Kaine discusses military housing improvements during Naval Weapons Station Yorktown tour

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.)  toured the new barracks at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown on Monday and told 13News Now the issue surrounding housing for all military members remains a top concern.

"These guys have missions that are tough enough; housing should not be an additional stressor, it should relieve stress," Kaine said.

Kaine, who is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the trip as he plans fiscal priorities ahead of writing the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with his constituents. Kaine said he spent a decade gathering the support for improved housing alongside weapons storage, weapons magazines, and the Navy Munitions Command facility.

After meeting with several Hampton Roads Marines, Kaine said he plans to bring their message to the Senate floor.

"One Marine told me, 'This is great, but we really need to get better barracks in North Carolina, that's where I'm from,'" Kaine recalled. "I'm seeing [North Carolina Senator] Ted Budd tomorrow, I'll be sure to bring it up to him."

While on base, Kaine also received an update regarding Marine military operations and the use of drones. He said it's part of an ongoing conversation.

"The mission -- providing security to weapon systems, providing security to bases to military operations -- is what these guys do, and it's getting more complicated," said Kaine. "We take that all very seriously."

Kaine left Naval Weapons Station Yorktown with a promise to bring these improved amenities to all other military branches. So far, millions of dollars for new housing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Naval Air Station Oceana have already been approved.