Timothy Kaine

Sen. Tim Kaine confirmed Thursday that he will chair the Senate Budget Committee next year, touting the power of the party-line reconciliation process to “provide relief to everyday Americans.” The Virginia Democrat, who has served on the panel for almost 14 years, said lawmakers need to reverse cuts to Medicaid and nutrition assistance and “stop funding illegal and foolish wars,” while investing in education, housing, workforce training, health care and infrastructure. Citing his time as mayor of Richmond and governor of Virginia during the fiscal crisis that began in 2008, Kaine vowed bold action to prevent automatic cuts to Social Security benefits in the coming years and manage the rising national debt.