters in Springfield, VA, as well as locations throughout the United States and across the globe, produce crucial mapping, charting, and intelligence products to warfighters, first responders, civil authorities, policy makers, and the maritime and aviation communities.

In the upcoming 115^th Congress, Sen. Warner has been selected to serve as the highest ranking Democrat on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Last summer, Sen. Warner introduced a resolution designating July 26, 2016 as “Intelligence Professionals Day.”

The full text of the resolution is available here.