The General Assembly Session adjourned on March 14 without adopting the 2026–2028 biennial budget and sending bills to Governor Spanberger for her to sign into law, veto, or suggest amendments. On April 22, the General Assembly convened to consider the Governor’s vetoes and amendments, rejecting amendments to certain bills of interest to VMA. Within 30 days, the General Assembly’s originally passed versions of those bills become law unless vetoed by the Governor. Throughout this process, VMA continued to monitor and communicate the association’s positions on legislation and budget priorities still being negotiated between the General Assembly and Governor Spanberger.

VMA has been a leading voice to position Virginia to contribute to, and economically benefit from, the revitalization of the nation’s defense and maritime industrial base. In April, these activities included participating in the Virginia Regional Defense Forum; the Virginia Ship Repair Association’s maritime roundtable with Senators Warner and Kaine, and Congressman Scott; and making a presentation to a delegation of foreign businesses attending the Department of Commerce’s “Select USA” and hosted by the Hampton Roads Alliance.

VMA values opportunities to promote our industry and share information with other organizations. In April, this included presentations to the Rotary Club of Norfolk, the Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission, and the Transportation Research Forum.

Additional events and meetings in which VMA presented or represented member interests included:

• Port of Virginia Stakeholders Committee 
• Hampton Roads Federal Policy Coalition 
• Hampton Roads Alliance Playbook Steering Committee 
• MSI Grand Opening 
• Portsmouth Public Schools Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee 
• Hampton Roads Global Commerce Council’s State of the Port