Senator Webb Introduces Bill to Overhaul America's Criminal Justice System

Press Release from the office of Senator Jim Webb, Virginia

Senator Webb Calls for Hearings into Upsurge in Piracy.

April 20, 2009 - Senator Webb sent letters to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations (SFRC) and Armed Services (SASC), calling for hearings into the upsurge in piracy off the coast of Somalia. Webb has been outspoken about the need for forceful measures to reduce piracy and prevent the kind of incident experienced off the Somali Coast the weekend of April 18th.

"Piracy should not be tolerated. It is a violation of international law, and for centuries the use of force to stop it has been supported by virtually every nation," wrote Webb.

He proposed that the Committees address a number of issues, including the administration's efforts to bolster the authority of the transitional Somali government and greater international cooperation in reestablishing maritime security and freedom of the seas for all nations.