His decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections, creating a wide-open Senate race in a state that has long been a contested battleground.

The decision creates a political opportunity for Democrats seeking to bolster their numbers in the 2026 midterm elections.

Sen. Mark Warner suggested that the bill, which is nearing a final vote in the Senate, could lose support from Republicans, saying "it's not over until it's over."