{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Democrat\", state = \"WA\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-signing-fy22-ndaa-law", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Signing of the FY22 NDAA into Law", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "December 28, 2021\n\nSEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) was signed into law for the 61st consecutive year by President Joe Biden. S. 1605, the bipartisan, bicameral final text of the FY22 NDAA, passed the House by a vote of 363-70 and the Senate by a vote of 88-11.\n\n\"After months of working together on a bipartisan, bicameral basis, this week the President signed the NDAA into law for the 61st consecutive year. It is crucial that Congress passes this bill every year so that the legislative branch can continue to exercise our oversight responsibilities over the Department of Defense. This year's NDAA also makes progress on several important issues. Specifically, the NDAA will improve the lives of our service members and their families, promote the health and future of our planet, and support diverse and equitable communities to meet our nation's biggest challenges.\n\n\"One of the issues that sets this year's NDAA apart from prior defense bills is a package of significant modifications to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), which will dramatically change how the U.S. military will handle sexual assault crimes. These reforms empower a new special prosecutor to take control of the charging and prosecution of all sex crimes and any crime related to a sex crime, removing these responsibilities from the normal chain of command. Removing the prosecution of these crimes from the chain of command is a dramatic change that is strongly supported by advocates for survivors of sexual assault. These updates to the UCMJ will create a strong pathway for survivors to achieve justice and for perpetrators to be held accountable - representing the most transformational change to the UCMJ in my 25 years of service on the Armed Services Committee.\n\n\"Passing any legislation is difficult - particularly legislation that wins such broad and bipartisan support - and the hard work required to craft this year's bill, which is now the law, has paid off.\"\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe final text of the FY22 NDAA includes the following.\n\nImproving the Lives of our Service Members and Their Families\n\nThe FY22 NDAA supports the thousands of service members at Washington State's military bases and all the service members and military families across the country.\n\nThe NDAA makes transformational reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) - which are supported by longstanding advocates for survivors of the sexual assault crisis in the military. The reforms will take the prosecution of all sex crimes in the military away from the control of the military commander. Instead, qualified, independent, uniformed attorneys \u2014 ultimately overseen by the civilian Service Secretaries \u2014 will have the sole authority for charging decisions and the responsibility to prosecute those charges. The NDAA also includes solutions to tackle the military's sexual harassment crisis, making the military justice system the first and only jurisdiction in America where sexual harassment is a criminal offense.\n\nBuilding on previous attempts to close the pay gap, the NDAA supports a well-deserved pay raise of nearly 3 percent for our men and women in uniform.\n\nAfter many years of advocacy from nutrition advocates here in Washington State such as Food Lifeline, the bill authorizes a basic needs allowance for qualified service members.\n\nThe bill increases allowable parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers, including foster parents, and expands the in-home childcare pilot program, providing financial assistance for in-home childcare, and supporting military families who have family members with special needs.\n\nThe bill supports our service members by creating a pilot program to provide direct assistance for mental health care and requiring a thorough review of suicide prevention and response programs.\n\nThe bill establishes a three-year pilot program to provide employment support to spouses of members of the U.S. military through a paid fellowship with employers across a variety of industries.\n\nPromoting the Health and Future of our Planet\n\nTo address the existential threat of our time - climate change - the FY22 NDAA builds on ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote green energy, and enhance energy resiliency within the military. Notably, the NDAA pushes the Department of Defense (DOD) to be a leader in clean energy by requiring military instillations like those in Washington State to increase clean energy usage, making our communities healthier, safer, and more resilient.\n\nThe bill requires the DOD to ensure that a portion of its major military installations achieve energy, water, and waste net-zero by 2035 and requires energy and water efficiency targets to be set for DOD data centers - helping to mitigate the Department's impact on the environment. The NDAA also establishes a new initiative within the DOD, working with the Department of Energy, to promote the development of long duration energy storage technologies and help spur their use as a tool to promote clean energy and energy resiliency.\n\nWashington State faces immense challenges with detecting and cleaning up harmful, long-lasting pollutants known as PFAS, a huge financial burden for state and local governments and a threat to public health. The NDAA will ensure that the DOD adequately addresses PFAS contamination in and around military installations by authorizing $517 million above the President's budget request for cleanup of impacted military communities and puts in place important restrictions to help minimize future PFAS contamination at military instillations.\n\nSupporting Diverse and Equitable Communities to Meet our Nation's Biggest Challenges\n\nThe FY22 NDAA invests in America's rich pool of diverse talent to meet our biggest national security challenges by prioritizing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the U.S. military and promoting equity and fairness across America's research and development landscape, which includes top research universities in Washington State.\n\nThe NDAA updates outdated diversity training requirements to ensure ongoing training includes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programming to reduce discrimination and bias based on race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity, among other items.\n\nThe bill makes significant new investments in academic partnerships, and it more than doubles the President's budget request for support for activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).\n\nTo support minority institutions' efforts to compete more effectively for federal research funding opportunities, the NDAA requires the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan to promote defense research at minority institutions.\n\nThe bill also authorizes funding for research and development in areas such as energy, technology, and innovation conducted at leading universities like the University of Washington.\n\nAdditional Wins for Washington's Ninth District\n\nThe NDAA includes Rep. Smith's bill, the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act. This bill, which is supported by local and national housing organizations, will help facilitate creative ways to develop new, affordable housing units along transit lines. Transit entities like Sound Transit will now be able to transfer unused land to community and housing organizations for the purposes of building affordable, transit-accessible housing for those who need it most. As we invest in the expansion of public transit and work to combat the housing crisis, the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act gives our communities another tool to increase affordable housing along public transit corridors.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/28/media-press-releases-strickland-champions-17-defense-budget-wins-law-military-families-service/", "Strickland Champions 17 Defense Budget Wins into Law for Military Families & Service Members", "2021-12-28", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 into law. The Defense Budget includes 17 priorities and provisions Strickland secured to support service members and their families at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) and across our nation to address housing security, hunger, military spouse employment and more.\n\n\u201cInvestments in military personnel and their families are an investment in our nation\u2019s readiness. Every defense budget must demonstrate that we value service members and their families, like those at Joint Base Lewis McChord, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and secure,\u201d said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. \u201cI am pleased to have secured several provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA to address housing security, hunger, and help all service members and their families thrive. The wins in this agreement will serve as a strong foundation to build on as we continue to address housing in high-cost regions, food insecurity, racial equity, extremism and more. As this budget is signed into law, I\u2019m proud to have worked with Chairman Smith and my colleagues in crafting a defense budget that supports our national security, military survivors of sexual trauma, a much-deserved pay increase for service members, and critical steps forward to address housing and hunger.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to the leadership of Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration, the NDAA now enters its seventh decade as the bipartisan legislative foundation for U.S. national security priorities and policy. I want to thank Congresswoman Strickland for her tireless work in our Committee to ensure a defense bill which addresses crucial needs of service members and their families, including military hunger, housing security and other priorities, in Washington and across our nation,\u201d said Chairman Adam Smith (WA-9). \u201cThere\u2019s a lot to be proud of in this bill. The FY22 NDAA supports a well-deserved pay raise for our service members, diversity and inclusion initiatives across our military, and the Department of Defense\u2019s role in the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s whole-of-government response to the climate crisis. Ultimately, this year\u2019s NDAA focuses on what makes our country strong: our economy, diversity, innovation, allies and partners, democratic values, and our troops.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe applaud the United States Congress for their hard work in championing a new study and taking this important step in supporting our military spouses,\u201d said Kathy Roth-Douquet, Chief Executive Officer and Board President of Blue Star Families. \u201cOur mission is not only to provide resources and support directly to military families, but to make sure their voices are heard and concrete actions are taken by decision makers. We thank Senators Warnock and Blackburn and Representative Strickland for answering that call.\u201d\n\n17 Strickland wins were included in the bicameral, bipartisan FY22 Defense Budget and signed into law:\n\nHelping Military Families Make Ends Meet: The bill contained compromise language related to the Military Hunger and Prevention Act which Congresswoman Strickland co-led. The compromise language authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay a basic needs allowance to a qualified service member, and take into account those who are in high-cost areas. The DoD is required to conduct a study on food insecurity in the Armed Forces. This is a step towards tackling food insecurity among service members and military families, but this is only a first step.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Housing Allowance For Military Families: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance intended to provide uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. Strickland\u2019s amendment would commission a study that would determine whether BAH is currently sufficient to support the average family size for service members disaggregated by Armed Force, rank, and military housing area.\n\nSupporting off-base housing solutions by examining the Rental Partnerships Program: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Department of Defense to evaluate the Rental Partnership Program, which provides off-base housing information and resources, including participation and awareness of the program among service members and their families, and whether Congress should provide dedicated funding for the program.\n\nShielding service members from unreimbursed moving expenses: Service members and their families move every 2-3 years and military families can spend thousands of dollars on moving expenses, some of which are not reimbursable. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on unreimbursed moving expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces and their families by branch, rank, and military housing area, examine the root causes of the unreimbursed expenses, and establish a policy regarding this issue.\n\nShortening Wait Times for On-Base Housing: Strickland\u2019s amendment responds to the wait times military families are experiencing to get into housing at JBLM and on bases located in competitive housing markets across our nation, and directs the Department of Defense to provide a briefing on wait times for housing located on military installations in competitive housing markets, create a strategy to address housing demand, and determine the threshold for acceptable wait times.\n\nConnecting Military Families with Local Nonprofit Services: Within many communities near military installations there are nonprofit providers who can assist military families find affordable housing and provide other necessary wraparound services. However, families are not always aware of these services, or may have trouble accessing them. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how and the extent to which commanders of military installations connect military families with local nonprofits and government entities that provide services to the military, including assistance with housing.\n\nExamining Temporary Lodging Reimbursements when relocating to competitive housing markets: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the extent to which military families are aware of and access Joint Travel Regulation reimbursements when searching for new housing ahead of a Permanent Change of Station. It also examines whether giving service members and their spouses a maximum of 10 days reimbursement per diem is appropriate based on the time it takes to secure housing in highly competitive housing markets, such as the area around JBLM.\n\nSupporting Military Spouse Employment and Addressing Employment Discrimination: Strickland secured language requiring a report on employment discrimination against military spouses in the civilian job market and any policy solutions that could prevent such discrimination.\n\nSecuring $4.8 million for Procurement Technical Assistance Programs (PTACs): This funding will help the Thurston County Economic Development Council and other programs across our nation as they support businesses pursuing contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.\n\nSupporting Local Employers: Congresswoman Strickland supported language that ensured that advanced degaussing system is incorporated into any Arleigh Burke class destroyer procured in fiscal year 2025 or any subsequent fiscal year pursuant to a covered contract.\n\nSupporting Tribal Nations: Congresswoman Strickland supported language that directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than February 1, 2022, on the status of negotiations, and, if agreed, a specific timeline for the exchange of land.\n\nSupporting National Guard Readiness: Congresswoman Strickland supported a whole host of issues including the total cost and any barriers to convert 1,000 traditional Guard positions to Active Guard positions every year for the next 10 years, for a total of 10,000 nationwide.\n\nEnsuring Timely Emergency Response on Military Installations: Provisions ensure that the Defense Information Systems Agency will provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services by February 15, 2022 on an update of ongoing efforts and plans to modernize emergency alert systems on domestic installations; a discussion on the specific challenges to modernizing emergency alert systems on domestic installations; an assessment of the possible use of an outside project manager or consulting service to assist in Department efforts to modernize emergency alert systems on domestic installations; and a description of next steps for the implementation of this program.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Military Justice System: The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment will submit a report to the House Committee on Armed Services by February 15, 2022, assessing the use of body cameras by military law enforcement.\n\nSupporting the Health of Service Members and Dependents: The Secretary of Defense will provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than March 1, 2022, on how the Department of Defense can optimize medications and reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) among service members and dependents.\n\nModernizing Forms: The committee directs the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than February 15, 2022, on its current trajectory toward form modernization.\n\nThe FY2022 NDAA also:\n\nSecures a 2.7 percent pay increase for service members\n\nExpands parental leave, child care, and improves mental health care services\n\nMakes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military\n\nInvests in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build a more diverse Armed Services\n\nMakes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency.\n\nA summary of the provisions in the FY22 NDAA is available here.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for service members, military families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. In December, Strickland and Rep. Young led a bipartisan letter urging the Appropriations Committee to raise the base pay for service members. Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. In March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/23/media-press-releases-strickland-introduces-military-spouse-entrepreneurs-act/", "Strickland Introduces the Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act", "2021-12-23", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2014Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced legislation to advance contracting opportunities for military spouse-owned businesses. Supporting military spouse employment is not only the right thing to do, it helps the military remain a competitive place to serve. This legislation has been endorsed by the U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce. Original cosponsors of the bill include Representatives Gwen Moore (WI-04) and Andr\u00e9 Carson (IN-07).Please find the bill text here.\n\n\u201cMilitary spouses step up in service to our nation in many meaningful ways, but employment discrimination, lack of adequate or affordable child care, the pandemic, and other challenges continue to take a toll on their ability to stay employed. It is only rightthat we ensure resources are available for those who serve, and their families, to support themselves. By helping military spouses thrive, this legislation is giving military families the support they deserve and building an inclusive economy for our communities,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\n\u201c24% of military spouses were unemployed during the last decade, but COVID-19 created crisis-level unemployment at nearly 40%. The average American household requires dual incomes to survive. It\u2019s due time military spouses are recognized as a government contracting set-aside so they can compete for business in their own backyard,\u201d said Jaime Chapman, COO & Co-Founder, U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAccording to aBlue Star Families annual survey of military families, in 2019, military spouses faced a 24% unemployment rate, with almost 77% reporting underemployment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this number has only increased \u2013a report from the National Military Spouse Network found that the unemployment rate was 25% for military spouses in 2021. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, 56 percent of military spouses report being underemployed, and military spouses earn 27 percent less on average than their non-military spouse peers. Furthermore, the spouse unemployment rate is 10% higher in active-duty spouse respondents of color (27% vs.17%) and recently relocated spouses (31% vs. 16%), according to Blue Star Families.\n\nThe Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act would help bridge the unemployment gap and support military spouse entrepreneurs by giving them an advantage in competing for federal contracts. Specifically, the Military Spouse Entrepreneurs Act would create a 5-year federal contracting pilot program for military spouse-owned small businesses. It would also require the Small Business Administration to submit a report to Congress at the conclusion of the program with data on the number of businesses who participated in the program; the effectiveness of the program; whether the federal government\u2019s goal of awarding 5% of all federal contracting dollars to military spouse owned businesses was met each year the program was in effect; data on oversight of the pilot program; recommendations for improvements to the pilot program and whether to make the program permanent.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for service members and their families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. In December, Strickland and Rep. Young led a bipartisan letter urging the Appropriations Committee to raise the base pay for service members.Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. In March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.\n\nU.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2578", "Larsen Calls for China Strategy to Increase U.S. Competitiveness, Enhance U.S. Leadership", "2021-12-21", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released an updated China White Paper outlining a comprehensive China strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness and enhance American global leadership.\n\n\u201cCongress and the Biden administration must think more broadly about its \u2018China agenda.\u2019 Instead of thinking defensively, the U.S. needs to have a proactive agenda that increases U.S. competitiveness,\u201d said Larsen, co-founder and co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group (USCWG). \u201cThe advantage of my strategy, with a larger focus on skills, education, and multilateral relationships, is it enhances U.S. competitiveness, not just vis-\u00e0-vis China, but worldwide.\u201d\n\nIn his China White Paper, Larsen outlines out a four-point framework oriented around:\n\n\u00b7 Recognizing existing areas of conflict and competition;\n\n\u00b7 Expanding the playbook to include both offensive and defensive measures to compete with China;\n\n\u00b7 Identifying areas where bilateral cooperation is in both nations\u2019 interest; and\n\n\u00b7 Getting our own house in order.\n\nThe updated white paper builds on Larsen\u2019s December 2019 edition, including new priorities and recommendations while retaining the framework of the original White Paper.\u2013 The original report is available here.\n\nIn 2005, Larsen co-founded the U.S.-China Working Group with then-Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) to build diplomatic relations with China and educate Members of Congress through meetings and briefings with business, academic and political leaders from the U.S. and China. Today, Larsen co-chairs the USCWG with Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18). The White Paper represents Larsen\u2019s views only - not those of the USCWG or its members. It is the product of Larsen\u2019s review of a variety of scholarship on China and extensive conversations with leaders in academia, think tanks, labor, government, international relations and industry.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-appointment-teresita-batayola-presidents-advisory", "Rep. Smith Statement on Appointment of Teresita Batayola to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "SEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), today issued the following statement after President Biden announced his intent to appoint Teresita Batayola, President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, to the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI):\n\n\"Teresita Batayola is a true leader in our region and a champion for the health and wellbeing of the Asian and Pacific Islander community in Washington State. As President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services - Washington state's largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center - Teresita has been, and continues to be, a strong advocate for health care access, equity, and addressing social determinants of health. Her work has helped countless people, many of them immigrants and refugees, get access to affordable and comprehensive health care.\"\n\n\"I commend President Biden's decision to appoint Teresita to his Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, which will advise the President on the many ways we can advance equity and opportunity for every AANHPI community. The work of this commission will also be critical to our collective response to the disturbing rise in incidents of anti-Asian xenophobia and violence. Teresita will be a leading voice in these conversations, where she will bring her extensive knowledge and experience from her work in the community to the table.\"\n\n\"Congratulations to Teresita on your appointment. I look forward to seeing all the great work you do for the AANHPI community across the country and in Washington State.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3014", "DelBene, Bucshon Call on Biden Administration to Prioritize Kidney Innovation in FY 2023 Executive Budget", "2021-12-20", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congressional Kidney Caucus Co-Chairs Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Larry Bucshon (IN-08) called on the Biden administration to prioritize investments in kidney innovation and research in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget. In a letter signed by 18 members of Congress, the lawmakers urged the administration to include $25 million for KidneyX, a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Society of Nephrology, to accelerate chronic kidney disease research and improve kidney care.\n\n\u201cFor KidneyX to meet its full potential and continue to foster the development of technologies such as a wearable or implantable artificial kidney and xenotransplantation, the federal government must increase its support for KidneyX by including $25 million for KidneyX in the FY 2023 President\u2019s Budget,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cIncluding a full $25 million for KidneyX in the FY 2023 President\u2019s Budget would allow the program to expand its record of success and continue to drive innovation for people with kidney diseases.\u201d\n\nMore than 37 million Americans\u2014disproportionately people of color\u2014are living with chronic kidney disease today, and nearly 800,000 are living with kidney failure, a life-threatening, incurable condition. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare dedicated $130 billion, or 25 percent of all traditional Medicare fee-for-service spending, to the care of all kidney diseases, including $50 billion, or 7 percent of Medicare fee-for-service spending, to manage kidney failure alone.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3012", "DelBene Hosts Roundtable on Major Broadband Investments Headed to Washington", "2021-12-18", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Yesterday, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) held a roundtable with constituents and local leaders at the Monroe Public Library to discuss how the pandemic has exacerbated digital inequality and highlight upcoming investments from the bipartisan infrastructure law that will help improve broadband access and affordability around the state.\n\nIn Washington state, around 8.5% of residents live in areas without any broadband access, and many more live in areas with insufficient access or face cost barriers. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was supported by DelBene and signed into law by President Biden on November 15, allocates a minimum of $100 million to Washington state to help expand broadband coverage to the at least 241,000 Washingtonians who currently lack it. The law also will make 1.4 million residents (19 percent of the population) eligible for subsidies that will make broadband more affordable.\n\n\u201cPart of my district is a global technology and innovation hub but you can drive less than an hour away from there to rural areas without broadband or cell phone access. And when it is available, it is often unaffordable,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThe conversation we had highlighted the enduring challenges that our communities are facing without affordable, reliable access to the internet. The bipartisan infrastructure law will make historic investments in expanding broadband and bridging the digital divide.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhether in-person or online, libraries connect us. From supporting economic, educational, and social recovery during a global pandemic to nurturing the youngest of readers, our dedicated attention to community needs are the foundation of our service model,\u201d said Lois Langer Thompson, Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries. \u201cWe appreciate the leadership and advocacy of Congresswoman DelBene to increase broadband access and digital resilience in Washington State. Equitable access is a core value in the services that public libraries provide.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3011", "Digital Trade Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Canadian Pursuit of Digital Services Tax", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-18), Co-chairs of the Digital Trade Caucus, issued the following statement on Canada\u2019s decision to move forward with a unilateral Digital Service Tax (DST):\n\n\u201cWe are concerned with Canada\u2019s decision to move forward with a unilateral DST. If enacted, this tax would erode confidence in the October 8 OECD/G20 agreement reached by the United States, Canada, and more than 130 other countries. This agreement was designed to address global taxation issues and end the worldwide proliferation of DSTs, which disproportionately hurt American businesses and their workers. Although Canada\u2019s proposed DST would not go into effect until 2024, it would apply retroactively to all earnings starting January 1, 2022, putting at risk the long-term stability of the global tax agreement and creating immediate, significant tax complexities for American companies.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate the strong, historic relationship between the U.S. and Canada and urge the Canadian government to not enact a new DST and instead support international efforts to reach a consensus on these complex issues.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/17/media-press-releases-strickland-and-young-lead-bipartisan-letter-raise-base-pay-service-members/", "Strickland and Young Lead Bipartisan Letter to Raise Base Pay for Service Members", "2021-12-17", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2014Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Congressman Don Young (AK-At Large) led 12 Members of Congress on a bipartisan letter urging the Appropriations Committee to raise the base pay for service members. The current base pay doesn\u2019t provide adequate support for service members or reflect their contributions to our country. While military pay is raised incrementally every year, it is imperative that Congress re-asses and raise base pay to ensure that the military remains a competitive place to serve. Strickland and Young were joined in sending the letter by Representatives Andr\u00e9 D. Carson (IN-7), Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Jared Golden (ME-02), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Ro Khanna (CA-17), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Kim Schrier, M. D. (WA-08), Gwen Moore (WI-04, Marc Veasey (TX-33), Chris Pappas (NH-1).The letter is attached and below.\n\n\u201cIn order for our military to truly be the best in the world, we must ensure that our service members are paid fairly,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland. \u201cI\u2019ve heard heart-wrenching stories from service members in my district who are struggling to find affordable housing or put food on the table for their families. I\u2019m urging Congress to raise base pay now because our servicemembers and their families deserve our help to meet their basic needs. It\u2019s the right thing to do for the people who keep us safe and our nation secure.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur brave servicemembers put their lives on the line for our nation. As a country, we should be empowering them to do their vital jobs, but too many of our heroes struggle to make ends meet. I am proud to join my friend, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland, on this effort to ensure our servicemembers have a salary floor, which is especially crucial for junior enlisted soldiers. Military service serves as a viable career path for many young Americans. However, without a basic pay threshold, we hurt recruitment efforts and put our national security at risk. I am calling on the Appropriations Committee to stand by our fighting men and women by raising their base pay. This needed change will help our nation\u2019s military recruit top talent and prevent financial hardship that continues to impact too many military families,\u201d said Congressman Don Young.\n\nThe full letter text can be found below.\n\nDecember 17, 2021\n\nChair Rosa L. DeLauro\n\nHouse Committee on Appropriations\n\nH-307, The Capitol\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nRanking Member Kay Granger\n\nHouse Committee on Appropriations\n\n1036 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nChair Betty McCollum\n\nHouse Committee on Appropriations\n\nDefense Subcommittee\n\nH-405 The Capitol\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nRanking Member Ken Calvert\n\nHouse Committee on Appropriations\n\nDefense Subcommittee\n\n1036 Longworth House Office Building\n\nWashington, DC 20515\n\nDear Chairs DeLauro and McCollum and Ranking Members Granger and Calvert,\n\nAs you develop the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations bills, we strongly urge you to reassess compensation for service members and set base pay to the equivalent of $15.00 an hour or $31,200.00 a year for new or current service members below this threshold. This pay floor is crucial for junior enlisted service members who are struggling to make ends meet.\n\nThe military is a compelling career path for many young Americans \u2013 it instills strong values, develops skills, creates robust personal networks, and provides excellent benefits. However, military pay increasingly lags behind other fields. As wages and salaries increase across many industries economy-wide, the military is now falling behind in the competition for quality recruits\u2014in large part to the base pay issue. As the number of qualified and willing people to serve continues to diminish, the ability of our military to recruit top talent is starting to become a national security issue. Congress must address this pay issue now before it becomes a more significant area of concern.\n\nAdditionally, we have heard from countless junior enlisted service members (E-1 to E-4) and their families about the financial difficulties they are experiencing, from finding affordable housing to the many families facing food insecurity. It is disappointing that service members often receive advice when they experience financial difficulties is to go to counseling instead of commanders and senior leadership recognizing that there is a problem. While there have been some encouraging steps to improve the quality of benefits and entitlements for the service members, base pay continues to lag.\n\nSome will argue that Regular Military Compensation (RMC), the sum of base pay, basic allowance for housing (BAH), basic allowance for subsistence (BAS), and the federal income tax advantage from tax-free allowances, is the approximate amount of an equivalent salary in the civilian sector. However, not everyone receives full BAH or BAS, which results in many service members having wildly different discretionary incomes.\n\nAn E-1 with less than two years of service makes around $1,785.00 per month or roughly $21,420.00 a year pre-tax. It takes at least four years of service and achieving the rank of E-4 to make at least $2,713.50 per month or approximately $32,562.00 annualized pre-tax. Service members will only achieve this if they decide to stay longer than the standard four-year contract. Furthermore, service members are frequently ordered to move, which causes an additional financial burden on families due to spousal unemployment and lack of licensure reciprocity among states. As a result, a service member cannot support a family of two, three, or even four on $20,000.00 a year without depending on other forms of government assistance.\n\nAdditionally, it is time to recognize that service members often do not work the standard 40-hour work schedule and may sometimes have a 70-hour week. In deployments away from home, the hours can rise to at least a 12-hour shift, seven days a week. We need to recognize that and work to ensure that their compensation reflects those efforts.\n\nPay plays a vital role in retaining a ready force. One way to ensure service members and their families remain prepared is to receive the proper entitlement benefits. Service members and their families make an enormous sacrifice for our country, and inadequate compensation should not be one of these sacrifices.\n\nWe look forward to hearing from the Committee as you develop the FY23 appropriations bills and work to ensure that service members can provide for their families.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMarilyn Strickland\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDon Young\n\nMember of Congress\n\nU.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3010", "DelBene Announces Nearly $900M in Funding for WA Roads and Bridges Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Washington state will receive nearly $900 million in federal funding under the bipartisan infrastructure law to improve our roads and bridges, help create good-paying jobs, and grow our regional economy. This is the first round of funding for Washington highways under the law.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan infrastructure law is delivering for Washington state with nearly $900 million for our roads and bridges after decades of neglect and underinvestment,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThese federal dollars are a transformative and necessary step toward strengthening essential infrastructure across our state that will help cut down commute times and emissions, improve public safety, and make our roadways resilient as we prepare our region for the next 50 years.\u201d\n\nThe historic, bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, releasing new federal funding to repair highways and bridges across the country. These funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for construction, reconstruction, or improvement.\n\nThe American Society of Civil Engineers gave Washington state a \u2018C\u2019 rating on its 2019 Infrastructure Report Card, finding that 416 bridges and over 5,400 miles of highway were in poor condition and require immediate attention.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3009", "DelBene Closes Shipbuilding Loophole in Defense Authorization Bill", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the U.S. Congress approved the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that includes a provision championed by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to close a loophole that enabled the Navy to purchase a critical ship component from foreign sources, circumventing the law and President Biden\u2019s Buy America directive. DelBene\u2019s fix will protect the sole remaining U.S. supplier of anchor chain, bring jobs back to Washington state, and ensure we can manufacture this critical defense component here in America.\n\nThe 2022 NDAA requires the Defense Department to purchase anchor chains of all sizes from countries within the U.S. national technology and industrial base, which includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. In practice, this will ensure that the anchor chains used by the Navy will be made in America and not be outsourced to countries like China and South Korea.\n\nThe Navy has been exploiting a loophole to avoid purchasing American-made chain by accepting a design change for a new class of fleet oilers, enabling the military to skirt existing Buy America rules and instead procure chain from an overseas supplier. The total savings from this design change were marginal but had a significant negative impact on U.S. manufacturers, including the only remaining domestic producer of anchor chain, Lister Chain & Forge, a small business of 36 employees, located in Blaine, WA.\n\n\u201cIf recent supply chain bottlenecks have taught us anything, it is we need a strong domestic manufacturing base, especially for military technologies and equipment,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cMy fix in the 2022 NDAA will ensure that our Defense Department follows the letter and spirit of the law by bringing critical manufacturing and jobs back to Washington state.\u201d\n\nFor more than two decades, Congress has included domestic content preferences for anchor chain in its annual defense authorization bill. Shortly after taking office, President Biden took executive action to bolster these efforts by calling on all federal agencies to buy goods, products, and materials from American companies whenever possible. Yet, this loophole remained and allowed the Defense Department to purchase foreign-made products to cut costs and undercut the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.\n\nIn April, DelBene sent a letter to House appropriators calling for this change in the annual defense bill.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/15/media-press-releases-icymi-over-898-million-new-funding-roads-and-bridges-headed-washington-state/", "ICYMI: Over $898 Million in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Washington State, First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law", "2021-12-15", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland announced that Washington State will receive over $898 million in new federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create thousands of good-paying jobs for Washingtonians that will improve roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding authorized by this new law.\n\n\u201cWith this new funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we will be able to start fixing our roads and bridges so that South Sound residents travel on infrastructure that is safe and reliable,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland. \u201cThanks to the bold leadership from President Biden, House Democrats and our entire delegation, these federal dollars will be critical in taking much-needed steps to rebuild our state\u2019s roads and bridges while creating thousands of good-paying jobs. South Sound residents can look forward to cuts in commute times and the ability to help small businesses get goods to market in more efficient ways. I was proud to vote for this historic legislation \u2013 which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of South Sound residents \u2013 and I look forward to seeing more federal funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law flow into our communities.\u201d\n\nThe historic and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden on November 15th, secured new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction or improvement. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Washington State a C on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention. With this funding \u2013 and more to come over the next five years \u2013 the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create good-paying union jobs strengthening this crippled infrastructure.\n\nUnder the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the following will be allocated to Washington State programs to improve roads, bridges, and highways:\n\nNational Highway Performance Program: $487,224,663\n\nSurface Transportation Block Grant Program: $237,028,214\n\nHighway Safety Improvement Program 2: $50,828,528\n\nRailway- Highway Crossings Program: $4,418,093\n\nCongestion Mitigation & Air Quality Improvement: $40,262,733\n\nMetropolitan Planning: $9,659,520\n\nNational Highway Freight Program: $23,510,296\n\nCarbon Reduction Program: $21,135,016\n\nPROTECT Formula Program: $24,032,027\n\nLearn more about theU.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s Federal Aid Highway Program Apportionments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. To read more about our state\u2019s apportionments.\n\nU.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/american-rescue-plan-delivers-3956-million-king-county-metro-transit", "American Rescue Plan Delivers $395.6 million to King County Metro Transit", "2021-12-14", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "December 14, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a $395.6 million grant award of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to King County Metro Transit in Seattle, Washington.\n\n\"As the Puget Sound Region continues to grow, strengthening and expanding our transit network is crucial. The funds from the American Rescue Plan awarded this week will allow King County Metro to advance its mission of creating an accessible, affordable, and reliable transit system that helps the people of King County get where they need to go. Additionally, King County Metro has committed to move to a 100 percent zero-emissions fleet powered by battery-electric buses no later than 2040. This initiative puts us on a path towards a carbon free economy, and the funds announced today will help us move forward on that path.\"\n\n\"As we all know, the transportation sector has been hit especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help King County Metro maintain service and retain jobs as we continue to recover. The riders and the employees of King County Metro will benefit greatly, as will our region.\"\n\n\"The American Rescue Plan was signed into law by President Biden in March of this year and its impacts have been felt across the country, enabling communities to come back stronger from the pandemic. I am proud to see these funds come to Washington State. As federal agencies begin to distribute funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed into law in November, and as Congress works to pass President Biden's Build Back Better Act, we will continue to work towards our vision of an expansive, effective, and sustainable transportation system.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3008", "DelBene Statement on Supreme Court\u2019s Texas Abortion Ban Ruling", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Whole Woman\u2019s Health v. Jackson on the Texas abortion ban.\n\n\u201cAbortion rights are under unrelenting assault in this country. Today's Supreme Court ruling on the Texas abortion ban makes one thing absolutely clear - the Senate needs to immediately pass the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act and send it to President Biden so these rights are enshrined into law for all Americans.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-bill-prevent-medicare-cuts-signed-law", "Rep. Schrier\u2019s Bill to Prevent Medicare Cuts Signed Into Law", "2021-12-10", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "December 10, 2021\n\nThis is Rep. Schrier\u2019s 12th bill signed into law since taking office\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today President Joe Biden signed a bill that U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced earlier this week. The Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act will mitigate Medicare payment cuts to providers. Without this law, cuts would have gone into effect next month, threatening to close practices and interrupt care. This is a necessary law that to support providers and keep the health care system stable in this pandemic, allowing patients to receive the care they need.\n\n\"A pandemic is not the time to be cutting access to doctors for patients on Medicare,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"I'm so glad that President Biden signed our legislation to bring some stability to the Medicare payment system to ensure patients can keep seeing their doctors. And doctors, who have been on the frontlines during this pandemic, will now be able to keep their doors open.\"\n\nThe Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, now law will:\n\nDelay the 2% Medicare sequester payment reductions for three months (January 1-March 31, 2022), followed by a reduction to 1% for three months (April 1-June 30, 2022)\n\nProvide a one-year increase (through December 31, 2022) in the Medicare physician fee schedule of 3% to adjust for changes and provide support to fatigued health care providers during the COVID-19 public health emergency\n\nDelay Medicare payment reductions to the clinical laboratory fee schedule for one year (through December 31, 2022) in order to preserve access to testing and laboratory services\n\nDelay the implementation of the Medicare radiation oncology model for one year (through December 31, 2022) to ensure access to care for cancer patients\n\nIn addition to the Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, Rep. Schrier has had 11 other bills signed into law since she took office almost three years ago.\n\nBills signed by President Trump:\n\nProtecting Access to Biosimilars Act, which will speed up production of biosimilars (generic drugs), helping bring down the cost of medications like insulin.\n\nNo Cost for COVID-19 Testing Act that codifies the promises of insurers that all COVID-19 tests will be administered at no cost to the patient.\n\nYakima River Basin Water Enhancement Project Phase III Act, introduced with Rep. Dan Newhouse, which will ensure Washington has a reliable water supply for years to come.\n\nSpecialty Crop Research Initiative fix to the 2018 Farm Bill, which will help farmers access critical research grants.\n\nHR 1932 to help home health workers save for retirement\n\nWIC Waiver Extension Act, makes it easier for moms and children to access critical nutrition services during the pandemic\n\nVACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety) to combat misinformation about vaccines and improve vaccine rates\n\nHR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law\n\nBills signed by President Biden\n\nWIC Benefit Flexibility During COVID-19 Act to boost WIC nutrition assistance for women and infants by $35/month for fruits and vegetables\n\nEmergency Funding for Child Protection Act provides $500 million for child protective services through the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) state grant program. This money will be flexible and available for a range of emergency uses\n\nLegacy Roads and Trails Actcarrying out critical deferred maintenance, urgent repairs, road and trail relocation on National Forest System roads and trails, and restoring passages for fish and other aquatic species by removing or replacing unnatural barriers\n\nSupporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3007", "DelBene Leads the Call for Enhanced Campaign Cybersecurity in Democracy Reform Bill", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Our Democracy Act (H.R. 5314) that contains an amendment spearheaded by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). The Protecting Our Democracy Act is landmark democracy reform legislation that would help prevent presidential abuse of power and reinforce our Constitutional system of checks and balances. DelBene\u2019s amendment would help enhance cybersecurity across political campaigns and protect personal data collected.\n\n\u201cProtecting our democracy also means improving how political campaigns safely store and protect the information they collect,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThese groups collect a significant amount of voter data, ranging from public to personal information. Americans should have the confidence that their data is protected from cybercriminals and foreign advisories and cannot be used to influence our elections or spread disinformation.\u201d\n\nThe amendment that DelBene secured would direct the Federal Elections Committee (FEC) to provide guidance for campaigns on cybersecurity risks and best practices in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and other relevant agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-leads-bipartisan-legislation-identify-ways-mitigate-supply-chain", "Rep. Schrier Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Identify Ways to Mitigate Supply Chain Issues, Manufacture More Goods in U.S.", "2021-12-09", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act. The goal of this legislation is to identify how supply chain issues can be mitigated and how more goods, that come with jobs, can be created in the United States.\n\n\"There is no silver bullet solution for the ongoing supply chain disruption. But a clear understanding of what products can and should be manufactured in the United States would help greatly. The last year has shown us that we can no longer rely on just a handful of other countries to lead the way in manufacturing critical parts and products,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"I'm proud to introduce this commonsense, bipartisan bill that will allow us to make evidence-based, thoughtful decisions about the role domestic manufacturing will play in the years ahead.\"\n\n\"The best way to insulate our country from global supply chain crises is to manufacture goods right here at home in the United States of America. We should never let our critical infrastructure sectors live or die at the mercy of foreign nations, particularly adversaries like China. That's why it's so important we do everything we can to bring manufacturing back to our country, especially in our rural communities. That's why I'm leading a bipartisan effort in Congress to identify how we can manufacture more goods in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to pass this bill so we can create jobs and limit the negative effects of supply chain issues,\" said Rep. Davis.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3006", "DelBene Announces WA-01 Winner of 2021 Congressional App Challenge", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge from Washington\u2019s 1st Congressional District. The winning app, DermDetect, was created by Soham Bhosale from Bothell High School.\n\nBhosale designed an initial screening tool for users concerned about potentially cancerous and abnormal skin lesions. The app analyzes lesions, provides recommendations, and documents abnormal skin growth by reminding users to take follow-up pictures over time. It also uses geolocation to direct users to nearby health clinics for care. A demo of DermDetect can be found here.\n\n\u201cTelehealth and health apps have grown rapidly in recent years and are playing an important role in connecting Americans with doctors during the pandemic. DermDetect is a great example of how we can leverage technology to help people stay on top of their health care and encourage them to seek preventive care,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cCongratulations to Soham and all our participants on a job well done. I continue to be amazed at your ingenuity, compassion, and resourcefulness, evident in the submissions we see year after year.\u201d\n\nThe winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges. DermDetect will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-bill-clean-damaged-forest-lands-passes-house-strong-bipartisan", "Rep. Schrier\u2019s Bill to Clean-Up Damaged Forest Lands Passes House with Strong Bipartisan Support", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House passed Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)'s bipartisan bill to fund the remediation and restoration of damaged public lands with a vote of 385-42. The National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act (HR 4489) was introduced earlier this year with Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). This bill would allow the Forest Service to collect and keep the interest earned on settlement funds in order to supplement restoration efforts. It passed unanimously in the House Agriculture Committee last month.\n\nRep. Schrier's remarks on her bill can be found here.\n\n\"The Forest Service is responsible for overseeing the remediation and restoration of lands damaged by mining activities and human-caused wildfires. When the negligent actions of companies or individuals result in damages to Forest Service property, officials enter a settlement agreement with the responsible parties to hold them accountable,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"This bipartisan, commonsense legislation would allow the Forest Service to collect and keep the interest earned on settlement funds, much like other Federal agencies do, in order to supplement restoration efforts. As we confront another potentially devastating wildfire season, it's important to ensure the Forest Service can use accrued interest to protect and remediate forests.\"\n\n\"Congresswoman Schrier's bill is a testament to her hard work and commitment to the people of her district and our Western forest communities. Coming off years of historic wildfires, ensuring that the Forest Service has every tool available for wildfire remediation and restoration is imperative. I enthusiastically support this bipartisan legislation,\" said House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott.\n\n\"The National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act is common-sense legislation that would allow the Forest Service to use accumulated interest on settlement agreement funds to restore and protect damaged forest lands without any additional costs to taxpayers. While the Department of the Interior is already able to use interest on settlement funds, the Forest Service is not\u2014which leads to delays in restoration work and has the potential for budget shortfalls. I'm happy to join Congresswoman Schrier in this bipartisan effort to restore and preserve damaged public lands\u2014and pleased to see our bill pass the House,\" said Rep. Rosendale.\n\nRight now, the Forest Service does not have the authority to retain interest on settlement funds like other Federal agencies, such as the Department of Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency.\n\nThe National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act would allow the Forest Service to retain interest on settlement funds and apply those additional resources to complete necessary restoration work. Without this additional funding, the value of settlement funds diminishes over time and the Forest Service can face long-term budget shortfalls for environmental clean-up. If this bill had been in place between Fiscal Years 2015 and 2019, the Forest Service would have received more than $7.5 million to supplement environmental restoration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/08/media-press-releases-strickland-secures-over-10-wins-military-families-servicemembers-defense/", "Strickland Secures Over 10 Wins for Military Families & Servicemembers in Defense Budget Agreement", "2021-12-08", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed S. 1605, the bipartisan, bicameral text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 by a vote of 363-70. The NDAA includes over ten provisions Strickland secured to support servicemembers and their families at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) and across our nation to address housing security, hunger, and more.\n\n\u201cInvestments in military personnel and their families are an investment in our nation\u2019s readiness. Every defense budget must demonstrate that we value servicemembers and their families, like those at Joint Base Lewis McChord, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and secure,\u201d said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10). \u201cI am pleased to have secured several provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA to address housing security, hunger, and help all servicemembers and their families thrive. The wins in this agreement will serve as a strong foundation to build on as we continue to address housing in high-cost regions, food insecurity, racial equity, extremism and more. As this agreement heads to the Senate, I\u2019m proud to have worked with Chairman Smith and my colleagues to advance a defense budget that supports our national security, military survivors of sexual trauma, a much-deserved pay increase for servicemembers, and critical steps forward to address housing and hunger issues.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud that this year\u2019s NDAA will include transformational policy reforms that will benefit our service members and their families, take on the military sexual assault crisis, and deliver results for other national security priorities of the American people. I want to thank Congresswoman Strickland for her tireless work in our Committee to ensure a defense bill which addresses crucial needs of servicemembers and their families, including military hunger, housing security and other priorities, in Washington and across our nation,\u201d said Chairman Adam Smith (WA-9). \u201cExpeditious passage of S. 1605 by the Senate and signature by President Biden will strengthen our national security by giving these critical reforms the force of law.\u201d\n\nSeveral Strickland priorities were included in the bicameral, bipartisan FY22 NDAA agreement, which passed the House yesterday, ten of which are listed below:\n\nBasic Need Allowance for Servicemembers \u2013 The bill contained compromise language related to the Military Hunger and Prevention Act which Congresswoman Strickland co-led. The compromise language authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay a basic needs allowance to a qualified service member. This is the first step in tackling food insecurity among servicemembers and military families, but this is only the first step.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Housing Allowance For Military Families: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance intended to provide uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. Strickland\u2019s amendment would commission a study that would determine whether BAH is currently sufficient to support the average family size for servicemembers disaggregated by Armed Force, rank, and military housing area.\n\nSupporting off-base housing solutions by examining the Rental Partnerships Program: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Department of Defense to evaluate the Rental Partnership Program, which provides off-base housing information and resources, including participation and awareness of the program among servicemembers and their families, and whether Congress should provide dedicated funding for the program.\n\nShielding servicemembers from unreimbursed moving expenses: Servicemembers and their families move every 2-3 years and military families can spend thousands of dollars on moving expenses, some of which are not reimbursable. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on unreimbursed moving expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces and their families by branch, rank, and military housing area, examine the root causes of the unreimbursed expenses, and establish a policy regarding this issue.\n\nExamining Wait Times for On-Base Housing: Strickland\u2019s amendment responds to the wait times military families are experiencing to get into housing at JBLM and on bases located in competitive housing markets across our nation, and directs the Department of Defense to provide a briefing on wait times for housing located on military installations in competitive housing markets, create a strategy to address housing demand, and determine the threshold for acceptable wait times.\n\nConnecting Military Families with Local Nonprofit Services: Within many communities near military installations there are nonprofit providers who can assist military families find affordable housing and provide other necessary wraparound services. However, families are not always aware of these services, or may have trouble accessing them. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how and the extent to which commanders of military installations connect military families with local nonprofits and government entities that provide services to the military, including assistance with housing.\n\nExamining Temporary Lodging Reimbursements when relocating to competitive housing markets: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the extent to which military families are aware of and access Joint Travel Regulation reimbursements when searching for new housing ahead of a Permanent Change of Station. It also examines whether giving servicemembers and their spouses a maximum of 10 days reimbursement per diem is appropriate based on the time it takes to secure housing in highly competitive housing markets, such as the area around JBLM.\n\nSupporting Military Spouse Employment and Addressing Employment Discrimination: Strickland\u2019s amendment requires a report on employment discrimination against military spouses in the civilian job market and any policy solutions that could prevent such discrimination.\n\nSecuring $4.8 million for Procurement Technical Assistance Programs (PTACs) \u2013 This funding will help the Thurston County Economic Development Council and other programs across our nation as they support businesses pursuing contracts with the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.\n\nSupporting Local Employers \u2013 Congresswoman Strickland supported language that ensured that advanced degaussing system is incorporated into any Arleigh Burke class destroyer procured in fiscal year 2025 or any subsequent fiscal year pursuant to a covered contract.\n\nThe FY2022 NDAA also:\n\nSecures a 2.7 percent pay increase for servicemembers\n\nExpands parental leave, child care, and improves mental health care services\n\nMakes historic and significant changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assault and related crimes in the military\n\nInvests in Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help build a more diverse Armed Services\n\nMakes key investments to address the threat of climate change and bolster energy resiliency.\n\nA summary of the provisions in the FY22 NDAA is available here.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for servicemembers, military families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. In March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.\n\nU.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-prevent-medicare-cuts", "Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Prevent Medicare Cuts", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Steven Horsford (NV-04) introduced the Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act that will mitigate Medicare payment cuts to providers. Without this legislation, cuts would go into effect next month, threatening to close practices and interrupt care. This is necessary legislation to support providers and keep the health care system stable in this pandemic, allowing patients to receive the care they need.\n\n\"A pandemic is not the time to be cutting access to doctors for patients on Medicare,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"This legislation will bring some stability to the Medicare payment system to ensure patients can keep seeing their doctors. And doctors, who have been on the frontlines during this pandemic, can continue to keep their doors open.\"\n\n\"With less than four weeks until Medicare reimbursement rate cuts go into effect, Congress has no time to waste. I'm proud to introduce the Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act, a common-sense solution to stop provider cuts and protect Medicare recipients,\" said Congressman Steven Horsford. \"In Nevada's Fourth District, our physicians have made clear that these cuts would hurt access to care for seniors and people with disabilities. As we confront a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, I urge my House and Senate colleagues to come together and help us pass Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act before the new year.\"\n\nThe Supporting Health Care Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic Act will:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-passing-former-congresswoman-jolene-unsoeld", "Rep. Smith Statement on passing of Former Congresswoman Jolene Unsoeld", "2021-12-05", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "December 5, 2021\n\nSEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the passing of former Congresswoman Jolene Unsoeld.\n\n\"With the passing of Congresswoman Unsoeld, Washington State - and the entire country - have lost a true champion for women, children, and the health of our planet. Congresswoman Unsoeld understood that few things are more important than protecting our environment, and she was a force for women's rights. My thoughts are with Congresswoman Unsoeld's family and loved ones as they mourn their loss.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-kicks-8th-district-infrastructure-tour", "Rep. Schrier Kicks Off 8th District Infrastructure Tour", "2021-12-03", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 This week Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) kicked off her 8th District infrastructure tour, visiting projects that could be expanded with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Biden signed earlier this month.\n\n\"People often think of infrastructure as roads and bridges, and there is significant funding for them in the infrastructure law,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"Infrastructure also means accessible high-speed internet, new water pipes, and easing the congestion at our ports. We expect millions of dollars to become available in the next few months for cities and towns to use to upgrade infrastructure. And I want to make sure they are prepared.\"\n\nSo far Rep. Schrier has visited the following sites. She is expected to visit many more projects in the coming months.\n\nSammamish Plateau Water District has been working on identifying and treating PFAS present in their groundwater wells. The proposed treatment plant would make drinking water safer for residents by removing these \"forever chemicals\". The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $4 billion to remove PFAS from drinking water.\n\nRep. Schrier visited the City of Auburn to look at improvements to Auburn Way South. These projects will improve traffic, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and access for residents along the road. The improvements are coordinated with a new elementary school to ensure students and parents can safely enter and exit campus. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will increase funding to local governments like City of Auburn for these important surface transportation projects.\n\nIn North Bend, Rep. Schrier visited Truck Town in North Bend, the only full-service truck stop between Ellensburg and the ports in Seattle and Tacoma. The city shoulders an increasingly heavy burden of traffic as trucks wait to go to the ports, or wait for Snoqualmie Pass to clear. There has been such a backup of trucks, that Truck Town can't accommodate them all, and now trucks are parking on the highway and North Bend streets. Federal infrastructure investment could help ease port congestion and also provide more safe places for drivers to rest.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2571", "Larsen Announces Run for Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced he will run for Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the 118th Congress. Larsen, a senior member of the Committee and Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, made the announcement in a letter to colleagues after Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04) announced his retirement at the end of his term.\n\nText of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nDear Colleague:\n\nI have decided to seek the top Democratic leadership spot on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. I bring two decades of service in working with my Committee colleagues, passing legislation in both the majority and minority, and responding to members\u2019 needs.\n\nCommittee Service\n\nServing on this Committee was my day one priority as a Member of Congress. As a former local elected official, I saw firsthand the importance of robust infrastructure to the quality of life of my constituents. That commitment and my interest in improving infrastructure has never wavered. I will bring this same commitment and focus to your district\u2019s needs as Chair of the Committee.\n\nGetting Things Done\n\nI get things done. I helped author and pass parts of key legislation: the 2002 Pipeline Safety Act; multiple WRDA bills; the 2005 transportation bill; multiple Coast Guard bills; and the 2018 FAA bill. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act reflects my legislation to boost the use of low/no emission transit and ferries and promote a more diverse transportation workforce.\n\nRecently, I worked with Chair DeFazio to craft the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act as part of the American Rescue Plan, protecting thousands of U.S. jobs in the aviation supply chain. Last year, I helped lead the Committee\u2019s response to two Boeing 737 MAX crashes, writing a bipartisan overhaul of aircraft certification that improves the safety of the flying public.\n\nServing Members\n\nI am ready to help members as Committee leaders have helped me. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation, I have been responsive to members\u2019 requests for oversight on issues such as noise around local airports and addressing emerging issues such as new entrants in U.S. airspace. I will measure my success as a leader by the success of every Democratic member on this Committee.\n\nMoving forward, the Committee must continue to build on Chair DeFazio's work that recognizes the transportation sector is a major contributor to climate change. The Committee must invest in a cleaner and greener transportation system. And we must continue to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for the women and men that make our country go.\n\nDemocrats still have work to do. Over the next year, I will continue to help Chair DeFazio achieve his goals for the Committee and support the fight to keep the majority in 2023 while seeking your support to lead Committee Democrats in the 118th Congress.\n\nSincerely,\n\nRick Larsen\n\nU.S. Representative\n\nWashington State, Second District\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2567", "Larsen Statement on Retirement of Transportation and Infrastructure Chair Peter DeFazio", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, released the below statement after Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (OR-04) announced his retirement at the end of his term:\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to work with Pete DeFazio, my colleague and friend, on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for the last two decades looking out for the interests of the people of Washington and Oregon. Pete has made his mark with his steadfast leadership on behalf of the safety of the traveling public and the women and men who build, maintain and repair our nation\u2019s infrastructure, as well as in seeking to build a cleaner and greener transportation system.\n\n\u201cWorking with Pete, we were able to pass a bipartisan law to change how the FAA certifies aircraft after the crash of two Boeing 737 Max airplanes, increasing the safety of air travel in the future. The guidance he provided me in crafting the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act has helped save thousands of jobs nationwide in this critical industry.\n\n\u201cWithout Pete\u2019s leadership, we would not be able to say that from here on out, every day will be infrastructure day. The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will form only part of his legacy as a Chair of the Committee and as a Member of Congress.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. House of Representatives will miss Pete\u2019s leadership in the coming years. However, he still has time to continue to add to his impressive list of accomplishments over the next year, and I will do whatever I can to support him.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/01/media-press-releases-strickland-calls-immediate-action-protect-reproductive-health-rights-under/", "Strickland Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Reproductive Health Rights Under Attack (VIDEO)", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 As the Supreme Court takes up oral arguments in the Dobbs v. Jackson case threatening Roe v. Wade, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement. Strickland delivered remarks on the House floor today calling for urgent action to protect reproductive health rights. In September, Strickland joined a bicameral amicus brief in the case and joined the House in passing the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act, a bill to protect reproductive health rights and access, which is awaiting Senate action. (Watch Strickland\u2019s remarks here.)\n\n\u201cThis is a pivotal moment for the Supreme Court to show that it decides cases based on precedent and rule of law, not politics or ideology. With abortion rights and access on the line like never before, the Senate must join the House in passing the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act. With this bill, we can put an end to alarming state-based attacks on reproductive freedom in Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and across the country.\u201d said Strickland. \u201cDuring a global pandemic and a maternal mortality crisis, the people who are hurt the most by limiting abortion restrictions are those who already experience health inequities in the first place \u2014including people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and many other vulnerable communities.\u201d\n\nCongresswoman Strickland\u2019s full remarks are transcribed below.\n\nToday, the Supreme Court is hearing one of the most important abortion rights cases in generations. The case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, marks the first time in 50 years the Court agreed to hear a case on the constitutionality of a pre-viability abortion ban.\n\nIn other words, the State of Mississippi has asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.\n\nLet me be clear \u2013 reproductive health access is a fundamental right. This is about supporting body autonomy and wellbeing, and it\u2019s also about economic justice and social freedom.\n\nThe people hurt most by abortion restrictions and bans are those who already face barriers to getting access to health care in the first place \u2014women, people of color, those working to make ends meet, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, young people, those in rural communities, people with disabilities and others.\n\nWe can look to Texas as a real-time example. Texas banned almost all abortion in the state, forcing people to travel across state lines to receive care.\n\nNow is the time for the Supreme Court to show that it decides cases based on precedent and rule of law, not politics, not ideology.\n\nEvery person should be free to make the best health care decisions. We must make abortion access equitable for all people \u2014regardless of who they are or where they live.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland is a strong advocate for reproductive rights in Congress, the New Member Liaison in the Pro-Choice Caucus and a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. In November, Strickland led a letter encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reduce barriers to continuous access to birth control by requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control. In April, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act, legislation to ensure military families receive the quality reproductive health care they deserve. In April, Strickland also led Pro-Choice Caucus members on a letter to advance and protect reproductive health rights in the US and across the globe. In March, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation to repeal the Helms Amendment and advance reproductive and economic freedom and equity worldwide. A member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Strickland is an original cosponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 and the Healthy MOM Act, legislation which comprehensively addresses the maternal health crisis in America.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/12/01/media-press-releases-strickland-introduces-legislation-help-servicemembers-access-fertility-care/", "Strickland Introduces Legislation to Help Servicemembers Access Fertility Care and Start a Family", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a leader in the Pro-Choice Caucus, led the introduction of the Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act, which would expand TRICARE coverage to make Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services available to all active-duty servicemembers (including the Reserve and National Guard) and dependents \u2013 regardless of service-connection requirements, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or marital status of the servicemember. This bill has been endorsed by the Center for Reproductive Rights and Modern Military Association of America. The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-at-large), Ayanna Pressley (MA-7), Mark Takano (CA-41), and Carolyn Maloney (NY-12). (Please find the bill text at this link.)\n\n\u201cAnswering the call to serve often means making a great number of sacrifices for your country. Being able to start a family should not be one of them. My bill, the Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act, removes current barriers in TRICARE and helps ensure that all servicemembers can access the fertility care they deserve to start a family,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\n\u201cAll servicemembers deserve equitable access to infertility care without discrimination. The Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act is an important step toward that goal. This Act would remove legal barriers to infertility care for active duty servicemembers that render many of them ineligible for coverage, including single servicemembers, servicemembers in same-sex partnerships, and servicemembers impacted by unexplained infertility. This Act would also bring us closer to the day when all servicemembers have equitable access to comprehensive infertility care that helps them reach their goal of building a family,\u201d said Karla Torres, Senior Human Rights Counsel, Center for Reproductive Rights.\n\nAccording to the New York Times, one of the first issues that service members struggling with infertility face is insurance coverage. TRICARE currently pays for assisted-reproductive procedures if a loss in reproductive ability is a result of a service-connected injury. Otherwise, servicemembers must pay out of pocket.\n\nEven for those who are eligible for TRICARE fertility care, a report by Service Women\u2019s Action Network found that women who were not straight or not married seemed to receive very mixed infertility care, and in some cases were denied infertility treatments. According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, an estimated 16 percent of female servicemembers and four percent of male servicemembers identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Additionally, unmarried servicemembers represent approximately 43 percent of active duty servicemembers, 52 percent of National Guard and Reserve members, and 40 percent of veterans.\n\nBILL SUMMARY:\n\nThe bill expands TRICARE to cover Assisted Reproductive Technology services for all active-duty servicemembers and dependents, ensuring that service-connection, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and marital status are not barriers to building a family.\n\nCurrently, TRICARE limits coverage to certain assisted reproductive services when medically necessary and combined with natural conception. To be eligible for these, servicemembers must prove they:1) are active duty, 2) have a serious illness or injury while on active duty, 3) lost their natural reproductive ability due to that illness or injury, 4) can provide their own genetic material to get pregnant, and 5) have a lawful spouse who can also provide their own genetic material.These current narrow requirements put assisted reproductive services out of reach for our servicemembers and their spouses who are ineligible to receive care. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures,the average cost per IVF cycle can range between $12,000 to $17,000. Additionally, under TRICARE\u2019s requirements, servicemembers who are unmarried, in same-sex marriages, and cannot prove that a service-connected illness or injury caused their infertility are automatically excluded from being eligible to receive care. This legislation would eliminate these exclusions.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland is a strong advocate for reproductive rights in Congress, a freshman leader in the Pro-Choice Caucus and a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. In November, Stricklandled a letter encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reduce barriers to continuous access to birth control by requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control. In April, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act, legislation to ensure military families receive the quality reproductive health care they deserve. In April, Strickland also led Pro-Choice Caucus members on a letter to advance and protect reproductive health rights in the US and across the globe. In March, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation to repeal the Helms Amendment and advance reproductive and economic freedom and equity worldwide. A member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Strickland is an original cosponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 and the Healthy MOM Act, legislation which comprehensively addresses the maternal health crisis in America.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2566", "DeFazio, Larsen, and Stanton Seek Answers from FAA on Apparent Lack of Boeing Accountability for Longstanding 737 MAX Issues", "2021-11-29", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Subcommittee on Aviation Member Greg Stanton (D-AZ) asked Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson to provide more complete responses to questions he was asked at a subcommittee hearing last month regarding efforts to hold Boeing accountable for two key issues regarding the 737 MAX. In the letter sent to FAA Administrator Dickson today, the Members asked what FAA has done, if anything, to hold Boeing employees who were responsible for Boeing\u2019s apparent violation of its approved 737 MAX type design, as well as evidence of an internal plan to downplay the significance of the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a system connected to two deadly 737 MAX crashes, accountable.\n\n\u201c[W]e are deeply troubled by the absence of rigorous accountability for Boeing\u2019s past transgressions related to the 737 MAX and the FAA\u2019s failure to hold those who violated the public\u2019s trust accountable,\u201d said the Members in the letter.\n\nThe first issue concerns Boeing\u2019s handling of a non-functioning Angle of Attack (AOA) Disagree alert on more than 80 percent of MAX aircraft. After discovering the problem in August 2017, Boeing decided to wait nearly three years to fix the issue. In the meantime, Boeing continued to produce MAX aircraft with the nonfunctioning alert and the company failed to notify the FAA, its 737 MAX customers, or MAX pilots that the alert was not functioning until after the Lion Air crash in October 2018. A Boeing Authorized Representative, a Boeing employee authorized to conduct work on behalf of the FAA, concurred with Boeing\u2019s decision to delay fixing the AOA Disagree alert. However, according to a letter then-Acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell wrote to the committee in July 2019, \u201cAlthough an AOA disagree message was not necessary to meet FAA safety regulations, once it was made part of the approved type design, it was required to be installed and functional on all 737 MAX airplanes Boeing produced.\u201d\n\nIn today\u2019s letter, the Members wrote, \u201cOur committee highlighted this issue, and Boeing\u2019s action, in our investigative report on the 737 MAX not because we believed it was a safety issue, but because it was clearly a glaring issue of lax accountability and oversight. Yet, to date, we are unaware of any actions the FAA has taken to hold Boeing accountable for violating the approved type design of the 737 MAX, knowingly continuing to manufacture the aircraft regardless of this known defect and failing to inform your agency\u2014or 737 MAX customers\u2014of this nonfunctioning component on the aircraft until after the Lion Air crash.\u201d\n\nThe second issue addressed in the letter concerns a 2013 internal Boeing record, a copy of which was enclosed as part of the letter and can be found here, that was initially released as part of the committee\u2019s investigation. It documents an explicit plan within Boeing to downplay the significance of MCAS externally, including to regulators. Meeting minutes in the document explained, \u201c[i]f we emphasize MCAS is a new function, there may be a greater certification and training impact.\u201d This set a plan in motion to limit the use of the MCAS nomenclature externally and to downplay the system as \u201cnew,\u201d by describing it as \u201can addition to Speed Trim.\u201d Multiple Boeing employees participated in formulating the plan and a Boeing Authorized Representative signed off on the plan.\n\nThe letter asks if FAA has spoken with the Authorized Representative who approved this plan, if FAA took any actions to hold any of the individuals engaged in formulating the plan to limit certification scrutiny and pilot training requirements accountable, and whether FAA regards the actions laid out in this plan as acceptable conduct by Boeing.\n\n\u201cWe would like to know what, if any, actions FAA has taken to evaluate and investigate the efforts by Boeing to downplay MCAS, particularly to U.S. and foreign regulators,\u201d wrote the Members in today\u2019s letter. \u201cWe are interested in any actions by the FAA to hold individuals accountable for their actions.\u201d\n\nAlthough the letter focuses on two specific and highly questionable past actions Boeing took in regards to the 737 MAX, the Members emphasized that they were concerned that FAA ensure it is keeping a close eye on Boeing\u2019s actions in regards to ongoing issues in other programs and noted that the bipartisan Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA), which is currently being implemented, will help strengthen the FAA\u2019s ability \u201cto perform effective safety regulation and oversight.\u201d\n\nThe Members wrote, \u201cWith continuing issues with the Boeing 737 MAX and the 787, and the ongoing certification of the Boeing 777X, it is more critical than ever that the FAA takes its role as regulator seriously. FAA must fully investigate actions by Boeing or others that jeopardize the public\u2019s safety or disregard FAA\u2019s regulations and hold responsible parties accountable. Our hope is that with continued implementation of the ACSAA, issues like those discussed above do not arise in the future.\u201d\n\nA response from FAA was requested by December 13, 2021.\n\nThe full letter can be found below and here.\n\nNovember 29, 2021\n\nThe Honorable Stephen M. Dickson\n\nAdministrator\n\nFederal Aviation Administration\n\n800 Independence Avenue S.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20591\n\nDear Administrator Dickson:\n\nThank you for testifying before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure\u2019s Subcommittee on Aviation last month. I appreciate the FAA\u2019s ongoing work to implement the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA) to hold Boeing and other aviation manufacturers accountable and to ensure the agency has the expertise and processes in place to perform effective safety regulation and oversight. However, during the hearing, two issues arose regarding your recollection of Boeing\u2019s past actions in which we would like to receive a more complete account from FAA.\n\nAngle of Attack Disagree Alert\n\nThe first issue, as raised by Rep. Sharice Davids, concerns Boeing\u2019s actions regarding the Angle of Attack (AOA) Disagree alert. As documented in our September 2020 investigative report, in August 2017 when Boeing first discovered that this alert was inoperable on more than 80 percent of 737 MAX aircraft, Boeing decided to wait nearly three years to fix the problem so it could execute the fix as a part of its then-planned rollout of the 737 MAX-10 in 2020.[1] Boeing also did not notify the FAA, its MAX customers, or MAX pilots that the alert was not working and continued to manufacture hundreds of more 737 MAX aircraft with the same non-functioning alert.[2] Boeing failed to divulge the fact that the alert was not functioning until October 2018, only after the fatal Lion Air crash.[3]\n\nBoeing defended its actions by saying this was not a safety issue, and they highlighted the fact that a Boeing Authorized Representative, an individual authorized to perform work on behalf of the FAA, concurred with Boeing\u2019s decision to delay the fix.[4] However, the nonfunctioning AOA Disagree alert appears to have violated the 737 MAX type design. As then-Acting Administrator Dan Elwell said in a letter to our committee in July 2019:\n\nOnce certified by the FAA, all features included on the airplane become part of the certified type design or approved type design. These features are mandatory in each airplane produced to that type design thereafter, whether or not they are required for safety . . . Although an AOA disagree message was not necessary to meet FAA safety regulations, once it was made part of the approved type design, it was required to be installed and functional on all 737 MAX airplanes Boeing produced.[5] [Emphasis added.]\n\nOur committee highlighted this issue, and Boeing\u2019s action, in our investigative report on the 737 MAX not because we believed it was a safety issue, but because it was clearly a glaring issue of lax accountability and oversight. Yet, to date, we are unaware of any actions the FAA has taken to hold Boeing accountable for violating the approved type design of the 737 MAX, knowingly continuing to manufacture the aircraft regardless of this known defect and failing to inform your agency\u2014or 737 MAX customers\u2014of this nonfunctioning component on the aircraft until after the Lion Air crash.\n\nBoeing has claimed its senior leadership was unaware of these issues at the time. However, our report showed that multiple individuals across the company were aware of this issue. If Boeing\u2019s senior management was unaware of these issues impacting more than 80 percent of the 737 MAX fleet that rolled off its assembly line, then that should have raised serious questions within the company about its ability to manage the production of its commercial aircraft fleet effectively and safely.\n\nBoeing\u2019s actions showed an utter disregard for the FAA\u2019s regulatory process. I acknowledge that in your testimony you mentioned that you are taking steps to implement and improve your oversight of Boeing. However, my direct questions are:\n\nWhat specifically has the FAA done to hold Boeing accountable for deceiving its customers and violating the FAA\u2019s regulations by knowingly producing 737 MAX aircraft with nonfunctioning AOA Disagree alerts that resulted in the production of nonconforming aircraft prior to the Lion Air crash.\n\nPlease be specific in your response and provide all records that indicate any actions the FAA took against Boeing regarding the issues outlined above. As part of your response, please also inform the committee of whether the Boeing Authorized Representative who concurred with Boeing\u2019s decision to delay fixing the AOA Disagree alert for three years is still authorized to conduct work on behalf of the FAA.\n\nBoeing Efforts to Downplay MCAS\n\nThe second issue raised at the October 21, 2021, hearing, by Rep. Greg Stanton, concerns the degree of FAA\u2019s awareness about efforts within Boeing to downplay MCAS.\n\nAs you know, in January 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with Boeing in which Boeing admitted that, \u201cthrough two of its 737 MAX Flight Technical Pilots,\u201d Boeing deceived the FAA AEG about MCAS,[6] and more recently DOJ announced an indictment against former Boeing Chief Technical Pilot Mark Forkner for deceiving the FAA about MCAS.[7] The DOJ determined that an independent compliance monitor was unnecessary for its deferred prosecution agreement for several reasons, including their conclusion that, \u201cthe misconduct was neither pervasive across the organization, nor undertaken by a large number of employees, nor facilitated by senior management\u2026\u201d[8]\n\nAt the hearing last month, Rep. Stanton referenced a Boeing internal document from 2013 uncovered as part of our committee\u2019s investigation, a copy of which is enclosed for your convenience. This document, which summarizes the minutes of an internal Boeing meeting, details an explicit plan by multiple Boeing employees to downplay MCAS externally, including to regulators. The rationale for doing so was laid out explicitly in the document, which said, \u201c[i]f we emphasize MCAS is a new function, there may be a greater certification and training impact.\u201d[9] This set a plan in motion to limit the use of the MCAS nomenclature externally and to downplay the system as \u201cnew,\u201d by describing it as \u201can addition to Speed Trim.\u201d A Boeing Authorized Representative signed off on the plan.\n\nThe document shows that multiple individuals were involved in this plan and does not identify any of them as technical pilots, which was the job description of those identified in recent DOJ filings. In addition, we know from our committee\u2019s investigation that the Chief Project Engineer on the 737 MAX acknowledged that achieving \u201cLevel B\u201d (non-flight simulator) training requirements for pilots or less was a \u201cdesign objective\u201d of the 737 MAX program.[10] This was a directive designed and enforced by Boeing\u2019s senior most management and, as our report showed, it had ripple effects throughout the MAX program. This \u201cdesign objective\u201d combined with the 2013 meeting minutes help to highlight the fact that there were multiple efforts at Boeing from the top of the company on down that emphasized both the critical importance of avoiding flight simulator training as an FAA requirement and the fact that full and clear knowledge of MCAS by external parties, including regulators, could jeopardize that corporate goal.\n\nAfter describing the 2013 document, Rep. Stanton asked if you were aware of anyone at Boeing, other than the two technical pilots referenced in DOJ\u2019s deferred prosecution agreement, who tried to downplay the significance of MCAS to regulators. You responded, \u201cI am not aware of any particular individuals.\u201d When Rep. Stanton followed up to ask you whether you believe there were more than two Boeing employees who tried to downplay the significance of MCAS, you said, \u201cI believe that MCAS should have been included in the materials and that it was a safety critical system. Whether there was any intentionality on the part of others I can\u2019t speak to.\u201d[11] I believe the attached document makes it abundantly clear that there was an intentional plan to downplay the significance of MCAS to regulators by multiple individuals at Boeing.\n\nAs you recall, the issue was not just whether FAA was aware of MCAS, but how MCAS was presented to the FAA. According to the Joint Authorities Technical Review (JATR), which was convened by your agency to review the 737 MAX crashes:\n\nThe FAA was not completely unaware of MCAS; however, because the information and discussions about MCAS were so fragmented and were delivered to disconnected groups within the process, it was difficult to recognize the impacts and implications of this system. If the FAA technical staff had been fully aware of the details of the MCAS function, the JATR team believes the agency likely would have required an issue paper for using the stabilizer in a way that it had not previously been used. MCAS used the stabilizer to change the column force feel, not trim the aircraft. This is a case of using the control surface in a new way that the regulations never accounted for and should have required an issue paper for further analysis by the FAA. If an issue paper had been required, the JATR team believes it likely would have identified the potential for the stabilizer to overpower the elevator.[12]\n\nWhile I appreciate FAA\u2019s current efforts to implement the ACSAA and the recommendations of the JATR, which will help to enhance FAA\u2019s oversight of Boeing and will improve the accountability of Boeing employees or others who endanger the safety of the flying public in the future, I am deeply troubled by the absence of rigorous accountability for Boeing\u2019s past transgressions related to the 737 MAX and the FAA\u2019s failure to hold those who violated the public\u2019s trust accountable. We must continue to move forward on improving the safety of our nation\u2019s aviation certification process, while at the same time not losing sight of past missteps or misdeeds.\n\nI would like to know what, if any, actions FAA has taken to evaluate and investigate the efforts by Boeing to downplay MCAS, particularly to U.S. and foreign regulators. I am not asking you to rehash the efforts the FAA has taken to establish JATR or other bodies to review the certification process or the MAX accidents, or what Boeing ultimately disclosed to FAA about MCAS. I am interested in any actions by the FAA to hold individuals accountable for their actions.\n\nHas the FAA identified the Authorized Representative who concurred with the plan to downplay MCAS?\n\nIf so, has the FAA interviewed this individual and/or requested related documents?\n\nIs this Authorized Representative still authorized to conduct work as a Boeing ODA Unit Member on behalf of the FAA?\n\nPlease provide the committee with copies of all records related to the FAA\u2019s efforts, if any, regarding the above questions.\n\nDid the FAA ever investigate the circumstances or individuals involved in Boeing\u2019s 2013 plan to downplay MCAS?\n\nPlease provide the committee with copies of all records related to the FAA\u2019s efforts, if any, regarding the above question.\n\nWhat, if anything, has FAA done to hold any of the individuals at Boeing accountable who took part in Boeing\u2019s 2013 efforts to downplay MCAS?\n\nPlease provide the committee with copies of all records related to the FAA\u2019s efforts, if any, regarding the above question.\n\nDoes FAA regard the actions memorialized in the enclosed Boeing document as acceptable?\n\nThank you for your time in addressing these important matters. Please provide a response to this letter by Monday, December 13, 2021. I look forward to continuing to work with the FAA to implement the ACSAA to improve safety, oversight, and accountability. Due to continuing issues with the Boeing 737 MAX and the 787, and the ongoing certification of the Boeing 777X, it is more critical than ever that the FAA takes its role as regulator seriously. FAA must fully investigate actions by Boeing or others that jeopardize the public\u2019s safety or disregard FAA\u2019s regulations and hold responsible parties accountable. My hope is that with continued implementation of the ACSAA, issues like those discussed above do not arise in the future.\n\nSincerely,\n\nPETER A. DeFAZIO\n\nChair\n\nSubcommittee on Aviation\n\nRICK LARSEN\n\nChair\n\nGREG STANTON", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/24/media-press-releases-strickland-honors-local-vietnam-veterans/", "Strickland Honors Local Vietnam Veterans", "2021-11-24", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, Washington \u2014 During National Veterans and Military Families Month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) hosted a Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony to honor local veterans in partnership with the US Vietnam Veterans Pin Commission. During the ceremony, Strickland recognized the service of each veteran or their surviving family member, and presented honorees with a ceremonial lapel pin as a symbol of our immense gratitude for their service to our country. The pinning ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam War period veterans who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.\n\n\u201cAs the daughter of a veteran who served in two wars, I know that military families and veterans deserve our deepest respect and gratitude,\u201d Strickland said. \u201cDuring National Veterans and Military Families Month and as we approach the season of giving thanks, it is my honor to recognize ten Vietnam veterans and their families for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. Our nation and our community owes each of these local heroes a debt of gratitude.\u201d\n\nPlease find a list of the Vietnam veterans Congresswoman Strickland honored at the ceremony below.\n\nLeroy Painter-Smith\n\nMarrianne Backous (receiving the on behalf of her father, Henry Backous)\n\nWilliam Backous\n\nSteven Brklycica\n\nLois Simko\n\nLarry Grubb\n\nDonald Baker\n\nRoy Rhoades\n\nSteven \u201cChauncey\u201d Bradley\n\nWalter Simonsen\n\nJeff Dunlap\n\nStrickland has made helping veterans a top priority in Congress. She currently serves as a HillVets House Ambassador, committing to helping veterans seek a \u201csecond service\u201d career in policy, publicly supports their fellowship program, and considers their fellows for initial placement and permanent positions within their office. Strickland introduced the HOMES For Our Veterans Act which reduces barriers and makes it easier for organizations who provide homes and services to veterans experiencing homelessness to access federal capital grants. Strickland has also led numerous bipartisan letters urging the VA to improve veterans\u2019 access to health care, including addressing issues with the VA\u2019s Community Care program.\n\nIn 2007, the United States Congress passed legislation to conduct a nationwide program commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program was launched in 2012 by President Barack Obama and concludes on Veterans Day in 2025, marking 50 years from the Vietnam War\u2019s end in 1975. As part of that program, the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration and its Commemorative Partners like Trahan have partnered together to honor the 6.2 million Vietnam veterans living at home and abroad, as well as the 9 million families of all who served.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-washington-democratic-congressional-delegation-urges-prioritization", "ICYMI: Washington Democratic Congressional Delegation Urges Prioritization of Howard Hanson Dam Fish Passage Facility to Receive Infrastructure Funding", "2021-11-23", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ISSAQUAH, WA \u2013 This week, nine members of the Washington Democratic congressional delegation led by Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Shalanda Young requesting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and OMB prioritize funding for the planned Howard A. Hanson Dam fish passage facility on the Green River as part of the $17.1 billion in funding included for the Corps in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\"Completing the downstream fish passage facility would ensure drinking water storage capacity, continue to protect the Green River Valley from flooding, and reopen over 60 miles of prime habitat for Endangered Species Act-listed salmon and steelhead populations, which also support the endangered Southern Resident orca population,\" the members wrote to Assistant Secretary Connor and Acting Director Young.\n\n\"Securing funding for construction will also leverage significant investments made by non-federal partners and complete a multi-benefit infrastructure project that could make the largest single gain in salmon production in Puget Sound.\"\n\nThe letter was signed by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D, WA-08), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07).\n\nThe full text of the letter is available HERE and below.\n\nNovember 16, 2021\n\nDear Assistant Secretary Connor and Acting Director Young,\n\nWe write to request that funding for the construction of a downstream fish passage facility at Howard A. Hanson Dam (HAHD) be prioritized from funding made available to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) appropriated under Title III \u2013 Construction of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Completing the downstream fish passage facility would ensure drinking water storage capacity, continue to protect the Green River Valley from flooding, and reopen over 60 miles of prime habitat for Endangered Species Act-listed salmon and steelhead populations, which also support the endangered Southern Resident orca population.\n\nIn February 2019, the Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration agreed to the Howard A. Hanson Dam Biological Opinion (BiOP) which outlined the Corps' responsibility to design and construct a downstream fish passage facility to improve the recovery of salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act and uphold the federal government's treaty and trust responsibilities to Native American Tribes. The BiOp requires an operational downstream fish passage facility by 2030 and funding is needed to commence construction and meet this obligation. Securing funding for construction will also leverage significant investments made by non-federal partners and complete a multi-benefit infrastructure project that could make the largest single gain in salmon production in Puget Sound.\n\nDownstream fish passage at HAHD is an urgent priority that is supported by members of Washington's federal Congressional delegation, the state of Washington, and local governments. Completion of this significant water storage and ecosystem restoration project that will benefit communities and critically threatened species in Washington state. It is vital that funding for construction of this fish passage facility at HAHD is prioritized by the Corps.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/22/media-press-releases-media-advisory-strickland-honor-local-vietnam-veterans-pinning-ceremony-lacey/", "**MEDIA ADVISORY**  Strickland to Honor Local Vietnam Veterans with Pinning Ceremony in Lacey", "2021-11-22", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2014 On Tuesday, November 23rd at 10:00 AM PT, during National Veterans and Military Families Month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) will hold a Vietnam Veterans Pinning Ceremony to honor local veterans in partnership with the US Vietnam Veterans Pin Commission. During the ceremony, Strickland will recognize the service of each veteran or their surviving family member, and present honorees with a ceremonial lapel pin as a symbol of immense gratitude for their service to our country. The pinning ceremony is part of an ongoing national effort to honor all Vietnam War period veterans who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-passage-build-back-better-act", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Passage of the Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "November 19, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after he voted to pass H.R. 5376 the Build Back Better Act.\n\n\"Thanks to President Biden's vision and Speaker Pelosi's leadership, today the House passed one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in our nation's history. The Build Back Better Act will make transformational investments in communities across the country to improve the lives of our children and families.\n\n\"The Build Back Better Act represents an incredible opportunity to address the greatest existential threat of our time - climate change -while creating good-paying, unions jobs and building a sustainable, resilient economy. This bill is the largest investment to combat climate change that our nation has ever seen, with massive investments in clean energy and zero-emissions technology. The Biden-Harris Administration and Democrats in Congress have committed to making climate change a top priority and this legislation follows through on that commitment.\n\n\"This bill tackles some of the biggest issues facing individuals and families and helps grow our economy in a more equitable way, leveling the playing field for working families across the country. Build Back Better includes investments in, universal pre-k, affordable child care, an expanded child tax credit, and universal paid family and medical leave. This bill will also improve the health care system for millions of Americans by reducing premiums, lowering drug prices, and closing the Medicaid coverage gap. It makes significant investments in our workforce by making higher education more affordable, expanding workforce development and training programs, and enhancing worker protections. The bill will also help create a more equitable future by making large investments in affordable housing, alleviating the burden of rising costs of housing for countless people across the United States - including my constituents in the Puget Sound region. I am also pleased to see important immigration provisions included in this bill in an effort to keep all options on the table in the Senate for meaningful immigration reform. Crucially, these improvements to the lives of our families and communities are paid for by creating a fairer tax code - ensuring the wealthy and corporations finally pay their fair share.\n\n\"The negotiations and process to get to this point has certainly been challenging, and I appreciate the leadership of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Chair Jayapal to push for important policy priorities in the Build Back Better Act. Today's passage of the Build Back Better Act in the House demonstrates the importance of the Democratic party coming together to deliver real results to the American people.\n\n\"It is now time for the Senate to swiftly take up the Build Back Better Act so that Americans don't have to wait any longer. Inaction by the Senate is not an option and I have faith in the President that he will continue to move the Build Back Better Act forward.\"\n\n###\n\nWhite House: Build Back Better Homepage\n\nSpeaker Pelosi: Build Back Better Factsheet\n\nBACKGROUND: The Details of the Build Back Better Act\n\nInvestments in Clean Energy and Combatting Climate Change\n\nThe Build Back Better Act will invest $555 billion in clean energy and climate programs, the largest single investment in our clean energy economy in history. As our economy moves toward electrification, these investments will help clean up all sectors including buildings, transportation, industry, electricity, and agriculture.\n\nClean Energy Tax Credits ($320 billion): Ten-year expanded tax credits for utility-scale and residential clean energy, transmission and storage, clean passenger and commercial vehicles, and clean energy manufacturing to meet President Biden's goal of reducing U.S. carbon emissions by 50 percent by 2030 while creating good, well-paying jobs.\n\nResilience Investments ($105 billion): Investments and incentives to address extreme weather (wildfires, droughts, and hurricanes, including in forestry, wetlands, and agriculture), legacy pollution in communities, and establishing a Civilian Climate Corps.\n\nInvestments and Incentives for Clean Energy Technology, Manufacturing, and Supply Chains ($110 billion): Targeted incentives to spur new domestic supply chains and technologies, like solar, batteries, and advanced materials, while boosting the competitiveness of existing industries, like steel, cement, and aluminum.\n\nClean Energy procurement ($20 billion): Provide incentives for government to be purchaser of next gen technologies, including long-duration storage, small modular reactors, and clean construction materials.\n\nGreenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Invests $29 billion in nonprofit, state, and local climate finance institutions that support the rapid deployment of low and zero-emissions technologies, including zero-emissions vehicles. At least 40 percent of investments from the und will be made in low-income and disadvantaged communities.\n\nEnvironmental and Climate Justice Block Grants: Provides $3 billion to community-led projects that address environmental and public health harms related to pollution and climate change, giving direct funding to communities most impacted by climate change and environmental injustice.\n\nInvestments in Children and Families that Grow the Economy's Capacity\n\nUniversal Preschool for all 3- and 4-year Olds: Expand access to free high-quality preschool for more than 6 million children. This is a long-term program, with funding for six years.\n\nAffordable High Quality Child Care: Limit child care costs for families to no more than 7% of income, for families earning up to 250% of state median income. It enables states to expand access to about 20 million children. This is a long-term program, with funding for six years.\n\nExpanded Child Tax Credit: Extend for one year the current expanded Child Tax Credit for more than 35 million American households, with monthly payments for households earning up to $150,000 per year. Make refundability of the Child Tax Credit permanent.\n\nComprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave: Establishes the first ever universal paid leave benefit for all U.S. workers, giving all workers an opportunity to receive up to four weeks of paid leave for new parents, workers dealing with their own serious medical conditions, and those who need leave to care for a loved one.\n\nImproving Health Care for Millions of Americans\n\nImproving Affordability and Reducing Premium Costs: Extends the expanded Affordable Care Act premium tax credits through 2025. Experts predict that more than 3 million people who would otherwise be uninsured will gain health insurance.\n\nClose the Medicaid Coverage Gap: Make the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits available through 2025 to 4 million uninsured people who live in states that have chosen not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.\n\nAllow Medicare to cover the cost of hearing. Establish a hearing benefit in Medicare, a crucial benefit to our seniors for a reasonable cost.\n\nReduce the costs of prescription drugs: Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate prices for high-cost prescription drugs under Medicare, lowering drug costs for seniors. In addition, it sets a cap at $2,000 on the amount that seniors pay annually for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. The Build Back Better Act also holds drug manufacturers accountable by imposing a penalty on them if they increase their prices faster than inflation and stops price gouging on insulin by limiting the costs to $35 per month for insulin for Americans with diabetes.\n\nEnhancing Maternal Health Equity: Improves maternal health outcomes for vulnerable populations by ensuring that all pregnant people on Medicaid can keep their health insurance for the first year postpartum, while also making significant public health investments to reduce inequities in maternal health outcomes and strengthen the maternal health workforce.\n\nMaking Permanent the Children's Health Insurance Program: Permanently extends funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which will ensure low-income children will always have access to quality, affordable health insurance.\n\nExpanding access to home and community-based services: Invests $150 billion to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) to older adults and individuals with disabilities, resolve the existing backlog to receive these services, and strengthen the HCBS workforce by enhancing protections and increasing pay.\n\nInvesting in Workers through Education and Workforce Development\n\nMaking Higher Education More Affordable: Increases the maximum Pell Grant award by $550 for enrollment at public and private non-profit institutions of higher education, the cornerstone of financial support for low-income individuals accessing higher education. Expands eligibility for financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, to certain immigrants in the United States under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).\n\nSupporting HBCUs, HSIs, MSIs, and TCUs: Invests $6 billion to increase mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (\"HBCUs\"), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Minority Serving Institutions (\"MSIs\"), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (\"TCUs\") and provides $3 billion for a new competitive grant program to improve the research capacity and infrastructure of HBCUs, MSIs, and TCUs.\n\nInvesting in Workforce Development and Training: Includes $20 billion in investments across the workforce development system, including community college workforce programs, sector-based training, and registered apprenticeships. Reauthorizes Trade Adjustment Assistant (TAA) programs to provide a critical lifeline to workers, firms, and communities that have been harmed by trade.\n\nSupporting K-12 Education: Invests over $600 million in elementary and secondary education programs, including funding for educator training programs at HBUCs and the development of personnel to serve children with disabilities.\n\nEarned Income Tax Credit for 17 Million Low-Wage Workers: Extends for one year the expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit for childless workers included in the American Rescue Plan, helping millions of workers stay out of poverty and increase their take-home-pay.\n\nEnhances Worker Protections: Rebuilds and expands the capacity of worker protection efforts at the Department of Labor with a nearly $2 billion investment.\n\nExpanding Access to Broadband: Invests $300 million to the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which gives schools and libraries the ability to provide students, teachers, and library patrons with Internet connectivity and connected devices. Provides $295 million to establish a program employing public-private partnerships to improve affordable broadband service in urban areas, specifically in communities of color and to low and middle-income consumers.\n\nAlleviating the Housing Crisis\n\nInvests $150 billion in housing affordability and reducing price pressures, and will go towards building, preserving, and improving more than 1 million affordable rental and single-family homes.\n\nRepairing and Expanding our Public Housing Infrastructure: Provides $65 billion to fully address the capital needs backlog of public housing.\n\nHousing Vouchers and Rental Assistance: Allocates $24 billion for Housing Choice Vouchers and supportive services, including set asides specifically for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.\n\nBuilding and Preserving Affordable Homes: Provides $10 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to fund the construction, purchase, or rehabilitation of affordable homes for low-income people, and includes $15 billion for the national Housing Trust Fund to build and preserve over 150,000 new affordable, accessible rental homes for households with the lowest incomes.\n\nHistoric Expansion of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: Invests in affordable housing through a historic expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that is estimated to increase the number of affordable units by over 800,000 in the next decade. It better targets LIHTC investments for the most vulnerable by providing enhanced credits for certain projects serving extremely low-income tenants as well as certain tribal projects.\n\nCreating a Fairer Tax Code to Pay for the Build Back Better Act\n\nBelow is an overview of the eight sources of revenues in the Build Back Better Act. Under this legislation, no one making less than $400,000 a year will pay one cent in additional taxes.\n\nA 15 Percent Corporate Minimum Tax: Establishes a new \"minimum tax\" of 15 percent on all U.S. corporations earning more than $1 billion a year in profits. The minimum tax would be assessed on \"book\" income reported to shareholders, rather than profits reported to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).\n\nStrengthening the Global Minimum Tax for Large Multinational Corporations: Ensures that U.S. companies pay a minimum tax of 15 percent on profits they earn overseas, as part of our international agreement to end the \"race to the bottom\" in taxing large corporations.\n\nA Surcharge on the Wealthiest 0.02 Percent of Americans: Provides a new surtax on the income of multi-millionaires and billionaires - the wealthiest 0.02 percent of Americans. The surtax would apply a five percent rate above income of $10 million, and an additional three percent surtax on income above $25 million.\n\nIRS Investments to Close the Tax Gap: Provides for closing the tax gap - the difference between what is owed to the IRS in taxes and what is actually collected each year. Provides that the Administration will invest $80 billion in the IRS for the hiring of new agents and modernization of the agency's technology. The new funds will help enable the IRS to pursue wealthy tax cheats.\n\nClosing Medicare Tax Loophole for Wealthy: Closes the loopholes that allow some wealthy taxpayers to avoid paying the 3.8 Medicare tax on their earnings.\n\nLimiting Business Losses for the Wealthy: Limits the business losses the wealthy can claim to reduce their tax liability. For example, some high-income taxpayers claim their business losses against their investment income, zeroing out their tax bill. This limits the amount of business loss that can offset non-business income.\n\nTax on Stock Buybacks: Provides a one percent surcharge on corporate stock buybacks, which corporate executives too often use to enrich themselves rather than investing in workers and growing their businesses.\n\nRepealing Trump Rebate Rule: Repeals the Trump rebate rule, saving taxpayers and seniors money. Among its negative effects, the Trump rebate rule increased the monthly Medicare premium that seniors pay.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3001", "House Passes Historic Investment in American Families and Economy", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives, with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene\u2019s (WA-01) support, passed the Build Back Better Act, a once-in-a-generation investment that will create jobs, grow our economy, and uplift families. As the Vice Chair of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, DelBene was a key player throughout negotiations and helped shape this bill with her priorities.\n\n\u201cWith the Build Back Better Act, we are making smart investments that will grow our economy, get Americans back to work, and build a brighter future for our kids,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThis historic legislation includes policies I fought for that will have an immediate effect on our communities and spur long-term economic growth and jobs. It\u2019s time that we show the American people that governance can work.\u201d\n\nDelBene secured a number of major legislative provisions in the bill to help Washingtonians including:\n\nContinuing the successful monthly Child Tax Credit payments of up to $300 per child through 2022. This is a historic tax cut for middle-class families, which has already helped over 3.3 million families put food on the table for their children and lifted 3.5 million children out of poverty. The bill also makes the credit permanently fully refundable, meaning the families most in need will continue to receive the full credit going forward. In Washington state, 1,381,000 kids qualified for Child Tax Credits in the most recent round of payments.\n\nExpanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) that will finance the creation or rehabilitation of more affordable housing. The provisions in this bill will build or preserve over 800,000 units and create 1.2 million jobs over the next decade.\n\nEstablishing a national paid family and medical leave policy that guarantees American workers 4 weeks of paid family and medical leave. Until now, the U.S. was one of the only developed countries without a national paid leave policy.\n\nLowering the cost of child care and achieving universal pre-K, helping parents go back to work and making long-term investments in our children's future.\n\nDecreasing the cost of health care for 9 million Americans and over half a million Washingtonians by continuing the enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies through 2025.\n\nIncentivizing clean energy innovation and direct carbon capture technology with tax provisions I led to help lower carbon emissions.\n\nModernizing the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by expanding federal assistance for workers hurt by tariffs and international competition. This includes expanding eligibility, increasing benefits to displaced workers, and targeting support for trade-affected communities.\n\nSupporting local journalism with tax credits that help local, print, and digital publications grow sustainably and retain local journalists.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act now goes to the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2565", "Larsen: Build Back Better Ensures All Washingtonians Benefit from Economic Recovery", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported House-passage of the Build Back Better Act (BBB), historic legislation that creates millions of well-paying union jobs, drives long-term economic recovery and growth, and enables Northwest Washington communities to combat the climate change crisis. BBB passed the House of Representatives by a final vote of 220 to 213 and now heads to the Senate.\n\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported House-passage of the Build Back Better Act (BBB), historic legislation that creates millions of well-paying union jobs, drives long-term economic recovery and growth, and enables Northwest Washington communities to combat the climate change crisis. BBB passed the House of Representatives by a final vote of 220 to 213 and now heads to the Senate.\n\n\u201cNorthwest Washington is defeating the pandemic, but it has not yet been defeated; the economy is recovering, but it has not yet recovered,\u201d said Larsen. \u201cThis bold, FDR-like investment enables all Washingtonians to benefit from the economic recovery by putting more people to work, empowering working families, ensuring seniors can afford prescription drugs, building more affordable housing and combating the climate change crisis.\u201d\n\nAccording to White House estimates, the bipartisan infrastructure law and BBB together will add, on average, around 2 million U.S. jobs per year over the course of the next decade. BBB addresses many of Larsen\u2019s local priorities, including:\n\nQuality, Affordable Child Care\n\nMaking it easier for working families to pay for child care empowers parents who want to go back to work.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act provides access to safe, affordable child care for more than 470,000 Washington state children (ages 0-5) per year for families earning under 2.5 times the Washington median income (about $254,421 for a family of four). BBB also ensures these families pay no more than 7% of their income on high-quality child care.\n\nBBB enables Washington to expand access to free, high-quality preschool for more than 181,000 additional 3- and 4-year-olds per year in Washington state and increase the quality of preschool for children who are already enrolled.\n\nBBB extends for one year the expanded Child Tax Credit Larsen supported in the American Rescue Plan that cut childhood poverty in half nationwide. In October, an estimated 76,000 Second District families received an average of $438 to pay for child care, groceries and other essential items.\n\nBBB permanently authorizes the first-ever national paid family and medical leave guarantee for U.S. workers for up to four weeks.\n\nMore Well-Paying Clean Energy Jobs\n\nBuilding back better means funding historic investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure, incentivizing utilities to switch to cleaner power generation and establishing tax credits for green aviation fuels and electric vehicles to create well-paying union jobs.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act is the largest single effort to combat the climate crisis in U.S. history, investing $555 billion over 10 years to cut pollution, reduce energy costs and create well-paying jobs to ensure the United States leads the clean energy economy.\n\nBBB establishes a nationwide 300,000+ member Climate Conservation Corps that puts Washingtonians to work conserving public lands, bolstering local resilience and addressing climate change.\n\nBBB extends and expands clean energy tax credits to invest more than $300 billion to support clean energy investments and deployment, improve energy efficiency and encourage vehicle electrification.\n\nBBB invests $20 billion nationwide in workforce development initiatives that prepare Washingtonians for in-demand jobs in clean energy, child care, public health, manufacturing and IT.\n\nBBB contains $10 billion for the full replacement of lead pipes in drinking systems throughout the country.\n\nBBB enables Washington\u2019s 34 public community colleges to benefit from federal grants to develop and deliver innovative training initiatives and expand successful existing initiatives.\n\nMore Affordable Housing\n\nIt is clear from my conversations with residents, stakeholders and local officials there is not enough affordable housing in communities across Northwest Washington. Approximately 487,000 Washington renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, while homeownership remains out of reach for many in the Pacific Northwest.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act makes a $151 billion investment toward affordable housing solutions nationwide, including $24 billion for critical rental assistance.\n\nBBB includes provisions Larsen advocated that increase the availability of high-quality housing through the construction and rehabilitation of more than 1 million affordable units nationwide, creating jobs in construction and more housing for Washingtonians.\n\nLower Drug and Health Care Prices\n\nSeniors have long paid too much for prescriptions. Currently, Medicare is prohibited by law from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies over the price of medications.\n\nThe Build Back Better Act empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate directly with drug companies to lower drug prices for the nearly 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries in Washington state.\n\nBBB lowers insulin costs for all insured Americans and caps insulin copays at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.\n\nBBB creates a new, out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 on what seniors pay for their drugs in Medicare Part D.\n\nBBB closes the Medicaid coverage gap to help millions of Americans gain health insurance, extends through 2025 the American Rescue Plan\u2019s health insurance premium reductions for those who buy coverage on their own and helps older Americans access affordable hearing care by expanding Medicare. In Washington state, that means 108,000 uninsured people will gain coverage and 89,300 will on average save hundreds of dollars per year.\n\nFor a summary of the Build Back Better Act, click here.\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nLarsen Supports Pay for Hard-Working Public Servants\n\nMarch 26, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Demands Trump Admin Mobilize All Options to Prepare for Upcoming Wildfire Season\n\nMarch 26, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Invites Students to Participate in 2026 Congressional Art Competition\n\nMarch 12, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Announces $17.5 Million Investment in Skagit Transit\n\nMarch 12, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Announces Release of Flood Recovery Funds\n\nMarch 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-votes-pass-historic-build-back-better-act", "Rep. Schrier Votes to Pass Historic Build Back Better Act", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will bring down the cost of health care and prescription drugs, set the United States on course to meet its climate goals, create millions of family wage jobs, and ensure families have access to affordable, quality child care and pre-K.\n\n\"As a mom and pediatrician, I've seen firsthand the urgent need for a historic investment in middle class families to ease the growing burdens they are facing. That's why I am delighted that the Build Back Better Act not only makes significant investments in America's future, it lowers costs for working families by extending the monthly Child Tax Credit, capping the cost of child care, and setting every child up for lifelong success with universal preschool,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"This bill will also make health care more affordable for Washingtonians by capping prescription drug costs for seniors, lowering premiums for people who buy insurance on their own, and stopping drug companies from price gouging.\"\n\nThe Build Back Better Act will make generational investments including:\n\nEarly Education: Right now, only 22% of 3- and 4-year-olds in Washington state have access to publicly funded pre-K, while the average cost of private pre-K in the state is $8,600. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K for all Washington children\n\nTax Cut for Middle Class Families: The Build Back Better Act extends the enhanced Child Tax Credit for another year to give almost 80% of 8th District families a tax cut, and make it available as a monthly benefit of up to $300 per month per child under 6, and up to $250 per month for each child 6 - 17 years old.\n\nHealth Care: The Build Back Better Act will save Washingtonians thousands of dollars each year by capping ACA health insurance premiums so no family pays more than 8.5% of their income on premiums, expanding Medicare to cover hearing aids, and making reforms to crack down on drug companies and ensure seniors can afford their medications.\n\nLowers insulin prices so people with diabetes pay no more than $35 per month\n\nCaps drug costs for older Americans at $2,000/year\n\nGives Medicare the power to negotiate the best price for the most expensive medications\n\nHolds down drug prices for everyone by penalizing companies that raise their prices faster than inflation\n\nChild Care: The average annual cost for childcare in Washington state is $16,000! The Build Back Better Act will help families afford childcare by ensuring that families making less than $200,000 per year will pay no more than 7% of their income on childcare. This means the parents of 470,178 young children in Washington will save an average of $5,000 per year and can afford to go back to work.\n\nCombating Climate Change: From 2010 to 2020, Washington experienced 10 extreme weather events, costing up to $5 billion in damages. And as climate change worsens, wildfires are getting hotter and more destructive. The Build Back Better Act sets the United States on course to meet its climate targets of 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. And it will create family wage jobs and grow domestic manufacturing industries to support clean energy technology.\n\nRepresents the largest-ever single investment in our clean energy economy\u2014across buildings, transportation, industry, electricity, agriculture, and climate smart practices in our lands and waters\n\nStrengthens U.S. manufacturing and supply chains for critical goods, benefiting American businesses, workers, consumers, and communities\n\nRep. Schrier continued, \"As we face the increasing threat of climate change, significant investments in forest management, wildland firefighting and mitigation, and agriculture research will allow for better wildfire preparedness and help specialty crop farmers. This legislation also includes electric vehicle tax credits and other rebates that help save families money while moving our country toward a cleaner, more energy efficient future. This bill will create jobs in the 8th district, cut middle class taxes, and give our communities and working families the tools they need to thrive.\"\n\nWildfire Preparedness: The Build Back Better Act makes the most significant investment in history for forest management to ensure Washington state has healthy, resilient forests.\n\nIncludes $14 billion for prescribed fire and thinning, provisions Rep. Schrier championed in her National Prescribed Fire Act\n\n$450 million for Legacy Roads and Trails program. Rep. Schrier introduced bipartisan legislation and led Congressional efforts to fund this program, including $250 million authorized in the recently-signed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act\n\nSupports local fire departments with $150 million for State Fire Assistance and Volunteer Assistance Programs\n\n$775 million for Wood Innovation Grants, which could support efforts in Chelan County to develop a small-diameter sawmill, helping forests and creating jobs and building materials\n\nChild Nutrition: More than 230,000 children in Washington live in households that struggle with hunger. The Build Back Better Act builds on Rep. Schrier's previous work to ensure all kids have a healthy start by expanding access to school meals and healthy food in the summer.\n\nCuts red tape to make it easier for schools to serve lunch to any child who needs it\n\nExpands the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program to provide more than 481,000 Washington students with resources to purchase food over the summer when they may not be able to otherwise rely on school meals\n\nAgriculture Research and Protecting Salmon:\n\n$1 billion for Pacific salmon conservation and habitat restoration\n\n$60 million for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Since March 2019, Rep. Schrier has been a major champion of SCRI funding to support specialty crop producers and researchers", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/19/media-press-releases-strickland-votes-build-back-better-act-invest-women-working-families-and/", "Strickland Votes for the Build Back Better Act to Invest in Women, Working Families, and Caregivers", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, sending it to the Senate for consideration.\n\n\u201cWhen we invest in women, families, and caregivers, we power an economic recovery that benefits all of us,\u201d said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. \u201cWith the Build Back Better Act, Congress will deliver life-changing benefits for families in the South Sound and across our nation \u2013 all without adding to the national debt. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to join me and vote in favor of this transformational bill that will address housing, lower health care costs, affordable child care and in-home care, education, climate change and much more.\u201d\n\nThis transformative package will:\n\nReduce Housing Costs and Expand Housing Options: 487,000 renters in Washington are rent burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent, while homeownership remains out of reach for many families. This package invests $150 billion nationwide with targeted funding streams for new construction and preservation of housing, rental and down payment assistance, sustainable and resilient housing, and fair housing enforcement, among other investments. The Build Back Better framework will expand rental assistance for Washington renters, while also increasing the supply of high-quality housing through the construction and rehabilitation of over 1 million affordable housing units nationwide. It will address the capital needs of the entire public housing stock in America and it includes one of the largest investments in down payment assistance in history, enabling more first-generation homebuyers to purchase their first home.\n\nLower Health Care Costs: negotiating lower drug costs for seniors; halting Big Pharma\u2019s outrageous price hikes above inflation; and expanding the ACA to make coverage more affordable for those who buy insurance on their own. In Washington, that means 108,000 uninsured people will gain coverage and 89,300 will on average save hundreds of dollars per year.\n\nCut Taxes and Lower Costs for Families and Workers\n\nThe bill will extend Child Tax Credit (CTC) increases of $300/month per child under 6 or $250/month per child ages 6 to 17. Enable Washington to provide access to child care for 470,178 young children (ages 0-5) per year from families earning under 2.5 times the Washington median income (about $254,421 for a family of 4), and ensure these families pay no more than 7% of their income on high-quality child care. This will continue the largest one-year reduction in child poverty in history. And critically, the agreement includes permanent refundability for the Child Tax Credit, meaning that the neediest families will continue to receive the full Child Tax Credit over the long-run. Prior to the pandemic, 9% of children under the age of 18 in Washington lived in poverty. The bill will bolster financial security and spur economic growth in Washington by reducing taxes on the middle class and those striving to break into it.\n\nProvide a tax cut of up to $1,500 in tax cuts for 358,300 low-wage workers in Washington by extending the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion.\n\nEnable Washington to expand access to free, high-quality preschool to more than 181,109 additional 3- and 4-year-olds per year and increase the quality of preschool for children who are already enrolled. Only 22% of the 233,030 3- and 4-year-olds in Washington have access to publicly-funded preschool.\n\nExpand free school meals for an additional 5,000 WA students during the school year and provide 481,943 WA students with resources to purchase food over the summer.\n\nProvides for Home and Community-Based Services with an investment of $150 billion to expand access to quality home-based care for millions of older adults and people with disabilities. This funding includes resources to improve our national care infrastructure by strengthening the direct care workforce.\n\nMake the Largest Investment to Combat Climate Crisis in History: cutting pollution, reducing energy costs, creating good paying jobs with a transformational investment to ensure America leads the clean energy economy. The package will strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains for critical goods, benefiting American businesses, workers, consumers, and communities.\n\nInvest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) to build capacity, modernize research infrastructure, and provide financial aid to low-income students.\n\nFor a Fact Sheet on the impact on Washington State, visit this link. For a comprehensive Fact Sheet on the impact nationwide, visit this link\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-address-aviation-noise-and-emissions-matter", "Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Address Aviation Noise and Emissions as a Matter of Environmental Justice and Health Equity", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act, which would help communities near airports and airflight pathways monitor and mitigate aviation noise and emissions.\n\n\"For far too long, communities near airports and airflight pathways have been left to deal with the harm caused by aviation noise and pollution on the local level, without robust federal support. Today, with the introduction of my legislation, that changes. We know that aviation noise and emissions have disproportionately affected low-income communities and communities of color. As such, we must treat these issues as a matter of environmental justice and health equity.\n\n\"While the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies have developed programs to address environmental justice, none are focused specifically on the communities - like those in my district - who are negatively affected by aviation noise and emissions. The legislation introduced today will help us to better understand the effects of noise and emissions in our communities and fund initiatives driven by communities to mitigate these effects on the environment, public health, and quality of life of residents living near airports and airflight pathways.\"\n\nThe Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act is supported by Quiet Skies Puget Sound, the Beacon Hill Council, the King County International Airport Community Coalition, and the Quiet Skies Coalition (King County).\n\nOriginal cosponsors: Rep. Eleanor Norton (D-DC, Quiet Skies Caucus Co-Chair), Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA, Quiet Skies Caucus Co-Chair), Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Tom Souzzi (D-NY)\n\n###\n\nBackground\n\nStudies have demonstrated that communities near airports and airflight pathways are exposed to higher proportions of pollution and harmful particles from aviation emissions. This can lead to increased risks of breast cancer, heart disease, asthma, and a variety of other lung and cardiovascular conditions. In addition to poor air quality, communities impacted by aviation are increasingly subject to high levels of aircraft noise due to the uptick in air travel over the last several decades. A number of studies have found correlations between exposure to high levels of airport noise and poor health outcomes and negative impacts on children's learning.\n\nIn order to better support communities impacted by higher level of noise and emissions, the federal government must invest new resources into research and data on community-level impacts and grants to mitigate these impacts.\n\nThe Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act would create two new pilot grant programs at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for studies of air quality and noise and for mitigation projects in these communities:\n\nNoise and Air Quality Monitoring and Research Grant Program - a three-year grant at the EPA for higher education institutions, health entities, or local governments to measure noise and emissions levels, and its impacts, on local communities. It would require grantees to collect data and produce neighborhood-levelmaps on the impact of aviation noise and emissions, the sources of the noise and emissions, and identify disproportionately impacted communities.\n\nMitigation and Support Services Grant Program - to be established following the noise and air quality monitoring program, this grant program would fund initiatives to mitigate aviation noise and emissions in communities. Eligible entities including community-based non-profit organizations, local or Tribalgovernments, or local health departments could use the funds for a range of activities such as:\n\nnoise mitigation packages for homes or other weatherization, retrofitting, or energy efficiency upgrades that have noise reduction, environmental, or health benefits;\n\nprograms to promote environmental and public health in impacted communities; and\n\nhealth care services or other interventions that address underlying impacts from aviation noise and pollution on health and quality of life.\n\nThe legislation would require the EPA to prioritize mitigation grants to communities found to be disproportionately impacted by aviation noise and emissions, and disadvantaged communities with higher prevalence of diseases associated with environmental exposure. Grantees would be required to demonstrate how their project addresses environmental or health disparities.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3002", "DelBene Helps Secure $22.1 Million for Granite Falls Bridge Replacement", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that with her support Snohomish County was awarded a $22.1 million grant to replace the Granite Falls Bridge #102 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).\n\nThe Granite Falls Bridge #102 is an essential part of the roadways that serve the communities of Granite Falls, Verlot, Robe Valley, and Silverton in Snohomish County. The bridge replacement will expand recreation and tourism by providing direct access to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It will also connect a vital freight route used to transport natural resources like timber, sand, and gravel across Washington. In its current state, the bridge is considered functionally obsolete. If the bridge were to fail or close, the detour route is a 94-mile distance and would significantly impair emergency services.\n\n\u201cThe Granite Falls Bridge #102 is a prime example of Washington state infrastructure that has been neglected through years of underinvestment. This grant will help make sure this vital recreational and economic transportation route is available to the Snohomish County community for the next generation,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cI worked hard to help secure this $22.1 million USDOT grant and will continue fighting for additional federal investments in our local infrastructure.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are incredibly grateful to Rep. DelBene, Sen. Cantwell, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the members of our congressional delegation, and many others for helping us secure a $22.1 million RAISE grant to fund the replacement of the Granite Falls Bridge,\u201d said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. \u201cWe have been working for many years to fix this key link in our north county transportation network, and now we can finally get down to work. The replacement of this vital bridge will ensure people and goods can get to where they need to go. Our economy and the vitality of our community depend on maintaining our infrastructure.\u201d\n\nThe project is being awarded a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Discretionary (RAISE) grant, a program that is dedicated to investing in critical road, rail, transit, and port projects across the country. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was passed by the House and signed into law this month, increased funding for the grant program to a total of $7.5 billion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2563", "Larsen, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, Marine Mammals", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect marine mammals nationwide, including Southern Resident Killer Whales (orcas).\n\nThe Protecting Our Marine Mammals (POMM) Act expands federal protections for marine mammals to include vessel speed mitigation measures, monitoring of underwater soundscapes and grants to support research and development into marine mammal monitoring technologies.\n\n\u201cIn the Pacific Northwest, Southern Resident Killer Whales are an important cultural symbol and environmental linchpin,\u201d said Rep. Larsen. \u201cI am encouraged by the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s recent efforts to work together to enhance protection of Southern Resident Killer Whales in Puget Sound. My bipartisan POMM Act builds on this critical work by enhancing ongoing conservation, science and technology measures to protect and conserve marine mammals.\u201d\n\n\u201cDeclining marine biodiversity and habitat loss remain the most significant threats to marine mammal species,\u201d said Rep. Fitzpatrick. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will expand conservation efforts and underwater monitoring technologies to ensure our at-risk marine mammals are protected from further harm.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to join Representative Larsen in introducing this bipartisan bill full of commonsense steps to protect whales and other marine life,\u201d said Rep. Grijalva, Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cWhales face a number of threats from our busy oceans, but technology and innovative strategies like the ones in this bill can help protect these sensitive populations.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur oceans are diverse, incredible ecosystems with some of the most important creatures and organisms on the planet \u2013 including the orca, our state marine mammal. Orcas are not only valuable to the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, but they also have profound cultural value, as well,\u201d said Rep. Kilmer. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to support Rep. Larsen\u2019s bipartisan legislation to take steps to further protect orcas and other marine mammals in our region and ensure we do all we can to recover the Southern Resident orca population.\u201d\n\n\u201cMarine mammals like Southern Resident Killer Whales are cherished by communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. We must do more to ensure their wellbeing and one proven way to protect these creatures is to limit the impacts of vessel traffic in their habitats,\u201d said Rep. DelBene. \u201cI\u2019m supporting this bill so that marine mammals throughout the country can thrive and future generations can continue to appreciate them.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to support Rep. Larsen\u2019s POMM Act that takes a science and evidence-based approach to protecting whales from collisions with and noise from ships. Our beloved and endangered native orca populations and other marine mammals are critical to the Pacific Northwest ecosystems. We must continue to do all that we can to protect them,\u201d said Rep. Schrier.\n\n\u201cWithout protection, endangered mammals like the iconic Puget Sound orca pods will continue to be in harm's way. With only 73 southern resident orcas left in the wild, protecting these animals and other species from threats including fast-moving vessels is vital. I\u2019m proud to join Representative Larsen in introducing legislation to expand federal protections and support for marine mammals nationwide before it\u2019s too late,\u201d said Rep. Strickland.\n\nThe bipartisan POMM Act received endorsements from several key stakeholders and organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Seattle Aquarium, Friends of the San Juans, Defenders of Wildlife, the Oceanic Preservation Society, Ocean Conservation Research, the Environmental Investigation Agency, Gotham Whale, the Center for Biological Diversity and Cetacean Society International.\n\n\u201cCollisions with ships and underwater noise pollution are threatening the recovery of critically endangered marine mammals, such as Southern Resident orcas and North Atlantic right whales,\u201d said Regan Nelson, Senior Oceans Advocate, NRDC. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will jumpstart innovative solutions that address these threats, such as technologies that quiet ships and real-time alert systems that help mariners avoid whales.\u201d\n\n\u201cFriends of the San Juans is grateful for Rep. Larsen\u2019s leadership on this bipartisan bill. The POMM Act will mitigate vessel traffic impacts and will provide funding for further research and protection measures for Southern Residents and other whales,\u201d said R. Brent Lyles, Executive Director, Friends of the San Juans.\n\n\u201cVulnerable marine mammals like the endangered Southern Resident orcas urgently need additional protections to reduce the risk of harm from vessel impacts,\u201d said Robert W. Davidson, President and CEO, Seattle Aquarium. \u201cWe are grateful for Representative Larsen\u2019s leadership in championing this bill to directly address that need as well as increase monitoring of underwater noise.\u201d\n\nLarsen, a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Estuary Caucus, has been a leading voice in Congress to protect marine mammals and ecosystems in Puget Sound and across the country. Earlier this year, Larsen successfully included his amendment in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act to expand federal protections for marine mammals.\n\nTo read the POMM Act, click here.\n\nFor a fact sheet of Larsen\u2019s actions to protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/17/media-press-releases-strickland-and-aarp-host-live-tele-town-hall-caring-caregivers/", "Strickland and AARP Host Live Tele-Town Hall on Caring for Caregivers", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 During National Family Caregivers Month, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and AARP held a live tele-town hall to take questions, provide resources, and highlight how we must better support caregivers and families, especially as the House considers the Build Back Better Act. Strickland was joined by Cathy MacCaul, Advocacy Director for AARP Washington State and Bea Rector, Director of the Home and Community Services (HCS) Division within the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration in Washington State\u2019s Department of Social and Health Services. (Listen to the Town Hall at this link.)\n\n\u201cI am grateful to the many caregivers and families for sharing their stories and needs with me, and to AARP Washington for their advocacy on behalf of caregivers in my district. November is National Family Caregivers Month and I know that a crucial part of building back better is supporting our care workers and all who take on caregiving responsibilities for their loved ones,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland. \u201cThat\u2019s why I fought to include policies like the Child Tax Credit in the American Rescue Plan. As Congress advances the Build Back Better Act, we must do more to meet the needs of caregivers and families.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe stresses of the pandemic took a significant toll on family caregivers. When we surveyed family caregivers last winter, about 60% said they were feeling more worry and anxiety due to the pandemic,\u201d said Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director. \u201cWe are fortunate to have champions like Congresswoman Strickland, who recognize the challenges of family caregiving and can advocate for a more supportive care infrastructure.\u201d\n\nConstituents led the conversation, asking questions specific to their personal experiences with caregiving including raising issues such as habitable and accessible housing, multigenerational housing, ageing with dignity, respite care, lowering the cost of care and more. Strickland answered questions on federal support for caregiving infrastructure, including passing the American Rescue Plan\u2019s Child Tax Credit, cosponsoring the Credit for Caring Act to assist with out-of-pocket caregiving costs, fighting to strengthen social security, and more. Strickland provided an update on crucial policies she is currently fighting to include in the Build Back Better Act including home-based services for older adults and people with disabilities, investments in the caregiving workforce and much more.\n\nRESOURCES:\n\nFor assistance with long-term care programs in Washington state, visit the Washington State Aging and Long-Term Support Administration\u2019s website. Visit AARP\u2019s website or call 1-877-333-5885 (English) or 1-888-971-2013 (Spanish) for toll-free family caregiving resources. Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit this website for resources from the U.S. Administration on Aging to connect individuals to care for older adults and families. Constituents of Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District may also call Congresswoman Strickland\u2019s office at (360) 459-8514 or visit www.strickland.house.gov if they have any questions, comments or concerns.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/17/media-press-releases-strickland-murray-hirono-clark-pressley-garcia-slotkin-lead-over-80-lawmakers/", "Strickland, Murray, Hirono, Clark, Pressley, Garcia, Slotkin Lead Over 80 Lawmakers in Reintroducing the BE HEARD Act to Address Workplace Harassment", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA-5), Assistant Speaker of the House, Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-7), Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-8) reintroduced the Bringing an End to Harassment by Enhancing Accountability and Rejecting Discrimination (BE HEARD) in the Workplace Act of 2021, which takes critical steps to prevent workplace harassment and ensure workers can seek accountability and justice. Strickland, Murray, Hirono, Clark, Pressley, Garcia, and Slotkin were joined by 68 House cosponsors, and 20 Senate cosponsors, listed below.\n\n\u201cAll workers, regardless of their background or their occupation, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Yet, many across our nation continue to face sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace without adequate recourse. With the Be HEARD Act, we are listening to workers\u2019 voices and calling on Congress to provide the full protections, accountability and justice everyone deserves in the workplace,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\nEven years after the #MeToo movement first began, workers across the country continue to face sexual harassment at work. For some workers, the pandemic has only made already pervasive sexual harassment even worse\u2014particularly for women in the food service industry, who have reported a dramatic increase in sexual harassment, including customers harassing them to take off their masks in order to judge their looks. The continuing epidemic of sexual harassment at work highlights the urgent need to pass the BE HEARD Act, particularly as workers across the country return to in-person work.\n\nThis legislation includes key reforms including ending mandatory arbitration and pre-employment NDAs to help ensure transparency, expanding civil rights protections for workers\u2014including independent contractors and interns, extending the time limit for reporting and challenging harassment, and ending the tipped minimum wage\u2014a key reform to ensure workers don\u2019t have to endure harassment from customers because their wages depend on tips.\n\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter who you are, or where you work\u2014everyone deserves to be treated fairly, respectfully, and with dignity.\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cYet for too many workers, going to work still means putting up with sexual harassment and discrimination\u2014and in some cases, the pandemic has only made this pervasive problem that much worse. This critical legislation will change that, by expanding protection for workers and ensuring they get the accountability and justice they deserve. I\u2019m so proud to re-introduce the BE HEARD Act alongside my colleagues\u2014because so long as workers continue to face sexual harassment, we will keep demanding better and fighting for change.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere is no question that workers face discrimination and sexual harassment in our workplaces. Even with the laws we have on the books and the #MeToo movement shedding light on this problem, it\u2019s still way too easy for employers to get away with committing these offenses. Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or their personal decision to start a family. I\u2019m proud to join Senator Murray and my House colleagues in re-introducing the BE HEARD Act which will take important steps to protect and empower workers, and stop employers from silencing anyone,\u201d said Senator Hirono.\n\n\u201cToday, we\u2019re saying enough is enough: no more silence, no more complacency. Whether you\u2019re an assistant, an actress, a waitress, or an executive, workplace harassment is unacceptable, and victims must have the ability to seek justice. The Be Heard Act will broaden civil rights protections, ensure access to a legal process, expand victims\u2019 rights, and help change the culture of silence and abuse. This is about justice and respect for every worker, and nothing less should be tolerated under the law,\u201d said Assistant Speaker Clark.\n\n\u201cEvery worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, but far too many workers are subjected to workplace violence, toxic harassment and discrimination on the job. That must change,\u201d said Rep. Pressley. \u201cOur bill would address this crisis head on by extending critical protections against harassment and discrimination to all working people and supporting workers as they seek accountability, justice and healing. For too long, too many of our most vulnerable workers have been forced to suffer in silence. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this comprehensive bill that will help us legislate justice and center their voices and lived experiences once and for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cToo many workers wake up every day in fear of going to work because they know they will be harassed, disrespected, or worse,\u201d said Congresswoman Garcia. \u201cThis problem has only gotten worse as the COVID-19 pandemic has placed additional strain on workers and resulted in increased harassment. Everyone should feel safe in their workplace and be treated with the dignity and respect that we all deserve. That\u2019s why I am proud to join my colleagues and grateful for their support in re-introducing this important bill. By passing the BE HEARD Act, Congress will stand firm on the side of workers in my district and across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur national conversation around sexual harassment is long overdue. For too long, women across industries and backgrounds have been unable to come forward to report harassment, or have been met with obstacles and retaliation for demanding their right to work free of harassment or discrimination,\u201d said Rep. Slotkin. \u201cI\u2019m proud to stand alongside my colleagues and survivors in reintroducing the Be HEARD Act \u2013 not just to update our laws and keep workers safe in the workplace, but to help change the leadership climate and culture that has for too long tolerated harassment and abuse. Enough.\u201d\n\nThe BE HEARD Act will:\n\nStrengthen understanding of workplace harassment and help businesses prevent it: The BE HEARD Act invests in research about the economic impact of workplace harassment, requires regular reporting on the prevalence of workplace harassment, and ensures that workers have access to more information and training about what constitutes harassment and their rights if they are harassed.\n\nHelp ensure transparency: The BE HEARD Act puts an end to mandatory arbitration and pre-employment non-disclosure agreements, which prevent workers from coming forward and holding perpetrators and businesses accountable.\n\nBroaden and expand civil rights protections to all workers: The BE HEARD Act builds on and strengthens existing civil rights laws by expanding protections for workers, while also safeguarding existing antidiscrimination laws and protections. It strengthens civil rights protections for all workers and makes clear that the Civil Rights Act protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the context of workplace discrimination. It also ensures that no matter where you work\u2014and whether you are an independent contractor or an intern\u2014your rights are protected.\n\nEmpower workers who come forward with reports of harassment or retaliation to ensure they get support: The BE HEARD Act allows workers more time to report harassment, authorizes grants to support legal assistance for workers who have low incomes, invests in delivering more resources to the state level to help workers ensure their rights are protected, and lifts the cap on damages when workers pursue legal action and win their cases.\n\nEliminate the tipped wage: The BE HEARD Act eliminates the tipped minimum wage, because tipped workers are disproportionately vulnerable to sexual harassment and discrimination by both clients and supervisors.\n\nIn addition to Representatives Strickland, Clark, Pressley, Garcia, and Slotkin, the House bill is cosponsored by: Reps. Nanette Diaz Barrag\u00e1n, Karen Bass, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Suzanne Bonamici, Jamaal Bowman, Julia Brownley, Andre Carson, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Judy Chu, Steve Cohen, Danny Davis, Madeleine Dean, Peter A. DeFazio, Suzan DelBene, Debbie Dingell, Adriano Espaillat, Dwight Evans, Lois Frankel, John Garamendi, Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda, Raul Grijalva, Jahana Hayes, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sara Jacobs, Pramila Jayapal, Henry C. \u201cHank\u201d Johnson Jr, William R. Keating, Robin Kelly, Daniel T. Kildee, Derek Kilmer, Ann McLane Kuster, Brenda L. Lawrence, Al Lawson, Barbara Lee, Teresa Leger Fernandez, Andy Levin, Ted W. Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Stephen Lynch, Carolyn B. Maloney, Lucy McBath, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Seth Moulton, Marie Newman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Donald M. Payne, Jr., Mark Pocan, Jamie Raskin, Kathleen Rice, Mary Gay Scanlon, Jan Schakowsky, Adam Smith, Jackie Speier, Thomas R. Suozzi, Dina Titus, Rashida Tlaib, Norma J. Torres, Lori Trahan, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, Peter Welch, Nikema Williams, Frederica S. Wilson, John Yarmuth, Jake Auchincloss, and Eddie Bernice Johnson.\n\nIn addition to Senators Murray and Hirono, the Senate bill is cosponsored by: Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ben Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by: Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, National Women\u2019s Law Center, American Civil Liberties Union, A Better Balance, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, American Association of University Women (AAUW), Building Pathways, Inc, California Employment Lawyers Association, Chicago Women in Trades, Clearinghouse on Women\u2019s Issues, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Economic Policy Institute, Equal Rights Advocates, Family Violence Law Center, Feminist Majority, Gender Equality Law Center, Inc., Human Rights Campaign, Justice for Migrant Women, KWH Law Center for Social Justice and Change, Legal Momentum, The Women\u2019s Legal Defense and Education Fund, Mississippi Workers\u2019 Center for Human Rights, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Center for Women\u2019s Equity in Apprenticeship and Employment, National Council for Occupational Safety & Health, National Council of Jewish Women, National Employment Law Project, National Employment Lawyers Association, National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Organization for Women, National Partnership for Women & Families, Now VA, Inc, Philly CLUW , Public Citizen, ROC United, Service Employees International Union, The Purple Campaign, The Women\u2019s Law Center of Maryland, Women Employed, Women\u2019s Law Project, Working IDEAL, and Workplace Fairness.\n\n\u201cWomen know all too well that workplace harassment is still commonplace in every industry and every type of job,\u201d said Emily Martin, NWLC Vice President for Education & Workplace Justice. \u201cThe pandemic and economic uncertainty exacerbate vulnerability to abuse, especially among low-paid women of color who often must remain silent and endure the harassment to hold on to their jobs. Finally, there\u2019s help on the way: the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act ensures that all workers have legal protections against harassment and abuse, activates bold reforms to promote transparency and accountability in the workplace, and removes barriers to securing justice\u2014like ending short statutes of limitations. This bill is long overdue. Every working person deserves to have safety and dignity at work.\u201d\n\n\u201cHarassment and discrimination remain a painful reality of the workplace, denying workers equal employment opportunities and dignity. Women workers, especially those who labor in low wage jobs, continue to shine a light on this insidious problem. Today, members of Congress have responded to a call for action by introducing the BE HEARD in the Workplace Act. The bill strengthens and expands our nation\u2019s antidiscrimination laws and addresses harassment on the basis of sex\u2014including sexual orientation and gender identity\u2014as well as race, ethnicity, age, disability, and religion. As a result, survivors of sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination will have more legal protections and fewer barriers to justice. We are proud to support a bill that protects the civil rights and dignity of millions of workers and moves us towards lasting, systemic change,\u201d said Vania Leveille, Senior Legislative Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union.\n\n\u201cHarassment and abuse have no place on the job. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly with dignity and respect at work. But too many have been forced to endure abusive work environments, denied opportunities, or pushed out of jobs entirely because of unchecked harassment and discrimination. The BE HEARD in the Workplace Act would strengthen our civil rights laws and provide meaningful tools to prevent and address these unjust practices that often have devastating consequences, especially for historically marginalized and low-paid working people. We urge Congress to act on this bill to protect working people\u2019s civil rights and promote economic security,\u201d said Wade Henderson, interim President and CEO of The Leadership Fund on Civil and Human Rights.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2995", "DelBene \u2018Breakthrough\u2019 Legislation Included in CURES 2.0 Package", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) welcomed the inclusion of legislation that she introduced to expand patients\u2019 access to breakthrough medical devices in the bipartisan CURES 2.0 Act introduced by Representatives Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Fred Upton (MI-06) today.\n\nThe Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act (H.R. 4043), which DelBene introduced with Representatives Jackie Walorski (IN-02), Tony C\u00e1rdenas (CA-29), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Upton, would guarantee Medicare beneficiaries access to cutting-edge medical innovation.\n\n\u201cI worked hard to make sure that the CURES 2.0 package included critical reforms I championed to ensure patients can access cutting-edge medical technology and care,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cBy guaranteeing coverage of breakthrough products, the CURES 2.0 Act is welcoming the way for future innovation and making sure our seniors are not waiting on new cures and therapies that could improve or save their lives.\u201d\n\nCurrently, Medicare does not automatically cover the latest advances in medical technology, even when the products are approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and designated as a breakthrough product. FDA-approved products can take up to three years to go through the Medicare coverage determination process, delaying vital treatments to millions of seniors.\n\nThe legislation would require Medicare to temporarily cover all breakthrough products approved through the FDA for four years. During this period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be required to make a permanent coverage determination. This allows patients and their providers access to the most cutting-edge, innovative care as soon as it comes to market.\n\nIn January, CMS finalized the Medicare Coverage for Innovative Technology (MCIT) rule, which like the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act would provide temporary Medicare coverage for products that have received breakthrough designation by the FDA and help Medicare beneficiaries access these new technologies. However, the CMS has since rescinded the rule but has pledged to redo it.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3004", "DelBene Statement on Flooding in Western Washington", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the historic flooding throughout Western Washington.\n\n\u201cMy heart is with the communities and families that are being devastated by flooding across Western Washington. I want to commend the emergency responders and local officials working around the clock to preserve lives and property during this incredibly difficult time.\n\n\u201cClimate change is making these once-in-a-generation floods a more frequent reality for our state. I am pushing to get out federal resources as soon as possible to respond to this extreme flooding but also to make the necessary investments over the long term to address the growing threat of climate change.\u201d\n\nIn addition to existing FEMA resources, the bipartisan infrastructure law that President Biden signed yesterday will help improve our communities\u2019 resilience to flooding. The law includes loans and grants for communities facing rising water levels, coastal erosion, and flooding as well as financial and technical assistance for states and communities to reduce the risk of flood damage to homes and businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2559", "Larsen Applauds Signing of Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, President Joe Biden will sign into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation Larsen supported that makes bold, long-term investments in the nation\u2019s infrastructure to create well-paying jobs and keep Washingtonians and the economy moving.\n\n\u201cWith the President signing this historic investment in infrastructure into law, Northwest Washington can focus on creating more jobs, driving economic recovery and growth and building a cleaner and greener transportation network,\u201d said Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. \u201cI will continue to push for bold, FDR-like investments in infrastructure priorities not included in the final bill, such as targeted federal funds to address immediate local needs like the Guemes Island Ferry Replacement Project, Zylstra Lake Multi-Modal Trail in Friday Harbor, the 169th Street Connecting Segment in Arlington, the US-2 Trestle connecting Everett and Lake Stevens, and South Whidbey-Clinton Area Transportation Infrastructure Improvements.\n\n\u201cCongress must now advance the Build Back Better plan to empower working families, invest in quality, accessible child care, create more well-paying clean energy jobs, build more affordable housing and lower prescription drug costs for seniors.\u201d\n\nWashington state is expected to receive the following infrastructure investments over five years, per White House estimates:\n\n$4.7 billion to repair and rebuild highways\n\n$1.79 billion to improve public transportation options, including $380 million for Sound Transit\n\n$882 million to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean, safe drinking water\n\n$605 million to replace and repair bridges\n\n$384.7 million to keep airport infrastructure projects on track\n\n$172 million for NOAA\u2019s Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund to support state and Tribal salmon habitat restoration projects\n\nAt least $100 million to provide reliable broadband coverage statewide to at least 241,000 Washingtonians\n\n$89 million for EPA\u2019s Puget Sound Geographic Program to support state, local and Tribal projects to improve water quality and enhance fish passage and salmon habitat\n\n$71 million to support the expansion of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network\n\n$39 million to protect against wildfires\n\n$18 million to protect against cyberattacks\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act addresses many of Larsen\u2019s local infrastructure priorities, including:\n\nCleaner and Greener Buses\n\nLocal transit agencies like Everett Transit and the Whatcom Transportation Authority are expanding electric bus fleets to keep people moving while reducing maintenance costs, lowering energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes a provision based on Larsen\u2019s GREEN Buses Act that commits $2.34 billion for low- or zero-emission bus grants for bus transit programs.\n\nCleaner and Greener Ferries\n\nStates like Washington \u2013 where ferries account for 73% of WSDOT\u2019s annual carbon emissions \u2013 and localities across the country are ready to commit to cleaner and greener passenger ferry fleets, but still need robust federal investment to support their efforts. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes a provision based on Larsen\u2019s GREEN Ferries Act that directs $250 million for a pilot initiative to help states and localities purchase electric or low-emission ferries and construct related infrastructure.\n\nPromoting Transportation Jobs, Boosting Diversity\n\nThe need is growing for more professional airline pilots, air traffic controllers, railroad workers and truck drivers, mechanics and other professions as industry stakeholders face increased competition worldwide. The transportation workforce also faces a diversity issue: nearly 90% of professional airline pilots and nearly 70% of truck drivers are white males. The Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act includes Larsen\u2019s bipartisan provision to grow the next generation workforce by promoting career opportunities and boosting diversity in the U.S. transportation industry. The bill also establishes apprenticeship goals by employing traditionally underrepresented populations to create a more diverse construction workforce.\n\nRepairing Washington\u2019s Bridges\n\nAccording to a recent report, nearly 400 bridges in Washington state are structurally deficient and the state has identified more than 6,500 bridges in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes approximately $605 million over five years to make an important down payment on Washington\u2019s bridge safety needs and an additional $12.5 billion for the Bridge Investment Program. The bill also requires states to use a greater percentage of their federal funding allocation on bridge repair and rehabilitation projects.\n\nKeeping Rail on Track\n\nReliable and efficient passenger rail service is essential to connecting communities like Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Bellingham in the Second District to Seattle, Spokane, Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes robust federal funding Larsen advocated to renew and support long-distance and state-supported Amtrak routes like Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Cascades that serve more than 13.1 million customers in Washington state annually. The bill also strengthens freight rail safety, requiring freight trains to have a certified engineer and a certified conductor on board.\n\nExpanding the Bike/Pedestrian Network\n\nTo ensure safety comes first for vulnerable road users, Second District communities like Bellingham and Lynnwood depend on federal resources to invest in bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions Larsen supported to boost federal funding for communities to have the resources needed to improve safety and equity for all road users, increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.\n\nUsing Innovative Construction Materials\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions Larsen advocated to improve research on and expand the use of cutting-edge materials in infrastructure projects to improve safety, promote resiliency, reduce carbon emissions and support local jobs.\n\nReplacing Fish Barriers and Culverts\n\nAccording to the state\u2019s Department of Transportation, Washington\u2019s highway network includes approximately 1,995 fish barrier culverts built to federal design standards. Due to changes in the landscape resulting from development, logging and fire, these culverts unintentionally block endangered salmon species from accessing critical habitat, spawning grounds and food sources. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes language Larsen supported to authorize $1 billion to improve habitat connectivity which will help Washington replace more than 400 fish barrier culverts across the state.\n\nFor a summary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, click here.\n\nFor Larsen\u2019s Second Congressional District transportation report, click here.\n\nFor a video of Second District mayors advocating federal investment in infrastructure, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-rep-schriers-legacy-roads-and-trails-bill-law", "President Biden Signs Rep. Schrier\u2019s Legacy Roads and Trails Bill into Law", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined President Joe Biden for the signing of the bipartisanInfrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in the Rose Garden today. Included in the IIJA was Rep. Schrier's 11th bill to be signed into law, the Legacy Roads and Trails Act. The Legacy Roads and Trails Act was introduced by U.S. Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Mike Simpson (ID-02), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) on Earth Day this year.\n\n\"I'm thrilled that the Legacy Roads and Trails Act has been signed into law, and it was an honor to join President Biden for the signing ceremony,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"In Washington state, the Legacy Roads and Trails (LRT) program has been particularly impactful, facilitating hundreds of culvert repairs for fish passage\u2014including salmon. Headwaters located in national forests are critical to salmon populations downstream. Chronic underfunding has left a long backlog of projects so I am glad that this legislation will provide significant funding to this important program.\"\n\nLRT projects include repairing roads and trails used for public access, replacing failed or undersized culverts to reconnect fish habitat, and storm proofing or reclaiming roads to prevent sediment pollution from entering waterways important for salmon, trout, and drinking water. Few programs deliver such environmental, recreational, and economic benefits.\n\nThe IIJA authorizes $250 million for the Legacy Roads and Trails program. Specifically, the funding will be used for:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/15/media-press-releases-media-advisory-strickland-aarp-host-live-tele-town-hall-caring-caregivers/", "**MEDIA ADVISORY** Strickland, AARP to Host Live Tele-Town Hall on Caring for Caregivers", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 On Tuesday, November 16th at 10:30 AM PT/1:30 PM ET, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and AARP will hold a live tele-town hall. The town hall will focus on what resources are available now and how we must better support caregivers and families, especially as the House considers the Build Back Better Act. In addition to securing policies like the Child Tax Credit, Strickland has consistently advocated for investments in caregiving infrastructure, co-authoring an op-ed in the Seattle Times on the topic.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-visits-wenatchee-va-clinic-sends-letter-va-secretary-ongoing", "Rep. Schrier Visits Wenatchee VA Clinic, Sends Letter to VA Secretary on Ongoing Issues That Compromise Care for Veterans", "2021-11-12", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ISSAQUAH, WA \u2013 This week Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) visited the Wenatchee Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) that serves Veterans in six Washington counties. After her visit, Rep. Schrier sent a letter to Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough asking the VA to investigate ongoing failings at the CBOC.\n\nFor multiple years, Rep. Schrier and her office have heard from local Veterans that they have struggled to access the care they deserve. One issue is that the new electronic records system used at the CBOC is difficult to navigate and often crashes for Veterans and staff at the facility. This means that many Veterans are forced to call the facility for assistance. And the calls often go unanswered. This has led to lessened morale and burnout for staff, and Veterans unable to receive the care they need.\n\nIn her letter the Congresswoman said, \"I visited the Wenatchee CBOC and spoke with staff there about these issues. I truly believe the doctors and nurses in Wenatchee are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances to care for Veterans, but their jobs have been made exponentially more difficult by the failed rollout of the Cerner health records system in the last year. One doctor told me that she is only able to see half the number of patients she used to. She attributes this to inefficiencies and technology breakdowns of the Cerner electronic health record. While in Wenatchee I was assured that VA leadership in Spokane is working to improve the phone system. That was good to hear, but because this has been such a long-standing problem, I will remain skeptical until I begin hearing from Veterans in my District that their experiences are improving.\"\n\nA sample of complaints Rep. Schrier's office has heard are:\n\n\"We cannot reach our clinic and the phone line never goes through.\" \u2013 Mark, Vietnam Era Veteran\n\n\"I waited 20 months for a colonoscopy referral.\" \u2013 Vic, US Army Veteran\n\n\"I've waited four months for my glasses.\" \u2013 Michael, Vietnam Era Veteran\n\n\"I have personally dialed the Wenatchee VA CBOC phone number up to 45 times in a row on one instance, just to see how many times it would take to get through, and every single time I got a busy fax signal.\" \u2013 Tony, Chelan County Veteran Service Officer\n\nRep. Schrier ends her letter saying, \"My staff and I have been working to understand the causes of the communication dysfunction at the Wenatchee clinic, and it seems there is no one root of the problem, just as there is no one solution. The phone system is clearly not adequate and acts as a barrier to care for far too many patients. The Cerner records system is decreasing productivity among clinic staff and resulting in widespread burnout, which of course impacts patients as well. Iurge you to investigate both of these failings in Wenatchee, so Veterans in North Central Washington can consistently rely on the CBOC to receive timely care. Those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country deserve the best service possible from the VA.\"\n\nEarlier this month Rep. Schrier joined the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing with Deputy VA Secretary Donald Remy that was specifically about the Cerner electronic records system that is being first rolled out at the Spokane VA facility and the Wenatchee CBOC satellite facility. In her testimony, Rep. Schrier highlighted that Veterans in the 8th District have been experiencing unacceptable delays in care and specialist referrals, inability to schedule appointments online, and impossible wait times on the phone.\n\n###\n\nFull text of the letter can be found below:\n\nSecretary McDonough:\n\nThank you for all you do for the health and well being of our Veterans. I write to you today about an ongoing issue at the Outpatient VA Clinic in Wenatchee.\n\nThe Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Wenatchee serves Veterans in six counties in rural North Central Washington. For many Veterans, the Wenatchee CBOC is their only connection to the health care system. Before it opened in 2006, Veterans in the region were limited to a one-day-per-month mobile clinic visits from the Spokane VA Medical Center's motor coach. Local Veterans with more serious problems or those who could not wait for mobile clinics were forced to drive to either Seattle or Spokane for care which, during the winter, could be treacherous routes over mountain passes.\n\nFor all these reasons, the opening of the Wenatchee CBOC was cause for much optimism 15 years ago. Unfortunately, access to care in the region remains difficult. I have heard from countless Veterans in Central Washington who tell me the Wenatchee clinic's phone system is difficult to maneuver and unreliable. Here is just a sample of the many complaints I have heard:\n\n\"We cannot reach our clinic and the phone line never goes through.\" \u2013 Mark, Vietnam Era Veteran\n\n\"I waited 20 months for a colonoscopy referral.\" \u2013 Vic, US Army Veteran\n\n\"I've waited four months for my glasses.\" \u2013 Michael, Vietnam Era Veteran\n\n\"I have personally dialed the Wenatchee VA CBOC phone number up to 45 times in a row on one instance, just to see how many times it would take to get through, and every single time I got a busy fax signal.\" \u2013 Tony, Chelan County Veteran Service Officer\n\nMy staff conducted its own test, calling the CBOC several times a day for one week in September. They experienced repeated busy signals, dropped calls, and long wait times.\n\nMany of the Veterans in this region are older, having served during the Vietnam War era or earlier. They are not comfortable with online portals and ever-changing systems of communication. They are frustrated by dropped calls, multiple transfers between faraway call centers, and what they perceive to be an intentional wall that stands between them and the care they are entitled to. They just want to be able to pick up a phone and speak to someone who can answer their questions and get them the help they need.\n\nA system that leaves Veterans unable to reach their providers, especially during a public health emergency, is troubling. Keeping people out of emergency rooms to lessen constraints due to COVID-19 cases is critical. We must be doing what we can to lessen emergency room traffic and decrease the potential spread of this deadly virus. It is also important that Veterans continue to build a relationship with a provider that they trust. Patients who have consistent relationships with their providers have better health outcomes. With many Veterans suffering from co-occurring conditions, putting them on the path to the best potential health outcome is a goal we share; this is impossible with the current phone situation.\n\nYesterday I visited the Wenatchee CBOC and spoke to staff there about these issues. I truly believe the doctors and nurses in Wenatchee are doing the best they can under challenging circumstances to care for Veterans, but their jobs have been made exponentially more difficult by the failed rollout of the Cerner health records system in the last year. One doctor told me she is able to see just half the number of patients each day now than one year ago due to inefficiencies and technology breakdowns under Cerner. While in Wenatchee I was assured that VA leadership in Spokane is working to improve the phone system. That was good to hear, but because this has been such a long-standing problem, I will remain skeptical until I begin hearing from Veterans in my District that their experiences are improving.\n\nMy staff and I have been working to understand the causes of the communication dysfunction at the Wenatchee clinic, and it seems there is no one root of the problem, just as there is no one solution. The phone system is clearly not adequate and acts as a barrier to care for far too many patients. The Cerner records system is decreasing productivity among clinic staff and resulting in widespread burnout, which of course impacts patients as well. Iurge you to investigate both of these failings in Wenatchee, so Veterans in North Central Washington can consistently rely on the CBOC to receive timely care. Those who have dedicated their lives to serving our country deserve the best service possible from the VA.\n\nThank you for all you do to serve our Veterans and our nation, and I look forward to working with you to implement a solution that will serve out Veterans in North Central Washington.\n\nSincerely,\n\nKim Schrier, M.D.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/10/media-press-releases-vice-chair-strickland-addresses-discrimination-federal-rail-contracting-video/", "Vice Chair Strickland Addresses Discrimination in Federal Rail Contracting (VIDEO)", "2021-11-10", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, questioned witnesses at a hearing on discrimination in federal passenger rail contracting. Strickland\u2019s questions reinforced the need for equity and focused on witnesses\u2019 experiences with racial and gender discrimination, and incidents of intimidation by business owners in the rail contracting space. (Watch Strickland\u2019s remarks at this link, and the full hearing at this link.)\n\n\u201cI am proud to co-lead efforts with Chairman Payne to expedite the implementation of a disparity study through the Federal Railroad Administration. There is ample evidence of racial and gender discrimination in the rail industry \u2014 through the stories and experiences spoken of today, and through the number of other minority business owners who have been denied contracts, opportunities, and fair consideration,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland. \u201cDespite efforts to address this discrimination, clearly more needs to be done and hearing about this discrimination directly from business owners in this forum is a key step.\u201d\n\nUpon being asked by Strickland about the toll it takes on a contractor or business owner to respond to this discrimination, witness Ken Canty, President and CEO of Janus Materials, replied, \u201cWe\u2019re all people and the toll it takes on a person is indescribable. It\u2019s indescribable. It\u2019s the worst and I wouldn\u2019t wish this on anybody\u2026The toll it has on your family, the toll it has then on your ability to provide for your family, your ability to provide for your employees \u2013 is huge. There is a net ripple effect of bills that literally just can\u2019t get paid.\u201d\n\nThe hearing was held in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Witnesses included Mr. Ken Canty, President and CEO, Janus Materials; Mr. Melvin Clark, Chairman and CEO, GW Peoples Contracting Company; Ms. Victoria Malaszecki, President and CEO, Envision Consultants; Mr. Francisco Otero, President and CEO, PACO Group; Mr. Gnanadesikan \u201cRam\u201d Ramanujam, President and CEO, Somat Engineering; and Ms. Evalynn Williams, President, Dikita Engineering.\n\nFrom the railroads\u2019 Western expansion federal land grants that violated federal treaties with Indian tribes to limiting Black, Asian-Pacific Islanders and Latino American employment opportunities, railroad expansion in the United States has historically depended upon discriminatory practices.\n\nThis effort follows up on Strickland\u2019s work in Congress as a strong advocate for equity in American rail infrastructure. In July, Strickland led the Congressional Black Caucus in a call to establish a DBE program within the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/09/media-press-releases-strickland-congressional-coalition-adoption-institute-hold-roundtable/", "Strickland, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Hold Roundtable on Supporting Foster Youth (VIDEO)", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) held a virtual roundtable discussion with State Senator T\u2019wina Nobles (28th LD) and Amara, a Pacific Northwest based nonprofit that serves children in foster care, their families, and adoptees. The roundtable discussion focused on the impacts of the opioid crisis on the U.S. foster care system, and explored how Strickland\u2019s bipartisan FOSTER Act, along with state and local efforts, can better support foster youth. (Watch the roundtable at this link.)\n\n\u201cToo often, children are the silent victims of the opioid crisis. Opioid use among parents can push children into an overloaded foster care system without sufficient resources. With the FOSTER Act, we are calling on Congress to support foster children and caregivers affected by the opioid crisis,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland. \u201cSupporting foster youth takes our entire community. I thank the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Senator T\u2019wina Nobles, and Amara for their advocacy and partnership in making sure foster youth and families have the resources they deserve.\u201d\n\nStrickland, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, recently introducedH.R. 5469, the Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources (FOSTER) Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide support, training, and resources to foster children and caregivers affected by the opioid crisis. It would also amend the 21st Century Cures Act to provide grants to states and localities providing child protective services to train staff and caregivers about the impact of opioid addiction on children under their care.\n\n\u201cWe know children who experience foster care face higher risks of poverty, homelessness, incarceration, early parenthood and substance use disorders after exiting the foster care system. As someone who went through this system, I know how important it is to receive intervention and support. It is our paramount duty as public servants to do the work for students who rely on us to set them up to succeed in school and in life. We must keep exploring strategies for intervention so these youth can also experience success. They deserve the absolute best we can do,\u201d said State Senator T\u2019wina Nobles, 28th Legislative District.\n\n\u201cThe Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is appreciative to Representative Strickland and State Senator Nobles for hosting a roundtable event focused on the need of supports for children and families that have been impacted by the opioid crisis. We must provide resources at every level to support children and parents affected by the epidemic. CCAI would like to thank Representative Strickland and Senator Nobles for combining efforts at the state and federal level to focus on this important issue,\u201d said Kate McLean, Executive Director, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute.\n\n\u201cAmara sees this key legislative effort as an important step in recruiting, training, and supporting caregivers to understand the substance use recovery journey. Our goal is for parents and caregivers to create relationships focused on child wellbeing during and after placement in foster care. We thank Representative Strickland and Senator Nobles for their work,\u201d said Nicole Mazen, LMFT, Chief Program and Policy Officer, Amara.\n\nThe opioid epidemic has affected countless families and communities across the United States. 1.6 million people had an opioid use disorder in 2019, and the situation worsened in 2020 with the United States experiencing its highest number of reported overdose deaths. In Washington State alone, 58,000 kids were affected by the opioid epidemic in 2017, including 7,500 removed from home for foster or kinship care. Children are entering foster care at higher rates alongside the rise in the opioid crisis, with the rate of child removals primarily attributed to parental substance use doubling from 18.5% in 2000 to 36% in 2018. Congress must provide dedicated resources to support children in foster care affected by the opioid crisis and to support parents with substance use disorders working to maintain custody of their children.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/06/media-press-releases-strickland-votes-bipartisan-infrastructure-package-create-jobs-support-workers/", "Strickland Votes for Bipartisan Infrastructure Package to Create Jobs, Support Workers & Families", "2021-11-06", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Senate amendment to H.R. 3684, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\n\u201cI will always vote for tangible benefits and good-paying jobs for the people of the South Sound, \u201d said Strickland. \u201cThese transformational and long overdue investments will address climate change and encourage transit-oriented development, with funding for broadband, clean water, mass transit, repairing crumbling roads and bridges, and more. I now look forward to helping people meet their basic needs with the Build Back Better Act, and empowering millions of women and families by investing in caregiving, affordable housing and healthcare. It\u2019s how we power an inclusive economy that works for all of us.\u201d\n\nThis bipartisan legislation includes $550 billion in new federal investment in our nation\u2019s infrastructure, and a 5-year reauthorization of the Surface Transportation programs which were set to expire on October 31, 2021. The infrastructure funded by this bill includes roads, bridges, transit, passenger and freight rail, electric vehicle charging stations, electric school buses, reconnecting communities harmed by previous highway projects, airports, ports, clean drinking water, including to replace lead service lines and PFAS, wastewater, energy, environmental remediation, and high-speed internet. In addition to promoting economic growth, this package is a critical step to combat climate change, increase resilience, and advance environmental justice.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation will make investments across Washington state to address:\n\nHealthy, sustainable mass transit options. Washington would expect to receive $1.79 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state.\n\nHigh-speed internet. 8.5% of Washingtonians live in areas where, under the FCC\u2019s benchmark, there is no broadband infrastructure. Washington will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 241,000 Washingtonians who currently lack it. 1,409,000 or 19% of people in Washington will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.\n\nThe impacts of climate change, cyber attacks, and extreme weather events. Washington will expect to receive $39 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $18 million to protect against cyberattacks. Washingtonians will also benefit from the bill\u2019s historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization to reduce energy costs for families.\n\nClean drinking water and eliminate the nation\u2019s lead service lines and pipes. Washington will expect to receive $882 million over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities.\n\nImprove our nation\u2019s airports. Airports in Washington would receive approximately $385 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years.\n\nEV chargers to facilitate long-distance travel and provide convenient charging options. Washington would expect to receive $71 million over five years to support the expansion of an EV charging network in the state. Washington will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to EV charging in the bill.\n\nFixing crumbling roads and bridges with a focus on climate change mitigation, resilience, equity, and safety for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. In Washington there are 416 bridges and over 5,469 miles of highway in poor condition. Washington would expect to receive $4.7 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $605 million for bridge replacement and repairs over five years. Washington can also compete for the $12.5 billion Bridge Investment Program for economically significant bridges and nearly $16 billion of national funding in the bill dedicated for major projects that will deliver substantial economic benefits to communities.\n\nClick here for a Fact Sheet from the White House on the impact on Washington State, and here for a Fact Sheet on the impact nationwide.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-passage-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-and-build-back", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Build Back Better Act Rule", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "November 5, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement after he voted to pass H. Res. 774, the rule that will allow for the final passage of H.R. 5376 the Build Back Better Act, as well as H.R. 3684 the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, otherwise known as the bipartisan infrastructure deal or BIF.\n\n\"It is no secret that our infrastructure is crumblingacross the country- from roads, railways, and bridges to public transit and ports -andour communities desperately need investmentso that our economy can continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.\n\n\"I support both the Build Back Better Act and the infrastructure bill and agreed with Democratic Leadership and the President that these bills should move together, as we indicated early on in this process. Linking these bills was important to help ensure that Congress could fulfill as much of President Biden's Build Back Better agenda as possible. After months of difficult negotiations, extensive progress has been made and the Build Back Better Act is on a path to advancing.\n\n\"In just the last few weeks, we have seen legislative text and reached agreement on the vast majority of the Build Back Better Act. I commend the leadership of Chair Jayapal and the Congressional Progressive Caucus in helping us get to this point. Based on this substantive progress, and because of the assurances that our colleagues provided us about their firm support for the Build Back Better Act, today I felt comfortable sending the bipartisan infrastructure legislation to President Biden's desk.\n\n\"The bipartisan infrastructure bill doesn't just make vitally needed investment in our transportation system. It provides historic funding for clean drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, reliable high-speed broadband, and our electric grid. I appreciate the leadership of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair DeFazio and wish this legislation incorporated more of his Committee's perspectives, especially as it relates to climate. The bill falls short when it comes to sufficient action to address this existential threat, however, the Build Back Better Act addresses this shortcoming.\n\n\"Based on the progress that has been made in recent weeks, I voted to pass BIF today while we continue the difficult process of advancing the Build Back Better Act.I strongly believethat Speaker Pelosi and the President can, and will, close this deal.\"\n\n###\n\nBACKGROUND MATERIALS\n\nWhite House: BIF Factsheet\n\nWhite House: Build Back Better Homepage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2990", "Congress Passes Transformational Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the House of Representatives passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) with the support of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01). This bipartisan legislation makes critical investments in infrastructure across the country to address deteriorating roads and bridges, achieve universal broadband, modernize public transit, and tackle climate change.\n\n\u201cAddressing our nation\u2019s crumbling infrastructure and helping create good-paying union jobs is a top priority for Democrats and President Biden as we continue to recover from the pandemic and look towards the next 50 years,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThe bipartisan infrastructure bill is the largest investment in our infrastructure in U.S. history and a win for the American people. It will transform our communities, making them more equitable and better prepared to fight the climate crisis. This is a big step forward for the President\u2019s Build Back Better agenda to provide a strong future for our families, communities, and our country.\u201d\n\nThe bill now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk and is expected to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2558", "Larsen: Bold Investment in Nation\u2019s Infrastructure Creates Jobs, Builds Greener Transportation Network", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Tonight, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation that makes bold, long-term investments in the nation\u2019s infrastructure to create well-paying jobs, keep the economy moving and fight climate change. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed the House of Representatives by a final vote of 228 to 206 and now heads to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cThis is the bold, long-term investment in infrastructure the nation needs to create more jobs, drive economic recovery and growth, and build a cleaner and greener transportation network,\u201d said Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. \u201cNow is the time to focus on advancing the Build Back Better plan to empower working families, invest in quality, accessible child care, create more well-paying clean energy jobs, build more affordable housing and lower prescription drug costs for seniors.\u201d\n\nWashington state alone needs more than $222 billion in infrastructure investments, according to the Association of Washington Business. Washington state is expected to receive the following infrastructure investments via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over five years, per White House estimates:\n\n\u00b7 $4.7 billion for highways\n\n\u00b7 $1.79 billion to improve public transportation options\n\n\u00b7 $882 million to improve water infrastructure and ensure clean, safe drinking water\n\n\u00b7 $605 million for bridge replacement and repairs\n\n\u00b7 $385 million for airport infrastructure\n\n\u00b7 At least $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state to at least 241,000 Washingtonians\n\n\u00b7 $71 million to support the expansion of an electrical vehicle (EV) charging network\n\n\u00b7 $39 million to protect against wildfires\n\n\u00b7 $18 million to protect against cyberattacks\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act addresses many of Larsen\u2019s local infrastructure priorities, including:\n\nCleaner and Greener Buses\n\nLocal transit agencies like Everett Transit and the Whatcom Transportation Authority are expanding electric bus fleets to keep people moving while reducing maintenance costs, lowering energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes a provision based on Larsen\u2019s GREEN Buses Act that commits $2.34 billion for low- or zero-emission bus grants for bus transit programs.\n\nCleaner and Greener Ferries\n\nStates like Washington \u2013 where ferries account for 73% of the state\u2019s annual transportation carbon emissions \u2013 and localities across the country are ready to commit to cleaner and greener passenger ferry fleets, but still need robust federal investment to support their efforts. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes a language based on Larsen\u2019s GREEN Ferries Act that directs $250 million for a pilot initiative to purchase electric or low-emission ferries.\n\nPromoting Transportation Jobs, Boosting Diversity\n\nThe need is growing for more professional airline pilots, air traffic controllers, railroad workers and truck drivers, mechanics and other professions as industry stakeholders face increased competition worldwide. The transportation workforce also faces a diversity issue: nearly 90% of professional airline pilots and nearly 70% of truck drivers are white males. The Investment Infrastructure and Jobs Act includes Larsen\u2019s bipartisan provision to grow the next generation workforce by promoting career opportunities and boosting diversity in the U.S. transportation industry. The bill also establishes apprenticeship goals by employing traditionally underrepresented populations to create a more diverse construction workforce.\n\nRepairing Washington\u2019s Bridges\n\nAccording to a recent report, nearly 400 bridges in Washington state are structurally deficient and the state has identified more than 6,500 bridges in need of repair. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes approximately $27.5 billion over five years to make an important down payment on the nation\u2019s bridge safety needs and an additional $9.24 billion for the Bridge Investment Program. The bill also requires states to use a greater percentage of their federal funding allocation on bridge repair and rehabilitation projects.\n\nKeeping Rail on Track\n\nReliable and efficient passenger rail service is essential to connecting communities like Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon and Bellingham in the Second District to Seattle, Spokane, Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes robust federal funding Larsen advocated to renew and support long-distance and state-supported Amtrak routes like Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Cascades that serve more than 13.1 million customers in Washington state annually. The bill also strengthens freight rail safety, requiring freight trains to have a certified engineer and a certified conductor on board.\n\nExpanding the Bike/Pedestrian Network\n\nTo ensure safety comes first for vulnerable road users, Second District communities like Bellingham and Lynnwood depend on federal resources to invest in bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions Larsen supported to boost federal funding for communities to have the resources needed to improve safety and equity for all road users, increase mobility and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.\n\nUsing Innovative Construction Materials\n\nThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions Larsen advocated for to improve research on and expand the use of cutting-edge materials in infrastructure projects to improve safety, promote resiliency, reduce carbon emissions and support local jobs.\n\nReplacing Fish Barriers and Culverts\n\nAccording to the state\u2019s Department of Transportation, Washington\u2019s highway network includes approximately 1,995 fish barrier culverts built to federal design standards. Due to changes in the landscape resulting from development, logging and fire, these culverts unintentionally block endangered salmon species from accessing critical habitat, spawning grounds and food sources. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes language Larsen supported to authorize $4 billion to improve habitat connectivity which will help Washington replace more than 400 fish barrier culverts across the state.\n\nFor a summary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, click here.\n\nFor Larsen\u2019s district transportation report, click here.\n\nFor a video of Second District mayors advocating federal investment in infrastructure, click here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-votes-pass-historic-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-including", "Rep. Schrier Votes to Pass Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Including Legacy Roads and Trails Legislation", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will provide critical infrastructure investments throughout Washington state and the nation. The bill also includes Rep. Schrier's Legacy Roads and Trails Act and her priorities to curb wildfires, repair crumbling infrastructure, and generate hydropower all while protecting our wildlife and waterways.\n\n\"Whether it's rush-hour traffic congestion, difficulty getting local goods to port, or trouble connecting rural areas both physically and virtually, we've all noticed the need for infrastructure improvements in our everyday lives,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"That's why I'm proud to pass this historic bipartisan infrastructure and jobs bill, and secure funding for very necessary investments in communities throughout Washington and the country. As we recover from the coronavirus pandemic, this bill will help create jobs in the 8th district and strengthen our economy by investing in resilient 21st century infrastructure.\"\n\nThe Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act further helps Washingtonians by including one of Rep. Schrier's bills and provisions two other bills she has led, specifically:\n\nThe Legacy Roads and Trails Act, which leverages public and private funding to address our national backlog of deteriorating infrastructure, while protecting American rivers and streams, endangered fish, and community water systems\n\nThe National Prescribed Fire Act of 2021, which makes forests healthier, more resilient, and more resistant to catastrophic wildfires by increasing the pace and scale of prescribed burns, training firefighters in the use of prescribed fire, and streamlining smoke regulations in winter months to allow for more extensive wildfire prevention.\n\nTwenty-First Century Dams Act, which would enhance the safety, grid resilience benefits and power generating capacity of America's dams and provide historic funding to remove dams that are no longer necessary.\n\nIn addition, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will:\n\nImprove our highways and interchanges, while better connecting rural communities.\n\nFunding for projects with local or regional significance, including highways, bridges, culvert replacement, public transit, passenger rail, port infrastructure, and airport improvements including an estimated:\n\n$4.7 billion for Washington highways and $605 million for Washington bridge repairs\n\n$5.2 million for Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee\n\n$71 million to expand the Electric Vehicle charging network in Washington\n\nFunding for surface transportation grants to reduce congestion and get local goods to port\n\nIncrease access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet\n\nFund culvert replacement and improve salmon recovery\n\nNew $1 billion program to remove, replace or restore culverts\n\nMitigate wildfires and protect forests\n\nMore than $8 billion for forests and wildfire risk reduction including Rep. Schrier's prescribed fire provisions, funding for the firefighting workforce, new satellite and radio equipment, and assistance to states, local governments and tribes\n\nIncludes wildfires in the eligibility for the Stafford Act hazard mitigation program\n\nThe REPLANT Act which Rep Schrier helped lead to plant 1.2 billion trees on national forest lands creating nearly 49,000 jobs\n\nUpgrade water infrastructure\n\nFunding water recycling and reuse projects, dam safety projects, and rural water projects, including the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, to manage increasingly scarce water resources.\n\nFunding to make sure our children aren't exposed to lead in their school's drinking water.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/05/media-press-releases-media-advisory-strickland-congressional-coalition-adoption-institute-host/", "**MEDIA ADVISORY**  Strickland, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute to Host Roundtable on Supporting Foster Youth", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014 On Monday, November 8th at 4:00 PM PT, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) will hold a virtual roundtable discussion with State Senator T\u2019wina Nobles (28th LD) and Amara, a Pacific Northwest based nonprofit that serves children in foster care, their families, and adoptees. The discussion will focus on the impacts of the opioid crisis on the U.S. foster care system and how we can better support foster youth. Strickland, a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, recently introduced the FOSTER Act, bipartisan legislation to provide support, training, and resources to foster children and caregivers affected by the opioid crisis.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-seeks-answers-supply-chain-disruption-during-agriculture-hearing", "Rep. Schrier Seeks Answers on Supply Chain Disruption During Agriculture Hearing", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in a House Agriculture Committee hearing centering on the immediate challenges to Washington state and the nation's food supply chain. During the hearing, Rep. Schrier called attention to the effects of supply chain disruption and dysfunction in the 8th District. You can view those remarks here.\n\n\"Supply chain dysfunction made worse by the pandemic was first brought to my attention by hay growers in Ellensburg, Washington in my district in 2020. Since then, I have been in frequent communication with growers and exporters around the 8th District, about the issues they are facing,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"For more than a year, they have shared with me how pandemic conditions and the behavior of foreign-owned shipping carriers are hurting their industries, threatening export markets and relationships they have developed over decades.\"\n\nDuring her line of questioning, Rep. Schrier sought answers on the role that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) can play to alleviate the backlog at Washington's ports. Recently, Rep. Schrier met with the White House Port EnvoyJohn Porcari, to address ongoing supply chain disruptions and the need to address gaps in the FMC's regulatory abilities.\n\nRep. Schrier also mentioned that her office has heard from schools, parents and local officials in the last few weeks about insufficient food stocks at schools and the inconsistent supply of school lunch products. Rep. Schrier expects to send a letter soon to the U.S. Department of Agriculture about their recent announcement of $3 billion to alleviate supply chain issues and their plans to get that funding to school districts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2989", "DelBene, Jayapal Demand Public Apology, Report from CBP on January 2020 Iranian-American Detention Incident", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) demanded a formal apology from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the January 2020 detention and increased scrutiny of Iranian-Americans at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine in DelBene\u2019s district. In a letter to Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller, the lawmakers also requested the publication of an internal report detailing the incident and public renunciation of the agency\u2019s actions.\n\nOn January 5, 2020, more than 80 Americans of Iranian descent were held in secondary inspection at length and questioned. Some individuals claimed to have been held for over 10 hours. Those held in secondary inspection included U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and people of all ages including the elderly and children. Individuals had their passports confiscated and they were questioned about their political views and allegiances without explanation.\n\n\u201cMen, women and children legally entering or returning to the United States at a designated port of entry should not be arbitrarily held and questioned solely based on their religion, ethnicity, or national origin,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cIn conjunction with the Iranian community, we eagerly await the development and release of a corrective action plan to assure that these events do not recur.\u201d\n\nDelBene and Jayapal listed three specific demands to be met before the second anniversary of this incident:\n\nA formal apology from CBP regarding the tweet posted on January 5, 2020, which denied that the Iranian-Americans were being subject to increased scrutiny at the Peace Arch Border Crossing in Blaine, WA.\n\nThe prompt publication of the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties\u2019 report describing what happened at the Peace Arch Border Crossing between January 4-5, 2020.\n\nA press conference for CBP to publicly renounce their actions and commit to changes moving forward.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/national-diabetes-awareness-month-rep-schrier-and-diabetes-caucus-introduce", "For National Diabetes Awareness Month, Rep. Schrier and Diabetes Caucus Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Diabetes Care for Seniors", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) along with members of the Diabetes Caucus, introduced the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act that will make it easier for people with diabetes to access training to manage their blood glucose levels and prevent hospitalization.\n\n\"As someone who has managed my own Type-1 Diabetes for 36 years, I understand that it can be complicated. And if you get it wrong, it can be life-threatening,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"I'm happy to work with the Diabetes Caucus to introduce this bipartisan bill during National Diabetes Awareness Month to remove barriers to self-management training. We know that self-management training helps people with diabetes live healthy lives and stay out of the hospital.\"\n\nThe Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act:\n\nEliminates cost-sharing for diabetes self-management training (DSMT) so seniors do not face cost barriers to care\n\nRemoves the deadline for DSMT, allowing seniors to use all 10 hours of training as they need it\n\nMakes it possible to receive Medical Nutrition Therapy services and DSMT together on the same day\n\nExpands providers who eligible to refer patients for DSMT services\n\nCreates a pilot program to test virtual DSMT\n\n\"We care about people who are living with diabetes and it is only fair that they have access to the knowledge and resources they need to manage their disease,\" said Diabetes Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Tom Reed. \"Medicare spends a third of its dollars on treating diabetes. Expanding access to diabetes self-management training is a common sense, bipartisan way to save taxpayer dollars, and most importantly, help people struggling with this condition.\"\n\n\"Nearly one-third of all adults in this country have either diabetes or prediabetes,\" said Rep. Diana DeGette, who co-chairs the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. \"Studies have shown that by changing the way they eat and live, many people are able to prevent or delay the development of diabetes. While Medicare provides its beneficiaries a free training course to teach them ways to prevent and manage the disease, only a small percentage of beneficiaries take advantage of it. Our goal in expanding this important program is to make it more accessible to more people.\"\n\n\"As a physician, I've treated patients in the emergency department whose insulin levels fluctuated to life-threatening levels,\" said Dr. Raul Ruiz, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. \"The millions of Americans living with diabetes deserve access to education and disease management that can help them live healthy, productive lives. I am proud to cosponsor this common-sense legislation, which will empower patients to effectively manage their diabetes.\"\n\n\"This Diabetes Awareness Month, we are introducing legislation to empower Americans with diabetes to live full and healthy lives. More than 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and the Expanding Access to Self-Management Training Act of 2021 would equip patients with the resources they need to make the health decisions that are right for them. By expanding access to diabetes self-management, we are putting patients at the center of their care,\" said Rep. Suzan DelBene.\n\n\"I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to improve outcomes for those living with diabetes. This legislation will equip patients with the education, tools, and support they need to manage their diabetes care. The United States continues to increase their spending on diabetes and The Expanding Access to Self-Management Training Act of 2021 will serve as a critical solution to the future of care,\" said Rep. David Schweikert.\n\n\"Diabetes affects just about every family here in Michigan and nationwide. More than 34 million Americans live with diabetes and some 88 million are managing a prediabetes diagnosis,\" said Rep. Fred Upton. \"Fortunately, we know that folks can take a number of steps to manage this condition and lead a healthy lifestyle. This bipartisan legislation would expand access to critical diabetes self-management services that allow folks on Medicare to take control of their own wellbeing and have the peace of mind we all want in terms of our health. I would encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan bill and help get it signed into law for the millions of folks who would benefit from this program.\"\n\n\"We need to shift our health care economy to from a model focused only on sick care to one which prioritizes wellness and healthy lifestyles. Diabetes self-management training is an important tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and live healthier, more fulfilled lives. Too often, seniors in the Medicare program don't have access to the same tools as individuals on private insurance. This bill will close that gap for diabetes self-management, and I'm proud to be co-leading along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle,\" said Rep. Mike Kelly.\n\nThese changes in the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act will allow people living with diabetes to receive care earlier and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes have the tools to live full, healthy lives.\n\n\"The Diabetes Advocacy Alliance (DAA) applauds the sponsors of the Expanding Access to DSMT Act for introducing legislation that would provide improved and more equitable access to diabetes care for Medicare beneficiaries,\" said Hannah Martin, MPH, RDN, DAA co-chair. \"DSMT services are shown to improve health outcomes, reduce complications and decrease health care costs, yet utilization around the current Medicare benefit for DSMT remains low.\"\n\n\"The current Medicare benefit for DSMT has been available to Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes for over 20 years, yet there are barriers that contribute to the utilization of the benefit,\" said Kate Thomas, DAA co-chair. \"This legislation addresses these barriers and seeks to increase beneficiary access to diabetes services by making it easier for providers to refer for these services, reducing out of pocket costs for beneficiaries, and adding additional flexibilities to meet beneficiaries where they are with their self-management needs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/11/02/media-press-releases-strickland-bonamici-speier-lead-70-members-letter-calling-hhs-reduce-barriers/", "Strickland, Bonamici, Speier Lead 70 Members on Letter Calling on HHS to Reduce Barriers to Birth Control", "2021-11-02", "2021", "2021-11", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C.\u2014Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a leader in the Pro-Choice Caucus, member of the Democratic Women\u2019s Caucus and Black Maternal Health Caucus, along with Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) and Jackie Speier (CA-14) led a letter encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control. While the Affordable Care Act requires insurance coverage of contraception without cost sharing, insurance companies often limit coverage to a one- or three-cycle supply, imposing barriers to continuous access. Please find the letter text and the full list of 70 signers attachedand below.\n\n\u201cImproving access to a longer supply of birth control supports body autonomy, health, and economic freedom for millions and I am proud to champion this effort to do just that. During a global pandemic, a maternal mortality crisis, and as reproductive rights are under attack, the people who are hurt the most by limited access to contraceptives are those who already experience health inequities in the first place \u2014including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable communities.\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\n\u201cAccess to birth control is essential to reproductive freedom, health, and economic stability,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonamici. \u201cWe must make birth control as easy to access as possible, especially at a time when reproductive rights are under attack and health care has been disrupted. Making a 12-month supply of contraceptives available and affordable will reduce barriers and increase autonomy for millions.\u201d\n\nThe letter has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women\u2019s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Upstream USA, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association.\n\n\u201cAccess to affordable contraception is critical to reproductive freedom and health equity. Everyone, no matter their insurance provider or income, should be able to obtain the tools necessary to decide if and when they become a parent, and to manage chronic reproductive health conditions,\u201d said Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. \u201cToo often, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, people with low incomes, and people living in rural communities face greater and sometimes insurmountable barriers to basic health care. We thank Reps. Strickland, Bonamici, and Speier for leading on this issue to improve birth control access for all people.\u201d\n\n\u201cReproductive Justice demands that women, femmes, and gender-expansive people have the right to make decisions about planning their own families. In fact, a recent poll commissioned by In Our Own Voice found that 92% of respondents believe a woman\u2019s ability to control whether or when she has children is an important part of financial stability for herself and her family,\u201d said Marcela Howell, president & CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women\u2019s Reproductive Justice Agenda. \u201cWe encourage the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control to people seeking contraceptive care.\u201d\n\n\u201cEnsuring health care coverage for a full-year supply of contraception without cost-sharing would eliminate unnecessary barriers to health care, particularly for those who already face difficulties accessing care. Moving forward with guidance on this proposal would represent another important step that HHS could take to expand access to contraception,\u201d said Clare Coleman, President & CEO, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA).\n\nThe full letter text can be found below.\n\nDear Secretary Becerra,\n\nAccess to sexual and reproductive care is a health, economic, and racial justice issue. We fully support giving people the resources they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. That starts by making reproductive healthcare, including access to contraceptive care, equally available to those who want it. While best practices in contraceptive care have evolved over the past decade, this unfortunately was not adequately reflected in government policy in the previous administration. That is why we are encouraging the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) to issue guidance requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control. Typically, health insurance companies limit birth control coverage, without cost-sharing, to a one- or three-cycle supply. This policy is a barrier that prevents people from fully accessing birth control when they need it, at their convenience, and fails to meet the intent behind the ACA\u2019s contraceptive coverage requirement.\n\nContraception has numerous benefits for Black, Latina, AAPI, Indigenous, and other people of color, and increases the ability to improve personal health, economic stability, and educational outcomes. Access to effective contraception has reduced the number of unintended pregnancies, high-risk pregnancies, and maternal and infant deaths. Additionally, contraception has been proven an effective option for addressing fibroids, minimizing endometriosis-related pain, and preventing ovarian cysts. Contraceptive equity is needed now more than ever as draconian laws in states like Texas and Mississippi have nearly banned access to abortion care outright for Black, Latina, AAPI, and Indigenous people. Worse, those who are forced to carry out an unwanted pregnancy must give birth in a country with one of the worst maternal mortality rates in the developed world. In the U.S., Black women are nearly four times more likely than white women to die from a pregnancy-related complication and are twice as likely to suffer a near-death experience.\n\nEquitable access to contraceptive care is critical for people of reproductive age, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, where new challenges in access have arisen during the ongoing public health crisis. However, inequities in reproductive health care, including access to contraceptive care, have long existed in the United States. The people hurt most by this are those who already face the greatest barriers to accessing health care in the first place \u2014including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, those working to make ends meet, immigrants, those living in rural communities, and others. According to a 2018 poll by the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, 41% of Latina voters under age 45 had gone without the birth control method they wanted in the past two years because of access issues. Additionally, a barrier that low-income people and people living in rural areas experience is the need for repeat appointments to access contraceptive care and trips to the pharmacy to refill their prescription \u2013 due to lack of transportation, the inability to take paid time off work, inconsistent work schedules, and other economic justice issues that prevent ease of access. This is of particular concern to those who use contraception with the intention of preventing unintended pregnancies as it can lead to a lapse in birth control usage and a higher risk of pregnancy. In fact, it\u2019s been proven that providing people with a 12-month supply of birth control helps prevent a lapse in usage and reduce the risk of pregnancy. A study conducted by the University of San Francisco in 2011, found that dispensing a 12-month supply of birth control resulted in a 30% reduction in the odds of pregnancy compared with dispensing just one or three packs.\n\nProvider bias, discrimination, and stigma is also often encountered by people of color seeking reproductive health and contraception services \u2013 from recommended family planning services, to coercion about contraceptive choices, and the inability to access the full range of contraceptives. The more access an individual has to the contraception of their choice, the more they will be able to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. In the United States, there is a long history of contraception, specifically long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods, being promoted at times coercively to people of color and people with low-incomes. As reproductive health technologies were developed, women of color were also subjected to exploitation. The first oral contraceptive, Enovid, was tested on Puerto Rican and Haitian women in the 1950s, before the Food and Drug Administration approved it for distribution in 1960. In the seventies, Mexican American women became unknowing participants in medical testing for contraception. These past examples of racism in contraceptive access still impact communities today. A recent In Our Own Voice: National Black Women\u2019s Reproductive Justice Agenda poll found that 62% of respondents think racism affects the Black community\u2019s ability to have access to affordable birth control. By bringing equity to contraceptive care in our country, we can create ease of access and empower people to self-determine what birth control method is best for them \u2013 free of coercion.\n\nGiven the evidence and benefits of providing a 12-month supply of birth control to patients who want this option, we encourage the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) to issue guidance requiring insurance companies to cover, without cost-sharing, a 12-month supply of birth control.\n\nThank you for your time and consideration on this matter and we look forward to hearing from you.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMarilyn Strickland\n\nMember of Congress\n\nSuzanne Bonamici\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJackie Speier\n\nMember of Congress\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2554", "Washington Congressional Delegation: Seattle is Ready to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup", "2021-10-31", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "SEATTLE, WA \u2013 Today, Washington state\u2019s congressional delegation, led by Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), whose district includes Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Sounders, and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, called on FIFA leadership and tournament organizers to consider Seattle as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.\n\n\u201cAs members of Washington state\u2019s congressional delegation, we are excited to share what makes our state special. We look forward to working with FIFA, as well as our state and local partners, to host the world in 2026,\u201d the lawmakers wrote in a letter addressed to leaders from FIFA, CONCACAF and the U.S. Soccer Federation.\n\nRepresentatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined Larsen and Jayapal\u2019s letter to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Washington.\n\nPlease read the letter below and attached.\n\nColin Smith\n\nChief Competitions & Events Officer,\n\nF\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale\n\nde Football Association\n\nFIFA Strasse 20\n\nP.O. Box 8044\n\nZurich, Switzerland\n\nVictor Montagliani\n\nPresident, Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football\n\n161 NW 6th Street\n\nSuite 1100\n\nMiami, FL 33136\n\nCindy Parlow Cone\n\nPresident, U.S. Soccer Federation\n\n1801 South Prairie Avenue\n\nChicago, IL 60616\n\nDear Mr. Smith, Mr. Montagliani and Ms. Parlow Cone:\n\nWe encourage you to consider Seattle as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As members of the Washington state congressional delegation, we know Seattle would be an excellent host city and we welcome the opportunity to share with the world all that makes Washington special.\n\nThe Pacific Northwest represents the future of soccer in North America. Puget Sound is home to the third-most attended National Women\u2019s Soccer League (NWSL) team, Tacoma\u2019s OL Reign, and the second-most attended Major League Soccer (MLS) team, the two-time MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders. Youth soccer is also the most-played organized sport in the region, with 93,000 participants in Washington Youth Soccer programs. Our region is where soccer is growing, and Seattle will have a guaranteed fan base to welcome the World Cup.\n\nFor international fans, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) is an ideal international gateway, with the third-most direct flights to Asia of any airport in the western United States. Nearby airports in Everett, Portland and Vancouver, British Columbia expand our capacity to host the world as fans and families plan their vacations around a match at Lumen Field.\n\nWhen guests arrive, they will be able to access matches and tourist destinations easily, thanks to robust local, state and federal investments in public transportation. Light rail connects guests straight from Sea-Tac airport to downtown hotels and Lumen field, while Amtrak connects the entire Northwest from Portland to Vancouver, and Spokane to Seattle. Downtown Seattle is ready to host guests in nearly 15,000 hotel rooms; throughout the surrounding counties, all connected by light rail, there are more than 57,000 available rooms.\n\nFor visitors, Washington boasts a wealth of culinary, tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities. Guests can explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest on one of 3,897 hiking trails, or visit one of Washington\u2019s more than 1,000 wineries, 420 breweries or booming cideries. Across the state, guests will find rock climbing and alpine spas in central Washington, a thriving music and arts scene in Spokane, and restaurants serving everything from locally-sourced shellfish to beef raised on Eastern Washington\u2019s ranches.\n\nAs members of the Washington congressional delegation, we are excited to share what makes our state special. We look forward to working with FIFA, as well as our state and local partners, to host the world in 2026.\n\nSincerely,\n\nRick Larsen\n\nMember of Congress\n\nPramila Jayapal\n\nMember of Congress\n\nPatty Murray\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMaria Cantwell\n\nMember of Congress\n\nAdam Smith\n\nMember of Congress\n\nCathy McMorris Rodgers\n\nMember of Congress\n\nJaime Herrera Beutler\n\nMember of Congress\n\nSuzan DelBene\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDerek Kilmer\n\nMember of Congress\n\nDan Newhouse\n\nMember of Congress\n\nKim Schrier, M.D.\n\nMember of Congress\n\nMarilyn Strickland\n\nMember of Congress\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-2753-million-american-rescue-plan-grant-sound-transit", "Rep. Smith Applauds $275.3 Million American Rescue Plan Grant to Sound Transit", "2021-10-29", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "October 29, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration is awarding $275.3 million of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to Sound Transit, which serves riders in the Central Puget Sound in Washington.\n\n\"Public transportation plays a crucial role in American life, and Washingtonians across King County and the Puget Sound rely on our local transit system to be safe and reliable. As our communities continue to rebound from the pandemic, it is more important than ever that people can get where they need to go. The funding provided by President Biden's American Rescue Plan will protect employees from potential layoffs and help Sound Transit continue to expand its services. This funding could not come at a more important time as the region works to aggressively expand public transit and decarbonize the transportation sector - and this is only the beginning. The President's bipartisan infrastructure bill and the Build Back Better Act that we are advancing through Congress will provide even more investments in our public transit systems and a cleaner transportation future. I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan and to see the real impacts this law will have in the 9th District.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/27/media-press-releases-strickland-lamb-blumenthal-payne-jr-introduce-legislation-restore-amtrak/", "Strickland, Lamb, Blumenthal, Payne, Jr. Introduce Legislation to Restore Amtrak Riders\u2019 Legal Rights and Protections", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, joined Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) and Subcommittee Chair Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) in introducing the Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. This bicameral legislation would prohibit Amtrak from requiring forced arbitration agreements from customers, restoring passengers\u2019 legal right to seek justice and accountability for their claims in the courts. (Read the bill text here.)\n\n\u201cRail travel can reduce emissions, connect underserved communities, and bolster our economy, but these benefits should not come at the cost of passenger rights. When tragedy strikes, passengers deserve their day in court. I\u2019m proud to join Representative Lamb, Representative Payne, Jr. and Senator Blumenthal in introducing legislation to restore the legal rights and protections of Amtrak riders and their families,\u201d said Strickland, Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.\n\n\u201cRequiring forced arbitration agreements unfairly limits consumer rights and protections,\u201d said Lamb, a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. \u201cCongress needs to take action to restore the legal rights of Amtrak passengers and their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill will restore vital legal rights to the travelers who are injured on Amtrak trains and seek just redress,\u201d said Blumenthal. \u201cAmtrak\u2019s current forced arbitration and class action ban policies are unjust and unfair. Riders are often unaware they\u2019ve signed away their legal rights with the purchase of a ticket until the worst happens, like so many passengers impacted by the Montana crash discovered first hand. Legal accountability will be a powerful incentive to safer Amtrak practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill would ensure customers can pursue legal remedies in court and give them more options to resolve problems they experience with Amtrak travel,\u201d said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. \u201cIn addition, it would hold Amtrak more accountable for actions and issues that occur during rail travel.\u201d\n\nThe Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act is endorsed by Public Citizen, American Association for Justice, National Disability Rights Network, and the National Association of Rail Passengers.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAmtrak implemented its forced arbitration and class action ban policy in January 2019, specifically writing it to be \u201cas broad as legally permissible,\u201d including discrimination and any personal injury claims. Under this change, with the purchase of an Amtrak ticket, customers waive their right to sue Amtrak in a U.S. court for any reason. The policy includes passengers who have tickets bought for them, including minors. Forced arbitration also discourages customers from filing complaints for smaller violations by instituting high fees and extended timelines. Airlines are already prohibited from using mandatory forced arbitration.\n\nAmtrak put the policy in place after incidents like the 2015 train derailment in Philadelphia, PA and the 2017 derailment in DuPont, Washington, which resulted in multi-million dollar settlements for the victims. Following a derailment of an Amtrak train in Montana last month, several injured passengers have filed lawsuits against Amtrak, which seek to challenge the company\u2019s forced arbitration policy.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-votes-pass-family-violence-prevention-and-services-improvement-act", "Rep. Smith Votes to Pass Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "October 26, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) voted to pass H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act (FVPSA) of 2021, which would expand and reauthorize programs under the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act. These programs provide grant funding and technical assistance for critical prevention and protection services for survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.\n\n\"Today I was proud to vote to pass the Family Violence and Services Improvement Act - legislation that I co-sponsored - to grant coalitions and community-based organizations across our country with funding to provide protection and prevention services to survivors of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. This bill would fund critical services such as emergency shelters, crisis counseling, safety planning, legal assistance in seeking protection orders, assistance recovering from financial abuse, and housing assistance.\n\n\"The updates in this bill are critical to ensuring programs can provide better services for survivors who have been historically marginalized and underserved. With an increased funding authorization, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is directed to award grants to organizations in underserved communities and to community-based organizations that provide culturally appropriate services to racial and ethnic minority groups.\n\n\"Family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence are tragic phenomenon experienced by millions of individuals and families across the country. I am a proud co-sponsor of this bill, which will help incredible organizations in King County and across the United States that work to provide life-saving services. Together, we can work to end this violence in our homes and our communities and to protect our children and families who need the most support.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2552", "Larsen: The Time is Right to Make Bold Investments in Child Care, Jobs, Affordable Housing, Lower Drug Prices", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Thanks to your efforts to get vaccinated and comply with necessary, science-based public health directives, Northwest Washington is defeating the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has not yet been defeated; the economy is recovering, but it has not yet recovered.\n\nTo ensure all Americans can benefit from economic recovery, the time is right for bold, long-term investments that will put Washingtonians to work, empower working families, ensure seniors can afford prescription drugs and build more affordable housing.\n\nAs the White House and Congressional leadership continue to negotiate, I am working with House Democrats to pass legislation that will make prudent investments in the residents and communities I represent and drive economic growth long after the pandemic has been defeated.\n\nMy priorities include:\n\nQuality, Affordable Child Care\n\nMaking it easier to pay for child care means supporting parents who want to go back to work. The bill further supports families by providing twelve weeks of paid family and medical leave for all workers. Together, these investments will help American families, reducing poverty and hunger in our communities and across the nation.\n\nEarlier this year, I gathered virtually with child care providers and stakeholders from across Washington\u2019s Second District. Attendees from organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County and San Juan Head Start told me quality, affordable child care was getting further and further out of reach for working families \u2013 a persistent issue exacerbated by the pandemic. Earlier this year, the American Rescue Plan included an historic expansion of the Child Tax Credit, thanks to the efforts of leaders like Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), but Congress must go a step further.\n\nI support extending the expanded Child Tax Credit through 2025 (if you need help claiming the tax credit, please contact my office at 425-252-3188) and other provisions that create more child care opportunities.\n\nMore Well-Paying Jobs\n\nMy recent roundtable with local aerospace companies and workforce representatives at Everett Community College confirmed that pandemic relief initiatives like the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program I championed in the American Rescue Plan are saving well-paying jobs, but Congress needs to invest now to create more jobs and help the Pacific Northwest stay globally competitive.\n\nI support provisions that will create well-paying jobs, particularly in fast-growing clean energy fields. Building back better means funding historic investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure, incentivizing utilities to switch to cleaner power generation and establishing tax credits for green aviation fuels and electric vehicles. The bill also funds proven workforce development programs to help workers find well-paying jobs in in-demand fields. Together, these initiatives will create jobs in our region, build a cleaner and greener transportation network and train the next generation workforce to compete against China and the rest of the world.\n\nMore Affordable Housing\n\nAddressing the housing crisis is a priority for me. It is clear from my conversations with residents, stakeholders and local officials there is not enough affordable housing in communities across Northwest Washington. At a recent groundbreaking for Housing Hope\u2019s newest affordable housing development in Marysville, attendees cited several factors for the persistent lack of affordable housing: a skilled labor shortage, low vacancy, a deteriorating housing supply and wages not keeping pace with housing costs.\n\nI support provisions that will provide housing for low-income families, invest in repairs for existing housing and finance the construction of more housing units. These provisions will create jobs in construction and safe, affordable housing for our neighbors.\n\nLower Drug Prices\n\nSeniors have long paid too much for prescriptions they rely on. Currently, Medicare is prohibited by law from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies over the price of medication. This must change.\n\nI support provisions that would finally let Medicare get a better deal for seniors, saving patients up to 55% on some medications. For patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, this legislation could save you thousands of dollars every year.\n\nConclusion\n\nWhile negotiations continue in Washington, D.C. and may look complex, investing now to build back better is simple: better futures for our children, high quality jobs, more affordable housing and lower drug prices. These are the issues I hear about most from my constituents; these are the issues I will continue to champion.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/25/media-press-releases-strickland-amendment-strengthen-workplace-equity-women-mothers-passes-house/", "Strickland Amendment to Strengthen Workplace Equity for Women & Mothers Passes House (VIDEO)", "2021-10-25", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and a Leader in the Pro-Choice Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed her amendment to H.R.3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, legislation which protects workers by expanding access to breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace. Representative Strickland\u2019s amendment strengthens the bill by directing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on racial disparities in access to pump breastmilk in the workplace, and requires the GAO to report recommendations to Congress to address those disparities. (Watch Strickland\u2019s remarks here, and read Strickland\u2019s amendment text here.)\n\nStrickland speaks in support of her amendment to H.R.3110 to support workplace equity for women and mothers.\n\n\u201cWomen, and especially women of color, face far too many barriers when they return from maternity leave and re-enter the workforce. Breastfeeding accommodations should not be one of them. My amendment to H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, ensures that as Congress expands access to breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace, we do so equitably. We must ensure that women and mothers from all backgrounds have the support they deserve in the workplace,\u201d said Strickland.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland\u2019s full remarks are transcribed below.\n\nThere are several contributing factors to why nursing mothers may choose not to breastfeed and pump milk when returning to work. They include inflexible work schedules that make nursing and pumping breast milk regularly difficult; the lack of accommodations to pump and store milk; and concerns regarding support from supervisors and colleagues to pump milk. In addition to these factors, women of color and low-income women often experience the need to return to work shortly after giving birth, in many cases earlier than 12 weeks, and face additional barriers such as racial discrimination and bias.\n\nThat is why I am proud to offer my amendment to H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, the underlying bill that protects vulnerable workers by expanding access to breastfeeding accommodations in the workplace. This important piece of legislation advances our goals of equity in the workplace, and my amendment seeks to strengthen this bill by directing the GAO to conduct a study on the racial disparities that exist in access to pumping breastmilk in the workplace. This amendment also requires that the GAO submit a report to Congress on the results of this study with recommendations to address those disparities.\n\nEmployers can begin to address these barriers by offering private lactation rooms, or nursing rooms, for both breastfeeding and pumping with proper cleaning and storage facilities such as a table, sink and small refrigerator, providing employees with adequate pump breaks, allowing flexible work schedules and guaranteeing paid family leave.\n\nIn fact, we can look to my home state of Washington as a prime example of a leader on this issue. In 2019, the state legislature passed and signed into law House Bill 1930, which goes one step further than the current federal law by expanding pump break rights to include both salaried and hourly employees, requiring employers to provide a private space for pumping that isn\u2019t a bathroom, and allowing mothers to get pumping breaks for up to two years after birth. Washington is also one of the very few states that provides people with up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child.\n\nYet, despite current federal law, strong state level protections such as the ones in Washington, and the gains that have been made in this area by employers in different sectors across our country, racial disparities in the workplace still exist for women wishing to pump. My amendment aims to close this gap and equip Congress with the data it needs to create meaningful solutions\n\nWe must ensure that women and mothers everywhere and from all backgrounds have the support they deserve in the workplace. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland is a strong advocate for women and working families in Congress. In August, Strickland and US Labor Secretary Marty Walsh highlighted the need for federal investment in working families, caregivers, and caregiving infrastructure including paid leave, in-home care, the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and more. In April, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act, legislation to ensure military families receive the quality reproductive health care they deserve. In April, Strickland also led Pro-Choice Caucus members on a letter to advance and protect reproductive health rights in the US and across the globe. In March, Strickland co-led the introduction of the Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act, legislation to repeal the Helms Amendment and advance reproductive and economic freedom and equity worldwide. A member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Strickland is an original cosponsor of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 and the Healthy MOM Act, legislation which comprehensively addresses the maternal health crisis in America.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2551", "Larsen Opening Statement at Aviation Subcommittee Hearing on \u201cThree Years After Lion Air 610: FAA Implementation of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act\u201d", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, released the below statement during the Aviation Subcommittee hearing examining ongoing work within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement provisions of the bipartisan Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act. More information about Thursday's hearing, including witnesses and testimony, can be found here. For a recording of Chair Larsen\u2019s opening remarks, click here. For a recording of Chair Larsen questioning FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, click here.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery.\n\n\u201cGood morning and welcome to today\u2019s Aviation Subcommittee hearing titled \u201cThree Years After Lion Air 610: FAA Implementation of the 2020 Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cNearly three years ago, on October 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea.\n\n\u201cLess than six months later, on March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed near Addis Ababa.\n\n\u201cThese two tragedies ended the lives of 346 people.\n\n\u201cVictims included parents, children, teachers, friends and humanitarians who deserved to arrive safely at their destinations, but never did.\n\n\u201cFor nearly two years, victims\u2019 families tirelessly lent their support to necessary reforms to the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) certification process to reduce the likelihood other families would experience such devastating loss.\n\n\u201cI want to acknowledge and thank the victims\u2019 families for your presence and your tireless advocacy.\n\n\u201cYou and your loved ones remain at the forefront as this Committee oversees implementation of aircraft certification reform.\n\n\u201cI also want to acknowledge the hardworking women and men who go to work each day at the Boeing plant in Everett and are proud of the product they design, assemble and build.\n\n\u201cThey are distraught this same product contributed to the deaths of so many and the grief of so many others.\n\n\u201cThis hearing and this legislation are not about just one aircraft.\n\n\u201cThey are about making air travel safer, restoring confidence in the aviation industry and ensuring U.S. aviation remains the global gold standard in terms of safety.\n\n\u201cIn an historic effort, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee conducted a nearly two-year investigation into the design, development and certification of the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The Committee\u2019s thorough investigation uncovered flawed management decisions and inadequate organizational structures at Boeing and FAA that were necessary to confront.\n\n\u201cLast December, the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act was signed into law to restore the integrity of the FAA\u2019s aircraft certification process and make flight safer.\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan legislation is built upon the lessons learned from the Committee\u2019s investigation and the recommendations of the independent Technical Advisory Board, Joint Authorities Technical Review and other key entities.\n\n\u201cAmong its provisions, the new law will:\n\n\u201cImprove aviation safety culture, by requiring aircraft and aerospace manufacturers to adopt safety management systems;\n\n\u201cEnhance transparency and accountability, by requiring the disclosure of certain safety-critical information related to an aircraft to the FAA;\n\n\u201cAddress undue pressure on employees acting on behalf of the FAA, for example, extending airline whistleblower protections to U.S. aviation manufacturing employees; and\n\n\u201cRequire sufficient evaluation of human factors in the certification process to ensure flight crews can do their jobs safely and efficiently.\n\n\u201cAs with any comprehensive legislation designed to reform a complicated system like the certification of aircraft, implementation should not be expected to occur overnight.\n\n\u201cHowever, the legislation lays out specific timelines for actions by FAA to take place.\n\n\u201cFAA has provided updates on some of these actions but has not yet specific details on progress for many of the requirements.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s hearing is an opportunity for this Subcommittee to hear from the FAA on the status of these reforms, how the agency plans to implement them, and identify any potential causes for delay.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to welcome today\u2019s witness, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, who has served in this role since August of 2019.\n\n\u201cAdministrator Dickson, the past few years have been a tumultuous time in the agency\u2019s history.\n\n\u201cI appreciate your and your team\u2019s commitment to the implementation of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act and your personal involvement in the review of the 737 MAX.\n\n\u201cWhile I am encouraged by the agency\u2019s progress, clearly there is much more work to do.\n\n\u201cThe United States is the leader in global aviation, and the FAA\u2019s actions in the U.S. have profound implications for passenger air travel around the world.\n\n\u201cIt is vital this Subcommittee carry out its responsibility to oversee the FAA\u2019s implementation of the critical reforms enacted under the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.\n\n\u201cI look forward to today\u2019s discussion on how to best support the FAA\u2019s ongoing work to ensure the safety of the traveling public.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-bill-clean-damaged-forest-lands-passed-unanimously-out-committee", "Rep. Schrier\u2019s Bill to Clean-Up Damaged Forest Lands Passed Unanimously Out of Committee", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Agriculture unanimously passed Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)'s bipartisan bill to fund the remediation and restoration of damaged public lands. The National Forest Restoration and Remediation Act was introduced earlier this year with Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA). This bill would allow the Forest Service to collect and keep the interest earned on settlement funds in order to supplement restoration efforts.\n\nThe bill now awaits consideration for a vote on the House floor. Rep. Schrier's remarks on her bill can be found here.\n\n\"This is a commonsense, bipartisan bill that would allow the Forest Service to collect and keep the interest earned on settlement funds, much like other Federal agencies can,\" said Rep. Schrier, during her remarks. \"The Forest Service provides many important environmental services in Washington state, including mitigating wildfires and improving forest health. This is especially critical in places like Chelan County in my district, where over 80% of the land is owned by the Forest Service. My bill will ensure that we hold bad actors accountable for negligent behavior in a manner that provides the Forest Service with sufficient resources to protect our treasured public lands.\"\n\n\"I was glad that the Agriculture Committee passed this bill unanimously out of Committee today. It allows the U.S. Forest Service to use the additional interest they gather on accounts to continue restoration work. The Department of the Interior already has this authority, and it is time that this is extended to the Forest Service. As the 2021 fire season draws to a close, we unfortunately have millions of acres that will need to be restored. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Schrier to ensure that the Forest Service has the authorities and tools they need to properly manage our forests,\" added Rep. LaMalfa, Ranking Member of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/21/media-press-releases-strickland-introduces-legislation-end-veteran-homelessness-video/", "Strickland Introduces Legislation to End Veteran Homelessness (VIDEO)", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), led the introduction of H.R. 5470, the Housing Opportunities to Mitigate Expenses for Services (HOMES) for our Veterans Act. This legislation will reduce barriers and make it easier for organizations who provide homes and services to veterans experiencing homelessness to access federal capital grants. Strickland\u2019s legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Tim Ryan (OH-13), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06). The legislation is supported by the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH), the National Coalition of Homeless Veterans (NCHV), and the Lacey Veterans Services Hub. (The bill text can be found here. Watch Congresswoman Strickland\u2019s testimony on the bill before the House Veterans Affairs Committee here.)\n\n\u201cAs the South Sound experiences both a housing shortage and a pandemic, it remains difficult for military veterans to find safe, secure and affordable housing. So many organizations working to end veteran homelessness rely on federal funding, but burdensome and costly red tape can limit their efforts. I am proud to lead the HOMES for our Veterans Act, which empowers service providers to give veterans experiencing homelessness the support they deserve to get back on their feet. We owe it to our veterans to give them the best possible chance to thrive, and that is exactly what this legislation will do.\u201d said Rep. Strickland.\n\n\u201cThe Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program is a vital component of VA\u2019s evidence-based continuum of services to help Veterans experiencing homelessness achieve residential stability, optimum wellness, improved financial health, and greater self-determination,\u201d said Monica Diaz, Executive Director of the Veterans Health Administration Homeless Programs Office. \u201cThe changes proposed to the GPD Program in the \u2018HOMES for our Veterans Act of 2021\u2019 will help advance VA\u2019s goal of accelerating progress in reducing homelessness among Veterans by removing a key barrier to developing VA-funded transitional housing facilities, putting more vulnerable Veterans on the pathway to permanent housing.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Grant Per Diem Program, which allows the community to provide key transitional housing support to our homeless Veterans, has been a crucial part of the VA\u2019s supportive housing strategy. The HOMES for our Veterans Act makes needed changes to the VA\u2019s capital grant awards that will help providers more effectively and efficiently serve veterans experiencing homelessness. We urge passage of this legislation as soon as possible.\u201d said Lacey Veterans Services Hub Manager Keith Looker.\n\n\u201cBy continuing flexibilities for facility improvements, the HOMES for our Veterans Act would allow more homeless veterans to shelter with regard for their health, safety, and well-being as advised by the Centers for Disease Control. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) appreciates the attention Representative Strickland has given to this issue in this crucial legislation and we look forward to working with her to help it become law.\u201d said NCHV CEO Kathryn Monet.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe US Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that over 37,000 veterans in the US experienced homelessness in 2020, with Washington state alone accounting for 5% of these cases.\n\nH.R. 5470 makes it easier and cheaper for veterans\u2019 service providers, known as Grant and Per Diem (GPD) recipients, to access capital grant funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to COVID-19, these providers had to provide 35% of the project cost to access the grant. The HOMES for our Veterans Act would eliminate this match requirement for 5 years, at which point the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department may at their discretion reinstate a match requirement of up to 30%. The legislation also eliminates the real property disposition requirement, giving GPD recipients the flexibility to change the services they provide as the needs of their communities shift. This bill is included in Sen. Tester (D-MT)\u2019s Building Solutions for Veterans Experiencing Homelessness Act, which passed out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee by a voice vote in July of 2021.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/20/media-press-releases-strickland-calls-immediate-action-solve-housing-crisis-house-floor-video/", "Strickland Calls for Immediate Action to Solve the Housing Crisis on House Floor (VIDEO)", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement after delivering remarks on the House floor today urging Congress to address the housing crisis our nation is facing and support safe, affordable, and secure housing for Washingtonians and all Americans. For every household that moved to the South Sound between 2010 and 2017, there were 0.64 housing units produced in Pierce County, 0.76 in Thurston County, and 0.62 in Mason County according to a 2020 Up For Growth report \u2013 meaning that for over seven years, as population increased, the demand for housing far outpaced supply. (Watch Strickland\u2019s remarks here.)\n\n\u201cBeing securely housed is a fundamental human right, but because demand is outpacing supply and costs are rising, this right is out of reach for far too many families living in the South Sound and across our nation. The cost of inaction in Washington\u2019s fastest growing region is too great, especially when the tools we need are at our disposal. Now is our opportunity to Build Back Better and to do it inclusively for South Sound residents and all Americans. I\u2019ll continue to fight for legislation like the Build More Housing Near Transit Act, the bipartisan infrastructure package and the Build Back Better Act to meet these challenges head on,\u201d said Strickland.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland\u2019s full remarks are transcribed below.\n\nAll Americans, regardless of age, zip code or income, deserve to live in a safe, clean and stable home they can afford\u2013this is exactly what a healthy, just, and secure community relies on. It ensures that people are able to meet their basic needs. When over 145,000 Social Security beneficiaries in my district, the 10th Congressional District of Washington State \u2013 representing nearly 21% percent of the population \u2013 only have $100 to $200 to spare for groceries, utilities and other basic expenses after paying their rent or mortgage, we know that prosperity is not being shared equally nor equitably.\n\nWhen our servicemembers at Joint Base Lewis McChord simply cannot find homes off-post or on-post for their families- due to either lack of supply or the cost of housing, we must clearly improve our mission to support our nation\u2019s heroes.\n\nThese are just a few of the stories that thousands of Washington State residents and families are experiencing \u2013 just like millions of Americans across the country. And we know the driving factor behind this housing crisis is lack of supply. We don\u2019t have enough housing and we aren\u2019t building it fast enough to meet the demand. And some of the housing that we do have is not fit for human habitation. According to Up For Growth, an organization that advocates for more housing, the report on housing underproduction from 2010-2017 in Washington State, here are some startling data points \u2013 for every one household that moved into my district, there were .64 housing units produced in Pierce County, .76 in Thurston County, and .62 housing units produced in Mason County.\n\nSo this means that for every family that moved into our district, that we were producing two-thirds to three-quarters of the housing that we needed to accommodate them. This also means that for over seven years, population increased, demand far outpaced supply, resulting in this crunch or lack of inventory that so many families are feeling right now. What\u2019s more, there remains a shortage of nearly 160,000 homes for extremely low-income renters, and nearly half a million renters in Washington are rent burdened, which means that they spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing alone.\n\nNow housing experts have told us that we need a \u201conce-in-a-generation\u201d solution to our housing supply shortage. That time is now. Now is our opportunity to build smarter, build better and to do it inclusively.\n\nWe have solutions on the table, and it\u2019s well past time to use them. We can build to higher-density inside transit corridors, leveraging existing infrastructure. That\u2019s why I helped to introduce, bipartisan, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act with Rep. Scott Peters, to make sure that when we invest $2.3 billion each year for large-scale transit projects, we are ensuring that local land use policies, which are often the biggest barrier to increasing housing supply, will encourage sensible development around these major infrastructure investments. For so long, we have built housing infrastructure around automobiles and that\u2019s a relic of the past\u2013but now, we must invest in transit to look to utilize good and smart land use policies.\n\nFor our military servicemembers and their families, we can find solutions in the National Defense Authorization Act provisions which passed out of the House in a bipartisan manner just weeks ago. I offered one provision, which will direct the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment to answer one question: how long are wait times for housing located on military installations in competitive housing markets? And we want them to produce a strategy to address this demand for housing.\n\nIt is simply unacceptable that servicemembers and their families must wait more than 6 months to be assigned housing on base at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. I urge all of my colleagues to support the inclusion of several reports that will address the issue, including a report on how and the extent to which commanders of military installations connect military families with local nonprofit organizations and government entities that provide services to the military, including assistance with finding housing.\n\nAnd importantly, we must pass both our Bipartisan Infrastructure Proposal, and the Build Back Better Act, and specifically deploy the Unlocking Possibilities Program. This competitive grant program through HUD will be used to support cities and towns to design and implement policies that eliminate exclusionary zoning and artificial barriers to adding more housing. I urge all of my colleagues to work to retain this important program in our Build Back Better proposal.\n\nBeing securely housed is a fundamental human right, regardless of your political affiliation. The cost of continuing to ignore our lack of supply is far too great, especially when the tools we need are at our disposal. Let\u2019s use them. Let\u2019s show our constituents that we can and will Build Back Better. To do otherwise is irresponsible.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland has made ensuring our neighbors are safely and securely housed a priority throughout her first term in Congress. In September, Strickland supported provisions in the FY22 Defense Budget to review equitable housing allowances for military families, off-base housing solutions through examining the Rental Partnerships Program, reducing wait times for on-base housing, and shielding servicemembers from unreimbursed moving expenses. In June, Strickland held a Housing Town Hall to hear directly from Washington\u2019s 10th district residents on their housing priorities. In April, Strickland helped introduce H.R.2483, the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act, to encourage the construction of low and middle-income housing in transit-served, walkable locations.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2984", "Representatives DelBene, Schrier, Newhouse, and Senator Murray Lead Bipartisan Call for Expanded Agricultural Assistance to Washington and Oregon Farmers", "2021-10-19", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling on U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take all statutory eligibilities into account when distributing the $10 billion in aid to agricultural producers hit hard by extreme heat, drought, and wildfires this summer. The $10 billion in agricultural aid was included in the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, which was passed and became law in September.\n\n\"Congress provided $10 billion to cover qualifying losses experienced by agricultural producers as part of H.R.5305, the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act. As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to swiftly implement the program, we write to urge you to utilize the full eligibilities provided in the statute to assist producers in our states hit hard by extreme heat, drought, wildfires, smoke exposure, and related crop quality losses,\" the lawmakers wrote. \"Additionally, we request that USDA offer guidance as soon as practicable on what types of documentation will be needed for farmers so that they can be ready and able to access this assistance.\"\n\nIn July of this year, many of the lawmakers writing to Secretary Vilsack urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to open relief programs up to more producers that have lost crops and livestock to the droughts, extreme heat, and wildfires across the Pacific Northwest this summer. As part of the agricultural assistance included in the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, the lawmakers were able to secure that increased flexibility on who is eligible for the relief funds, so that agricultural producers who suffered heat-related crop, livestock, or shellfish losses and were not previously eligible could receive relief funds.\n\n\"A number of us wrote to you in July regarding the extreme heat, drought, low soil moisture, and wildfires the Pacific Northwest experienced this summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As we mentioned then, many of the producers who suffered some of the greatest heat-related losses\u2014scorched fruit, damaged canes, increased shellfish mortality\u2014were either located in counties not covered by the drought designations, experienced losses not covered by drought assistance programs, or both,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cTo better address the extent of these losses, Congress provided new flexibilities in H.R.5305 to amend the previous Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program-Plus (WHIP+) authorization, including coverage for losses related to excessive heat and smoke exposure for wine grapes\u2014and inclusive of crop quality loss and damage to on-farm stored commodities.\"\n\nThe letter is signed by Representatives Suzan K. DelBene (WA-01), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Jamie Herrera Beutler (WA-03), and Rick Larsen (WA-02) as well as Senators Murray (WA), Ron Wyden (OR), Jeff Merkley (OR), and Maria Cantwell (WA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-meets-biden-port-envoy-about-supply-chain-disruptions-impacting", "Rep. Schrier Meets with Biden Port Envoy About Supply Chain Disruptions Impacting Exporters, WA Agriculture Economy", "2021-10-19", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Last week Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) met with the Biden Administration's Port Envoy John Porcari about ongoing supply chain disruptions. Rep. Schrier has been pushing for action on this complicated issue since earlier this year, when exporters in the 8th District brought their concerns to her.\n\n\"A lot of the recent conversation about the supply chain has been about the backup of ships and goods at ports around the country, and a supply and demand mismatch. I wanted to make it clear to Port Envoy Porcari that the backup at ports is only one part of this problem,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"In Washington state, exporters can't get their goods onto ships headed back across the Pacific. They often don't know when a ship will be in port, making it difficult to get their products to the carrier in time. They are forced to pay additional fees when their products, often perishable, have to wait at the port to be loaded onto a ship. And shipping carriers are opting to return empty containers to China because they profit most from fast turnaround, not shipping U.S. exports. That is unacceptable and threatens our state's economy.\"\n\nDuring the meeting, Rep. Schrier offered her support for any measure that would help the agricultural exporters in her district and invited Envoy Porcari to the 8th District to meet with exporters and hear their experiences firsthand. Rep. Schrier and Envoy Porcari also discussed the need to address gaps in the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) regulatory abilities.\n\n\"There is no single silver bullet solution for this complex issue, but I am encouraged that the Biden Administration and Envoy Porcari do understand all of the issues at play here. I will continue to advocate for my constituents and stand ready to help with legislation if that is needed.\"\n\nRep. Schrier is a cosponsor of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bipartisan bill that is the first major update of federal regulations for the ocean shipping industry since 1988. The legislation would establish reciprocal trade to promote U.S. exports as part of the FMC's mission, require ocean carriers to adhere to minimum service standards that reflect best practices in the global shipping industry, and prohibit ocean carriers from declining opportunities for U.S. exports unreasonably.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-passing-colin-powell", "Smith Statement on the Passing of Colin Powell", "2021-10-18", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "SEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the passing of Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and National Security Advisor.\n\n\"Today we mourn the loss of a committed public servant in Colin Powell. Secretary Powell served multiple presidents both in and out of uniform as Secretary of State, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and National Security Advisor \u2014 and as the first Black person to serve in these three critical roles. But the central theme of Colin Powell's impressive career and life was service ultimately to the United States. The son of Jamaican immigrants, a proud product of New York City public schools, and a Vietnam War veteran, Powell witnessed history even as he made it. Our thoughts today are with his loved ones and all who may walk the trails he blazed.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2979", "DelBene, Champion for Safely Reopening Northern Border, Welcomes Biden Administration\u2019s Announcement", "2021-10-13", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement on the announcement that the Biden administration will allow fully vaccinated Canadians to enter the United States by land and water travel starting in November:\n\n\u201cFor nineteen long months, our border communities have lived in a state of hardship and frustration, waiting month-to-month for news that the northern border would reopen and they could begin to move past this crisis. In that time, families have moved elsewhere, businesses have closed, and some communities are unrecognizable from where they started during this crisis.\n\n\u201cOur border communities can finally see the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel with the Biden administration\u2019s announcement that fully vaccinated Canadians will be able to travel to the United States by land and sea just as they\u2019ve been able to do by plane. The administration\u2019s policy now follows the science.\n\n\u201cThis is just the start of the next chapter. For many border communities, especially Point Roberts, they will need additional support and resources to build back better and I will continue to champion their voices in Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2550", "Larsen Statement on Short-Term Increase in the Debt Limit", "2021-10-12", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the below statement after supporting a short-term increase in the debt limit. The short-term increase passed the House by a final vote of 219 to 206.\n\n\u201cAddressing the debt limit is not about future spending. It is about meeting obligations the federal government has already made,\u201d said Larsen. \u201cToday, I supported a short-term increase in the debt limit to meet those obligations and keep economic recovery on track while Congress works to advance priorities that create jobs, drive long-term economic growth and deliver the critical resources needed to fight climate change. I also support Rep. Bill Foster's legislation to get rid of the debt ceiling and end the unnecessary brinksmanship that puts the full faith and credit of the United States at risk while having no impact on reducing spending.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-sends-letter-biden-admin-port-envoy-about-8th-district-agriculture", "Rep. Schrier Sends Letter to Biden Admin Port Envoy About 8th District Agriculture Supply Chain Disruptions", "2021-10-12", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ISSAQUAH, WA \u2013 Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently sent a letter to the White House's Port Envoy John Porcari inviting him to visit the 8th District and offer her assistance as the White House \"untangle(s) the pandemic-related knots in our global supply chain.\"\n\nIn her letter, the Congresswoman said \"For more than a year, these exporters have shared with me how pandemic conditions and the behavior of shipping carriers are impacting their industries, threatening export markets and relationships developed over decades. They often don't know when a ship will be in port, making it difficult to get their products to the carrier in time. They are forced to pay additional fees when their products, often perishable, have to wait at the port to be loaded onto a ship. And shipping carriers are opting to return as many empty boxes to China as possible for fast turnaround, rather than accepting U.S. exports. This rejection threatens to upend our nation's agricultural industry for years to come.\"\n\nRep. Schrier cited USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack's recent announcement of $500 million made available for relief from global market disruptions as \"a positive step forward.\" She went on to ask for an update on actions Port Envoy Porcari is taking to prevent foreign shippers from charging American exporters exorbitant fees and prevent further consolidation in the shipping industry.\n\nRep. Schrier finished the letter with an invitation for Port Envoy Porcari to visit the 8th District to meet growers and exporters and allow them to share their experiences with the Port Envoy.\n\nEarlier this year, Rep. Schrier held a meeting with Federal Maritime Commissioners to detail the issues 8th District exporters are having related to getting their goods to foreign markets. She also sent a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) with concerns that foreign shipping companies are prioritizing foreign goods to U.S. agriculture products. In that letter she offered Congressional action if it would help the FMC take action in defense of U.S. exporters. Lastly, earlier this summer the House passed Rep. Schrier's amendment to the FY2022 Appropriations legislation to direct the FMC to enhance assistance to U.S. exporters and importers who continue to face barriers to export their agricultural goods to foreign markets.\n\nThe full letter to Port Envoy Porcari can be found below.\n\n###\n\nDear Mr. Porcari:\n\nI'm writing to introduce myself and my Congressional District, and to offer my assistance to you as you work with the Administration to untangle the pandemic-related knots in our global supply chain.\n\nWashington's 8th Congressional District stretches from the suburbs of Seattle across the Cascade Mountains into the rich farmland of Central Washington. It is home to some of the nation's largest agricultural producers and exporters whose hay, apples, pears, and cherries are in high demand around the world.\n\nFor more than a year, these exporters have shared with me how pandemic conditions and the behavior of shipping carriers are impacting their industries, threatening export markets and relationships developed over decades. They often don't know when a ship will be in port, making it difficult to get their products to the carrier in time. They are forced to pay additional fees when their products, often perishable, have to wait at the port to be loaded onto a ship. And shipping carriers are opting to return as many empty boxes to China as possible for fast turnaround, rather than accepting U.S. exports. This rejection threatens to upend our nation's agricultural industry for years to come.\n\nI support any enforcement action that will ensure ocean carrier compliance with the Shipping Act and will bring desperately needed relief to our exporters. To that end, I co-sponsored the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021, voted to increase funding for the Federal Maritime Commission, and worked to direct the Commission to use those extra funds to do more to assist U.S. exporters through this appropriations process.\n\nU.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's recent announcement of $500 million made available for relief from global market disruption is a positive step forward. Getting the President's Build Back Better agenda passed through Congress would be even more impactful. I will continue to work with my colleagues to advance an infrastructure bill that makes major investments in transportation connectivity, workforce development and supply chain support.\n\nIn the meantime, I am writing to ask for an update on actions you are currently taking under President Biden's July 9th Executive Order to alleviate issues for WA producers. How are you working with the Federal Maritime Commission to prevent shippers from charging American exporters exorbitant fees? What progress been made under this Executive Order to prevent further consolidation in the shipping industry?\n\nFinally, I invite you to visit the 8th District to meet with growers and exporters here. They would gladly share their experiences with you. We would all appreciate the opportunity to share with you the challenges we are facing in Washington.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2973", "Legislation to Streamline Care and Reform Health Insurance for Seniors Reaches Bipartisan House Majority", "2021-10-08", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera (CA-07), and Larry Bucshon (IN-08) secured the support of a bipartisan majority for the Improving Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3173) with 227 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would improve care for seniors by streamlining and standardizing the way Medicare Advantage (MA) plans use prior authorization and increasing oversight and transparency.\n\nHealth insurers, including many MA plans, require providers to obtain prior authorization for certain medical treatments or tests before they can provide care to their patients. Prior authorization can play a role in ensuring patients receive clinically appropriate treatments and help control the cost of care. However, when overused, prior authorization can result in administrative burdens for providers, taking precious time away from patient care and delaying needed medical intervention.\n\n\u201cPaperwork should never get in the way of seniors accessing timely, critical care. Prior authorization is an important tool, but we need to bring it into the 21st century so that our seniors get the medical attention they need when they need it,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cI am pleased that we secured the support of 227 cosponsors, and counting, for commonsense legislation that will reform prior authorization and establish transparency and oversight throughout its process. Physicians and nurses have struggled immensely to meet the demands of the pandemic and are suffering from burnout at rates not seen before. The Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act would make every provider\u2019s day easier when it\u2019s fully implemented.\u201d\n\n\u201cHealth care needs to be simple, accessible, and timely for our seniors. Too often, seniors are left waiting while bureaucratic prior authorizations are being processed,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cWhile prior authorizations can serve an important role, they should not stand as a barrier to care. By modernizing the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage, we can ensure doctors are able to focus on their patients rather than on paperwork. I\u2019m proud to be a champion of this legislation, and am grateful to my 218+ colleagues for their support.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor, I am proud to help lead this long-needed legislation to relieve administrative burdens on practicing physicians and prevent unnecessary delays in care for patients,\u201d said Bera. \u201cPhysicians spend far too much time on burdensome paperwork and seeking authorization on certain items, when they should be spending that time taking care of their patients. The bipartisan Improving Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act modernizes the process and is a win for physicians and patients.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a practicing physician I routinely dealt with burdensome processes that slowed patient care and chained doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to their desk instead of performing life-saving procedures,\u201d said Bucshon. \u201cThis year, I was proud to join my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Improving Seniors\u2019 Timely Access to Care Act to increase transparency and streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage. Now with more than 218 cosponsors, I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill passed the House and later signed into law providing real relief for healthcare workers across the field.\u201d\n\nHealth plans and providers agree that the prior authorization process can be improved and agreed on principles in a 2018 consensus statement. Building on these principles, the bill would:\n\nEstablish an electronic prior authorization process.\n\nRequire HHS to establish a process for \u201creal-time decisions\u201d for items and services that are routinely approved.\n\nImprove transparency by requiring MA plans to report to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the extent of their use of prior authorization and the rate of approvals or denials.\n\nEncourage plans to adopt prior authorization programs that adhere to evidence-based medical guidelines in consultation with physicians.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-urges-president-biden-use-executive-order-make-more-rapid-covid", "Rep. Schrier Urges President Biden to Use Executive Order to Make More Rapid COVID Tests Available", "2021-10-08", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ISSAQUAH, WA \u2013 Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to issue an executive order to streamline the process for approving rapid, at-home COVID tests. So far, the U.S. has approved eight tests, with only three tests currently available for purchase, compared to 36 in the UK and 34 in Germany.\n\nImage\n\nIn her letter, Rep. Schrier said, \"While I hope to see even more tests authorized in the coming weeks and months, we need a plan now to bridge the gap until supply can meet demand. The most efficient way to ramp up supply is to provide access to the dozens of tests that have already received approval from an equally rigorous approval process. The European Union has recognized 138 rapid antigen tests that provide accurate results\u2026 I urge your Administration to make more tests available in the United States by issuing an executive order providing an expedited approval pathway that recognizes tests already approved in the European Union.\"\n\nRep. Schrier has been pushing for more than a year to make rapid tests more available on the market. In March, at Rep. Schrier's urging, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put forward an Emergency Use Authorization Template to help streamline approval of rapid antigen tests. It is this EUA template that allowed the new FlowFlex test to be approved earlier this week.\n\nRep. Schrier continued, \"Right now, to test the over 50 million K-12 students in America two times a week, we need over 100 million tests- a week. This means, for a full school year, we need over 4 billion tests. And that does not factor in higher education or take into consideration other congregate settings, employer based testing or private sector use.\"\n\nThe news this week of FlowFlex's approval and the Biden Administration's purchase of 180 million more tests will allow more tests to be on the market soon. But there is still work to be done, and that can be done singularly by President Biden, to make more tests available to Americans who want to test themselves before work, school, or going out to eat.\n\n###\n\nThe text of the letter to President Biden is as follows:\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nI commend this week's announcement to scale-up access to rapid at-home COVID-19 tests. For over a year, I have urged the adoption of a testing strategy that prioritizes frequent, at-home testing to help individuals make informed decisions and markedly curb the spread of COVID-19 in our workplaces, schools, and communities. Today, I am pleased to see that strategy put into action. The new investments in rapid tests will make a meaningful difference in Americans' ability to access tests.\n\nHowever, I write today to raise caution: even with the surge of newly authorized FlowFlex tests in addition to the rapid tests currently on the market, we will still lack the capacity to truly optimize the use of these tests as they are intended. While I hope to see even more tests authorized in the coming weeks and months, we need a plan now to bridge the gap until supply can meet demand. The most efficient way to ramp up supply is to provide access to the dozens of tests that have already received approval from an equally rigorous approval process. The European Union has recognized 138 rapid antigen tests that provide accurate results. The United Kingdom has 36 at-home tests that have passed validation. Germany has 36 tests approved for self-use. The United States has 8 -- only 3 of which are currently available for consumers to purchase. I urge your Administration to make more tests available in the United States by issuing an executive order providing an expedited approval pathway that recognizes tests already approved in the European Union.\n\nIn March, the FDA put forward an Emergency Use Authorization Template for serial testing to help streamline approval of screening tests.[1] It is this EUA template that allowed FlowFlex to be approved. Having a test work through this process, with immediate contracts and commitments to scale up production is exactly how the system can and should work. Expediting approval of tests that are globally recognized and already approved by rigorous regulatory entities is the next logical step to streamline approvals and break the gridlock at the FDA.\n\nAs we scale up, there needs to be a steady eye on the math: to keep our schools and economies open and free from outbreak, asymptomatic screening testing needs to happen frequently. Testing all students 2-3 times a week will catch cases before they can spread. The NIH found earlier this year, that \"with schools and businesses reopening, an individual's risk of infection can change from day to day. Serial antigen testing can help people manage this risk and quickly take action to prevent spread of the virus.\"[2]\n\nRight now, to test the over 50 million K-12 students in America two times a week, we need over 100 million tests- a week. This means, for a full school year, we need over 4 billion tests. And that does not factor in higher education or take into consideration other congregate settings, employer based testing or private sector use.\n\nEven with FlowFlex joining the other handful of rapid antigen tests companies available in the US market, and the promise millions more accessible and purchasable tests, we will still be far short of that goal. We need inexpensive, accessible tests to truly utilize our testing potential. In the United Kingdom, tests are available free to pick up at local pharmacies and can be delivered to residents. In Germany, consumers pay less than a dollar per test.\n\nIdeally, the US would also subsidize screening tests. But we still need the supply. That is why I encourage you, President Biden, to help us turn the corner on this public health emergency and issue an executive order to recognize tests already approved in the European Union.\n\nThank you for the hard work of the COVID-19 Task Force to create a comprehensive COVID-19 strategy to safeguard the American public and our economy. I look forward to continuing to work together to develop a powerful and effective national testing strategy that can be employed to fight the health crisis now and in the future.\n\nSincerely,\n\nKim Schrier, M.D.\n\nMEMBER OF CONGRESS", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2974", "DelBene Announces Additional Broadband Funding for Washington Schools and Libraries", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that Washington state schools and libraries can apply for additional American Rescue Plan funding to increase broadband services now through October 13.\n\nWashington applied for more than $101 million from the Emergency Connectivity Fund during the first application period this summer, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expects to grant up to the full request pending a final review of those applications. Due to high interest in the program and additional funding still available, the FCC opened a second application filing window for Washington state to request additional funds now through October 13.\n\nFunding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund was made possible by the American Rescue Plan that DelBene helped pass earlier this year.\n\n\u201cThe amount of interest that the Emergency Connectivity Fund received this summer speaks to the real need to expand broadband across our state especially in rural communities,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cWhen so much of our lives depend on having a reliable Internet connection, it is critical that we continue to bridge gaps in broadband access. I strongly encourage local schools and libraries to take advantage of this funding to support our students and communities as we build back better.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-joins-prescribed-fire-event-roslyn", "Rep. Schrier Joins Prescribed Fire Event in Roslyn", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "ISSAQUAH, WA \u2013 U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined wildland firefighters from around Washington state for a prescribed burn in Roslyn Urban Forest yesterday. Rep. Schrier donned wildland firefighting gear and held a drip torch while helping the prescribed fire crew create \"good fire.\" Rep. Schrier has been pushing in Congress for more funding for prescribed fire, a tool that can be deployed to prevent more catastrophic fires during the fire season.\n\n\"It was an incredible experience to join firefighters and The Nature Conservancy yesterday for their prescribed burn,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"It's one thing to see photos. But another thing entirely to be in a forest, holding a drip torch, gaining a better understanding of what our firefighters experience and the barriers that too often prevent this important work from being done.\"\n\nYesterday's Prescribed Fire Training Exchange (TREX) was organized by the Washington Prescribed Fire Council. The TREX crew was made up of personnel from the Roslyn Fire Department, Kittitas County Fire District 1, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, Kittitas County Fire District 7, Washington Department of Natural Resources, University of Washington/Pacific Wildland Fire Sciences Laboratory, and The Nature Conservancy.\n\nThese training events increase the ability of fire professionals to mitigate the risk of unplanned summer fires that put nearby communities at risk of catastrophic impacts. These prescribed burns also help local firefighters practice fire management.\n\nRep. Schrier introduced the National Prescribed Fire Act earlier this year that will increase the amount of funding available to groups like TREX to hold prescribed burns during the fire off-season. In 2018, the Forest Service determined that 234 million acres of forest are at a high risk of dangerous wildfires. Yet, controlled burns treated only 3 million acres annually during the last decade. Unfortunately, because vegetation grows continuously, the Forest Service will never be able to address the current hazardous fuels backlog at its current pace.\n\nRep. Schrier continued, \"There is no \u2018no smoke' option. This is about choosing whether we experience smoke in a small, controlled, planned fashion that protects our forests in the off-season, or whether we choke on smoke for weeks each summer from catastrophic wildfires. Prescribed burns emit one-fifth of the smoke of wildfires and cut down on the dry wood that fuels catastrophic wildfires.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/07/media-press-releases-media-advisory-strickland-kilmer-join-chair-white-house-council-environmental/", "**MEDIA ADVISORY** Strickland & Kilmer to Join Chair of White House Council on Environmental Quality to Highlight Need for Federal Investments in Tribal Communities, Conservation", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will join Brenda Mallory, the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and leaders from the Nisqually Indian Tribe for a walking tour of the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The visit will include a discussion on the need for continued federal investments in Tribal communities and conservation efforts, including salmon and fish habitat.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/07/media-press-releases-strickland-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-support-foster-youth-affected/", "Strickland Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Foster Youth Affected by the Opioid Crisis", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth and the Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, led the introduction of H.R. 5469, the Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources (FOSTER) Act with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Susan Wild (PA-07). This bipartisan legislation will provide training and resources for foster and kinship caregivers to support children and parents affected by the opioid crisis. The legislation is also cosponsored by Reps. David McKinley (WV-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Mike Thompson (CA-05), Don Young (AK-AL), Ann Kuster (NH-02), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), David Trone (MD-06), Terri A. Sewell (AL-07), Ra\u00fal Grijalva (AZ-03) and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01). (The bill text can be found here.)\n\n\u201cFar too often, children are the silent victims of the opioid crisis. Opioid use among parents can push at-risk children into an overloaded foster care system without sufficient resources. By introducing the FOSTER Act, we are calling on Congress to support foster children and caregivers affected by the opioid crisis,\u201dsaid Rep. Strickland.\n\n\u201cAs our nation continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, it is essential that we recognize the impact the epidemic has on children within families touched by problem drug use and addiction,\u201d said Rep. Fitzpatrick. \u201cOur bipartisan FOSTER Act uses a comprehensive, whole-family approach to address one of our nation\u2019s most pressing issues by providing dedicated resources to children in kinship care who are affected by familial opioid use. I thank Reps. Strickland and Wild for their leadership in introducing this vital legislation that will protect our at-risk children.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen opioid addiction strikes, entire families feel the impact. As a growing number of children enter foster care due to parental substance use, we must take steps to support all those who play a role in their lives,\u201d said Rep. Wild. \u201cThis means providing resources at every level, from funding addiction treatment centers for parents to educating child caregivers and foster care workers on how familial opioid use impacts children. I am proud to support the FOSTER Act and its family-oriented approach to addressing the opioid crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmara sees this key legislative effort as an important step in recruiting, training, and supporting caregivers to understand the substance use recovery journey. Our goal is for parents and caregivers to create relationships focused on child wellbeing during and after placement in foster care. We thank Representative Strickland and Senator Nobles for their work,\u201d said Nicole Mazen, LMFT, Chief Program and Policy Officer, Amara.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nH.R. 5469, the Furthering Opioid Services, Training, and Education Resources (FOSTER) Act, would amend the 21st Century Cures Act to provide grants to states and localities providing child protective services to train staff and caregivers about the impact of opioid addiction on children under their care. The grants could be used for:\n\nFoster care workforce recruitment and training on the effects of parental opioid use on children\n\nFoster and adoptive parent education on the impact of opioids\n\nAddiction treatment services for parents\n\nThe opioid epidemic has affected countless families and communities across the United States. 1.6 million people had an opioid use disorder in 2019, and the situation worsened in 2020 with the United States experiencing its highest number of reported overdose deaths. In Washington State alone, 58,000 kids were affected by the opioid epidemic in 2017, including 7,500 removed from home for foster or kinship care. Children are entering foster care at higher rates alongside the rise in the opioid crisis, with the rate of child removals primarily attributed to parental substance use doubling from 18.5% in 2000 to 36% in 2018. Congress must provide dedicated resources to support children in foster care affected by the opioid crisis and to support parents with substance use disorders working to maintain custody of their children.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/10/07/media-press-releases-strickland-kilmer-chair-white-house-council-environmental-quality-highlight/", "Strickland, Kilmer, Chair of White House Council on Environmental Quality Highlight Need for Federal Investments in Tribal Communities, Conservation", "2021-10-07", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Olympia, WA\u2013 U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) joined Brenda Mallory, the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and leaders from the Nisqually Indian Tribe and other Tribal nations for a walking tour of the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and a discussion on the need for continued federal investments in Tribal communities and conservation efforts.\n\n\u201cAs Congress makes investments across our nation to Build Back Better, addressing equity for Tribal nations, honoring treaty rights, and conservation must be priorities. Protecting fish and salmon habitat, restoring Puget Sound, and supporting clean water and sustainable infrastructure are all crucially important. I\u2019ll continue working with my colleagues, the Nisqually Tribe and other Tribal partners, CEQ Chair Mallory, the Biden Administration and Congressman Kilmer to support equity for our Tribal nations,\u201d said Congresswoman Strickland.\n\n\u201cTo address the climate crisis and confront environmental injustice, we must do far more to conserve and restore the lands and waters that sustain us,\u201d said CEQ Chair Mallory. \u201cThe President\u2019s Build Back Better Agenda will not only create much-needed jobs from coast to coast, but it will support the kind of work that the Nisqually Indian Tribe is doing to restore the health of the Puget sound ecosystem.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe know that for far too long, the federal government has failed to uphold its trust and treaty responsibilities to Native American communities,\u201d said Rep. Kilmer. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m grateful that Chair Mallory could come out to our region and hear firsthand about the steps needed to make real progress for tribal communities. Combined with the earlier visit of Secretary Haaland to our neck of the woods earlier this year, the Biden-Harris Administration is showing it\u2019s committed to providing an all-of-government approach to building more resilient communities, protecting our natural environment, and fulfilling the federal government\u2019s trust responsibilities. I\u2019m committed to partnering with them \u2013 and colleagues like Rep. Strickland \u2013 to make sure we make progress.\u201d\n\n\u201cI greatly appreciate CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory, Congresswoman Strickland, and Congressman Kilmer meeting with us in our traditional homeland to have an important conversation about how we save, preserve, and rehabilitate this landscape, these waters, and salmon for all our future generations. There is a lot of work to be done but we had a very productive conversation and I left feeling encouraged that we are all committed to this common goal,\u201d said Chairman William Frank, III, Nisqually Tribe.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2969", "DelBene Welcomes New Approach to U.S.-China Trade Relations", "2021-10-04", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), a member of the House Ways & Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement on the Biden administration\u2019s new approach to U.S.-China trade relations.\n\n\u201cAmbassador Tai outlined the Biden administration\u2019s new approach to the U.S.-China trade relationship today. I am pleased that this new strategy towards China focuses on trade enforcement to ensure China abides by the commitments it has already made and emphasizes restarting trade discussions between our two countries to achieve solutions when possible. It is important that this strategy prioritizes coordination with our allies and trading partners to address China, a stark departure from the previous administration\u2019s go-it-alone, tariff-first approach to trade that hurt our relationships globally and failed to address many of China\u2019s harmful non-market practices.\n\n\u201cI also welcome the news that the Biden administration will restart a new tariff exclusion process so American businesses across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, fishing, and technology, can request relief from tariffs where appropriate. This will boost our country\u2019s economy and support good-paying jobs across Washington state. I look forward to working with the Biden administration to ensure that this process is designed and implemented in a manner that is fair, transparent, and most beneficial to American jobs and competitiveness.\u201d\n\nDelBene Discusses Tariffs, AI with WA Small Businesses\n\nApril 2, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nAnniversary of Trump\u2019s Tariffs Marked by Higher Prices, Weaker Economy\n\nApril 1, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nDelBene Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Decision\n\nFebruary 20, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nDelBene on Trump Tariff Vote: \u201cRepublicans knew all along these tariffs were hurting their constituents\u201d\n\nFebruary 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nWA Families Spent Over $2,000 More Because of Inflation During Trump\u2019s First Year\n\nJanuary 20, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2980", "DelBene, Simpson Lead Bipartisan Push to Halt Post Office Consolidations, Mail Delays", "2021-10-01", "2021", "2021-10", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Mike Simpson (ID-02) announced a bipartisan push to halt planned postal facility consolidations across the country that could significantly delay mail delivery. In a letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy signed by 40 House lawmakers, DelBene and Simpson called for a pause on any additional postal facility consolidations pending further review.\n\nIn May 2021, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that 18 postal facilities would resume consolidations this fall. These 18 facilities are among 82 that were slated for consolidation in 2015 before being indefinitely paused. The USPS Inspector General later found that many of these consolidations did not save money, relied on out-of-date data, and would delay mail delivery. Furthermore, in 2016, USPS committed to reviewing the consolidation plan before resuming the process, which has not happened yet.\n\n\u201cWe are worried that moving forward with facility consolidations during the ongoing public health emergency, which continues to impact staffing availability, would result in further service delays and erosion of public trust in one of our nation\u2019s most important institutions,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nUSPS has not provided additional information about when these mail moves would commence and conclude, what impact these consolidations will have on employees at the facilities, or how the timely delivery of mail will be impacted.\n\nIn addition to a pause on these consolidations, the lawmakers requested more information about how these decisions were reached and the justification for moving forward with them.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2968", "DelBene, Torres, Bonamici, Davids, Lujan, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Norma Torres (CA-35), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Sharice Davids (KS-03), along with Senators Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (NM) and Martin Heinrich (NM), introduced legislation to replace the term Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day in federal law and regulations and to establish Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day as a public holiday.\n\nFor many indigenous people, the celebration of Columbus Day is a painful one. Too often, it appears to be a state-sponsored celebration of the history of violence and acts of brutality inflicted upon their communities. Unfortunately, we have failed as a country to recognize that difficult history and honor the roots, traditions, and cultural contributions of our tribal nations and indigenous peoples. Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day is currently celebrated on the second Monday of October in at least 13 states and more than 100 cities.\n\nThe lawmakers released the following statements:\n\n\u201cMy Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day legislation is an opportunity to honor the true nature of our founding,\u201d said Representative Torres. \u201cThis legislation helps our federal government move beyond an outdated practice that perpetuates inaccurate teachings and devalues the history of indigenous people. This holiday should be focused on remembering the hardships that indigenous peoples have endured and honoring our country\u2019s first inhabitants.\u201d\n\n\u201cIndigenous Peoples\u2019 Day is an opportunity to commemorate Indigenous peoples' vibrant cultures and significant contributions to our nation, from before we became a union to every corner of our country today\u2014but is also a day to acknowledge the persecution and discrimination that Native peoples have faced for centuries,\u201d said Representative Davids. \u201cAs one of the first Native American women ever elected to Congress and a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, I am honored to join my colleagues in calling for the national celebration of Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe must reckon with our country\u2019s long, painful history of colonization,\u201d said Congresswoman Bonamici. \u201cMaking Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday will provide a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the powerful history, traditions, and cultural contributions of our Indigenous communities. I am pleased to join Congresswoman Torres in this important effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cHonoring Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day is a meaningful way our country can come together to celebrate Tribal nations, cultures, and people that play an important role in our shared history. This can also be an opportunity to shed light on the dark history of colonization in the United States and how we have treated indigenous peoples in the past. I thank Representative Torres for leading this cause as we celebrate the stories, the strength, and the innumerable contributions of indigenous peoples across the country,\u201d said Congresswoman DelBene.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to help lead the effort in the Senate to recognize Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day \u2013 an important recognition of Native Americans\u2019 contributions to our society, economy and history,\u201d said Senator Luj\u00e1n, a Member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. \u201cNew Mexico, which is home to 23 Tribal Nations and Pueblos, made history in 2019 by recognizing Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day as an official holiday, and I\u2019m hopeful that Congress can make this a reality for the entire nation. Let this day serve as a celebration of our country\u2019s Tribal Nations and Native communities, and a reminder of the work ahead, to continue to strengthen and improve the federal government\u2019s relationship with Tribal governments and Indigenous peoples.\u201d\n\n\"By celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day, we lift up the strength and resilience of America's Tribal Nations,\u201d said Senator Heinrich. \u201cI'm proud to stand with New Mexico's Tribes and Pueblos who have led the way to re-frame this national holiday to honor all of the significant contributions and diverse cultures of our Native communities.\"\n\nThe landmark piece of legislation is supported by The Navajo Nation, The Cherokee Nation, Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day Initiative, Association on American Indian Affairs, National Council of Urban Indian Health, National Congress of American Indians, and the Episcopal Church.\n\n\"If the United States chooses to recognize Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day, we acknowledge a history marked by broken promises, violence, and deprivation in hopes of creating a brighter future where we can stand by one another with cooperation and mutual respect. By knowing the story of Indigenous Peoples, we understand ourselves and others better. It binds us together and reaffirms that we are all American. The Native American experience is not separate from the American story, but is crucial to that story. It is the hope of my community that this day will help alleviate the effects of oppression and work to create future generations who understand the importance of our shared experiences in hopes of creating a stronger, more unified nation,\u201d said Dylan O. Baca, President, Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Initiative.\n\n\u201cIndigenous People\u2019s Day is long overdue as a recognized Federal holiday. We are honored that this bill recognizes American Indian/Alaska Native culture instead of celebrating the atrocities that persisted during colonization. It is pertinent that the resilient history and culture of AI/AN people is reflected correctly and is not devalued by colonial narratives.\u201d said Francys Crevier, (Algonquin) CEO National Council of Urban Indian Health.\n\nWe are grateful that Congress is taking this important step forward to acknowledge the contributions and struggles of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. Every opportunity we have to share the truth of our collective histories gives all of us a stronger foundation from which to build a true representative democracy. And we cannot know the truth without first acknowledging the original \u2013 and continuing \u2013 caretakers of this Turtle Island,\u201d said Shannon O\u2019Loughlin, Chief Executive & Attorney, Association on American Indian Affairs.\n\n\u201cWe thank Congresswoman Torres for championing the cause of Indigenous peoples. I believe the name change will create a ripple of positive transformation throughout Indian Country and allow for future Indigenous generations to reclaim their identity with pride,\u201d said President Nez, Navajo Nation.\n\n\u201cCherokee Nation supports legislation replacing \u2018\u2018Columbus Day\u2019\u2019 with \u2018\u2018Indigenous People\u2019s Day\u2019\u2019 and applauds Congresswoman Torres for her leadership on this issue. It is past time for the United States to recognize the integral role Native people play in the history, economy, and future of our country. The second Monday of October will be a day for people across the United States to celebrate and honor the significant contributions of Native tribes as well as the beautiful culture of our Native people,\u201d said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuk Hoskin, Jr.\n\n\u201cThe National Congress of American Indians applauds the efforts of Representative Torres, and Senators Heinrich and Lujan for introducing the Indigenous Peoples Day Act. NCAI believes in a true and accurate account of the history of the Americas, which must include recognition of the Indigenous peoples who have lived in these lands since time immemorial, and long before Christopher Columbus set sail. NCAI supports changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples\u2019 Day in order to set the historical record straight and out of respect for the culture, language and history of our Indigenous ancestors,\u201d said Dante Desiderio, CEO of National Congress of American Indians.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-seeks-answers-forest-service-chief-during-wildland-fire-hearing", "Rep. Schrier Seeks Answers from Forest Service Chief During Wildland Fire Hearing", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in an Agriculture Committee hearing focusing on the 2021 wildland fire year and the ongoing threat of wildfire to communities across the nation. During the hearing, Rep. Schrier spoke with Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and invited the Chief to visit her district in Central Washington, where a vast majority of the land is owned by or adjacent to National Forests. Rep. Schrier's remarks can be found here and here.\n\n\"A recent report from the Washington Department of Natural Resources identified 3 million acres of forest lands in the state in need of restoration,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"I'm proud of the work being done by local fire districts, counties and non-profits to treat these landscapes. They are engaging in controlled burns and mechanical thinning as much as possible, but they face daunting barriers, and of course they need their neighbor, the Forest Service, to do its part.\"\n\nDuring her line of questions for Chief Moore, Rep. Schrier sought answers on the staffing and capacity issues at the Forest Service which are hindering large-scale forest treatments. Constituents of the 8th Congressional District have notified Rep. Schrier's office that hiring limitations and salary constraints within the agency are stalling desperately needed projects. Chief Moore responded that he is hopeful that increased funding in upcoming legislation will mitigate staffing problems.\n\nIn her remarks, Rep. Schrier also highlighted that one of the biggest barriers to conducting large-scale forest health treatments in Central Washington is the near total lack of mill infrastructure in the region. Currently, public and private landowners must truck logs over 150 miles away from their business at high costs that dramatically reduce revenue. Opening a mill in Central Washington has the support of local groups and industry leaders, and would create family-wage jobs, support the wood products industry, and reduce housing prices in the area. Chief Moore and Rep. Schrier agreed to meet again in the near future to discuss what a small diameter mill would mean for the Central Washington region.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/09/29/media-press-releases-strickland-calls-transformational-climate-action-house-floor-video/", "Strickland Calls for Transformational Climate Action on House Floor (VIDEO)", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement after delivering remarks on the House floor today urging Congress to address the climate crisis with historic investments in sustainable infrastructure, citing the damaging impacts of June and August\u2019s unprecedented heat domes on Washington State. With several consecutive days well into the 100s, temperatures in the region soared to record highs, crippling the Pacific Northwest\u2019s infrastructure and environment and costing hundreds of lives. (Watch Strickland\u2019s remarks here.)\n\n\u201cAs our planet warms and climate change takes hold, these extreme weather events are only becoming more common, costing lives, crippling our infrastructure, and destroying the great state of Washington. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create tens of thousands of jobs and build a brighter, more sustainable future. My state, our country, and our world, depends on it,\u201d said Strickland.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland\u2019s full remarks are transcribed below.\n\nAmericans nationwide have felt the impacts of this year\u2019s extreme weather, from flooding to wildfires to record heat.\n\nIn Washington state, heat domes in June and August caused hundreds to die of heat exposure, roads and highways to buckle, and shellfish to broil in their streams. The iconic Mount Rainier, one of the snowiest places on earth, was not immune. The unprecedented heat \u2013 nearly 40 degrees above the previous recorded high \u2013 has had a devastating impact on the mountain.\n\nThis image shows Mt Rainier during most of the summer, its sides bare, compared to its typical snow cover. For long-time residents of Washington, it is immensely jarring to see Rainier without snow on its peak. In just four days \u2013 four days- in late June, the peak of the heat dome, the mountain lost 30% of its total snow cover. The lack of snow has only become more notable as the summer has gone on.\n\nNor is this heat only an ecological issue. Washington\u2019s shellfish industry is among the largest in the nation, contributing $270 million to the Washington State economy and supporting nearly 3,000 jobs. The heat dome devastated shellfish farms that make up the core of this industry \u2013 shellfish growers reported shellfish baking to death in the shallow water and on the beach. Taylor Shellfish, located in my district, reported losing over 2 million clam seeds.\n\nAs our planet warms and climate change takes hold, these extreme weather events are becoming more common, costing lives and critically damaging our environment.\n\nAgainst this backdrop, our need to pass transformational climate legislation becomes even more stark. We need to invest in electric vehicle infrastructure, dramatically expand public transit, and build an energy grid using renewable sources of power.\n\nWe have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create tens of thousands of living wage jobs and build a sustainable society for future generations. My district, my state, and our world depends on it.\n\nCongresswoman Strickland has made addressing climate change, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and protecting our environment a priority throughout her first term in Congress. In July, Strickland introduced an amendment, which was included in H.R. 4502, the appropriations minibus, highlighting the urgency of the need to fund research into the toxic tire chemicals in stormwater runoff that is killing coho salmon. In July, Strickland participated in a House Committee on Natural Resources hearing on this topic. In June, the House passed the PUGET SOS Act of 2021 co-led by Congresswoman Strickland and Congressman Kilmer to enhance the federal government\u2019s role and investment in the Puget Sound. This came shortly after Strickland and Kilmer secured a historic funding increase for Puget Sound restoration earlier that month from the House Appropriations Subcommittee. In April, Strickland led a letter to the Subcommittee, cosigned by nearly the entire Washington delegation, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio, and Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Ra\u00f9l Grijalva requesting funding for the program at $50 million. Strickland also co-chairs the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, founded in 2013 by Rep. Derek Kilmer and former Rep. Denny Heck with Derek Kilmer. The Caucus focuses on recovering Puget Sound through steps like preventing pollution from urban stormwater runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-and-washington-delegation-urge-state-department-action-afghanistan", "Rep. Smith and Washington Delegation Urge State Department Action in Afghanistan", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, along with the entire Democratic Washington delegation, sent Secretary of State Antony Blinken a letter regarding the effort to evacuate American citizens, U.S. legal permanent residents, other foreign nationals, and Afghans at risk out of Afghanistan. The letter outlines several actions that the Members urge the Department of State to take as they navigate the evacuation process.\n\n\"Over the last few weeks, our offices have heard from Afghan Americans living in Washington, international non-profit organizations, former service members and other individuals residing in our state working to evacuate families, colleagues, and loved ones from Afghanistan. As the State Department leads evacuation efforts, we urge you to consider the following actions\" the Members wrote.\n\nThe Members call for thirteen concrete steps to help ensure the continued evacuation of individuals at risk in Afghanistan. This includes appointing a Special Enjoy at the State Department to lead and coordinate evacuation efforts with the international community and improving communication and collaboration with civil society groups working to evacuate employees and their families. The letter also urges the State Department to expedite and improve the processing of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) and P-1, P-2, and P-3 referrals and ensure U.S. evacuation support all Afghans at-risk such as those working on women's rights, journalists, promoters of human rights, and aid workers by making full use of humanitarian parole authorities.\n\nThe members continued, \"We recognize the unprecedented nature of the evacuation efforts out of Afghanistan and greatly appreciate the tireless work by State Department and other U.S. government personnel. We stand ready to support you in Congress with any additional resources or authorizations necessary.\"\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-joins-colleagues-letter-department-labor-regarding-oversight", "Rep. Smith Joins Colleagues on Letter to Department of Labor Regarding Oversight of Internship Economy", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), along with 37 of his colleagues, sent Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh a letter regarding oversight of the internship economy. The letter urges the Department of Labor to create reporting requirements for unpaid internships so the Bureau of Labor Statistics can track this data and provide appropriate oversight.\n\n\"Internships are viewed as a necessity towards career advancement and without federal data on unpaid internships, the risk of upholding and exacerbating inequity increases,\" the Members wrote.\n\nIn their letter, the Members also outlined four points that they say would go a long way in addressing some of the critical challenges currently facing young workers across the nation, including pay and workplace rights and protections.\n\n\"Internships are increasingly important in today's economy, making it difficult to enter the workforce for those who cannot afford to work on an unpaid basis. Gaining experience simply isn't enough, and getting \u2018paid' in experience is unacceptable,\" said Representative Adam Smith (WA-09). \"I have long advocated for intern pay in Congressional offices and successfully led efforts to increase funding for offices to pay interns. These paid internships help ensure that young workers from all backgrounds - not just those who can afford it - have the chance to learn and gain valuable experience while bringing diversity of ideas and background to their offices. If we are to increase accessibility to paid internships, it is critical we have accurate data to provide appropriate oversight of the internship economy. This is just one of many steps to help build a more equitable, sustainable economy.\"\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-senator-murray-lead-delegation-demanding-dhs-action-curb-covid", "Rep. Smith, Senator Murray Lead Delegation in Demanding DHS Action to Curb COVID Outbreak at Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma", "2021-09-27", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), along with the Democratic Washington delegation, sent Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tae Johnson a letter regarding the health and safety of detained people and staff at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) following repeated COVID-19 outbreaks at the facility.\n\n\"We have received multiple reports concerning the conditions of confinement and a consistent lack of, or refusal to adhere to, evidence-based health mitigation measures in the facility as well as during the process of transferring individuals to the facility. These actions have endangered detained migrants and staff in the ICE detention center, leading to the current major outbreak and continued spread of COVID-19 at the facility,\" the members said.\n\nSince early June, there have been more than 300 COVID-19 cases at the NWIPC. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance that unsafe conditions have been reported at the NWIPC, as years of personal interviews with individuals and reports have uncovered inadequate medical care, poor nutrition, unsanitary living conditions, and the exploitation of labor.\n\n\"We understand that state and local public health officials have made requests and suggestions to mitigate against outbreaks within the NWIPC and improve coordination during the release of individuals from NWIPC. We also strongly encourage DHS to exercise its discretion to utilize alternatives to detention and prioritize the release of individuals, especially vulnerable individuals and those at higher medical risk, who do not need to be in detention,\" the members continued. \"We are gravely concerned about the health and safety of detained people and staff at the Northwest ICE Processing Center. The lack of adequate safety protocols during transfer, unsafe and cramped living conditions, and failure to adhere to recommendations on masking has fed into the growing COVID-19 outbreak and continued spread within the facility.\n\n\"The federal government has an obligation to protect the health, safety, and rights of detained individuals and the wellbeing of the staff, families, and the surrounding communities of ICE detention centers. We urge DHS and ICE to take steps to review and improve current practices in transferring and maintaining the health and safety of people within detention at the NWIPC,\" the members concluded.\n\nA full copy of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-votes-pass-womens-health-protection-act-2021", "Rep. Smith Votes to Pass Women's Health Protection Act of 2021", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "September 24, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) voted to pass H.R. 3755, the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA) of 2021, which would create federal protections against state restrictions that aim to limit a person's rights to abortion and abortion care. The WHPA would create a right for health care providers to provide abortion care, and a right for patients to receive that care, free from medically unnecessary restrictions that impede abortion access.\n\n\"Today I was incredibly proud to vote to pass the Women's Health Protection Act to protect the right to equal access to abortion for every person in our country, regardless of where they live. Personal decisions about a person's body should be left between the person and their doctor - a precedent established by the Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade (1973) - period, full stop.\n\n\"However, in recent years we have seen unconstitutional and cruel state legislation that deliberately violates the rights codified in Roe that have successfully undermined or functionally eliminated access to abortion. As a result, access to both abortion care and reproductive health services have suffered. People should not have to depend on their zip code or socioeconomic status to access the full suite of reproductive health care options they are guaranteed under the Constitution. As hundreds of these aggressive, invasive, and unconstitutional laws are introduced across the country one thing is abundantly clear: urgent Congressional action is in dire need.\n\n\"Today House Democrats rose to the occasion and for the first time in nearly 30 years Congress has taken proactive action to protect every person's right to control their own health care. Now the Senate must take up this critical legislation to prevent the evisceration of abortion access.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3163", "DelBene Joins House Democrats in Advancing National Abortion Rights Protections", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3755), legislation that would protect a woman\u2019s right to abortion across the United States, with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene\u2019s (WA-01) support.\n\nOn September 1, the Supreme Court allowed a radical six-week abortion ban to go into effect in Texas. Many states have promised to take up similar legislation following the court\u2019s decision. The Supreme Court is separately scheduled to hear oral arguments on Mississippi\u2019s 15-week abortion ban on December 1, a case directly designed to overturn Roe v. Wade.\n\n\u201cAbortion is health care. It is time to end the relentless string of assaults on abortion rights by making Roe the law of the land through federal statute,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThis legislation will not only secure the right to abortion but protect access across the country by prohibiting states from implementing medically-unnecessary abortion restrictions. Time is of the essence with the Supreme Court set to consider a direct challenge to abortion rights in December, and the Senate must quickly take up this bill.\u201d\n\nDelBene hosted a press conference with Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates \u2014 Washington and Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) on the urgent need to pass the Women\u2019s Health Protection Act last week. DelBene also spoke on the floor in strong favor of passage. Her floor speech can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://strickland.house.gov/2021/09/24/media-press-releases-strickland-secures-house-passage-over-20-provisions-support-military-families/", "Strickland Secures House Passage of Over 20 Provisions to Support Military Families & Servicemembers in Defense Budget", "2021-09-24", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marilyn Strickland", "S001159", "strickland.house.gov", "strickland", "https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/", "scraper", "Washington, DC\u2013 Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4350, the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Strickland secured passage of over 20 provisions to support servicemembers and military families at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) and across our nation, specifically addressing several aspects of housing security, military hunger, employment for military spouses, access to contraception for servicemembers and dependents, recognizing the contributions of Native American servicemembers, and more.\n\n\u201cCongress and the Department of Defense need to show that we value servicemembers and their families, like those at Joint Base Lewis McChord, who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and secure,\u201d said Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to have secured several provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA which invest in servicemembers and help their families thrive. From housing security in high-cost, high-growth areas, to making sure no military family goes hungry \u2014 investments in military communities are an investment in our nation\u2019s readiness. I\u2019m proud to have worked with my colleagues and Chairman Smith to craft and pass a bipartisan defense bill that supports our national security and invests in the military communities at JBLM and across our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor more than sixty years this committee\u2019s focus has been to provide the Department of Defense and the men and women who serve our country with the tools to meet the ever-changing national security threats we face. For the sixty-first consecutive year, the Armed Services Committee has fulfilled its critical responsibility and completed, on a bipartisan basis, a defense bill that will bolster our national security and provide for the common defense. I want to thank Congresswoman Strickland for her tireless work in our Committee to ensure a defense bill which addresses crucial needs of servicemembers and their families, including military hunger, housing security and other priorities, in Washington and across our nation,\u201d said Chairman Adam Smith (WA-9).\n\nOver 20 Strickland priorities were included in the FY22 NDAA, which passed the House today after passing out of committee on September 2nd, several of which are listed below:\n\nThe bipartisan Military Hunger and Prevention Act \u2013 Introduced by Reps. Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Don Young (AK-at-large), Don Bacon (NE-02), Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Jim Baird (IN-4), this bill helps military families living with food insecurity make ends meet by creating a basic needs allowance to support servicemembers who are currently not eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.\n\nSupporting an Equitable Housing Allowance For Military Families: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance intended to provide uniformed Service members equitable housing compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets. Strickland\u2019s amendment would commission a study that would determine whether BAH is currently sufficient to support the average family size for servicemembers disaggregated by Armed Force, rank, and military housing area.\n\nSupporting off-base housing solutions by examining the Rental Partnerships Program: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Department of Defense to evaluate the Rental Partnership Program, which provides off-base housing information and resources, including participation and awareness of the program among servicemembers and their families, and whether Congress should provide dedicated funding for the program.\n\nShielding servicemembers from unreimbursed moving expenses: Servicemembers and their families move every 2-3 years and military families can spend thousands of dollars on moving expenses, some of which are not reimbursable. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on unreimbursed moving expenses incurred by members of the Armed Forces and their families by branch, rank, and military housing area, examine the root causes of the unreimbursed expenses, and establish a policy regarding this issue.\n\nExamining Wait Times for On-Base Housing: Strickland\u2019s amendment responds to the wait times military families are experiencing to get into housing at JBLM and on bases located in competitive housing markets across our nation, and directs the Department of Defense to provide a briefing on wait times for housing located on military installations in competitive housing markets, create a strategy to address housing demand, and determine the threshold for acceptable wait times.\n\nConnecting Military Families with Local Nonprofit Services: Within many communities near military installations there are nonprofit providers who can assist military families find affordable housing and provide other necessary wraparound services. However, families are not always aware of these services, or may have trouble accessing them. Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how and the extent to which commanders of military installations connect military families with local nonprofits and government entities that provide services to the military, including assistance with housing.\n\nExamining Temporary Lodging Reimbursements when relocating to competitive housing markets: Strickland\u2019s amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report regarding the extent to which military families are aware of and access Joint Travel Regulation reimbursements when searching for new housing ahead of a Permanent Change of Station. It also examines whether giving servicemembers and their spouses a maximum of 10 days reimbursement per diem is appropriate based on the time it takes to secure housing in highly competitive housing markets, such as the area around JBLM.\n\nSupporting Military Spouse Employment and Addressing Employment Discrimination: Strickland\u2019s amendment requires a report on employment discrimination against military spouses in the civilian job market, including the effect of race and gender, and any policy solutions that could prevent such discrimination.\n\nSupporting the Legacy, Contributions, and Sacrifices of American Indian and Alaska Natives in the Armed Forces: Native Americans have had a significant impact on our military throughout our nation\u2019s history \u2013 over 30,000 active servicemembers and 140,000 veterans identify as Native American. They have played an integral role in our military, from the Native Code Talkers in WWI and WWII to present-day conflicts, and have been recipients of our nation\u2019s highest awards, including the Medal of Honor. Strickland\u2019s amendment expresses the sense of Congress that Congress honor this history, and honor the legacy of tribal communities to our military. It also commits Congress to working to improve representation of Native Americans and veterans in senior leadership, improving cultural competency in the military around these communities, and supporting tribal nations.\n\nSupporting Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents: Strickland cosponsored Rep. Jackie Speier\u2019s (CA-14) amendment focused on the parity provision of the Access to Contraception for Servicemembers and Dependents Act. It would bring health care provided by the military in line with basic aspects of health care guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act to ensure dependents and non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries do not have to pay copays for contraceptive care.\n\nThe FY22 NDAA also includes:\n\nVital benefits for Servicemembers and their families, including a 2.7 percent pay increase, expanded parental leave, improved mental health care services and a new basic needs allowance for lower-income Servicemembers.\n\nCombating sexual assault in the military by creating an Office of Special Victim Prosecutor to prosecute these crimes, removing the commanding officer from these decisions and finally criminalizing sexual harassment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.\n\nSignificant investments in emerging technologies to modernize institutions of national security, including a 36 percent increase in defense-wide research and development, as well as new funding to improve DOD research labs.\n\nAction on the climate crisis by removing barriers to improving the extreme weather resilience of critical defense infrastructure and requiring the DOD to consider climate risks in its strategic planning.\n\nAddressing strategic and security challenges, ranging from competition with China, to the risks posed by violent extremism and white nationalism, to strengthening our cybersecurity infrastructure, to strengthening the provisions providing for the needs of our Afghan partners with Special Immigrant Visas.\n\nRecruiting a stronger, fairer, more diverse Armed Services by promoting academic partnerships with minority-serving colleges and universities, rooting out extremism among Servicemembers and establishing a $15 minimum wage for covered DOD service and construction contracts.\n\nStrickland is a strong advocate for servicemembers, military families, defense communities, and veterans in Congress. Strickland co-led the introduction of the bipartisan Military Hunger Prevention Act to help low-income military families living with food insecurity make ends meet. In June, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland co-led the entire bipartisan Washington House delegation in sending a letter urging the US Department of Veterans Affairs to take immediate action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the veterans\u2019 health care system. In May, Strickland made a statement to the Veterans Affairs Committee, to shine a light on the delays and communications breakdowns that veterans living in Washington\u2019s 10th Congressional District are experiencing through the VHA\u2019s Community Care program. March, Strickland co-led a letter to President Biden urging a boost in funding for the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), which would enable investments to enhance military family quality of life, resilience, or military value \u2013 including at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. In July, Strickland secured inclusion of $75 million in funding for DCIP in the FY22 Defense Appropriations bill. She also led her fellow Korean American Members of Congress in introducing legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.\n\nCongresswoman Marilyn Strickland serves as Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and the first African-American to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-passage-annual-defense-bill", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Passage of the Annual Defense Bill", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "September 23, 2021\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), the annual defense bill that he leads in his role as Chairman.\n\n\"The FY22 NDAA is an excellent piece of legislation that makes transformational policy changes with direct benefits for our service members and their families. The NDAA also represents the legislative process at its best. This year, like every year, we worked for months to identify policies where we agree, and where we don't, and engaged in thorough, thoughtful debate on all of them.\n\n\"Thanks to the hard work of Democrats, the bill includes a number of incredibly important provisions. The bill makes dramatic reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to address the scourge of sexual assault in our military - an issue that Congress and our military has failed our service members on until now. Specifically, the bill removes the Commander from decisions related to the prosecution of special victim crimes and criminalizes sexual harassment and violent extremism under the Uniform Code of Military Justice - two huge steps that will better protect service members.\n\n\"In the face of the climate crisis, the FY22 NDAA builds on ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote green energy, and enhance energy resiliency within the military. In addition to increased investments in the research and development of green energy technologies, the bill requires the Department of Defense to consider the need for electric vehicle infrastructure at military bases and installations, establishes a new program that will promote long-duration energy storage projects, and promotes the use of sustainable aviation fuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. Together, these and other climate-focused provisions will help reduce the DoD's carbon footprint.\n\n\"I am pleased the NDAA once again includes historic legislation to protect public lands. It would designate millions of acres of public lands as wilderness or potential wilderness areas, preserving and protecting these public lands to improve biodiversity, safeguard water quality, and protect wildlife habitat. This includes legislation from Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) to protect roughly 131,000 acres of public lands and add over 450 miles to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.\n\n\"This year's NDAA also addresses one of our most pressing foreign policy needs: support for evacuation and relocation efforts from Afghanistan. The bill repurposes billions of dollars to help support our ongoing diplomatic mission to help bring Afghans who may be in danger to safety - whether these Afghans supported the U.S. military, or worked on humanitarian and human rights issues, they deserve our support. This bill gives necessary resources to help make that support a reality.\n\n\"The country continues to grapple with racism and extremism, and the Department of Defense is not immune. As such, the bill builds on last year's NDAA to continue to promote a more diverse, inclusive fighting force and equips the DoD with the tools necessary to combat extremism in the ranks by establishing an Office of Countering Extremism. It once again includes increased funding for research and development and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Minority Institutions (HBCUs).\n\n\"The Department of Defense has a critical role to play in addressing PFAS contamination in and around our communities. This bill includes historic funding, over $500 million, for the cleanup of these forever chemicals at military instillations. The bill requires the Department of Defense to use enforceable state standards when they are more strict than federal regulations, establishes a 2-year deadline for completion of PFAS testing at Department of Defense and National Guard installations, and requires the Department to report on the status of clean-up at 50 PFAS sites across the country.\n\n\"It is past time to close Guantanamo Bay, and the FY22 NDAA does not include the arbitrary statutory prohibitions on transfer of detainees out of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, which currently hinders progress toward its closure. This will enable President Biden to take long overdue steps to close Guantanamo Bay.\n\n\"The NDAA continues Congressional efforts to improve U.S. policy towards the conflict in Yemen and ensure the Department is not providing support to Saudi Arabia for offensive actions against the Houthis. President Biden has rightfully reoriented U.S. policy in the conflict in Yemen and I strongly support this Administration's focus on urging all parties to engage in a political resolution to the conflict and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.\n\n\"The bill prioritizes our service members and their families by supporting a basic pay increase of 2.7 percent and by allowing the Secretary of Defense to pay a basic needs allowance to a qualified service member. Together, these policies will help protect our service members against hunger and help them pay their bills. These brave men and women who are serving our country, and who are willing to pay the ultimate price to keep us safe, deserve the support this bill provides.\n\n\"Finally, the NDAA also carries critical affordable housing legislation that I have championed: the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act. Once enacted this bill will help facilitate creative ways to develop new, affordable housing units near city centers or along accessible transit lines. Specifically, my legislation will allow transit entities to partner with community-driven organizations to utilize currently unused land and build affordable, transit-accessible housing for those who need it most. As housing costs continue to rise in urban areas - including King County - we must get creative about securing affordability, and I am proud to have successfully included my bill in this year's NDAA.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2548", "Larsen Opening Statement at Aviation Subcommittee Hearing on \u201cDisruption in the Skies: The Surge in Air Rage and its Effects on Workers, Airlines, and Airports\u201d", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, released the below statement during the Aviation Subcommittee hearing examining the alarming increase in disruptive and unruly airline passengers, the effect on passenger and crew safety, and the enforcement of U.S. laws prohibiting such behavior. More information about Thursday's hearing, including witnesses, testimony and additional background information, can be found here. For a recording of Chair Larsen\u2019s remarks, click here.\n\nRemarks as prepared for delivery.\n\n\u201cGood morning and welcome to today\u2019s witnesses joining the Aviation Subcommittee\u2019s hearing titled \u2018Disruption in the Skies: The Surge in Air Rage and its Effects on Workers, Airlines, and Airports.\u2019\n\n\u201cAs the nation works to get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in public air rage incidents has exacerbated the already tenuous workforce situation in our aviation sector and eroded confidence in air travel.\n\n\u201cThese incidents have also put the safety of frontline workers, passengers and the nation\u2019s aviation system at risk and could potentially lead to further safety issues.\n\n\u201cUnruly passenger behavior is not a new phenomenon.\n\n\u201cFrom 2015 to 2020, FAA initiated a total of 786 investigations into unruly passenger behavior.\n\n\u201cHowever, through the first nine months of 2021, FAA has initiated 789 investigations.\n\n\u201cAirlines have filed 4,385 unruly passenger complaints since the beginning of the calendar year, including 3,199 mask-related complaints.\n\n\u201cAs Sara Nelson will testify, frontline aviation workers have to deal with everything from vulgar language, including racial epithets, to punching, kicking, biting, shoving and spitting from passengers.\n\n\u201cThis behavior from a small percentage of the traveling public is disgusting, unacceptable and a danger to fellow passengers, crew and the entire U.S. aviation system.\n\n\u201cCongress, the federal government and the aviation industry must work together to protect airline crews, airport staff and the traveling public from passenger outbursts while also preparing for the next public health and national security crises.\n\n\u201cAs Subcommittee Chair, I have made aviation safety and enhancing the air travel experience for passengers and crews a priority.\n\n\u201cThree years ago, I worked with then-Subcommittee Chair Frank LoBiondo to pass the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which increased the maximum civil penalty per unruly passenger violation by 48 percent to $37,000.\n\n\u201cWhen incidents began to rise after the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Chair Peter DeFazio and I encouraged FAA Administrator Dickson to use the full weight of federal law to protect airline passengers and crews ahead of the Inauguration.\n\n\u201cEarlier this year, FAA announced a series of measures to combat passenger issues, including a zero-tolerance policy and a public awareness campaign that showed noticeable results.\n\n\u201cBut Congress and government agencies can only do so much.\n\n\u201cI was encouraged to see this week that FAA urged airlines to take additional steps to address this issue, though there is confusion about what FAA is asking of airlines and others in the aviation sector.\n\n\u201cI look forward to hearing from today\u2019s witnesses about the enforcement of U.S. laws prohibiting such behavior and what more Congress and agencies can do to support frontline workers.\n\n\u201cThe public health response must lead the economic recovery.\n\n\u201cLessons learned from the ongoing pandemic show the urgent need for a national aviation preparedness plan to improve the safety of aviation crews, employees and passengers minimize disruptions to the national aviation system and restore confidence in air travel.\n\n\u201cI reintroduced my bill, the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, earlier this year with my colleague Rep. Don Beyer (VA-08).\n\n\u201cWith a clear and consistent plan in place, I am confident the U.S. aviation system will be better prepared for future crises.\n\n\u201cBefore we begin, I want to thank the women and men on the frontlines of the aviation industry who continue to keep people and the economy moving during these difficult times.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s witnesses represent stakeholders for air carriers, airports and frontline workers who can speak to the current situation and what changes need to be made to reduce these incidents.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to welcome Sara Nelson, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants \u2013 Communications Workers of America (CWA).\n\n\u201cMs. Nelson will provide the subcommittee with personal experience both as a frontline flight attendant and as president of a union representing 17 airlines across the aviation sector.\n\n\u201cMr. Teddy Andrews is a long-time flight attendant with American Airlines and will be speaking today on behalf of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants.\n\n\u201cMr. Andrews can provide his first-hand experience as a frontline flight attendant during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the horrifying abuse he has been subjected to while, as he will say, simply doing his job.\n\n\u201cMs. Lauren Beyer is Vice President for Security and Facilitation for Airlines for America and has worked on a variety of issues related to aircraft safety during the pandemic.\n\n\u201cI look forward to hearing from her about the airline industry\u2019s efforts to address passenger behavior and what other supports airlines need to do so.\n\n\u201cThe Subcommittee will also hear from Mr. Christopher Bidwell, Senior Vice President of Security at Airports Council International\u2014North America.\n\n\u201cIt is important to hear steps airports are taking to prevent potential unruly passengers from boarding aircraft as well as additional measures Congress and federal agencies can undertake.\n\n\u201cIn my district and across the country, transportation means jobs and is key to economic recovery.\n\n\u201cWithout safe, reliable commercial air travel, I would not be able to get to and from work, my constituents would not be able to travel to see family and friends and frontline aviation workers would be without a job.\n\n\u201cCongress, the federal government and the aviation industry must work together to reduce unruly passenger incidents and ensure passengers and crews are safe to fly.\n\n\u201cI look forward to today\u2019s discussion on how to best support your critical work moving forward.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2549", "Larsen Shapes House Defense Bill to Support WA\u2019s Servicemembers, Military Families, Protect Marine Mammals, Advance Emerging Tech, Ensure Global Security", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported House-passage of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Larsen, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee (HASC), helped shape the final bill, securing provisions to support Northwest Washington\u2019s servicemembers and military families, protect marine mammals, advance new and emerging technologies, ensure global security and invest in the future of work. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 316 to 113.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) supported House-passage of the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Larsen, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee (HASC), helped shape the final bill, securing provisions to support Northwest Washington\u2019s servicemembers and military families, protect marine mammals, advance new and emerging technologies, ensure global security and invest in the future of work. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 316 to 113.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act makes the critical investments needed to support Washington\u2019s servicemembers and their families, keep our region and our nation safe, protect the environment and maintain U.S. leadership in global security,\u201d said Larsen. \u201cI am thankful to my colleagues for including Washington\u2019s Second District priorities in this year\u2019s bill and look forward to bringing this important legislation over the finish line.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Larsen shepherded HASC-passage of the NDAA, which included necessary investments in Northwest Washington\u2019s servicemembers, military families and local communities, as well as in initiatives to foster U.S. leadership in new and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nLarsen secured or supported several key provisions in the NDAA:\n\nSupporting Northwest Washington\u2019s Military Families, Communities\n\nProvides a 2.7% pay raise for all servicemembers\n\nAuthorizes a total of $70 million in Impact Aid to schools that serve military students, like Oak Harbor Public Schools\n\nMakes historic changes in military code to combat sexual assault in the military\n\nIncludes several provisions to mitigate the impact of jet noise on local communities, including $4 million for jet noise reduction research\n\nEstablishes a $15 minimum wage for covered Department of Defense (DoD) service and construction contracts\n\nProtecting Marine Mammals, Southern Resident Killer Whales\n\nThe Navy and Coast Guard recently convened a working group to enhance protection for marine mammals, including Southern Resident Killer Whales.\n\nLarsen successfully included his amendment to expand protections for marine mammals to include vessel speed mitigation measures, monitoring of underwater soundscapes and grants to support research and development into marine mammal monitoring technologies.\n\nThe amendment is supported by Natural Resources Defense Council, Oceana, Conservation Law Foundation, Ocean Conservation Research, International Fund for Animal Welfare, International Marine Mammal Project, Earth Island Institute, Oceanic Preservation Society, Seattle Aquarium, Benioff Ocean Initiative, Center for Biological Diversity, Sanctuary Education Advisory Specialists, Friends of the Earth, Animal Welfare Institute, Inland Ocean Coalition, Cetacean Society International, NY4WHALES, Earthjustice, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket, Environmental Investigation Agency, Shedd Aquarium, Mystic Aquarium, National Aquarium, Environmental Defense Center, Humane Society Legislative Fund and The Humane Society of the United States.\n\nAdvancing New and Emerging Technologies\n\nLarsen supported Rep. Chrissy Houlahan\u2019s amendment to implement several key recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI) to \u201cadvance the development of [AI], machine learning, and associated technologies to comprehensively address the national security and defense needs of the United States.\u201d[1]\n\nEnsuring Global Security\n\nLarsen, a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and a leading voice of assurance to NATO allies and international partners, supported Rep. Gerry Connolly\u2019s bipartisan amendment affirming the United States\u2019 commitment to promoting global health security and combatting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\n\nLarsen also supported several Rep. Linda S\u00e1nchez\u2019s amendments to combat misinformation and disinformation, including funding the NATO Strategic Center of Excellence, and a briefing and report on how the DoD is working with the Center to improve NATO\u2019s ability to counter misinformation.\n\nThe NDAA provides critical Congressional oversight of the ongoing situation in Afghanistan and authorizes $500 million to support relocation for Afghans who supported the U.S. military and their families.\n\nInvesting in the Future of Work\n\nLarsen successfully included his amendment to enable DoD to continue hiring highly qualified candidates for domestic defense industrial base facilities and Major Range and Test Facilities, especially at remote and isolated installations.\n\nFor a summary of the House-passed FY22 NDAA, click here.\n\n###\n\n[1] https://www.nscai.gov/\n\nRelated News\n\nLarsen Demands Trump Admin Mobilize All Options to Prepare for Upcoming Wildfire Season\n\nMarch 26, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Announces $17.5 Million Investment in Skagit Transit\n\nMarch 12, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Announces Washington Selected as Testing Partner for Next-Generation Aircraft\n\nMarch 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Rejects Trump\u2019s Reckless War; Supports U.S. Military\n\nMarch 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Reintroduces Bill to End Dark Money in Elections\n\nMarch 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-priorities-help-veterans-and-military-families-pass-house-2022", "Rep. Schrier\u2019s Priorities to Help Veterans and Military Families Pass House in 2022 Defense Bill", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier's, M.D. (WA-08) amendments to assist Veterans and military spouses, and to improve pandemic preparedness passed the House in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022. The NDAA is legislation passed annually to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate.\n\nRep. Schrier's first amendment would help identify servicemembers who may need extra support as they separate from the military. \"As a doctor, I recognize the importance of identifying risks early. With targeted screenings and appropriate follow through, we can address social isolation and loneliness that can lead to higher rates of homelessness, substance use, and suicide,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"My amendment to the NDAA moves care upstream for Veterans by ensuring screening for social isolation as an independent risk factor and making health screenings more efficient overall.\"\n\nRep. Schrier's second amendment builds on her amendment from last year's NDAA to make job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work due to frequent relocation and difficulty transferring occupational certifications and licenses.\n\nRep. Schrier continued, \"My amendment will expand opportunities for military spouses by establishing strategies for information sharing and outreach to raise awareness of employment resources that are available to military spouses. This gives military spouses the opportunities they deserve.\"\n\nRep Schrier's third amendment requests a report on Defense Production Act Activities to understand how much of the $10 billion allotted to medical supplies by the American Rescue Plan was spent on testing. It also asks how many tests have been procured and disseminated, the price point of those tests, and the plans to spend down the rest of this funding by 2025.\n\nRep. Schrier's final amendment included in the FY22 NDAA will require military installations to include climate resilience in planning efforts. For the sake of our national security, it is crucial for our military to avoid, prepare for, and adapt to the effects of climate change such as flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, and sea level rise.\n\nThe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 will:\n\nBuild on previous attempts to close the pay gap by funding a 2.7% pay increase for our service men and women\n\nSupport relocation of Special Immigrant Visa holders and at-risk Afghans\n\nAuthorize nearly $1 billion in additional cybersecurity investments in people, programs, and technologies\n\nRequire the Department of Defense to use enforceable state standards for clean-up of dangerous PFAS \"forever\" chemicals when they are more strict than federal regulations\n\nImprove military care by strengthening mental health and postpartum care, as well as integrating data to help serve all military health beneficiaries\n\nDirect the Department of Defense to create a program to provide direct assistance for scheduling mental health appointments at military medical treatment facilities and clinics\n\nRequire the President to submit a report to Congress not later than 48 hours after any incident in which the United States Armed Forces are involved in hostilities", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-participates-oversight-and-investigations-hearing-kids-and-covid", "Rep. Schrier Participates in Oversight and Investigations Hearing On Kids and COVID-19", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), a pediatrician, participated in an Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing called \"Putting Kids First: Addressing COVID-19's Impacts on Children.\" Rep. Schrier spoke about how long COVID affects children, rapid testing, and what steps we need to take to keep schools open. Rep. Schrier's remarks can be found here.\n\n\"When COVID first hit, data from abroad and here in the U.S. suggested that children were only minimally affected by COVID. The primary reason for closing schools then was children's role in spreading disease to others,\" said Rep. Schrier. \"But with the Delta variant, some Children's hospital ICUs are full of COVID patients.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2959", "DelBene Secures $10 Billion in Disaster Relief Support for Farmers Following Historic Heatwaves", "2021-09-21", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) secured critical relief for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers impacted by recent heatwaves in the stopgap federal funding legislation that passed the House of Representatives today. The bill would fund the government until December 11, 2021, if passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden.\n\nIn June, a historic heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit devastated farmers in the Pacific Northwest. In many instances, agricultural producers in the region couldn\u2019t access federal relief because these programs typically only cover wildfires, droughts, and other extreme weather events.\n\nThe legislation includes $10 billion in Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) assistance that will be open to agricultural producers who experienced disaster-related crop loss in 2020 and 2021 from droughts, wildfires, excessive heat, smoke exposure, and other types of natural disasters. This is the first time that excessive heat has been covered in WHIP+.\n\n\u201cThe recent historic heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest devastated crop yields and livestock from berries and tree fruits to cattle and shellfish. Farmers and ranchers hurt by the blistering heat this summer will be able to access relief through this bill,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cWhile this assistance will help our food producers survive and recover from the 2020 and 2021 heat-related disasters, we must make our agricultural industry more resilient in the face of our climate crisis looking forward.\u201d\n\nIn July, DelBene led a bipartisan, bicameral group of 45 lawmakers in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to provide additional relief to agricultural producers impacted by heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-biden-harris-administrations-efforts-stop-violence-northern", "Rep. Smith Statement on the Biden-Harris Administration's Efforts to Stop Violence in Northern Ethiopia", "2021-09-20", "2021", "2021-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "September 20, 2021\n\nSEATTLE, WA - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement after President Biden signed an Executive Order to address the ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia.\n\n\"The ongoing conflict in northern Ethiopia has created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, and I am glad to see the Biden-Harris administration take additional steps to urge an end to this violence. It is critical that all parties to the conflict immediately move towards a negotiated ceasefire and political resolution. The United States, African Union, United Nations, and other international parties continue to provide ample opportunities to facilitate this dialogue. In addition, actions that inhibit the flow of humanitarian aid must end and telecommunications and other basic services should be restored.\n\n\"The violence must stop now. I fully support the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to help bring a resolution to this conflict, hold leaders of all parties to the conflict accountable, and restore humanitarian aid to those who so desperately need it.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 490, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Democrat", "p1": "WA", "p2": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "WA", "label": "WA", "count": 490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 490, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-09-20,https~3A~2F~2Fadamsmith~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-smith-statement-biden-harris-administrations-efforts-stop-violence-northern", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Democrat&state=WA&year=2021&_next=2021-09-20%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fadamsmith~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fpress-releases~2Frep-smith-statement-biden-harris-administrations-efforts-stop-violence-northern&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 215.4575320892036, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}