Sen. Roger Marshall on "Face the Nation" Sept. 7, 2025

Economic Data and the Role of the Bureau of Labor Statistics

In an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia and top member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, addressed concerns about the reliability of U.S. economic data. When asked if he believed the data released by the United States was fundamentally flawed, Warner emphasized that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has long been considered the gold standard globally. While he acknowledged that reforms could be beneficial, he criticized the current administration for cutting staff and undermining the agency’s independence. Warner pointed out that the president had promised a "golden age" for American workers, yet manufacturing jobs have declined by 80,000 since the start of his term. He also highlighted the challenges faced by young graduates entering a tough job market, particularly as artificial intelligence threatens to displace many traditional roles.

The Impact of AI on Employment

Warner expressed concern over the potential for massive job displacement due to AI, especially in fields like computer programming. He noted that while the economy is undergoing a fundamental transformation, there is a lack of discussion around how this shift will affect workers. He called for more economists to address these issues, warning that the American public is increasingly aware of the difficulties in finding stable employment, particularly in manufacturing sectors.

Tech Titans and Policy Contradictions

During the interview, Brennan brought up the recent meeting between several tech leaders and President Trump, who was praised for his investments in chip manufacturing and AI. Warner countered by pointing out that the bipartisan Chips and Science Act, which included $52 billion in funding, was actually passed under President Biden. He noted that while Trump had previously criticized the bill, he now appears to be sending mixed signals by allowing the sale of advanced chips to China, despite efforts to strengthen domestic chip production. This contradiction raised questions about the administration's commitment to maintaining a technological edge over competitors.

Oversight and Intelligence Agency Access

The conversation then shifted to intelligence oversight, with Warner discussing a recent incident where he was blocked from attending a meeting at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency in Virginia. He explained that such visits are routine and part of the normal course of business for members of the Intelligence Committee. However, he attributed the blockage to Laura Loomer, a controversial right-wing blogger with ties to white nationalist groups. Warner expressed concern over her influence on the administration and the potential implications for national security. He emphasized that restricting Congress’s access to intelligence information compromises oversight and puts the country at greater risk.

Military Operations and International Law

Warner also addressed a recent military operation in Latin America aimed at intercepting a drug boat. He questioned the legality of the action, noting that international laws of the sea require certain procedures, such as firing warning shots before taking any aggressive action. He expressed concern that sailors might be put in harm’s way if these protocols were not followed. Additionally, he highlighted the lack of communication with the intelligence community regarding the operation, emphasizing that critical information should be shared with the Gang of Eight, a group responsible for receiving classified briefings.

Information Sharing and Partisan Concerns

Warner raised concerns about the transparency and timeliness of information sharing within the intelligence community. He cited past instances where members of the committee were not adequately informed about key operations, such as the Iran bombings. He warned that partisan approaches to intelligence sharing could lead to a repeat of past mistakes, such as the flawed intelligence that led to the Iraq War. Warner stressed the importance of ensuring that all relevant parties receive timely and accurate information to maintain national security.