{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"WA\" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-congratulates-teachers-national-board-certifications", "Reichert Congratulates Teachers on National Board Certifications", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert sent out letters congratulating the 55 new National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) in Washington\u2019s 8th Congressional District.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is an honor to represent a District that has such a large amount of National Board Certified Teachers in the state,\u201d Reichert wrote. \u201cIt demonstrates the inspiration that you bring to our community, striving to be the best educator for our students.\u201d\nWashington State is ranked first this year in the number of new NBCTs and ranks fourth nationally in the overall total number of NBCTs.\u00a0 The National Board Certification process is a stringent assessment by a national panel to ensure the highest quality of teaching across America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-budget-passage", "Reichert Statement on Budget Passage", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House passed H.J. Res. 59 \u2013 the bipartisan budget deal announced Tuesday evening.\u00a0 After its passage, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement:\n\u201cI am proud to join my colleagues today in passing legislation that will give Americans the first government budget passed by both houses of Congress since 2009.\u00a0 While there is still much work to be done to truly get our financial situation in order, the bill is a positive step in the right direction.\u00a0\n\u201cThe agreement takes decisive action to reduce the deficit, eases the impact of the sequester, and places no new tax burdens on the American people.\u00a0 Instead of the indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts of the sequester, the bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse in current government programs.\u00a0 For example, the bill includes provisions from the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee, which I chair, that would improve the collection of unemployment insurance overpayments and take steps to make sure that inmates aren\u2019t receiving government benefits while in jail.\u00a0\n\u201cAdditionally, it gives stability to the budget and appropriations process by removing the threat of a government shutdown on the horizon.\u00a0 This will allow us to move forward and address other critical issues such as the need for comprehensive tax reform and immigration reform, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on those issues.\u201d\nThe budget passed the House by a vote of 332 to 94 and will reduce the national deficit by $23 billion and provide $63 billion in sequester relief.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-sgr-provision-budget", "Reichert Statement on SGR Provision in Budget", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Included in today\u2019s vote on the bipartisan budget deal was legislation to temporarily prevent Medicare physician payment cuts and extend important Medicare provisions that are set to expire.\u00a0\n\u201cToday, my colleagues and I voted to protect seniors\u2019 access to their doctors by preventing a nearly 24% cut to physician payments scheduled for January 1st,\u201d said U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cI have heard repeatedly from my constituents that the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula used to update Medicare physician payments each year is flawed and must be repealed.\u00a0 Today\u2019s vote averts the SGR pay cut for three months, allowing time for bipartisan work on a permanent solution that began in the Ways and Means Committee this morning to continue.\u00a0 I look forward to working with my colleagues on providing necessary stability to doctors and patients and also ensuring that the system\u2019s primary focus is on the quality of care those patients receive.\u201d\nBackground\nThe Sustainable Growth Rate formula (SGR), was established in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and determines the amount by which Medicare payments to physicians are updated each year.\u00a0 SGR limits growth in spending on physician services to the rate of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).\u00a0 As the rate of growth in physician spending has consistently exceeded GDP in recent years, the SGR formula has called for a cut in physician payments in each of the last 10 years.\u00a0 Congress has been forced to intervene to avert these cuts each year. \u00a0For 2014, the SGR formula calls for a 23.7% cut to take effect on January 1st.\u00a0\nIn addition to passing today\u2019s temporary measure to avert the Medicare physician pay cut, the Ways and Means Committee held a full committee mark-up on legislation (H.R. 2810) to permanently repeal and replace the SGR.\u00a0 The bill will move away from the current fee for service model that pays based on the volume of services, to a system focused on improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364360", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Statement on Budget Vote", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement following her vote in support of the bipartisan, bicameral budget proposal: \"During the shutdown in October I said we needed to stop governing from crisis to crisis in Congress. The first step to moving beyond this destructive pattern is to pass a budget, and so today I supported this budget proposal that maintains cost savings and cuts the federal deficit without new taxes. \u201cBy passing this legislation, we also will return to a more normal form of budgeting.\u00a0 Instead of jumping to each crisis with short term budgets which hand too much control over to the executive branch, Congress now will be able to work together on rational long-term decisions about where and how American\u2019s tax dollars are best saved and spent. \u201cWhile this deal does not include everything I would have liked, in a divided government, working together to solve our country\u2019s problems is a necessity.\u00a0 Congressman Ryan and Senator Murray were able to find common ground without sacrificing core principles.\u00a0 In fact, this deal is the first bipartisan budget reached in a divided Congress since 1986.\u00a0 I am hopeful that this deal will provide momentum to take on bigger issues going forward.\u201d The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 332-94 and will now move to the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005012553/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2247", "McMorris Rodgers Promotes Economic Security for Eastern Washington", "2013-12-12", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement today after the House passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2014 (NDAA), and a one-month extension of the farm bill.\n\n\t\u201cToday we acted to put our country on a path toward economic security. While the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 isn\u2019t perfect, it reflects the ability of a divided government to reduce the deficit without raising taxes.\u00a0 \n\n\t\u201cApproving the NDAA\u00a0is vital to our Department of Defense operations to keep us safe at home and abroad. This bill allows us to enhance our national security and modernize our armed forces, including making critical investments in key programs like the Air Force\u2019s KC-46A refueling tanker. It will promote readiness at Fairchild Air Force Base and at all bases across the globe.\n\n\t\u201cThe House also passed a one-month extension of the farm bill. This will give Congress additional time to tailor the bill \u2013 ensuring that our farmers get the certainty they need. I remain committed to passing a five-year farm bill for the protection and security of Eastern Washington\u2019s farmers and growers. \n\n\t\u201cIn the year ahead, I will continue to pursue policies that will bring greater financial and economic certainty to moms, dads, young people and seniors in Eastern Washington.\u00a0 We will do everything we can to get people back to work and make life easier for Americans in every corner of this country.\u201d\u00a0\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/tpp-caucus-chairmen-joint-statement-latest-round-negotiations-singapore", "TPP Caucus Chairmen Joint Statement on Latest Round of Negotiations in Singapore", "2013-12-11", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and colleagues, Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI), Congressman Charles Boustany, M.D. (R-LA), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY), of the newly formed Friends of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Caucus, issued the following statement after the latest round of negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) concluded in Singapore earlier this week:\u00a0\nCongressman Dave Reichert said, \u201cI welcome the news out of Singapore of the advancement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. This critical agreement encompasses almost 40% of world GDP and current TPP countries comprise a large and increasing percentage of our goods and services exports.\u00a0We must make sure that the final outcome of the negotiations is high-standard as well as comprehensive, because that is what is necessary to truly benefit Washington farmers, workers and businesses and our trading partners. This is not an easy task, but in order to grow the over 326,000 jobs in Washington currently supported by trade with TPP countries, we need an ambitious outcome. I look forward to continued engagement with the Administration as we press ahead to meet these goals.\u201d \u201cI am pleased to see that progress is being made with our partner countries as we move closer to finalizing this groundbreaking, market-opening trade agreement,\u201d said Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI). \u201cA comprehensive agreement will allow our farmers, workers and businesses to maximize economic opportunities in these key markets while elevating standards for workers and strengthening our economy in Wisconsin.\u201d\nCongressman Boustany (R-LA) stated, \u201cWith the conclusion of the latest rounds of TPP negotiations in Singapore, I remain optimistic in reaching a comprehensive, 21st century trade agreement. The TPP will expand existing trade ties between the United States and six current free trade agreement (FTA) partners supporting economic growth and jobs in America.\u00a0 In addition, the TPP will also open new markets for U.S. producers in five non-FTA partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As a co-chair of the Friends of TPP Caucus, I recognize there is still much work to complete. I look forward to continue to work with our Congressional colleagues and the Administration to further discussions on promoting the single largest engine of economic growth for America: trade.\u201d\u00a0\nCongressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) added, \u201cAs the latest round of TPP Ministerial talks in Singapore conclude, there is substantial progress towards a final negotiation. Important work still needs to be done, and I am encouraged by the dedication and commitment of all 12 TPP nations to reach a comprehensive, high-standard agreement.\u00a0 I look forward to meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Froman to discuss next steps, and how Congress can work in partnership with the Administration to build a deal that increases U.S. exports and supports American jobs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005032704/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2246", "Budget Agreement is a Step in the Right Direction", "2013-12-10", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement about the agreement reached between House and Senate Budget Committee Chairmen Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Patty Murray (D-WA):\n\n\t\u201cToday\u2019s budget agreement between Chairmen Paul Ryan and Patty Murray is a step in the right direction on the path toward economic security for hardworking Americans. While this deal includes modest budgetary reforms, it is another positive sign that deficit reduction can be achieved by making real spending cuts and reforms without raising taxes. I will continue to fight for fiscal responsibility so that people in Eastern Washington can have greater financial certainty and economic security for themselves, their families, and their futures.\u201d\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005012754/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2245", "McMorris Rodgers: The Columbia River Treaty Must Reflect the Needs of Eastern Washington", "2013-12-09", "2013", "2013-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference, today submitted a statement for the record at the Natural Resources Committee Field Hearing in Pasco, Washington. The hearing examined the future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty. The treaty has been an important priority for McMorris Rodgers during her time in Congress.  Here is an excerpt from the statement:  \u201cFor the last sixty years, the Columbia River Treaty has provided a framework for the United States and Canada to promote the production of clean, renewable, and affordable hydropower. Hydropower is not only vital to Eastern Washington but Washington State gets over 75% of its power from this clean and renewable source of energy. In Central and Eastern Washington, the Columbia and Snake River system through irrigation, transformed a dry, barren desert with sagebrush to one of the most productive agriculture regions in the world. The low price of hydropower brought high tech companies like Google and Yahoo to relocate their servers here and brought manufacturing facilities like the BMW plant in Moses Lake. In addition, the Columbia River Treaty has provided greater protection for the Pacific Northwest against severe flooding.  \u201c\u2026 As the United States continues to work through the future of the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, I want to ensure that the treaty reflects the true needs of the Pacific Northwest and Eastern Washington.\u201d  See the Congresswoman\u2019s full statement below.  ###  \u00a0  House Natural Resources Committee  Oversight Field Hearing on: \u201cThe future of the US-Canada Columbia River Treaty-Building on  60 years of Coordinated Power Generation and Flood Control\u201d  Monday, December 9, 2013  Pasco, Washington  Statement for the Record by Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers  I appreciate the opportunity to submit a statement before the House Natural Resources Committee regarding the importance of the United States-Canada Columbia River Treaty and its effect on Eastern Washington.  Eastern Washington and the Pacific Northwest depend on a healthy Columbia River system to provide national energy independence, promote public safety, and protect infrastructure. In addition, the Columbia River plays a vital role in the economy of the Pacific Northwest, promoting increased economic growth and development by providing low-cost energy, specifically hydropower, and dependable irrigation and navigation channels.  For the last sixty years, the Columbia River Treaty has provided a framework for the United States and Canada to promote the production of clean, renewable, and affordable hydropower. Hydropower is not only vital to Eastern Washington but Washington State gets over 75% of its power from this clean and renewable source of energy. In Central and Eastern Washington, the Columbia and Snake River system through irrigation, transformed a dry, barren desert with sagebrush to one of the most productive agriculture regions in the world. The low price of hydropower brought high tech companies like Google and Yahoo to relocate their servers here and brought manufacturing facilities like the BMW plant in Moses Lake. In addition, the Columbia River Treaty has provided greater protection for the Pacific Northwest against severe flooding.  For the past few years, Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Corps of Engineers, along with key stakeholders including representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, representatives from 10 federal agencies and 15 Native American Tribes have been reviewing the provisions contained in the Columbia River Treaty. I applaud the time and effort they have given to this process. As the United States continues to work through the future of the Columbia River Treaty with Canada, I want to ensure that the treaty reflects the true needs of the Pacific Northwest and Eastern Washington.  Specifically, as we consider updating the Columbia River Treaty, we need to modernize the original goals to make power generation, flood control, and overall water management more efficient. It is important that neither the United States nor Canada insert additional domestic goals independent of the original purpose of the Treaty. Moving forward, it is also important that the Columbia River Treaty addresses the need to rebalance the payments to Canada for downstream power generation benefits and long-term flood control operations. With assured flood control set to expire in 2024, it is important that the United States and Canada agree to a framework for how future flood control needs will be addressed.  Eastern Washington depends on a healthy Columbia River system to provide low-cost energy, irrigation, and navigation. As such, I want to ensure that as we consider modernizing the Columbia River Treaty, it promotes a more cost-effective, sustainable hydropower system, in addition to providing reliable flood risk management plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/2013-thanksgiving-day-statement", "2013 Thanksgiving Day Statement", "2013-11-28", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2013 Thanksgiving Day Statement                                           \n              Nov 28, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    On Thanksgiving Day, 2013 Congressman Dave Reichert issued the following statement:\n\"When President Lincoln issued his original Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1863, there was much to be ungrateful for.\u00a0 Civil War was raging and many people were suffering severe hardship.\u00a0 But even amidst all of that turmoil, the nation paused and remembered just how much there was to be thankful for.\u00a0 Today, on this Thanksgiving, I urge you to do the same.\u00a0 Our country stands 150 years after that proclamation as one of the most successful, most free nations this world has ever seen.\u00a0 In each of our lives, we have been blessed in both large and small ways.\u00a0 Remember those today and have a very happy Thanksgiving.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-welcomes-2013-2014-youth-advisory-board", "Reichert Welcomes 2013-2014 Youth Advisory Board", "2013-11-26", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert welcomed his 2013-2014 Youth Advisory Board with a reception at his District Office.\u00a0 The Youth Advisory Board was first formed in 2011 to get input from the young men and women who will be the future leaders of our country.\u00a0\n\u201cI am honored to be joined by this group of bright young men and women,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cToday\u2019s youth are very informed and understand that federal policy affects us all, no matter how young or old. \u00a0Therefore, it is especially important to hear everyone\u2019s opinion.\u00a0 These young people will also one day be in charge of leading this nation, so I believe that encouraging them to get involved now can only be a benefit to this state and this country.\u201d\nThe members of the 2013-2014 Youth Advisory Board are listed below:\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jackson Bandow (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Katie Christensen (Enumclaw)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Catrina Crittenden (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tinuola Dada (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sean Fearon (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Andrew Franke (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Claire Garrett (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Hadley Garrett (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trevor Hart (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Matthew Hurley (Bonney Lake)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Scott Hutchins (Auburn)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Tristana Leist (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Thiemo Loos (Issaquah)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Peyton McCulley (North Bend)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Riley Miller (Lake Tapps)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jack Morgan (Issaquah)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jayaram Ravi (Black Diamond)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Katherine Riveness (Sammamish)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Daniel Simmons (Renton)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Alyssa Stallings (Maple Valley)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Sarah Strickler (Bonney Lake)\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Maggie Uceny (Ellensburg)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005035624/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2242", "Special Announcement: Welcome Brynn Catherine!", "2013-11-25", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the brith of her third child. She is the first to give birth three time while serving in Congress - big brother Cole was born in April 2007 and big sister Grace in December 2010.   \"Brian, Cole, Grace, and I are thrilled to welcome Brynn Catherine to our family! She was born at 6:19 am on Nov. 24, weighing 7 lbs. 6 oz.. Nothing compares to the miracle of bringing a new life into the world. She's beautiful and seems to be taking it all in stride. Our hearts are full,\" said McMorris Rodgers.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362836", "Keeping Your Health Care is a Broken Promise", "2013-11-24", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of\u00a0the central promises made by the President and supporters of the new health care law\u00a0was that if you liked your health care plan, under the new law, you could keep it.\u00a0 Unfortunately, that promise would not be kept.\u00a0 More than 290,000 policy-holding families and individuals in Washington and more than 4.8 million nationally have received notices that their current plans are being cancelled.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The massive problems with the health care exchange websites have only compounded folks\u2019 anxiety about the law. Since their implementation on October 1, the online marketplaces have been plagued by massive technical problems, breaches of personal information, incorrect pricing, and outages.\u00a0 In Oregon, problems are so bad that after seven weeks not a single person has been able to sign up for a new health care plan online.\u00a0 In Washington, only 11,740 have signed up for the qualified health plans, and the exchange needs many more signups just to stay afloat.\u00a0 When Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), an architect of the law, stated last spring that the rollout seemed like a \u201ctrain wreck,\u201d\u00a0it now seems that he was being optimistic.\u00a0 Washington state resident Jessica Sanford was held up as a health care law \u201csuccess\u201d by the president during his October 21 nationally televised speech.\u00a0 This week, however, Jessica became the reluctant center of national attention when it was revealed that the website misquoted the cost and her health care plan and subsidy.\u00a0 Now, this 48 year old single mother is left with options she can\u2019t afford.\u00a0  I did not support the federal health care law because I feared it would fall short of its promises, and that its unintended consequences would do more harm than good to individuals and families in Washington.\u00a0 There is no satisfaction in having\u00a0my fears\u00a0come true. \u00a0From my own personal health care experiences, and as someone who must also find a new plan on the exchange, I worry for the moms, dads and seniors who have had the rug pulled out from under them.\u00a0  Cory, a resident of Centralia, told my office he\u2019d been dropped from his plan, and in this exchange his monthly premiums will double.\u00a0 Donna in Battle Ground is extremely worried that her premiums doubled but emergency room trips will also cost more.\u00a0  Tracey from Battle Ground was excited when Congress passed the law in 2010.\u00a0 She believed it would mean more affordable health care plans for herself and her employees.\u00a0 After being kicked off her old plan, however, she can no longer afford the increased premiums of a new plan.\u00a0 She\u2019ll be forced to drop health care for her employees and doubts she can afford insurance for herself. Thad Parker, a small business owner in Chehalis, had his insurance policy canceled.\u00a0 A plan similar to his old one is $289 more a month, with a $2,500 higher deductible.\u00a0 Thad told me that between keeping his business afloat, providing health care for his three children and maintaining all of his employees, one will likely give. To his credit, President Obama took action when both President Clinton and a Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives called for a sensible change to the law allowing people to keep their old plans.\u00a0 While I applaud the President\u2019s willingness to\u00a0begin addressing the law\u2019s problems, it was disappointing when officials in Washington decided to defy him and deny Cory, Donna, Tracey, Thad and Southwest Washington residents any hope of keeping their health care plans. Such are the consequences of a law that was well-intended but so poorly designed.\u00a0 It has empowered bureaucrats in Olympia and Washington, DC to become increasingly involved in health care decisions for families in Kelso, Longview, Toledo, and Woodland.\u00a0 These are decisions best made by families themselves at the kitchen table or with their doctors. Many in Congress who initially supported the law are beginning to abandon it.\u00a0 More than $390 million in taxpayer money was spent setting up the broken websites and exchanges, and tens of millions more will be required to make them even semi-functional.\u00a0 If middle-income and healthy individuals continue to stay away from the health care exchanges, costs will continue to rise for others.\u00a0  The reality is that for the foreseeable future, the law isn\u2019t going anywhere.\u00a0 If there are targeted fixes that will provide relief to the many people harmed by this law, I will support them.\u00a0 However, if the problems persist and Americans continue to suffer under this law, I believe enough of us \u2013 Republican, Democrat, and Independent \u2013 will come together to say \u201cenough is enough\u201d and will finally pursue the patient-centered policy reforms that will deliver affordable, quality health care to all residents. Read this article online at The Daily News by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362666", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler Cosponsors Bill to Remove Military Sexual Assault from Chain of Command", "2013-11-22", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she is cosponsoring legislation to confront a rise in military sexual assaults by taking the evaluation and response for such incidents outside the military chain of command. The bipartisan Military Justice Improvement Act is a legislative response to an alarming 37% increase in sexual assaults within the armed services over the last two years.\u00a0 Despite efforts by military leadership to address this serious issue, the problem remains. A Defense Department report found that fewer than one in six cases were being reported to authorities, often due to fear of retaliation by superiors.\u00a0 A quarter of the time, the perpetrators of these crimes were in the victims' direct chain of command.\u00a0\u00a0 The Military Justice Improvement Act would amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice to transfer crimes like rape and sexual assault to independent, trained professional military prosecutors who would weigh prosecution based on evidence. \u201cI want our military to continue setting the standard for honor and discipline, which is why I\u2019m supporting this bill,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cWe only have two choices: take the prosecution of these crimes outside the chain of command, or face the reality that sexual assault in the military will get worse.\u00a0 It\u2019s encouraging to see so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle joining me in recognizing the current system simply can\u2019t confront this serious problem.\u00a0 It\u2019s time to make the necessary changes to protect the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect us.\u201d\u00a0  The U.S. Senate has been debating nearly identical legislation, S. 967, which was introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and has strong bipartisan support.\u00a0 Supporters are hopeful the bill can earn passage when the Senate reconvenes in December.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Background: Earlier this year, Jaime traveled to Afghanistan where she had the opportunity to discuss and learn more about this issue from members of the military and officials with on-the-ground experience.\u00a0  In June, she took steps to protect military victims of sexual assault and rape when she supported legislation that would add rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct to the list of crimes eligible for protected communication.\u00a0 She also supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act that established minimum sentencing guidelines for sexual assault and stripped commanders of their ability to dismiss the findings of a court-martial.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-veterans-employment-top-priority", "Reichert: Veterans Employment A Top Priority", "2013-11-21", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced two new pieces of legislation, the Careers for Heroes Act and the Military Skills to Careers Act, to help get America\u2019s Veterans back on their feet and into good, long-term jobs.\n\u201cWhen our Veterans return from active service, they should not have to fear unemployment,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cAfter all they sacrifice to keep us safe, we have a responsibility to ensure their security, and a big part of that is being able to find a job and provide for themselves and their families.\u00a0 Washington State is home to 675,000 veterans and the largest military base on the West Coast.\u00a0 Over the next few years, Joint Base Lewis-McChord is set to discharge about 6,000 troops per year.\u00a0 I want those troops to know they have a bright future waiting for them.\u00a0 These two bills will help secure those bright futures and I am proud to introduce them into the House today.\u201d\n\u201cIt is imperative that as employers our federal and state agencies set the example for hiring veterans and I\u2019m proud to say that here in Washington we have set that example for state agencies,\u201d said WDVA Director Lourdes E. Alvarado Ramos. \u201cFollowing the service and sacrifice our military personnel make, making sure that jobs are available and licenses transfer seamlessly from military to civilian licensure is the very least we can do.\u201d\nAnne Sprute from the organization RallyPoint/6, which helps connect Veterans with resources to help them transition into everyday life, stated, \u201cAs our service members and their families reintegrate back into communities across the state of Washington, we collectively have the opportunity to ensure the success of our next greatest generation.\u00a0 In this most important mission, RallyPoint/6 welcomes this legislation from Congressman Reichert to help our Veterans \u2018on the path forward\u2019 to the rest of their lives.\u201d\nTom McLaughlin, Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound (CAMPS), which operates a program that teaches veterans how the skills they\u2019ve acquired in war can translate into civilian work, added, \u201cCAMPS, and I personally as a Vietnam Veteran, wholeheartedly support Congressman Reichert\u2019s legislation.\u00a0 Those who have served our great nation have sacrificed to protect what our country stands for and we as a society need to answer the call to action with a collaborative solution bringing together government and business.\u201d\u00a0\nBackground \nVeterans, particularly those between 18 and 29, are struggling to find jobs in one of the toughest civilian labor markets in generations. The Military Skills to Careers Act would help Veterans transition their skills gained in the service into civilian jobs.\u00a0 The legislation would make State licenses and credentials in chosen fields more accessible and open career opportunities without adding to the deficit.\u00a0 The Careers for Heroes Act would ensure federal agencies are using the Veterans Recruitment\u00a0Appointment (VRA) and the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) authority to place more veterans into long-term careers.\u00a0 It would require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to coordinate with these agencies to hire 15,000 veterans to fill existing vacancies over the next five years.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-agrees-our-daughters-are-not-sale", "Reichert Agrees \"Our Daughters Are Not For Sale\"", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) chaired the event \u201cOur Daughters Are Not For Sale\u201d with Congressman Rick Nolan (D-MN), and Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Dick Durbin (D-IL).\u00a0 Following the conclusion of the event, he released the following statement:\n\u201cWe must succeed,\u201d said Rep. Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cThis issue of child sex trafficking is too big and too evil to ignore.\u00a0 The risks for our foster children, in particular, are far too high.\u00a0 Not only do we have to change the conversation to recognize these children as victims, we must also take action.\u00a0 As Chairman of the Human Resources subcommittee I will take that action, and I look forward to introducing legislation soon to address and prevent sex trafficking of foster youth.\u00a0 We need something that will take decisive action and make a difference.\u201d\nBackground\nThe \u201cOur Daughters Are Not For Sale\u201d event was hosted by Google and the Human Rights Project for Girls to highlight the complex issue of domestic child sex trafficking and urge those in attendance to mobilize in order to protect our most vulnerable children from becoming involved in this travesty. \u00a0\u00a0The event chairs and other Members of Congress who participated in the event also formally signed a resolution they will be submitting into both the House of Representatives and the Senate that expresses that those who have been trafficked must be considered and treated as victims who need our help and support.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-visits-food-lifeline", "Reichert Visits Food Lifeline", "2013-11-01", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 This morning, Congressman Dave Reichert had the opportunity to visit Seattle\u2019s Food Lifeline distribution center.\u00a0 As the stimulus funding for programs like the Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) comes to a close, it is more important than ever to understand how we can best assist those in need.\nRep. Reichert stated, \u201cThe work Food Lifeline is doing is critical for Washingtonians who are struggling to put food on the table.\u00a0 I am grateful to them for taking the time to show me what they do and how Congress can make sure organizations like theirs are successful so that we can work together to help those in need.\u00a0 As the federal landscape changes in terms of federal nutrition programs, I want to make sure that groups like Food Lifeline are not negatively impacted.\u00a0 It is these kinds of organizations that truly highlight the generosity and caring spirit of the American people.\u201d\u00a0\nBackground\nEvery year, Food Lifeline serves 744,000 Washingtonians in need by providing 81,000 meals every day.\u00a0 Their program consists of a network of over 275 food banks, meal programs, and shelters and ninety-five per cent of the food they distribute is donated by restaurants, grocery stores, farmers and manufacturers.\nToday, November 1, 2013, was the date set for SNAP stimulus funding to end.\u00a0 Since 2009, the stimulus increased maximum SNAP monthly benefits by over 13% which resulted in an average monthly increase of above 15% for SNAP households.\u00a0 Effective today, maximum SNAP benefits will decrease by an estimated 5.5%.\u00a0 The House of Representatives recently passed nutrition legislation that included an increase in funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).\u00a0 This is the type of program that is crucial for organizations like Lifeline in meeting the needs of the people they serve.\u00a0 For FY2014, the House legislation would provide an increase of $70 million in TEFAP funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=359823", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Earl Blumenauer Introduce Bill to Improve Northwest Salmon Habitat Restoration", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) joined with Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to introduce the Fundamentally Improving Salmon Habitat (FISH) Act today, a bill that would improve efforts to restore salmon habitat in the Northwest.\u00a0 They were joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) as original cosponsors of the legislation.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nIn 2000, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked by Congress to carry out salmon restoration projects in the Northwest.\u00a0 However, small but critical projects are often not undertaken through this program\u00a0because the process is too cumbersome for the large federal agency to carry them out in a cost-efficient manner.\u00a0 Meanwhile, well-established local organizations have developed significant expertise and experience in completing small salmon habitat restoration projects throughout Southwest Washington and Oregon.\u00a0 The FISH Act would designate any salmon restoration projects that cost less than $2 million as \u2018small\u2019 and authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to administer grants to local \u2018lead entities\u2019 to develop and construct these projects.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\nCongress authorized $30,000,000 in 2000 for ecosystem restoration in the Lower Columbia River and Tillamook Bay estuaries in Washington and Oregon through Section 536 of the Water Resource Development Act (WRDA).\u00a0\u00a0 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with developing plans for projects in conjunction with states and lead entities.\u00a0\u00a0 The goal of providing block grants to groups that are better equipped to handle these projects is to ensure than more salmon restoration can be completed.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSignificant expertise and experience from local \u2018lead entities\u2019\r\n\u00a0\r\nOver the last 13 years, more than 450 ecosystem restoration projects have been completed in the Lower Columbia region by these local nonprofit fish enhancement groups.\u00a0 Currently, 13 species of salmon in the Columbia basin are protected by the Endangered Species Act including chinook, coho, and steelhead.\u00a0 Projects to improve salmon restoration include building off-channel refuges, installing woody debris, and removing invasive plant species.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe lead entity group consists of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group.\u00a0 In addition to the lead entities support for the FISH Act, groups like the American Land Rights Association and Washington Farm Bureau have expressed their appreciation that the legislation takes care to respect property rights while balancing the need to improve salmon restoration efforts. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cWild salmon and steelhead play a centrally important role in our economy and our culture here in the Pacific Northwest,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to team up with Congressman Blumenauer on this issue where we strongly agree -- local groups can play a vital role in federal habitat restoration efforts to protect salmon.\u00a0 Giving local organizations control over smaller recovery projects will complement the Army Corps\u2019 large-scale work, ultimately serving the recreational, economic and environmental interests we have in a healthy salmon population.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am pleased to support this legislation, which will allow much needed habitat restoration projects to move forward and help numerous species, \u00a0including ESA listed salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin,\u201d said Rep. Blumenauer. \u201cThe Army Corps and its local partners will also be able to target resources more effectively and efficiently, which, in an era of federal budget tightening, is a must-do.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThis legislation will substantially enhance salmon recovery and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Lower Columbia.\u00a0 It recognizes and retains the important role of the Corps of Engineers in undertaking large and technically complex projects,\u201d said Jeff Breckel, Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board.\u00a0\u201cBut, it also creates a role for local organizations, such as the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, in implementing smaller, less complex projects.\u00a0 The Board has a proven program of working with federal and state agencies, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, local governments, rural communities, landowners, and non-governmental organizations to get work done on the ground in a timely and efficient manner.\u00a0 Incrementally, these smaller projects make a significant contribution to salmon recovery and ecosystem restoration, build local support and participation, and leverage limited resources.\u00a0 We appreciate Rep. Herrera Beutler and Rep. Blumenauer\u2019s initiative and leadership in working with us and others to craft legislation that will strengthen the federal, state, and local partnerships to restore the Lower Columbia ecosystem.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe lower Columbia region and the Estuary Partnership, have come a long way restoring habitat in the last decade.\u00a0\u00a0Together, over 100 partners have restored over 20,000 acres of habitat, not yet a quarter of what has been lost since settlement,\u201d says Debrah Marriott, Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cMore needs to be done.\u00a0\u00a0This change to the Section 536 of the Water Resources and Development Act recognizes that many local entities, like the Estuary Partnership and the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board, are ready to move.\u00a0\u00a0We have extensive expertise and the track record, as well as organization capacity and the agility to implement projects efficiently and effectively.\u00a0\u00a0That is exactly what it will take to protect the species that depend on a healthy watershed and river and we look forward to working with Congress to make that happen.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cSources of Salmon recovery funds have been shrinking in recent years,\u00a0this update to the WRDA program will allow organizations such as ourselves to implement critical on the ground Salmon recovery efforts in the Lower Columbia region,\u201d said Tammy Weisman, Operations Director of the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group.\u00a0 \u201cSalmon recovery is not just essential to our ecosystem- it\u00a0creates jobs, increases revenue for numerous local businesses and creates and maintains community ownership of these projects.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe opportunities that this represents for streamlining and getting projects on the ground in Tillamook Bay are wonderful. \u00a0It represents\u00a0both\u00a0potential environmental and economic benefits,\u201d says Lisa Phipps, Executive Director, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership. \u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs a property rights advocate, I\u2019m pleased that this bill fully respects the rights of private property owners,\u201d said Chuck Cushman, Executive Director of the American Land Rights Association.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m also a landowner, and I\u2019ve personally worked with the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group to save riverbanks on my own land that also improved salmon habitat.\u00a0 These organizations do excellent work, and this is a good bill that everyone should support.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005015612/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2232", "McMorris Rodgers Questions Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius", "2013-10-30", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. --Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Chair of the House Republican Conference and member of the House Committee and Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after questioning Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius\u00a0about the failed implementation of Obamacare.  \u201cThe President promised the American people that if they liked their health insurance, they would be able to keep it. We are now being told that many of our existing plans are lousy or sub-par -- leaving some paying more than they can afford or uninsured.  \u201cIn reality, this law is not helping people find affordable health care, but instead, forcing them to join a struggling Medicaid program. In Washington, 90% of enrollees are participating in Medicaid. \u00a0Not only will this threaten state budgets with new and unexpected costs, but two out of three doctors do not accept new Medicaid patients. I am concerned that the most vulnerable people in Eastern Washington will be sharing fewer resources with more people.  \u201cAs the website remains down and unusable 30 days after its release, we see that this is not just a broken website, but a broken law.\u201d  Click here\u00a0to watch the full video clip from today\u2019s hearing.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-applauds-launch-newly-formed-tpp-caucus", "Reichert Applauds Launch of Newly Formed TPP Caucus", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and colleagues, Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI), Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-LA), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY), of the newly formed Friends of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Caucus issued the following statement after the formal launch of the new caucus earlier today:\n\u201cA high-standard, comprehensive Trans-Pacific Partnership holds significant promise for Washington businesses, farmers and workers,\u201d said Congressman Reichert (R-WA). \u00a0\u201cIn fact, trade with TPP countries already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in my home state. Today, I\u2019m honored to help launch a bipartisan group to focus on this agreement and what it could potentially mean for our economy and our international relationships.\u00a0 I look forward to working with my colleagues, the Administration, the business community and the representatives of the TPP countries to push forward for a successful, 21st century agreement.\u201d\n\u201cAmerican exports support nearly 10 million good-paying jobs here at home. The Trans-Pacific Partnership represents a great opportunity to be a groundbreaking, market-opening trade agreement that helps the United States reclaim some of its share of exports to key Asia-Pacific markets, and strengthen America\u2019s ability to compete in the 21st century global economy,\u201d said Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI), chairman of the New Democrat Coalition. \u201cI\u2019m proud to be a part of the TPP Caucus and I will continue working for a trade policy that maximizes our economic opportunities while providing a level playing field for our workers and businesses.\u201d\nBoustany (R-LA) added, \u201cTrade continues to serve as a catalyst for pro-economic growth around the world. In supporting almost 10 million American jobs, the trading power of the twelve TPP participating countries is a driving force in today\u2019s global economy. As we continue to move forward with negotiations to complete a substantive TPP trade agreement, it will be crucial for Congress to weigh in on the important economic and strategic benefits this critical agreement will have for the U.S. and our constituents.\u00a0 The TPP presents America\u2019s top exporters, like those in South Louisiana, with opportunities to expand in areas of trade, job creation, and global cooperation. Over 115 TPP companies have investments in Louisiana with 30% of Louisiana\u2019s exports bound for TPP countries. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the TPP Caucus to grow America\u2019s relationship with its Asia-Pacific\u00a0partners to promote bilateral trade while strengthening\u00a0a mutually beneficial relationship.\u201d\nCongressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) stated, \u201cI am very pleased to serve as a co-chair along side Representative Boustany, Representative Reichert, and Representative Kind on the bipartisan Friends of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Caucus. The Caucus will provide a forum to discuss the broader U.S. strategic goals and benefits of the TPP Agreement. The 12 participating nations have a combined GDP of almost 40 percent of the world\u2019s gross domestic product and 8.6 percent of global trade. This is an exciting opportunity for the United States to more closely engage with our friends and allies across the Pacific.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-todays-ways-and-means-hearing-healthcare-implementation", "Reichert Statement on Today's Ways and Means Hearing on Healthcare Implementation", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Dave Reichert, member of the Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after the conclusion of today\u2019s hearing on the status of the Affordable Care Act implementation:\n\u201cThe president\u2019s healthcare law has resulted in nothing but a string of broken promises to the American people.\u00a0 From the beginning, President Obama assured Americans that if they like their health care plan they can keep it, and if they like their doctor they can keep their doctor.\u00a0 But he admitted to Republican members of Congress on January 29, 2010, \u2018we said from the start that \u2014 that it was going to be important for us to be consistent in saying to people if you can have your \u2014 if you want to keep the health insurance you\u2019ve got, you can keep it; that you\u2019re not going to have anybody getting in between you and your doctor in your decision making. And I think that some of the provisions that got snuck in might have violated that pledge.\u2019\u00a0\n\u201cToday, Americans are painfully aware these guarantees simply aren\u2019t true. \u00a0In Washington State alone a quarter million individuals received notices that their health care plan is no longer available and in its place is a higher cost alternative they simply can\u2019t afford. Secretary Sebelius testified before this very committee that there would be no more delays in the implementation of the law and that everything would be up and ready to go when the exchanges opened October 1st.\u00a0 This too was a broken promise as the many problems with the rollout of the law are well documented.\n\u201cToday, we had the opportunity to discuss these problems and determine the status of the Administration\u2019s plans to resolve not only the federal exchange website issues but the problems inherent to the very law itself.\u00a0 While I appreciate Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn Tavenner\u2019s readiness to testify before the Ways and Means committee and engage in a serious conversation about the law\u2019s failures, I do not feel that, today, my questions and my constituents\u2019 questions were answered.\u00a0 Unfortunately,\u00a0no definitive solutions were offered to reassure Americans that the failures of the law\u2019s implementation will be corrected and, most importantly, won\u2019t happen again.\u00a0 In fact, it would seem that all that continues to await us is further problems.\u00a0 It is clear to me that the healthcare law is not ready for the American people.\u00a0 Until this administration can make absolutely certain it\u2019s ready, or Congress can repeal what every day becomes a more problematic law that\u2019s hurting families, the President owes it to the American people to delay the Individual Mandate, not just a mere six weeks but a full year until this healthcare law, or an alternative, can be implemented smoothly and effectively.\u201d\nTo see the Congressman\u2019s full questioning, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356993", "Help Me Honor Veterans This November", "2013-10-29", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With Veterans Day just around the corner, I\u2019d like to share the stories of some of Southwest Washington\u2019s veteran heroes. I\u2019m asking for your help to do it.\u00a0 \u00a0Did you serve in the military, or do you know a Southwest Washington resident who did? I invite folks to send me photos and stories from their military service.\u00a0 I will be highlighting as many veteran heroes as I can on my Facebook page and at jaimehb.house.gov throughout the month of November.  As a Member of Congress, it\u2019s my duty to honor our military veterans by making sure they have access to the resources and support they were promised.\u00a0 Sharing a few of the stories from the heroes who live in Southwest Washington is just one more way I hope to honor their sacrifices.  \nSend your stories and photos: Email: share.vet.stories@gmail.com Mail: O.O Howard House \n750 Anderson St. Ste, B\nVancouver, WA 98661 Please be sure to include a short description of branch, title, and assignment for photos. Also, please make sure you have permission to share photos and stories before sending.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356338", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Presses Coast Guard for Transparency and Answers on CRC Permits", "2013-10-24", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler sent a letter to the Coast Guard today pressing them to provide information regarding the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) she had requested more than a month ago from the agency. \u00a0She also asked for a more detailed explanation of how the agency justified its permitting of a project that would block navigation on the river.\n\u00a0\nThe Coast Guard did send a response to Jaime\u2019s September 13 letter requesting this information, but not until after the close of business hours on September 27 \u2013 also after it had issued its approval of the CRC\u2019s permits. To date, the agency has only provided copies of hard copy external communication\n\u00a0\n\u201cThere are serious concerns throughout the region and here in Congress that the Coast Guard was improperly influenced to deviate from standard procedures to issue this permit \u2013 for a bridge that is too low and has not completed an environmental impact study that reflects the current design,\u201d Jaime states in the letter.\u00a0 \u201cYour cooperation in this matter is necessary in addressing those concerns and to provide the transparency taxpayers deserve.\u201d\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThe text of Jaime\u2019s entire October 24 letter follows, and the original can be found by clicking here.\n\u00a0\nDear Commandant Papp,\n\u00a0\nThe Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project connecting Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon has been one of the largest points of concern and interest in the region for the last decade.\u00a0 Due to the serious gaps in the project\u2019s design and financing, and a lack of transparency demonstrated by its sponsors, skepticism is widespread among the local communities and federal officials who are expected to approve and pay for the CRC.\n\u00a0\nUnfortunately, the United States Coast Guard\u2019s (USCG) permitting process has now become yet another point of concern.\u00a0 I sent you a letter on September 13, 2013 raising multiple points of concern and critical questions, and requesting all of the USCG\u2019s internal and external communications regarding the CRC for the last six months.\u00a0 That letter is attached.\u00a0 It is extremely disappointing that the Coast Guard refused to respond to this inquiry until after it announced the approval of the bridge\u2019s permit on the afternoon of September 27, 2013.\u00a0 Even more concerning is the lack of clarity in answers to questions within the letter, and the absence of the requested communications.\u00a0 I understand the government shutdown may have caused a delay in compiling documentation.\u00a0 However, after waiting for more than a month my office has not received any of the internal communications requested.\u00a0 Project sponsors are pushing this project forward with great urgency, so your timely cooperation with my September 13 request is critical.\n\u00a0\nI respectfully ask that you address the following concerns and questions:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In response to the request for internal and external communications, the Coast Guard offered only its hard copy external communication.\u00a0 The taxpayers who will be paying for this project deserver much better than that.\u00a0 Please provide us with all of the Coast Guard\u2019s internal and external communications over the last calendar year regarding the CRC \u2013 both hard copy and electronic (i.e., email).\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Coast Guard letter to Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler dated September 27, 2013 states, \u201cThe mitigation agreements entered into between Oregon and the impacted users do not mitigate the bridge\u2019s impact upon general navigation or affect the future use of the waterway by prospective tenants of the Columbia River Business Center.\u201d\u00a0 While the letter does go on to downplay the importance of river traffic, it does not adequately explain how the CRC failing to mitigate the bridge's impacts on current and future river users satisfies the USCG\u2019s duty to protect the \u201creasonable needs of navigation.\u201d\u00a0 Please expand on the process used to determine \u201creasonable need\u201d and how that process applies to the river traffic being impeded on the Columbia River.\n\u00a0\nThere are serious concerns both throughout the region and here in Congress that the Coast Guard was improperly influenced to deviate from standard procedures to issue this permit \u2013 for a bridge that is too low and has not completed an environmental impact study that reflects the current design.\u00a0 Your cooperation in this matter is necessary in addressing those concerns and to provide the transparency taxpayers deserve.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-passage-critical-adoption-reform-bill", "Reichert Statement on Passage of Critical Adoption Reform Bill", "2013-10-22", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- This evening the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 3205, the Promoting Adoption and Legal Guardianship for Children in Foster Care Act.\u00a0 This bipartisan legislation recognizes the critical need in the United States to get children from foster care into permanent, adoptive homes and takes steps to make that happen.\u00a0 The bill was introduced by Human Resources Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), as well as Ways and Means Ranking Member Sandy Levin (D-MI), and Human Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).\u00a0\n\u201cI can\u2019t think of a more important, or more bipartisan, topic than promoting adoption,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cI know, as a grandfather and uncle to adopted children, the joys that a child can find in a loving, permanent home, and I have experienced the equal joys that an adopted child brings to their adoptive family.\u00a0 There are 100,000 children in foster care waiting for these experiences and I am pleased that we have passed legislation today that will work to rectify that problem.\u00a0 Every American child deserves the love and support of a happy home.\u201d\nBackground\u00a0 \nH.R. 3205 acts in five key ways to spur the adoption of children still in the foster care system:\n1. It improves the formulas behind the Adoption Incentive Program awards to encourage states to continue placing foster children in permanent homes even as foster care caseloads continue to decline.\n2. It adds a special award for states that increase adoptions of teenage children which are proven to be the hardest to place in adoptive homes. \u00a0Teenagers deserve the same care and attention as a child of any other age.\n3.\u00a0 It adds a new award for states that place children with legal guardians which is a crucial element in allowing children to leave foster care and live with loving and stable relatives.\n4. It requires states to focus on post-adoption services, helping children and families even after adoptions have been finalized.\n5. It extends the Family Connection Grants program for three years.\u00a0 This program is designed to help foster children reconnect with family members.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-passing-congressman-cw-bill-young", "Reichert Statement on Passing of Congressman C.W. Bill Young", "2013-10-19", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Passing of Congressman C.W. Bill Young                                            \n              Oct 18, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. -- Congressman Dave Reichert issued the following statement after the death of Congressman C.W. Bill Young: \"Congressman C.W. Bill Young of Florida passed away today at Walter Reed Hospital. He was a dear friend, a respected colleague, a loving husband and father, and a very good man. My sincerest condolences go out to his family. I keep them in my prayers during this difficult time. I take comfort, as I hope they do, in knowing Bill's legacy of warmth and wisdom will always remain with us.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-death-former-speaker-foley", "Reichert Statement on Death of Former Speaker Foley", "2013-10-18", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Death of Former Speaker Foley                                           \n              Oct 18, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. -- Upon hearing of the passing of former Speaker of the House Tom Foley from Washington State, Congressman Dave Reichert issued the following statement:\n\u201cMy thoughts and prayers are with the family of former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, who died today.\u00a0 Mr. Foley dedicated his life to serving Washington State and his country.\u00a0 He was an example of the virtues we should all try to exhibit: fairness, compassion, and thoughtfulness.\u00a0 He always made time for his constituents, as well as his colleagues, regardless of party or beliefs. \u00a0\u00a0His time as a member of Congress, and as a Speaker, remain as a guide for all the men and women, Republican or Democrat, who follow in his footsteps.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-government-shutdown-and-debt-ceiling-deal", "Reichert Statement on Government Shutdown and Debt Ceiling Deal", "2013-10-17", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- Last night, after the House voted to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling, Congressman Dave Reichert issued the following statement:\n\"Tomorrow the government will be up and running and the United States will be able to pay its debts. I am glad that Congress has finally acted as our constituents have demanded.\u00a0 We already waited too long.\u00a0 I hope this agreement is a sign that both sides can work together in the coming weeks to get our economy going and find a long-term solution to our debt problems. We cannot continue to rely on a series of quick fixes.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=361880", "Herrera Beutler: Bill supports local efforts to aid salmon", "2013-10-17", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In the Pacific Northwest, salmon play a unique role in our culture, our recreational lives and our economy. Unfortunately, the numbers of salmon and steelhead in our backyard have dwindled over several generations. Currently, 13 different runs of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia Basin are listed as either \u201cthreatened\u201d or \u201cendangered.\u201d In 2000, Congress tasked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with enhancing salmon habitat in this region with the goal of strengthening these species\u2019 numbers. This agency is responsible for building and maintaining some of our nation\u2019s largest infrastructure projects, including the Bonneville Dam. However, some of the smaller projects within its salmon habitat mission are often left undone because of the cumbersome approval process and complexity within the Army Corps. While the agency has made admirable progress toward boosting salmon and steelhead populations over the last decade, I know we can do better. I\u2019ve joined with my Oregon colleague, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, to lead a charge in Congress to put these small projects in the hands of local groups with extensive experience. If we do, I believe the fish and our entire region will benefit. At the end of October, I introduced the Fundamentally Improving Salmon Habitat\u2014 or FISH \u2014 Act with Blumenauer as the lead co-sponsor. This legislation would allow the Army Corps to use existing funds for grants to local salmon habitat enhancement groups to undertake smaller projects \u2014 those costing $2 million or less. Projects typically include building off-channel refuges, installing woody debris and removing invasive plant species that are harmful to fish runs.  These local groups have been undertaking salmon habitat restoration projects in Southwest Washington and Oregon for several years, and their work has provided tremendous value to salmon restoration efforts. In fact, the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, the Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board and the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group have completed more than 450 ecosystem restoration projects over the last 13 years. That\u2019s a lot to accomplish for nonprofit organizations that are often operating on shoestring budgets. Many of these groups are housed in small and cheap office space with borrowed furniture, but are still managing millions of dollars in restoration work yearly. They have the expertise, but not necessarily the funding, to take on more projects. Meanwhile, the Army Corps has the appropriated funding but isn\u2019t set up to tackle these low-cost but extremely valuable restoration efforts. The FISH Act would be a win-win for both groups. Securing local community buy-in and participation are half the battle when it comes to lasting and sustainable salmon restoration efforts. Our local salmon enhancement groups have done a tremendous job with both. For instance, local students were recruited to help the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group populate a new habitat at Pleasant Valley Park. And by building a track record of working in a considerate and cooperative fashion, these groups helped the FISH Act earn the support of the Farm Bureau and American Land Rights Association \u2014 organizations that put a high priority on ensuring private property rights are protected. The FISH Act is a common-sense, bipartisan solution. While empowering groups from within our region, it would keep Army Corps oversight in place, allowing the agency to provide technical guidance for activities necessary to protect, monitor and restore fish and wildlife habitat. By using existing resources wisely, we can continue to improve salmon restoration efforts. With the squabbling and gridlock in Congress often dominating the news, it\u2019s more important than ever to find common ground and get to work on priorities where we agree. Blumenauer and I belong to different parties and we disagree on many issues, but we are both public servants for the Pacific Northwest. I\u2019m pleased to team up with him in offering this bill to better protect the salmon that help sustain our economy, our communities and our way of life. Read this article online at the Columbian by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355747", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Votes to Reopen Government, Avert Default", "2013-10-16", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Votes to Reopen Government, Avert Default \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        October 16, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement this evening after voting for the measure to end the government shutdown:\r\n \r\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to end the practice of governing by moving from crisis to crisis.\"\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \u201cIt\u2019s time to end the practice of governing by moving from crisis to crisis.\u00a0 Southwest Washington residents deserve to know that the financial markets won\u2019t get flipped upside down by a default that could devastate the fragile job market in our region.\u00a0 Seniors and veterans deserve to know Social Security and veterans\u2019 benefits will go out on time.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThe people we represent elected us to work together and solve problems, not to wage a never-ending partisan fight.\u00a0 I thank Speaker Boehner for bringing a bill to end the shutdown and avoid default to the House floor for a vote.\u00a0 Congress must find a more effective way to fight wasteful spending and provide better health care solutions, and I look forward to working with both parties toward those goals.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=355628", "Jaime Herrera Beutler to Congress: \u201cStop the Posturing, End This Shutdown\u201d", "2013-10-15", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement this evening regarding the government shutdown and approaching debt limit: \u201cDespite my skepticism, until now I have refrained from public comment on the House budget negotiating strategy...\"  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement this evening regarding the government shutdown and approaching debt limit: \u201cDespite my skepticism, until now I have refrained from public comment on the House budget negotiating strategy.\u00a0 I wanted to give House Republican leaders leeway to craft the best deal they could.\u00a0 But\u00a0it\u2019s time to reopen the government and ensure we don\u2019t default on our debt.\u00a0I will not vote for poison pills that have no chance of passing the Senate or being signed into law. \u201cMake no mistake -- I have consistently opposed the Affordable Care Act, because it harms more people than it helps\u00a0and it makes promises that the nation cannot afford to keep.\u00a0 But this\u00a0President will not bend or compromise on this issue even if the shutdown lasts until the end of his term, and this continued fighting is\u00a0making it less likely that we can make progress on this issue or on improving our economy or lowering our debt.  \u201cThis does not mean surrendering on the issue of the Affordable Care Act. \u00a0I believe that the case will become clearer about\u00a0the damage the Affordable Care Act is doing to our economy and our health care system.\u00a0\u00a0With time, and with new leadership in D.C. we can change that Act.\u00a0 But this shutdown is hurting our cause, not helping it. \u201cIf this shutdown lasts much longer, negative impacts could be widespread.\u00a0 We are being told that veterans\u2019 earned benefits will soon stop if the shutdown persists.\u00a0 The contingency funds that have supported food assistance for low income women, infants and children will be gone soon. Fishermen\u2019s livelihoods are at stake as they can\u2019t get the NOAA permits to harvest crabs and other fish, making narrow fishing seasons even narrower.  \u201cIn Longview, Washington, people who are critically injured must now wait for life flights to come from Oregon.\u00a0 The local hospital\u2019s helicopter can\u2019t get FAA certification during a shutdown. I can't stand by and let this happen any longer. \u201cLike it or not, the White House and Senate have blocked House efforts to address the issues with the Affordable Care Act.\u00a0 Nothing positive will be achieved by prolonging this shutdown any longer, or crossing the debt limit threshold.\u00a0 It\u2019s time for my colleagues to face reality.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-updates-constituents-shutdown", "Reichert Updates Constituents on Shutdown", "2013-10-04", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- This afternoon, Congressman Reichert sent his constituents an update on the current status of the government shutdown.\u00a0 The text of that update is below:\n\"As your representative in Washington, D.C., I wanted to provide an update on the current shutdown of the federal government.\u00a0 While we negotiate a solution to our budget crisis, the House of Representatives has passed a number of bills to ensure that Americans are affected as little as possible by the current shutdown.\u00a0 As your Representative, please know that I will continue to vote for any legislation that keeps the federal government open.\n\"So far, the House of Representatives has voted to make sure that our military members, national guard and reserve officers are paid, that the Department of Veterans Affairs is open to assist America\u2019s heroes, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency can do its job, that low-income women and children can receive nutrition assistance, and that our National Parks remain open for business.\u00a0 In the coming days, we will pass legislation to ensure that furloughed federal employees receive retroactive pay, that the Food and Drug Administration is funded, and that the Head Start program remains open. \u00a0Please urge your Senators to pass these bills while we work to find a solution to fix our budget, solve our debt crisis, and get the American economy going again.\u00a0\n\"Also, please know that while the government is shut down, our offices are still open to serve the 8th District of Washington.\u00a0 Please do not hesitate to reach out our District (425.677.7414) or D.C. (202.225.7761) offices if you have any questions as the shutdown continues.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-chooses-withhold-pay-during-government-shutdown", "Reichert Chooses to Withhold Pay During Government Shutdown", "2013-10-02", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- Yesterday, on the first day of the government shutdown, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert made the decision to withhold his federal pay for the duration of the shutdown.\u00a0\nThe text of Congressman Reichert\u2019s letter to Dan Strodel, the Chief Administrative Officer for the United States Congress reads: \u201cI understand that in the event of a lapse in appropriations for the funding of the Federal government and a subsequent government shutdown, Members of Congress would continue to receive their salary.\u00a0 Given that there has been a lapse in appropriations beginning October 1, 2013, please hold my salary until the lapse in appropriations ends.\u201d\n\u201cIt\u2019s the fair and right thing to do,\u201d said Rep. Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cThis is a difficult time for our country and I should not get special treatment while thousands of others are dealing with furloughs through no fault of their own.\u201d\nAs the Congressman stated in his earlier statement regarding the shutdown, he is actively working with his colleagues to pursue solutions that will get the government back up and running, so that it can best serve the American people. Until that time, Reichert will continue his efforts without salary.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-government-shutdown", "Reichert Statement on Government Shutdown", "2013-10-01", "2013", "2013-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Government Shutdown                                           \n              Oct 1, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert issued the following statement after a Government shutdown was not averted: \u201cI am disappointed that the Senate and the House could not come to a reasonable compromise tonight. \u00a0A government shutdown is not in the best interest of the American people, whom we have promised to serve.\u00a0 But, I will not give up fighting for them. It is my hope that the Senate will quickly appoint conferees so that we can come to a bipartisan agreement to fund our government. \u00a0I will do everything within my power to find a solution to this problem, to get our government reopened so that it can fulfill its duties to the utmost benefit of this great nation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-snap-ignoring-problems-too-long", "Reichert on SNAP: Ignoring problems for too long", "2013-09-30", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 \"Last week, I voted yes on a bill that made significant changes to our current food stamp program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP).\u00a0 Our government must be fiscally responsible in order to have the means to help others not just now, but in the future.\u00a0 But what\u2019s more important is that the current SNAP program does not provide real help to those in need.\u00a0 No one should ever go hungry.\u00a0 Having run away from home and lived in my car for a number of months in my teenage years, I know all too well what it is like to wonder where my next meal will come from.\u00a0 The current food stamp program does not and has not helped in solving that problem.\u00a0 This new food stamp legislation assists people getting back on their feet and back to work so that they can provide for themselves and their families.\n\"The House legislation prevents fraud and abuse in the program, ensures that the program is fiscally sustainable, and makes pro-work reforms.\u00a0 For example, the most important change in the bill provides opportunities for able bodied adults without children to be counseled and guided to new job training opportunities, part-time jobs, or volunteer activity that will serve the public and at the same time provide valuable job experience.\u00a0 As long as you participate in these activities for 20 hours a week, you will still receive food stamps until you are able to find full employment.\u00a0 When similar requirements were enacted to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash welfare program as a part of the 1996 welfare reforms, the nation saw record rises in work and earnings, and record drops in dependence and poverty. \u00a0\n\"This summer, as the Chair of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee, I held a number of hearings on the wide range of programs meant to help low-income families.\u00a0 One of the main findings of these hearings was that too many of our current welfare programs do an inadequate job of helping low-income adults find jobs so they can increase their earnings and support their families.\u00a0 It is only fair to the taxpayers financing these benefits, and those receiving them, that able-bodied adults receiving food stamps are put in the best position possible to find a job.\u00a0 The House-passed SNAP bill does just that.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\n\"Additionally, the bill takes steps to ensure that benefits go to only those who qualify. \u00a0Currently, individuals eligible for certain other welfare programs are automatically eligible for food stamps (also known as \"categorical eligibility\"). \u00a0This loophole has allowed lottery winners and millionaires to receive food stamps. \u00a0The House legislation puts a stop to this, saving valuable taxpayer dollars for those who are truly in need and supposed to collect these benefits under food stamp program rules. \u00a0\n\"Also, similar to the Senate food stamp legislation, the House bill addresses the \"heat and eat\" loophole.\u00a0 States take advantage of the current benefit system, sending as little as $1 per month in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program payments to food stamp recipients.\u00a0 That $1 automatically qualifies the recipient for up to $130 in extra food stamp benefits.\u00a0 The bottom line is that this loophole has let States game the system at the expense of the taxpayer.\u00a0 Look \u2013 if you qualify for food stamp benefits by meeting the income and asset eligibility requirements, you deserve help.\u00a0 Both the House and Senate have agreed that allowing states to game the system does not truly help those in need.\n\"Nutrition assistance must be a way to lift struggling Americans out of their current situation, not a program that keeps them there. \u00a0It\u2019s easy to ignore these problems, and that\u2019s what we\u2019ve been doing for too long. \u00a0I believe that the House-passed bill helps to ensure that the SNAP program gives people the tools they need to find a job and is available for years to come for those truly in need. \u00a0 Now, the House and Senate will have to resolve the differences between the proposals of each Chamber, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to do so in a bipartisan way.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-nominates-wenatchee-resident-angel-adoption", "Reichert Nominates Wenatchee Resident as \"Angel in Adoption\"", "2013-09-24", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Reichert has nominated Mike Magnotti of Wenatchee, WA to be honored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) as an Angel in Adoption.\u00a0 This honor will be bestowed at an awards ceremony on October 8th followed by a gala event the next day in Washington, D.C.\u00a0\nMr. Magnotti has been a servant-leader for many years.\u00a0 He began helping children and families with adoptions in 2007 when he took a position with Antioch Adoptions in Redmond, WA.\u00a0 This was after 20 years of services with the Wenatchee Police Department specializing in child abuse and domestic violence cases.\u00a0 He was able to reach more people when he started his own organization called New Life Adoptions in October 2010.\u00a0 New Life Adoptions is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide foster children and privately relinquished infants with Christian adoptive homes.\u00a0 They help every child regardless of age, ethnicity, special needs, or health concerns and through the generosity of their donors are able to do all of this for free, only excepting foreign adoptions.\u00a0 To date, New Life Adoptions has facilitated the adoptions of 46 children.\u00a0\n\u201cMr. Magnotti has dedicated his life to improving the welfare of children, placing their needs above his own,\u201d said Rep. Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cHe has sacrificed much and truly deserves the honor of being named an Angel in Adoption.\u201d\u00a0\nBackground\nCCAI\u00a0 was created in 2001 by the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Coalition on Adoption to raide Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.\u00a0 The Angels in Adoption program began in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to recognizing individuals who were outstanding in this area.\u00a0 The program has since developed and is now a yearlong awareness campaign that culminates in an awards ceremony and Gala celebration in Washington, D.C.\u00a0 At this years, event more than 140 \u201cAngels\u201d from around the country will be recognized.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-applauds-senate-mark-national-blue-alert-act-2013", "Reichert Applauds Senate Mark-Up of National Blue Alert Act of 2013", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus\u00a0applauds yesterday\u2019s passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee of the National Blue Alert Act of 2013.\u00a0 The Senate Judiciary Committee passed the legislation by a vote of 15-3. Congressman Reichert was a cosponsor of the original House legislation which passed by an overwhelming majority in May 2013.\nAs a former Deputy and the Sheriff of King County, Washington, Rep. Reichert has too often felt the loss of a law enforcement brother or sister over his 33 year career. Creating the National Blue Alert system helps to protect not just the men and women of law enforcement, but their families and communities.\n\u201cCreating the National Blue Alert system is a necessary step towards preventing tragedy and keeping our communities and loved ones safe,\u201d said Reichert. \u00a0\u201cWhen a criminal murders a law enforcement officer, speedy apprehension is essential to protecting the public, preventing further loss of life and returning peace to communities.\u00a0 By creating a system to quickly disseminate crucial information, we empower ordinary citizens and public safety officers, increasing the speed of justice. I am pleased that the Senate has begun the process to pass this bill because it is a critical means of fulfilling our duty to keep American\u2019s safe.\u201d\nThe National Blue Alert Act of 2013 has the full support of multiple Law Enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff\u2019s Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeant\u2019s Benevolent Association, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.\u00a0 It directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. The act assigns an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator responsible for creating voluntary guidelines to assist states in developing their Blue Alert plans. \u00a0While over 17 states have already developed Blue Alert systems, criminals do not respect borders, and to this end the Act encourages more states to establish such plans so they can quickly communicate and share information with each other and the public about potentially dangerous offenders on the run.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/statement-record-20th-anniversary-americorps", "Statement to the Record on the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps", "2013-09-20", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Statement to the Record on the 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps                                           \n              Sep 20, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Congressman Dave Reichert submitted the following statement to the record in honor of AmeriCorps' 20th anniversary of service:\n\"Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the members of AmeriCorps and their service to this country. On Saturday, September 21, 2013, AmeriCorps will celebrate their 20th anniversary. For 20 years, their first priority has been the communities of America. Their members have served in thousands of ways across the nation. In my own home state, members of the AmeriCorps Conservation Corps were critical in assisting the management of the Colockum Tarps Fire this past year--a fire which burned across over 20,000 acres. This is only one small example of their commitment to helping others in any way possible.\n\"Members like these set an example to all Americans. Their actions continually encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to engage in community service projects and help others. I am encouraged by their dedication and witness daily the benefits of community engagement and service that they work so hard to promote. Once more, I thank and congratulate them on achieving this milestone.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-offers-comments-president%E2%80%99s-export-council", "Reichert Offers Comments at President\u2019s Export Council", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) attended the biannual meeting of the President\u2019s Export Council this morning with cabinet members, state officials and business leaders to discuss with President Barack Obama the importance of our current trade negotiations as well as the need to renew Trade Promotion Authority.\u00a0 Among other negotiations, the U.S. is currently negotiating trade agreements with 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and the European Union (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership).\n\u201cAs we talk about the importance of trade and trade agreements,\u201d said Reichert, \u201cwe can no longer do so without discussing the need for Trade Promotion Authority, which ensures that Congress has a voice\u00a0in trade negotiations. Just as our current trade negotiations have bipartisan support in Congress, so does the renewal of Trade Proportion Authority. I am committed to expanding trade opportunities for Washington workers, businesses, and farmers. Because these opportunities create and support jobs here at home.\u201d\u00a0\n  BACKGROUND  \n\tSpeaker John Boehner recognized Reichert\u2019s advocacy when appointing him to serve on the PEC in May 2010: \u201cCongressman Reichert has been a tireless and vocal advocate for opening new markets and approving pending free trade agreements \u2013 especially with Korea \u2013 that are critical to creating American jobs. Coming from a state where one in every three jobs is connected to trade, Congressman Reichert\u2019s understanding of this issue will undoubtedly be of remarkable value. The President\u2019s Export Council will be well-served by having Congressman Reichert\u2019s credible presence at the table, speaking to the need for America to continue to engage new markets and to define and lead in the global economy.\u201d\nReichert, a long-time, vocal advocate of free trade, led the fight in Congress in his role on the House Ways & Means Committee, the Trade subcommittee, and as a member of the Trade Working Group to urge the passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=351244", "Protecting Our Region's Forest Jobs", "2013-09-19", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Question: what do gravel and mud from forest roads have in common with factories? Answer: Very little. But there are efforts to impose the same regulations on our nation\u2019s forest roads that are required of industrial facilities. These efforts are unnecessary, unfair, and unhelpful to our region that continues to need economic recovery.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn Lewis County and throughout Washington state, working forestlands support more than 76,000 jobs. My top priority in Congress has been and will continue to be getting the men and women of Southwest Washington working again. A critical step toward that goal is also protecting the jobs that currently exist. One of the jobs-related solutions I have spearheaded is providing legislative protection for our forest roads. Unfortunately, new federal regulations have been proposed that would send job-killing ripples throughout the forest products economy.\r\n\u00a0\r\nA little background: for nearly 40 years, forest roads operated by private forest land owners, the US Forest Service, and others have been responsibly maintained in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s Clean Water Act. Forest roads are considered \u201cnonpoint-sources,\u201d meaning they don\u2019t need to go through the same permit process required for factories and industrial parking lots. These roads are the access points that keep our forests working. \r\n\u00a0\r\nHowever, this access to forest roads came under attack in 2010 when the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco reversed decades of Clean Water Act protection by ruling that the mud, dirt, water and rock runoff on forest logging roads was \u201cpoint-source\u201d pollution. In other words, forest roads would now require the same resource-consuming permit that\u2019s required for factories and industrial parking lots.\u00a0 The consequences of piling additional regulatory burdens on our forest roads would be huge. Private forest landowners would have to shell out $155 million annually to go through the process and take the time to obtain these unnecessary permits. I\u2019ve had private forest owners tell me they would simply shutter their businesses if this happened. \r\n\u00a0\r\nThose of us from Washington already understand the importance of being good stewards of our land and resources. In Washington state, the Forest and Fish Law already in place is recognized as the most thorough environmental protection in the nation. Since its implementation in 2001, private forest owners alone have already invested $155 million into improvements on 18,738 miles of forest roads and restoring 3,710 miles of fish habitat. They have plans to improve the remaining 7,413 miles of road by 2021. Putting an extra costly requirement on our forest economy would be unnecessary at best, and certainly destructive to our fragile economic recovery.\r\n\u00a0\r\nJoined by leaders from the business and labor communities, as well as Republican and Democrat colleagues in Congress, at the end of 2011 I successfully led legislation through Congress that the President signed into law blocking this \u201cForest Roads\u201d rule for one year. Then in March of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Ninth Circuit Court decision to require the new permits for forest roads. \r\n\u00a0\r\nHowever, we\u2019re not out of the woods yet. Without a strong, permanent legislative fix, our forest roads on private and public forest land are still vulnerable to new forms of burdensome regulation and lawsuits.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nEarlier this year, I reintroduced a strengthened \u201cForest Roads\u201d bill and am pleased to announce that it passed through the U.S. House of Representatives as part of the Farm Bill. The current Farm Bill expires on September 30, so the U.S. House is expected to take legislative steps to negotiate a final Farm Bill with the Senate.\u00a0 I\u2019ll continue working to make sure this forest jobs protection is in the final bill that gets signed into law.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOur communities know how responsible forest management is crucial to jobs, to forest health, and even to preventing wildfires. And keeping the red tape off our forest roads is a key ingredient to forest management. I\u2019ll continue doing everything I can to get this commonsense bill passed into law, for the sake of Southwest Washington jobs and families.\r\n  \r\nRead this article online at the Chronicle by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349639", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Seeks Transparency, Answers from Coast Guard Regarding CRC\u2019s Permit Problems", "2013-09-13", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a letter sent today to U.S. Coast Guard, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler requested answers to persistent questions and problems regarding the CRC permitting process.\u00a0 In order to provide better transparency into the process, Jaime also requested copies of all written communication from the Coast Guard regarding the CRC over the last six months.\n\n\u201cI believe we need to update and upgrade the I-5 traffic corridor, but I also live in the real world and I take my role as a steward of taxpayer dollars seriously,\u201d wrote Jaime. \u201cIf a flawed process is used to issue a permit for the CRC, it will expose the project to multiple lawsuits that the government could easily lose, potentially tying up or stopping the project altogether and wasting even more time and money.\u201d\u00a0 \n\nOn multiple occasions during the permitting process, Jaime has raised concerns with the USCG over major design, economic impact and permitting flaws of the CRC proposal.\u00a0 Jaime was joined by a coalition of Northwest Members of Congress in a January 30 letter (found here), and she also weighed in on June 12 (letter here). \n\nThe text of Jaime\u2019s entire September 13 letter follows, and the original letter can be found by clicking here.\n\nDear Commandant Papp:\n\nI am writing today to express my concerns with the continued processing of the application for the Proposal to Replace the Existing Movable I-5 Bridge across the Columbia River, Docket ID: USCG-20136-0286, as well as to receive clarification from your office on several pressing items.\u00a0 \u00a0 \n\nFrom all accounts, the US Coast Guard (USCG) continues to move ahead with the processing of this permit application, in spite of the very real problems weighing upon this project.\u00a0\u00a0 I would appreciate your clarification on the following matters:\n \n    Does 33 CFR 115.30 allow the USCG to take permit action on bridge application given that the Washington State Department of Transportation clearly stated in a letter to the USCG that the Washington State legislature \u201cdid not provide any funding to continue working on the bridge?\u201d\u00a0 Does the Oregon Department of Transportation have the authority to pursue a bridge construction project within Washington?\n    Is it true that all finding of fact for this permit has been taken out of the hands of USCG District Thirteen staff and is now being done at the Headquarters level?\u00a0\u00a0 \n    Is the process the USCG is following for permitting this bridge in accordance with standard practice and the Bridge Manual?\n    Is the USCG conducting its own environmental review or adopting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) of the CRC?\u00a0 If it is adopting the CRC EIS, how is that possible given that the bridge plans have changed (i.e. the phased approach to construction, change in landings in Washington State)\n    If Oregon is also to be responsible for maintaining and operating the bridge, what is the legal mechanism for that to be accomplished?\u00a0 \n    Can this project be permitted when there is no funding source for the impacted river users in spite of the current mitigation agreements? \u00a0Without a funding source, can these agreements be considered substantial enough to mitigate any future navigation impacts?\n    Do the mitigation agreements entered into between Oregon and the impacted users in Washington mitigate the impact to navigation or lost revenue?\u00a0 If it is lost revenue, how does that mitigation protect the future use of the waterway?\u00a0 Specifically, this should be clarified in the event the Columbia Business Center brings in a new tenant to the facility.\n    Did the USCG conduct a Truman Hobbs Study of the Columbia River, and if so, did it designate/find any bridges meeting the criteria for deconstruction?\u00a0 If so, what were the heights of those bridges determined to be unreasonably obstructive?\n    The Draft Supplemental Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (BiOp) for the Endangered Species Act listed salmonid and steelhead stocks was only released earlier this month, and the final is not due until December.\u00a0\u00a0 Can a permit be granted prior to the release of the final BiOp?\n    Please explain USCG\u2019s interaction with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT).\u00a0 Has the USCG been influenced by USDOT or any other federal official to deviate from its standard practice of evaluating the permit on its merit, and in accordance with USCG Policy and the Code of Federal Regulations?\n \nI believe we need to update and upgrade the I-5 traffic corridor, but I also live in the real world and I take my role as a steward of taxpayer dollars seriously.\u00a0 If a flawed process is used to issue a permit for the CRC, it will expose the project to multiple lawsuits that the government could easily lose, potentially tying up or stopping the project altogether and wasting even more time and money.\u00a0 \n\nGiven the substantial nature of the concerns surrounding this permit application, I will appreciate receiving a copy of all of the USCG\u2019s internal and external communications regarding the CRC project over the course of the last 6 months.\u00a0 Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.\u00a0\u00a0 I look forward to your response.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005034420/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2220", "McMorris Rodgers Applauds House Passage of No Subsidies Without Verification Act", "2013-09-12", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Chair of the House Republican Conference, voted today to pass the bipartisan No Subsidies Without Verification Act.\u00a0 The legislation, co-sponsored by McMorris Rodgers, ensures that the Administration must verify eligibility before individuals receive insurance subsidies for ObamaCare exchanges.  \u201cToday the House voted to bring greater accountability to the federal government and put an end to the fraudulent payments under the President\u2019s health care law. \u00a0\u00a0Our bipartisan legislation, authored by Rep. Diane Black (R-TN), addresses one of the most unworkable parts of the law: an existing verification system that is tremendously vulnerable to fraud. \u00a0With enrollment in ObamaCare exchanges set to begin in less than a month \u2013 and with subsidies being provided to anyone who claims they\u2019re eligible \u2013 this must be solved.\u00a0 And the legislation the House passed today does just that,\u201d said Rep McMorris Rodgers.  In 2012 alone, the Department of Health and Human Services gave out $64 billion in improper payments. The Wall Street Journal reported that passing the No Subsidies Without Verification Act could save taxpayers more than $250 billion in improper payments.  \u201cThis legislation protects everyone in Eastern Washington from a system that is both irresponsible and fraudulent.\u00a0 It saves billions of taxpayer dollars in improper payments and holds the Administration accountable to the American people.\u00a0 We urge the Senate to pass the No Subsidies Without Verification Act, and implore the President to sign it into law immediately.\u201d  To watch McMorris Rodgers\u2019s full remarks on the House floor, click here.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=349217", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Raises Funding Issues with Head of U.S. Transportation Department over Oregon-led CRC Project", "2013-09-11", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx asking for clarity on the administration\u2019s role in the Oregon-led CRC proposal that lacks qualifications necessary to earn federal \u201cNew Starts\u201d grant funding.\u00a0 In her letter, Jaime states that to this point neither state legislature has approved funding for the project as required by federal law.\u00a0 There also is no funding in place for maintenance and operation of light rail that also is needed to obtain federal funds from the New Starts program.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\n\"Without cooperation from Washington State or any commitment to fund operation and maintenance at the local level, the project becomes 'light rail to nowhere,' and a completely different project from the plan originally submitted by the CRC,\" wrote Jaime.\u00a0\u201cBeginning a multi-state project of this magnitude without the approval of one of the involved states and its local citizens would be unprecedented in recent history.\u201d \n\u00a0\nThe text of the entire letter follows, and the original letter can be found by clicking here. \nDear Secretary Foxx,\n\u00a0\nI am writing you today to correct some of the inaccurate information circulating locally regarding the proposed Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project connecting Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon.\n\u00a0 \nThe finance plan for the project calls for a significant investment by the federal government.\u00a0 The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) would provide $850 million of that funding through its New Starts program.\u00a0 As you know, the CRC has applied for a New Starts grant but the application has not been approved.\u00a0 While I certainly believe the federal government has a responsibility to share in the cost of projects connecting two states on a major national interstate, this project has failed to meet numerous requirements to qualify for this funding.\u00a0 According to federal law, in order to qualify for New Starts project sponsors must provide a local financial commitment that achieves the following: \n\u00a0\n \n    A local match to a portion of the requested New Starts funding. \n    The stability and reliability of the proposed capital financing plan.\n    The ability to fund operation and maintenance of the entire transit system once the project is built. \n \n\u00a0\nNone of these requirements have been met.\u00a0 On June 30th of this year, the Washington State legislature adjourned for its 2013 session after rejecting a proposal to fund the CRC.\u00a0 As a result, the Washington State Department of Transportation is in the process of shutting down the CRC\u2019s operation.\u00a0 Although the Oregon legislature did pass a funding package, its financial support was contingent upon the passage of Washington\u2019s portion of the funding.\u00a0 Therefore, neither state has authorized or appropriated the local match required by federal law, and without a source of funding, stability and reliability of the proposed financing plan is unachievable.\u00a0 Further, on November 6, 2012 the citizens of Vancouver, Washington soundly rejected the only formal proposal to date to pay for operation and maintenance of the transit system, which is, again, required by federal law.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\nDespite the shortcomings of the project and Washington State\u2019s end to operations, some local leaders have called for Oregon to use federal dollars combined with funding from the State of Oregon to begin construction on the Oregon side of the river without the approval of Washington State.\u00a0 With regard to federal funding, there are a number of obvious flaws in this idea:\n\u00a0\n1.\u00a0 There is currently no funding in place from either state to build this project.\n\u00a0\n2.\u00a0 There is no funding in place or promised to operate and maintain the light rail that would be built using the New Starts grant.\n\u00a0\n3.\u00a0 The grant application currently under review by DOT would bring light rail across the Columbia River into Washington, terminating at Clark College in Vancouver.\u00a0 Without cooperation from Washington State or any commitment to fund operation and maintenance at the local level, the project becomes \u201clight rail to nowhere,\u201d and a completely different project from the plan originally submitted by the CRC.\n\u00a0\n4.\u00a0 Beginning a multi-state project of this magnitude without the approval of one of the involved states and its local citizens would be unprecedented in recent history.\n\u00a0\nIt is my understanding that this plan would not qualify for New Starts for the reasons stated above.\u00a0 I respectfully request that you provide clarity on the administration\u2019s role going forward and the requirements the project must meet in order to qualify for any federal assistance.\n\u00a0\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\u00a0 Please contact Chad Ramey in my Washington DC office for clarifications or with any questions.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=347934", "Continuing to Serve Southwest Washington", "2013-09-05", "2013", "2013-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the summer work period comes to a close and the U.S. House of Representatives reconvenes on September 9, I want to provide an update to the residents of Southwest Washington about my family situation as it pertains to my duties as Southwest Washington\u2019s representative.\u00a0\u00a0  Recently, I announced the birth of my daughter Abigail, who arrived three months early and with a serious medical condition that was previously considered fatal.\u00a0 Since that time, my husband Daniel and I have been at Abigail\u2019s side at Lucile Packard Children\u2019s Hospital in Palo Alto, California \u2013 one of the few hospitals in the region with the medical expertise and willingness to care for a baby of her size with her extremely rare medical condition.\u00a0 I\u2019m pleased to report that her doctors are happy with her progress and optimistic about her future.\u00a0 Dan and I continue learning how to manage her day-to-day care while she gets healthier and overcomes her health challenges. Of course we hope to come home with Abigail as soon as possible but the truth is we don\u2019t know precisely when that will be.\u00a0Meanwhile, I remain engaged with my duties as Southwest Washington\u2019s federal representative.\u00a0 While it\u2019s not possible for me to resume a full congressional schedule until after Abigail can be brought home, I am in touch with my staff continually and with the House leadership sharing my views when needed.\u00a0 I will be able to travel back and forth from the hospital to Washington, DC to participate in critical votes.\u00a0 For example, I plan to be in Washington, DC next week to vote on the President\u2019s request for authorization of military force in Syria.\u00a0 I also continue to communicate with constituents electronically, and as early as next week will be conducting community meetings via telephone that will be open to all district residents. As always, I encourage Southwest Washington residents needing help to get in touch with my office immediately.\u00a0 My staff and I will continue to work as a team to assist anyone from the 3rd District facing a problem with federal laws or agencies.\u00a0 Office information, resources, and news updates are all available at jaimehb.house.gov.\u00a0  Finally, I want to thank you and all of the people of Southwest Washington for your prayers, support and understanding during this uncertain time for my family.\u00a0 Since our first family announcement the reaction we've received has been touching and humbling.\u00a0 Dan and I may never be able fully to express how much it has meant to receive so many wonderful messages from people in every community in our district, all backgrounds and political persuasions.\u00a0At this point I can just say that it is an honor to represent you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=346999", "Clark County Legislators Demand More Health Care Options for Clark County Residents", "2013-08-28", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VANCOUVER \u2013 In a letter sent yesterday, 16 of Clark County\u2019s elected legislators called on Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler to expand health insurance provider options for Clark County residents participating in the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.\u00a0 The letter was signed by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, Washington State Senators Don Benton (R-Vancouver), John Braun (R-Centralia), Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver), Curtis King (R-Yakima), and Ann Rivers (R-Camas) and Washington State Representatives Richard DeBolt (R-Chehalis), Norm Johnson (R-Yakima), Ed Orcutt (R-Kalama), Paul Harris (R-Vancouver), Jim Moeller (D-Vancouver), Liz Pike (R-Camas), Charles Ross (R-Naches), Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver), Brandon Vick (R-Felida), and Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver).\u00a0  The Washington Health Benefit Exchange is a new marketplace required by the 2010 federal health care law.\u00a0 While the exchanges were promised to provide more competition and choices for consumers of health care,\u00a0Commissioner Kreidler recently announced that only one single provider would be allowed to offer plans in Clark County until at least 2015.\u00a0 No other county in the state has less than two providers, and every other county has a minimum of 24 plans from which to choose.\u00a0  In their letter, the officials urged Kreidler to work to offer individuals and families more choices than what will currently be offered before the new exchange launches on October 1.\u00a0  \u201cAt the State level, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is supposed to be a marketplace where individuals and families can compare benefits and prices among multiple providers and choose insurance plans that best fit their needs and budgets,\u201d the letter reads.\u00a0 \u201cIt is well established that competition puts downward pressure on price and increases access, quality, service, and innovation in health care.\u00a0 Unfortunately, due to the monopoly granted to a single provider, residents of Clark County will not have the same choices or competition in their region that the rest of the State will have.\u201d\u00a0 The text of the entire letter follows, and the original letter can be found by clicking here. Dear Commissioner Kreidler, We are writing today to express our deep concern with the lack of options presented to residents of Clark County in your recent announcement about the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange).\u00a0 While four health insurance companies were recently authorized to sell in the State based Exchange, those living in Clark County will be required to purchase health care from a single provider.\u00a0 Every county in the State has at least two insurance companies from which to choose, except Clark County.\u00a0 Individuals and families in this region deserve better, and we are respectfully requesting that you work to offer residents here more choices for health care coverage by the time the exchange opens.\u00a0  It was promised that the 2010 federal health care law would provide competition through its Health Benefit Exchanges.\u00a0 At the State level, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange is supposed to be a marketplace where individuals and families can compare benefits and prices among multiple providers and choose insurance plans that best fit their needs and budgets.\u00a0 It is well established that competition puts downward pressure on price and increases access, quality, service, and innovation in health care.\u00a0 Unfortunately, due to the monopoly granted to a single provider, residents of Clark County will not have the same choices or competition in their region that the rest of the State will have.\u00a0\u00a0  Rather than offering improvement in terms of health care choice, access to care, or affordability for residents here, this development seems to be a step backward.\u00a0  As you know, open enrollment for the Exchange begins October 1, 2013.\u00a0 We urge you to consider the lack of options for residents of Clark County and find a solution that provides them with more choices by that date.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005012954/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2213", "McMorris Rodgers and Local Stakeholders Fighting for a healthy Colville National Forest", "2013-08-23", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "COLVILLE, WA \u2013 Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) held a Summit with\u00a0a panel of local business and community leaders involved in the Colville National Forest to discuss how to more effectively utilize Forest Service land to promote healthier forests, reduce the risks of forest fires, and strengthen rural economies.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tCongresswoman McMorris Rodgers said, \u201cThe Colville National Forest is the economic engine for our Northeastern Washington counties and healthy forests mean healthy communities. Of the 1.1 million acre Colville National Forest, over 300,000 acres are bug infested. In addition, it has the potential to bring more jobs, recreation and increased local revenue to Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties.\" The federal government made a promise over a century ago to actively manage our forests and provide 25% of revenues for schools and counties impacted by National Forest land. But declining timber harvests has meant dramatically less revenue. McMorris Rodgers is an original sponsor of H.R. 1526, Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act. It directs the Forest Service to meet specific harvest levels in certain areas, will help improve forest health and prevent catastrophic wildfires, extends supplemental Secure Rural Schools payments for one year, and would improve local forest management by allowing counties to actively manage portions of National Forest land through the creation of \"Community Forest Demonstration Areas.\" The bill is expected to be on the House Floor this fall. McMorris Rodgers has also been working for the past two years to initiate an innovative public-private partnership in the national forest. The \"A to Z\" Mill Creek Pilot Project sets up a 10-year contract on 50,000 acres in the Colville National Forest. It allows a private company to use private dollars for everything after the timber sale is laid out, including the pre-sale environmental requirements and NEPA. With private funds and local management, the Colville National Forest can be managed for healthier forests and stable, sustainable revenue. According to McMorris Rodgers, the Washington Department of Natural Resources produces seven times the timber from one-quarter of the acreage as the Forest Service in Washington state.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cThe Forest Service should work with the timber industry to create jobs and revenue at a time when they are badly needed, while still protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable harvest. This pilot project will show how it can be done, and I want Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties to be model for the rest of the country.\u201d The winning bid will be announced in September.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005013155/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2210", "President Obama Signs Rep. McMorris Rodgers' bipartisan Hydropower Bill", "2013-08-09", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "President Obama Signs Rep. McMorris Rodgers\u2019 bipartisan Hydropower Bill  WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today President Obama signed into law the bipartisan Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act, sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The legislation speeds development of small hydropower projects throughout the country. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement.  \u201cI am honored that President Obama signed this important piece of legislation. In Eastern Washington, hydropower plays a pivotal role \u2013 whether it\u2019s conventional, small, or conduit hydro \u2013 it provides 75 percent of electricity to the Pacific Northwest and represents a unique opportunity for job creation and energy production.\u201d  \u201cHydropower is clean, reliable, renewable and affordable.\u00a0Unleashing American ingenuity to increase its production will lower energy costs and help create thousands of jobs. The future of American energy independence depends on the development of an \u2018all of the above\u2019 energy approach \u2013 in which hydro must play a crucial role. This new law will create jobs and bolster America\u2019s competitiveness in the energy sector.\u201d  The Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act passed unanimously\u00a0in both the House and Senate.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-final-student-loan-bill-passage", "Reichert Statement on Final Student Loan Bill Passage", "2013-08-01", "2013", "2013-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert released the following statement upon passage of the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act this evening:\n\u201cToday the House passed the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act.\u00a0 I am glad we were able to come to an agreement that will immediately lower rates for new borrowers and puts student loan interest rates back on a track toward long term stability through fixed rates. \u00a0Student loans are what make college financially possible for many, and keeping the government from controlling student loans assures students they will be able to repay their loans in a reasonable time without increases in their rates.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=344358", "Announcing birth of Abigail Rose Beutler -- two weeks old today!", "2013-07-29", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "With great joy, gratitude and hope, we are pleased to share with you the news of the birth of our daughter, Abigail Rose Beutler, on Monday, July 15 at 3:13 AM at Emanuel Legacy hospital in Portland. She weighed two pounds, twelve ounces and was only 28 weeks along. \u00a0She is every bit a miracle.\u00a0A few weeks ago, we shared the news of her diagnosis of Potter\u2019s Sequence.\u00a0 In Abigail\u2019s case, Potter\u2019s was caused by bilateral renal agenesis. \u00a0The condition caused a complete absence of amniotic fluid, critical for lung development in the womb. \u00a0 Multiple doctors explained that based on medical evidence her condition was incompatible with life and that, if she survived to term, she would be unable to breathe and live only moments after birth. \u00a0We were also told that dialysis or transplant were not possible. \u00a0The options we were offered were termination or \u201cexpectant management,\u201d that is, waiting for her to die. Instead, we chose to pray earnestly for a miracle.\u00a0 Many of you joined us.\u00a0 Through the outreach of a parent who had faced a similar situation, we found a group of courageous and hopeful doctors at Johns Hopkins who were willing to try a simple, but unproven treatment by amnioinfusion. Every week for five weeks, doctors injected saline into the womb to give Abigail's lungs a chance to develop. With each infusion we watched via ultrasound as Abigail responded to the fluid by moving, swallowing and \u201cpractice breathing.\u201d The initial lack of fluid in the womb caused pressure on her head and chest, but over the course of the treatment we were able to watch them reform to their proper size and shape. Her feet, which were clubbed in early ultrasounds, straightened. There was no way to know if this treatment would be effective or to track lung development, but with hearts full of hope, we put our trust in the Lord and continued to pray for a miracle. A day after the fifth infusion, Jaime went in to pre-term labor. After four days of trying to prevent pre-term delivery, Abigail prevailed and arrived. The doctors and nurses were prepared for the worst - but immediately after she was born, she drew a breath and cried! \u00a0After a few minutes, it was clear that her lungs were very well developed for a baby born so early. \u00a0The infusions had stopped the Potter\u2019s Sequence.\u00a0 The next challenge was to address her lack of kidney function.\u00a0\u00a0 The first doctors we encountered told us that dialysis or transplant were not possible. No local hospital was prepared to perform the procedure necessary - peritoneal dialysis - on a baby so small. Johns Hopkins was willing, but too far to transport.\u00a0\u00a0After a day of searching, we found a team at Lucile Packard Children\u2019s Hospital who were \u201chappy to have her.\u201d\u00a0 At sixteen hours old, she made her first trip to California, had surgery the next day and began dialysis immediately after. \u00a0She is active, stable and breathing on her own.\u00a0As far as every doctor we\u2019ve spoken with knows, Abigail is the first baby with bilateral renal agenesis to breathe sustainably on her own.\u00a0 Abigail is making new friends in the NICU from all walks of life receiving exceptional care. \u00a0Although Abigail will need ongoing care after she comes home, we have every expectation\u00a0that she will lead a full and healthy life.\u00a0We are grateful to the doctors and nurses in Baltimore, Vancouver, Portland, and California who, like us, were not willing to accept the fatal diagnosis, but were willing to fight for the impossible.\u00a0 We owe a special thanks to Dr. Jessica Bienstock at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Fred Coleman at Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, Dr. Anya Bailis at Legacy Clinic Maternal Fetal Medicine, and the entire team at Lucile Packard Children\u2019s Hospital. We are grateful to the thousands who joined us in praying for a miracle. But most of all, we are grateful to God for answering those prayers.\u00a0 As for mom, she is doing well, caring for her precious little daughter and recovering.\u00a0\u00a0 We feel called to share with you the details of this wonderful story of God's work and the remarkable doctors who helped us in the near future.\u00a0\u00a0 At the moment, our focus is, of course, on our beautiful fourteen day old daughter.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-testifies-alpine-lakes-wilderness-area-plays-pivotal-role-washington", "Reichert Testifies that Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area Plays \"Pivotal Role\" in Washington", "2013-07-23", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Testifies that Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area Plays \"Pivotal Role\" in Washington                                           \n              Jul 23, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. -- This morning, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) had the opportunity to testify before the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation in support of his legislation H.R. 361, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act.\u00a0 \n\u201cI am honored to be able to carry on the bipartisan legacy of Washington legislators to preserve our rich, natural heritage,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cI am grateful that King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn was here to join me today.\u00a0 He and I both understand the pivotal role of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in our state.\u00a0 It is one of the most visited in the nation, providing a wealth of recreational opportunities and enjoyment to the people of Washington and visitors from around the country.\u00a0 Passage of this legislation will bring increased prosperity to the region and to local businesses that reap the benefits of the tourism generated by this area.\u00a0\u00a0 It will also ensure our children and grandchildren will be able to appreciate and enjoy everything this area has to offer.\u201d\nTo see Rep. Reichert\u2019s full testimony, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-votes-no-hr-5-students-deserve-better", "Reichert Votes No on H.R. 5: Students Deserve Better", "2013-07-19", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C \u2013 After the House voted on H.R. 5 this morning, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) released the following statement: \u201cEducating our children is one of our most important responsibilities as Americans, and ensuring our system\u2019s quality and effectiveness is, and always has been, one of my highest priorities as a member of Congress.\u00a0 Today, I voted no on H.R. 5, the Student Success Act, because, although there were several good aspects to the legislation, I had very serious concerns.  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cOur teachers, our schools, and our students deserve the best.\u00a0 But this bill undermines education opportunities for our most vulnerable students, like children with special needs.\u00a0 Additionally, the bill could take away crucial support for struggling schools.\u00a0 It would force bad schools to become worse, leaving our children in circumstances that would increase their likelihood of ending up in a life of poverty, crime, or both.\u00a0 We can do better, and I will continue to work towards solutions that will give our children quality education and secure futures.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=343295", "Southwest Washington Lawmakers Reach Out to WSDOT to Ensure Safety on I-5 Bridge Across Columbia River", "2013-07-19", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Southwest Washington Lawmakers Reach Out to WSDOT to Ensure Safety on I-5 Bridge Across Columbia River \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Bipartisan group of federal and state legislators ask for options for immediate safety upgrades for current bridge, commit to long term solution for I-5 corridor \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        VANCOUVER,\r\n        July 19, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      In a bipartisan letter to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), a group of federal and state elected officials from Southwest Washington asked WSDOT to assess the current safety level and provide options for immediate upgrades to address potential hazards on the I-5 Columbia River bridge.\u00a0 The letter was signed by U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Washington State Senators Don Benton (R-17th LD) and Ann Rivers (R-18th LD), and Washington State Representatives Paul Harris (R-17th LD), Jim Moeller (D-49th LD), Liz Pike (R-18th LD), Monica Stonier (D-17th LD), Brandon Vick (R-18th LD) and Sharon Wylie (D-49th LD). In addition, the letter calls for \u201call interested parties to come back to the table and put forward a plan that both meets the needs of the region and enjoys the support of our constituents.\u201d The text of the entire letter follows, and the original letter can be found by clicking here:\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20130718235841/http://mcmorris.house.gov:80/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2205", "Special Family Announcement from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "2013-07-13", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and her husband, Brian Rodgers, today issued the following special announcement about their family:\n\n\t\u201cBeing a wife and mother have been the most wonderful and blessed experiences in my life.\u00a0 For some time, Brian and I have hoped we would be able to have another child, so it is with great joy we announce that we are expecting our third in December. \u201cI look forward to continuing my duties as Conference Chair and running again for re-election next year to represent the great people of Eastern Washington.\u00a0 Both Cole and Grace were born while I was a member of Congress, so we will continue to balance the challenges of parenting young children and working \u2013 just like countless moms and dads all across America. \u201cYour continued support and prayers are greatly appreciated.\u201d\n\n\tThe Rodgers\u2019, who make their home in Spokane, Washington, have two children, Cole (6) and Grace (2).\u00a0 McMorris Rodgers is the first Member of Congress to give birth twice while in office.\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=342322", "Sen. Cantwell, Rep. Herrera Beutler Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support West Coast Fishing Jobs", "2013-07-11", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-03) and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) led a coalition of senators and representatives to introduce new legislation that would help support the West Coast\u2019s fishing industry. The Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific Act is cosponsored by Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mark Begich (D-AK) in the U.S. Senate. The House version of the bill is cosponsored by Jared Huffman (D-CA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Don Young (R-AK), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Mike Thompson (D-CA). Many fishing businesses in the West Coast groundfish fishery have struggled to pay high interest rates on federal loans and fees on their catch. This legislation ensures these fishermen receive the same interest rates on federal loans as other businesses, and extends the length of these loans from 30 to 45 years. In addition, the legislation reduces fees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collects from fishermen to pay down their loans. In 2011, the West Coast groundfish fishery supported 3,000 jobs and a catch valued at $64 million. \u201cThe fishing industry is crucial to our state\u2019s $10.8 billion coastal economy,\u201d said Cantwell. \u201cIn Washington state and Alaska, we have some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. This bill helps put fishing businesses on a level playing field with other businesses getting federal loans. Groundfish fishermen will receive the flexibility they need to grow their businesses and help spur economic activity in communities all along our coast.\u201d \u201cThis bill will provide much-needed relief to the folks in Southwest Washington whose livelihoods depend on fishing,\u201d said Herrera Beutler.\u00a0 \u201cConditions have changed in both the economy and the fishing industry since these loans were issued, and too many small fishing businesses up and down our coast are struggling to keep afloat financially.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud to lead this solution with Senator Cantwell, Congressman Huffman and a bipartisan group of our colleagues who want to help save fishing jobs and reduce the squeeze on fishermen\u2019s bottom lines.\u201d \u201cThe success of our local fishermen is essential to the health of the North Coast\u2019s economy, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to repay the debt on a decade-old federal loan. The combination of interest payments, new fees, and rising fuel costs are putting small businesses in our coastal communities at risk,\u201d\u00a0Congressman Huffman said. \u201cThe REFI Act will simply let the fishermen refinance their existing loan at today\u2019s lower interest rates\u2014just like any other homeowner or business owner would do. It\u2019s a win-win for small businesses and the environment.\u201d \"From central California to Southwest Washington, the West Coast groundfish fleet has worked with Senator Cantwell and Representative Herrera Beutler, on the introduction of the REFI Pacific Act,\" said Robert Dooley, President of United Catcher Boats, a trade association that represents fishermen on the West Coast and in Alaska. \"Our fishery is on the recovery thanks to catch shares but increased costs will undermine that recovery. This bill will help ensure the success and even survival of our fishery and the 3,000 jobs supported by the fishery\" \u201cA vessel owner in this fleet often ends up paying a significant amount of their revenue toward the repayment of the government loan,\u201d said David Lethin, a fisherman from Wahkiakum County in Washington state.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s money that could be used to repair, maintain, and with some luck, upgrade, vessels, gear and safety equipment\u2014something that this Pacific Coast fleet hasn\u2019t been able to afford for a very long time.\u00a0 We are grateful for Senator Cantwell and Congresswoman Herrera Beutler for their willingness to address our needs, and take the initiative to find workable solutions.\u201d The Secretary of Commerce declared the West Coast groundfish fishery a federal fisheries economic disaster in 2000, because of overcapitalization and overfishing. In 2003, Congress authorized buyback loans for the fishery to decrease fishing pressure and support a catch-share program in the fishery. These loans help eliminate overfishing by buying out the permits of fishermen willing to leave the fleet. The remaining fishermen in the fleet have since been responsible for the loans. Cantwell, a member and former chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, is a long-time advocate for initiatives that protect the health of the ocean\u2019s resources and coastal economies. Herrera Beutler represents communities throughout Pacific, Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties that depend on the fishing industry for economic survival.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=342323", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Secures Strengthened Hanford Cleanup, Small Port Dredging Funding", "2013-07-11", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Late last night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that included funding championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler to boost Hanford cleanup efforts and provide maintenance for small ports.\u00a0 \nIncluded in the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for FY2014 was an amendment supported by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler that boosted the bill\u2019s Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup by $20 million.\u00a0In June, Jaime secured the support of the Energy and Water subcommittee chairman for increased funding for Hanford cleanup during the bill\u2019s passage through the House Appropriations Committee.\u00a0 Earlier this week, she worked alongside the sponsor of the amendment, Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), on the floor to earn the successful adoption of the Hanford cleanup funding.\u00a0 Watch the video of her floor speech here. \u201cThe clean-up of the Hanford site is not only a legal obligation of the federal government, it\u2019s a moral obligation to keep our citizens, wildlife and environment safe,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0\u201cI want to thank Congressman Hastings for his leadership on Hanford cleanup, and I\u2019ll continue fighting to keep the federal commitment to this effort in place.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  Small Port Dredging\n  \nAlso included in the bill was a provision Jaime had advocated for that would designate $30 million out of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for the purpose of small port dredging.\u00a0 Jaime spoke on the floor to highlight the importance of securing this money for the nation\u2019s small ports.\u00a0 In Southwest Washington, ports in Pacific and Wahkiakum County are in jeopardy economically due to a lack of maintenance dredging that keeps its waterways passable for commercial shipping.\u00a0  \u201cOur small ports and channels are as important to our coastal communities as our highways or rail system \u2013 these waterways are their economic lifelines,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cWhen ships cannot enter these ports, our coastal communities are choked off and we risk losing precious jobs.\u00a0 With this bipartisan bill\u2019s passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, we\u2019re one step closer to solving a major challenge for our region\u2019s economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=342324", "U.S. House of Representatives Approves Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s \u201cForest Roads\u201d Initiative", "2013-07-11", "2013", "2013-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. House of Representatives Approves Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s \u201cForest Roads\u201d Initiative \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Included in Farm Bill, \u201cForest Roads\u201d provision would help protect 110,000 jobs in Washington state \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        WASHINGTON, DC,\r\n        July 11, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s \u201cForest Roads\u201d legislation, a pro-jobs initiative she has championed since coming to Congress that would protect the nation\u2019s forest roads from costly and unnecessary regulatory burdens and lawsuits.\u00a0 The provision codifies 40 years of Clean Water Act treatment of forest roads and was included as an amendment offered by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (FARRM Bill).\u00a0 The amendment was approved unopposed. In 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court directed the EPA to require dirt and rock runoff from private forest logging roads be permitted the same as an industrial parking lot.\u00a0 While the decision was eventually overturned by the Supreme Court, private forest owners were still at risk for future regulations and frivolous lawsuits without a legislative fix.\u00a0 Jaime has partnered with Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) and a strong bipartisan group of her House and Senate colleagues to push this bill that would help protect the 110,000 jobs supported by working forests in Washington state alone.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  Read more about this bill here. \u201cOur working forests are so critical to the livelihoods and communities of Southwest Washington, so I\u2019m very pleased that our \u2018forest roads\u2019 initiative was approved in the House today,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cFor nearly 40 years the EPA has used sound science and a common sense approach when it comes to forest roads regulations\u2014and my bill allows this approach to continue.\u00a0 We are getting closer and closer to putting this job-saving solution into law once and for all.\u201d\u00a0 \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=340953", "U.S. House of Representatives Takes Action to Address Sexual Assault in the Military", "2013-06-27", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Jaime Herrera Beutler voted with her colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to unanimously pass legislation that protects service members who blow the whistle on military sexual assault.\u00a0 Jaime is a cosponsor of the bill, H.R. 1864, that adds rape, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct to the protected communications of service members with a Member of Congress or an Inspector General.\u00a0 The whistleblower protection ensures a victim\u2019s right to report these crimes to authorities without military interference.\u00a0\u00a0 In recent months, alarming information has come to light regarding the prevalence of sexual assault in the military.\u00a0 A recent Pentagon report revealed that military sexual assaults have increased by 37% over a two year period.\u00a0 However, fewer than one in six cases is reported to authorities.\u00a0 Studies have shown that service members who report rapes or sexual assaults face retaliation a majority of the time, necessitating the need for an improved reporting process.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  In addition to today\u2019s bill, Jaime also supported several important military sexual assault protections that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which Jaime voted in favor of and passed the House on June 14th.\u00a0 In the NDAA, minimum sentencing guidelines would be established in the Uniform Code of Military Justice for sex related offenses.\u00a0 Currently, only murder and espionage carry minimum sentences.\u00a0 Service members would be able to apply for a permanent change of station or unit if they were a victim of rape or sexual assault.\u00a0 Lastly, commanders would be stripped of their authority to dismiss the findings of a court-martial or from reducing guilty findings to a less offense. \u201cFor far too long, the epidemic of military sexual assaults has been ignored, and I won\u2019t let our federal government ignore it any longer,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cI still believe that stronger action is needed, but I\u2019m pleased to help this effort in Congress to provide more protections to the victims of these horrific acts and punish perpetrators more severely.\u00a0 These bills are an important first step.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=340688", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Secure Small Port Dredging, Hanford Cleanup Assistance in House Energy and Water Bill", "2013-06-26", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler announced that the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations today approved legislation that would designate $30 million specifically for the purpose of small port dredging.\u00a0  As a member of the U.S. House Appropriations committee, Jaime has strongly advocated to make small port dredging a federal priority.\u00a0\u00a0 Last week, Jaime took to the U.S. House floor to highlight the difficulties many small ports are facing in her area due to a lack of maintenance dredging\u2014particularly the Port of Chinook and Port of Ilwaco in her district.\u00a0  The funding will come from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, which is directly supported by commercial port usage fees.\u00a0\u00a0 If enacted into law, the Energy and Water bill would give small ports a better opportunity to receive federal funds for the dredging of their channels.\u00a0  \u201cI\u2019ve worked hard to ensure that our ports and channels remain passable for our region\u2019s job creators because the survival of our coastal communities depends on it,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cI was happy to help bring about this positive development for those individuals and families whose livelihoods depend on our small ports.\u00a0 We\u2019re not done, though, and I will do everything possible to ensure this support for small port maintenance becomes law.\u201d Hanford Cleanup During the bill\u2019s committee markup today, Jaime also introduced an amendment to increase funding for the Hanford Nuclear Site clean-up to the levels specified in the President\u2019s proposed budget.\u00a0 She chose to withdraw the amendment upon receiving assurances from the chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations subcommittee, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, that the committee would work with her to strengthen Hanford cleanup assistance. \u201cHanford is not simply a local issue \u2013 it is an obligation of the federal government to clean up the nuclear waste that poses a danger to our entire region,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cI took action today to ensure we live up to this obligation at Hanford, for the sake of the people, ecosystems and wildlife that are at risk.\u00a0 It\u2019s vital we move forward with efficient cleanup as quickly as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=340680", "VIDEO: Jaime Herrera Beutler Works to Protect Navigation for Small Ports", "2013-06-20", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Jaime Herrera Beutler Works to Protect Navigation for Small Ports \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Lack of dredging for port channels devastates local economies \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        WASHINGTON, DC,\r\n        June 20, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler took to the U.S. House floor Tuesday night to advocate for the importance of dredging the nation\u2019s small ports.\u00a0 Her speech coincided with her letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, urging the agency to reprioritize funding to conduct maintenance dredging for critical channels.\u00a0  In her speech, Jaime spotlighted the ports in her district that are struggling due to a lack of maintenance dredging\u2014particularly the Port of Chinook and Port of Ilwaco.\u00a0 As a Member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Jaime helped ensure that the House Appropriations Energy and Water bill released on Tuesday includes $1 billion from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for dredging and operations of channels and harbors.  \u201cFor the towns in my district and up and down the West Coast that depend upon these ports, these industries are the major employers and economic lifelines for their area,\u201d wrote Jaime in her letter.\u00a0\u201cWith the loss of safe access in and out of the channels for the boats that deliver their raw products for market, they stand to suffer severe economic impacts that could continue for years if these industries are forced to close their doors or move out of the area.\u201d\u00a0  LETTER:\u00a0 Click here for Jaime\u2019s letter to the U.S. Army Corps advocating for small port maintenance VIDEO:\u00a0 Click here for video of Jaime\u2019s floor speech\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=343489", "Goldendale Sentinel Guest Column: Veterans' Medical Needs Require Closer Attention", "2013-06-19", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For more than 200 years, millions of men and women have become American heroes by bravely serving our nation in the armed forces. Yet the service of these individuals is formally marked only twice a year\u2014Veterans Day and Memorial Day. As your representative in Congress, I continue fighting to ensure that the memories of those who died in service, as well as the veterans who made it home, receive the respect they deserve and the support they were promised during the rest of the year. Whether it is responding in a timely manner to disability claims, or making sure that veterans have access to basic health care, we have a duty to support our heroes who have fought to preserve our way of life. One of the most pressing issues facing veterans today is the amount of time they must wait when filing a disability claim. Alarmingly in the last four years, the number of backlogged Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs (VA) compensation claims has grown by 2,000 percent. The average wait time for a claim to be processed is 320 days and in some areas of the country, folks are left waiting for years. Our government is unfortunately letting down our veterans in this regard.  This backlog needs to change, and I believe the change needs to come from the top. On May 28, I joined several other Members of Congress\u2014both Republican and Democrat\u2014in urging the President to take direct action to eliminate the years-long line that our veterans are facing. For our veterans who live in Goldendale, Vancouver, Bingen, and across our region, we must fix our backlog mess and start processing these claims in a timely fashion again. Along with working to shrink our VA backlog, I have worked to make sure that our veterans have more access to basic health care.  Shortly after taking office in 2011, I learned about a promising VA program aiming to send \u201cmobile medical units\u201d into our rural communities to provide basic health services to veterans. Many of our veterans must travel over 50 miles for basic health needs. Unfortunately, these mobile units aren\u2019t living up to their intended purpose. Rather than regularly visiting remote areas to provide flu shots and fill prescriptions, these units often sit unused in a parking lot for weeks and even months at a time. On June 4, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a provision I authored that would investigate why these taxpayer-funded resources are sitting unused. I hope the Senate will quickly consider and pass this commonsense measure to inject accountability and fix this shortfall in veteran services. With more than 40 percent of our nation\u2019s veterans living in rural areas, we need to use every tool at our disposal to help provide them quality care.  Lastly, we need to make sure that our veterans can keep pace with rising costs. In recent months, I voted for and the House passed the American Heroes COLA Act. This legislation would make permanent the annual cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) benefit for veterans. Making sure that our disabled veterans can afford to pay for their medication, put food on their table, and put gas in their car shouldn\u2019t be susceptible to politics and posturing in Congress. This bill ensures that payments to veterans are tied to rising prices.  Our veterans deserve the utmost respect for the sacrifices they have made for our country. I\u2019ll continue pushing for improvements, reforms and action that allows us to better respond to the needs of our vets.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=339513", "U.S. House Transportation Appropriations Bill Contains No Light Rail Funding for Incomplete CRC Project", "2013-06-18", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler announced that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee introduced legislation today that would keep federal transit funding from going to projects like the Columbia River Crossing that had not met critical permit and funding requirements. \r\nAs a Member of the U.S. House Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD), Jaime helped craft the fiscal year 2014 T-HUD Appropriations bill.\u00a0 The legislation keeps in place the criteria of the New Starts grant program that provides federal transit money for transportation projects, which includes:\u00a0\r\n \r\n    A project must have its operations & maintenance funding in place; \r\n    A project must have the local funding match in place;\r\n    All necessary permits must be granted.\r\n \r\nThe CRC does not meet these criteria.\u00a0 Meanwhile, 17 other projects around the nation are already permitted, locally funded, and stand ahead of the CRC in line for New Starts funding.\u00a0 Members of the T-HUD subcommittee are expected to approve the bill on Wednesday. \u201cThe existing law is clear -- in order to obtain a transit grant, project sponsors need to have funding in place to pay for operation and maintenance of light rail. Last November, Clark County residents rejected light rail when they overwhelmingly voted not to pay for it, and I pledged to act in accordance with their wishes,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cClark County voters know that ultimately they will pay more of the cost of this project than any other group of taxpayers, and we should respect their wishes when it comes to light rail. \u201cProject advocates continue to state that the main priority for the CRC is safety,\u201d Jaime continued.\u00a0 \u201cIf that's really what they believe, then they should have no problem taking the divisive, controversial, and local light rail portion off the table.\u00a0 Let\u2019s concentrate on building a bridge that can safely and efficiently move people, goods and services and can actually earn the support of the taxpayers and commuters who will pay for it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141005015813/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2197", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers Encouraged by BRAIN Initiative Potential", "2013-06-13", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Earl\u00a0 Blumenauer (D-OR) are the co-chairs of the bipartisan, Congressional Neurosciences Caucus.\u00a0 The Caucus hosted the briefing Wednesday on Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C.\n\n\tThe group discussed federal funding for the BRAIN Initiative, a public-private plan to further brain science. After the briefing, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers released the following statement.\n\n\t\u201cI was excited to learn about the NIH BRAIN Initiative from Dr. Francis Collins today.\u00a0\u00a0 This new initiative will provide a research framework that will ultimately help Americans who have Alzheimer\u2019s disease, autism, Down syndrome, ALS, and many other diseases of the brain, McMorris Rodgers said. This initiative will leverage public-private efforts in order to speed scientific discovery and open doors to understanding how the brain works.\u00a0 I was thrilled to learn that one of the BRAIN Initiative partners is the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle.\u00a0 Washington State has been the home of innovation and\u00a0 I look forward to what we will learn in this Initiative.\u201d\n\n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-delbene-applaud-committee-natural-resources-decision-consider-alpine-lakes", "Reichert, DelBene Applaud Committee on Natural Resources Decision to Consider Alpine Lakes Wilderness Legislation", "2013-06-12", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C \u2013 United States Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) today applauded House Natural Resources Committee Chairman\u00a0Doc Hastings\u2019s (R-WA) announcement\u00a0that his Committee will soon begin consideration of new wilderness proposals. Specifically, the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, Chaired by Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah), will hold a legislative hearing in July on Rep. Reichert\u2019s\u00a0Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act\u00a0(H.R. 361). This legislation, which\u00a0he re-introduced with Senator Patty Murray, along with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene\u00a0earlier this year, proposes a 22,000-acre expansion of the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area.\u00a0 \u00a0The expansion would include important lower-elevation lands and complete watersheds, and designation of both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. \n\u201cI was encouraged to hear Chairman Hastings\u2019s announcement last night,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cProtecting resources and preserving recreational opportunities has long been a strong, bipartisan tradition for the Washington delegation.\u00a0 I have been working with the support of my colleagues since 2007 to ensure the protection of these lands and encourage the benefits this could have for local communities and businesses that rely on the support of recreationists from across the country. Consideration of this bill by the Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Subcommittee is an important step so this legislation can finally be signed into law and our natural heritage and the incredible beauty of our state can be preserved for future generations.\u201d \n\u00a0\u201cWashington state has a long, bipartisan tradition of protecting our wild lands, rivers and lakes. The announcement by Chairman Hastings of the House Natural Resources Committee\u2019s plan to take up the legislation to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and protect the Pratt and Snoqualmie Rivers is great news for our state, outdoor enthusiasts and the local communities that depend on this precious habitat and pristine environment,\u201d said Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, original cosponsor to the House bill. \u201cI want to thank Chairman Hastings for his willingness to consider this important legislation and to Congressman Reichert for his leadership on the issue. This bipartisan bill is an opportunity for us to protect our natural landscapes and expand the great recreational opportunities that make living in the Northwest so special.\u201d\nBackground\nThe existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country.\u00a0 It is one of the closest wild forests to an urban center and provides key recreations opportunities.\u00a0 H.R. 361 includes:\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands; this will bring a richer diversity of ecosystems, including deeply forested valleys, into the wilderness area and increase its overall biodiversity. The addition of these 21,000 acres of public land into wilderness has the direct effect of protecting a broader array of outdoor recreational opportunities easily accessible for wilderness enthusiasts.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Designating the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic, which would permanently protect the rivers\u2019 free-flowing character, water quality and outstanding recreation, fisheries, wildlife, geological and ecological values. This designation provides for many recreational\u00a0activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center.\nRep. Reichert, with the support of state and local officials, other local leaders and constituents of the community, first introduced this wilderness protection measure in November 2007. From extensive stakeholder inquiries involving recreation groups, conservationists, tribes, local lawmakers, nearby landowners and public agencies, Rep. Reichert worked carefully to involve these stakeholders in discussions as the legislation was crafted and as it was introduced. \u00a0Rep. Reichert\u2019s bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on March 18, 2010.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-larsen-introduce-bill-help-small-businesses-export-overseas-and-create-jobs", "Reichert, Larsen Introduce Bill to Help Small Businesses Export Overseas and Create Jobs at Home", "2013-06-12", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dave Reichert, WA-08, and Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02,\u00a0today introduced a bill to help small businesses in Washington state, and across the country, export their products overseas. The bipartisan Next STEP Act of 2013 would permanently authorize the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program, which helps small businesses trying to overcome hurdles to exporting.\u00a0\n\u201cWhen our small businesses export their products overseas, they create jobs here at home,\u201d Larsen said. \u201cThe STEP program has helped hundreds of businesses in Washington state generate millions of dollars of sales. Every dollar we spent through STEP brought back $75 to our state. That kind of success begs repeating. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Congressman Reichert to help Northwest businesses grow and create jobs.\u201d\n\u201cWe must support our small businesses seeking to increase their footprints abroad or those exporting for the first time,\u201d Reichert said. \u201cThis bipartisan bill is intended to do just that. With the overwhelming majority of consumers living outside of our borders, we need to work together to encourage small businesses to engage in the global economy, creating jobs here at home. I look forward to continued work in support of our exporters with my colleague Congressman Larsen.\u201d\nThe STEP program was created by Congress in 2010 as a three-year pilot program, and is set to expire next year.\nIn Washington state, 387 businesses used STEP funding to boost their exports. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, this has resulted in an increase of more than $29 million in export sales and supported more than 1,200 jobs. Algona-based Cimtech, Inc. and Burlington-based Commercial Aircraft Interiors both used STEP grants to make contracts abroad.\n\u201cWe have made connections that over time will certainly lead to profitable opportunities,\u201d said Cimtech President Steve Kidd.\nA fact sheet on the Next STEP Act is available here. The text of the bill is available here.\nMore information on the STEP program from the U.S. Small Business Administration is available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=337755", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Raises Questions, Concerns over CRC\u2019s Low Bridge Height during Coast Guard Permit Comment Period", "2013-06-12", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler submitted comment to the U.S. Coast Guard voicing concern with the current Columbia River Crossing (CRC) design and its impact on upriver commerce.\u00a0 The Coast Guard\u2019s public comment period for the CRC permitting process ends on June 20.\u00a0 In her letter, Jaime refers to previous correspondence with the Coast Guard asking that any final outcome from the permitting process protect free navigation of the river and the regional economy.  The text of the letter follows, and a PDF of the original letter is available here: Rear Admiral Keith A. Taylor  \nDistrict Commander  \nThirteenth Coast Guard District  \n915 2nd Avenue, Room 3590  \nSeattle, WA 98174-1067 Dear Admiral Taylor: I am writing to provide comment for the Application for the Proposal to Replace the Existing Movable I-5 Bridge across the Columbia River, Docket ID: USCG-20136-0286.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  As you are aware, I and other Members of the Pacific Northwest Congressional Delegation whose districts are upriver of the Columbia River Interstate Bridge have previously written to your office to voice our concerns with the serious limitations of the current design for the Columbia River Crossing (CRC).\u00a0\u00a0 The height restrictions of this design have the potential to negatively impact not just current upriver businesses whose cargo must pass under the bridge to reach their intended markets, but could also provide a chilling impact to future business development due to the permanent, impassable nature of the design for larger vessels and cargoes.\u00a0  In addition to the grave concerns with the height restrictions of the current design, other important questions and concerns have been raised that deserve your attention:\n \n    The CRC Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) analyzes a bridge that has a height of 95 feet, but no analysis has been\u00a0 provided for the re-working of the design to accommodate 116 ft. of clearance.\u00a0\u00a0 Given that the DEIS fails to analyze a bridge clearance that is 21 feet higher than the LPA\u2019s design, how does this affect the permit application under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)?\u00a0 Is a Supplemental EIS going to be required before a permit can be issued?\n    When the Glenn Jackson Bridge was permitted, the analysis determined that a clearance of 144 ft. would be required in order to ensure that navigation wouldn\u2019t be impeded on the Columbia River.\u00a0 Have the standards for river navigation changed?\u00a0\u00a0 If not, can you explain how a clearance of 116 ft. complies with the findings for the Glenn Jackson Bridge? \n    A great deal of focus has been given to providing mitigation for the three metal fabricators that are located upriver of the Interstate Bridge.\u00a0 I am concerned that no alternatives have been considered which would eliminate the need for taxpayer-funded mitigation, and would ensure their continued ability to freely operate from their current sites of operation and support hundreds of local jobs.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t the need for such substantial mitigation point to serious design flaws that limit navigation?\u00a0\u00a0 I would offer that building a bridge without adequate clearance is an unfortunate choice that could be remedied through the redesign of this project.\u00a0 \n \nThe Columbia River, the 3rd largest river in the nation, is a vital navigation link that provides for tens of thousands of jobs, and more than $20 billion in annual cargo revenues.\u00a0\u00a0 The importance of protecting our river commerce, both now and in the future, cannot be understated.\u00a0\u00a0 I urge you to do all you can to ensure that the final outcome of the permitting process protects the free navigation of the river and our regional economy. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.\u00a0\u00a0 For your reference, copies of my previous correspondence have been attached.\u00a0\u00a0 In addition, I have included a letter from Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation to Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr., noting his strong concerns with the Columbia River Crossing project. Previous Correspondence Click here for the January 30, 2013 Letter to the Coast Guard from Northwest Members of Congress Click here for the May 7, 2013 Letter to the Coast Guard from Chairman Duncan Hunter", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-applauds-passage-hr-2217-and-usfa-amendment", "Rep. Reichert Applauds Passage of H.R. 2217 and United States Fire Administration Amendment", "2013-06-10", "2013", "2013-06", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2217) including an amendment introduced by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) that would maintain vital funding for the United States Fire Administration (USFA).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThis amendment is extremely important to ensure that fire personnel have the resources they need to safely fight fires and protect American citizens,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cI have seen firsthand the devastation caused by out-of-control fires, and I want to be certain that through the USFA our firefighters \u00a0have the support and training needed to not only respond to but also prevent those fires from destroying businesses, homes, and lives.\u201d\nLast year, Washington State saw record devastation from fire damage.\u00a0 Fire Chief John Sinclair leads the Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue which was one of the agencies that helped ultimately contain and put out the fires that swept through Central Washington.\u00a0\nChief Sinclair said in support of the amendment, \u201cThe United States Fire Administration is vital to our nation\u2019s fire service.\u00a0 Fire Departments and Fire Districts throughout Washington have benefited from the training and education programs, firefighter safety strategies, and Grant Programs administered through USFA.\u00a0 As Fire Chief of a Fire District that also serves the City of Ellensburg, I commend Congressman Reichert for taking the bold step to bring funding up to the levels we need to keep the USFA functioning in a way that benefits the citizens of Washington and the United States.\"\nRep. Reichert was joined by Reps. John Delaney (D-MD), Peter King (R-NY), and Robert Andrews (D-NJ) in cosponsoring the amendment.\u00a0 The amendment had strong support from fire service groups including the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Fire Protection Association and the National Volunteer Fire Council.\u00a0 The groups sent a letter of support to Reps. Reichert and Delaney for the amendment.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=336059", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Announces 60 Employers Already Signed Up for Jobs Fair", "2013-05-31", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that 60\u00a0employers have already signed up for her Southwest Washington jobs fair to be held on June 10 in Vancouver.\u00a0 More employers are expected to participate.To see a list of employers please click here.\u00a0 The event is free to all Southwest Washington residents and will include employers from a variety of industries seeking qualified candidates.\u00a0 Employers who are interested in participating are encouraged to contact Pam Peiper in Jaime\u2019s Vancouver office at (360) 695-6292. Job Hunting Workshop Details Confirmed In the run-up to the jobs fair, Jaime\u2019s office has organized a job hunting workshop on June 6 at the Vancouver Community Library.\u00a0 The free event will include representatives from Worksource, local human resources departments and headhunting agencies.\u00a0 Though employer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from previous jobs fairs, many responded that they wished job seekers were better prepared. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion as well as individual 1-on-1 counseling.\u00a0 The panel will discuss resume building, interviewing skills, networking, and other important aspects of the job-seeking process.\u00a0  Job Hunting Workshop\nDate and Time: Thursday, June 6 \u2022 10:00am \u2013 Noon  \nLocation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room  \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 901 C Street, Vancouver, WA 98660 Southwest Washington Jobs Fair\nDate and Time: Monday, June 10 \u2022 1:00pm - 5:00pm  \nLocation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Red Lion Hotel at the Quay  \n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0100 Columbia Street, Vancouver, WA 98660", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-applauds-8th-district-service-academy", "Rep. Reichert Applauds 8th District Service Academy Nominees and Appointees", "2013-05-30", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Yesterday evening, Rep. Reichert held a reception honoring the young men and women who received nominations to one of the U.S. service academies. The nomination process is not easy, and all who received a nomination are young people of the highest caliber. They must have excellent grades, clear leadership skills, and a heart for service.\n\u201cI am so proud of the young men and women of our district who received appointments to one of our service academies. They are a group of upstanding, highly intelligent young people who will serve our great nation to the best of their abilities.\u201d said Reichert. \u201cAnd while it was not possible for everyone I nominated to receive appointments, they were all deserving of that distinction. I am honored to have been able to meet them and interact with them during this time in their lives, and I look forward to seeing the great things they will do in their futures.\u201d\nThe students who received appointments to a service academy from the Washington-8th District* are:\nUnited States Air Force Academy   \n\tNichole Carlson; Duvall, WA  \n\tDaniel Cinnamon; Renton, WA  \n\tAaron Fitts; Mercer Island, WA  \n\tAshley Martinez; Carnation, WA  \n\tLarkin Sayre; Mercer Island, WA  \n\tMaria Volodkevich; Sammamish, WA\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy   \n\tEvan Nygaard; Bellevue, WA\nUnited States Military Academy  \n\tCole Johnson; Bellevue, WA  \n\tDylan Thomas; Orting, WA\nUnited States Naval Academy   \n\tNicholas Co; Issaquah, WA  \n\tBenjamin Dimer; Mercer Island, WA  \n\tAlyson Hands; Bellevue, WA  \n\tJordan Harris; Bellevue, WA  \n\tAllen Wang; Issaquah, WA  \n\tSonya Ye; Sammamish, WA\n\u00a0\n*Please note that these appointments are from the 112th Congressional 8th District and do not reflect the redrawn 113th Congressional 8th District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=335968", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Urges EPA to Consider Southwest Washington Fishing Community in Environmental Assessment of Bristol Bay", "2013-05-30", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday to consider the livelihoods of Southwest Washington residents when finalizing their Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment.\u00a0 In a letter sent to Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe, Jaime points out concerns raised by the fishing community in her region who may be impacted by a proposed pebble mine in Bristol Bay.\u00a0 The EPA is currently accepting public comment on its revised draft of the project.\u00a0  In the letter, Jaime points out that last year, residents of her district held 91 commercial fishing permits for Bristol Bay.\u00a0 The bay is home to large sockeye, coho, chum, and king salmon runs that support both commercial and recreational fishing.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\r\nThe text of the letter follows:\r\nBob Perciasepe, Acting Administrator  \r\nU.S. Environmental Protection Agency  \r\nAriel Rios Building  \r\n1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW  \r\nWashington, DC 20460 Dear Acting Administrator Perciasepe, It is my understanding that your agency has released a revised assessment of the Bristol Bay watershed.\u00a0 On behalf of residents and small business owners in Southwest Washington, I ask that you take the livelihoods of the fishermen from my region into account when you finalize your Watershed Assessment.\u00a0  Bristol Bay is home to one of the world's greatest salmon fisheries and supports many sustainable jobs that benefit my region\u2019s economy.\u00a0 In fact, residents of my districts held 91 commercial fishing permits for Bristol Bay in 2012 \u2013 permits that help support hundreds of jobs in Southwest Washington.\u00a0 However, recent EPA findings outlined in the updated risk assessment have raised serious concerns within this fishing community over the sustainability of the fishery and the potential impact of a large scale mining operations.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  I ask that a thorough, science-based approach be used so that an accurate assessment can inform this critical decision. I will continue following this issue and would appreciate any updates your staff can provide as this process moves forward.\u00a0 Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/reichert-statement-i-5-skagit-river-bridge-collapse", "Reichert Statement on I-5 Skagit River Bridge Collapse", "2013-05-24", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) released the following statement upon hearing the collapse of an I-5 bridge in Washington State:\n\"I was stunned to hear of the collapse of the I-5 Skagit River bridge, but I am thankful that no lives were lost.\u00a0 This is a heavy-traffic corridor essential to trade and the movement of goods in our state.\u00a0 I will be working with my colleagues to monitor the situation and ensure its quick resolution.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=335391", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Demands Better Care for Rural Veterans", "2013-05-23", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this week, the House Appropriations Committee advanced a Herrera Beutler-authored provision to investigate why some mobile medical units that provide primary health care to rural veterans are sitting largely unused.\u00a0 Jaime\u2019s provision seeks a full review and report within 90 days from the Office of the Inspector General on why these mobile units are falling short of their intended use.Jaime\u2019s provision was included in the Committee Report of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs funding bill for 2014, and was approved unanimously by Members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. With more than 40% of the nation\u2019s veterans living in rural areas, many have difficulties accessing health care at Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)-medical facilities located in larger cities, and even the smaller Community Based Outpatient Clinics.\u00a0 Currently, many veterans are forced to drive 50 miles or more to fill a prescription, get a flu shot, or have a blood sample drawn.\u00a0 In response, the VA purchased and operates eight mobile medical units across the country with the intention of providing more convenient primary care, mental health counseling and social work services in those remote communities.\u00a0  However, in 2011 Jaime began learning that rural Southwest Washington communities were expecting visits from the American-Lake based mobile medical unit, but that those visits weren\u2019t taking place.\u00a0 Inquiries by Jaime\u2019s office revealed that the mobile medical unit was sitting unused for months at a time.\u00a0 She and her staff have worked with both regional and national VA offices to understand the challenges that exist and find solutions, but even now the unit is only being deployed about four days each month.\u00a0 The VA has admitted that other mobile medical units are also sitting greatly underutilized. \u201cFor veterans living in rural areas of Southwest Washington, traveling to the American Lake VA in Tacoma, Vancouver, or even Chehalis for health care services is a time-consuming, costly and often physically exhausting undertaking,\u201d said Nick Nikkila, Adjutant- American Legion Post 111 in Wahkiakum County.\u00a0 \u201cThis is especially true for disabled and elderly veterans.\u00a0 It\u2019s unfortunate that a mobile medical unit has been sitting nearby, largely unused, when there is a clear need for care in rural areas. \u00a0I would love to have the Mobile Medical Unit serve our community.\u00a0 I want to thank Jaime for caring about our veterans and bringing this issue before Congress.\u201d \u201cSome veterans in Washington prefer to live in rural areas, where there are more trees than people,\u201d said Hugh Fleet, a Navy Veteran living in South Bend.\u00a0 \u201cI know of veterans with chronic conditions, mental health conditions like\u00a0PTSD, who have to go a long way to get regular treatment. The farther they have to travel, the less likely they are to follow through with their care.\u00a0 My community could really benefit from a visit by the mobile medical unit and I am grateful Jaime is looking out for us.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cMobile medical units could be an incredible resource for our rural veterans, but only if they\u2019re being used \u2013 and right now, they\u2019re not,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cWe owe it to the taxpayers who funded these units, and to our veterans who served and sacrificed for our country, to start utilizing these mobile medical units and bringing health care to our rural communities.\u00a0 Our federal government made a promise to help take care of the men and women who served in our military, and fixing this problem will help us keep that promise.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=335001", "U.S. House Appropriations Committee Demands an I-5 Bridge Project that Protects River Commerce, Southwest Washington Jobs", "2013-05-22", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today the full U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved legislation expressing concern with the CRC\u2019s proposed height, and directing U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that the CRC does not block river commerce.\u00a0  In its proposed fiscal year 2014 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations bill, the Appropriations Committee included report language submitted by Jaime Herrera Beutler that cites the \u201csignificant obstruction\u201d the CRC poses to Columbia River navigation.\u00a0 In addition to directing the Coast Guard to protect the region\u2019s economic interests, the bill outlines the severe impact the CRC\u2019s current bridge height would have on area employers \u2013 including the livelihoods of local men and women.\u00a0\u00a0 Members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the bill unanimously. \u201cRight now, the CRC\u2019s design will -- at a minimum -- disrupt local jobs, and could potentially cost men and women of Southwest Washington and Oregon their livelihoods,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cI understand that the CRC is pursuing mitigation deals with companies that employ hundreds of Southwest Washington and Oregon residents, but we deserve to know what will happen to those jobs once the deals are signed.\u00a0 The CRC should provide assurances that jobs won\u2019t be moved out of state or out of country as a result of building this bridge that\u2019s too low, either now or 18 months down the road.\u00a0 If the CRC can\u2019t do that, then the Coast Guard should not permit this project.\u201d The bill report language is below, and also located on page 68 of the bill report: Columbia River Crossing Bridge Permitting\r\n\r\nThe Coast Guard is currently in the process of reviewing the permit request for a new Columbia River Crossing bridge between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. While there are many advantages to building a new bridge, the Committee is concerned with the proposed clearance height of the planned bridge, which would significantly limit navigation of the river by numerous users up river.\u00a0 This inability to navigate may lead to devastating economic losses for the impacted users and could also negatively affect the surrounding communities. Over $500,000,000 in economic activity each year could be lost in addition to terminating 500 jobs in the surrounding area. This significant obstruction to the free flow of navigation on the Columbia River is very troubling. Furthermore, mitigation is limited for affected river users because the existing infrastructure cannot be replicated. To address these concerns, the Committee directs the Coast Guard to consider the economic impacts of the planned bridge including impacts due to lost use of the waterway and to therefore, ensure that, within reason, the river commerce is not blocked.\u00a0 The Coast Guard shall provide a report to the Committee on those economic impacts and any proposed mitigation activities to address lost access to the waterway. The Coast Guard shall provide this report prior to issuing a permit for the bridge.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=334809", "Jaime Herrera Beutler to Host 3rd Annual Jobs Fair on June 10", "2013-05-21", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hosting her third annual Southwest Washington jobs fair on Monday, June 10.\u00a0  Like Jaime\u2019s job fairs in 2011 and 2012, this free event will be open to all Southwest Washington residents and will include employers from a variety of industries seeking qualified candidates.\u00a0 To date, 20 hiring employers have already signed up to participate.\u00a0 Previous jobs fairs have drawn between 55-70 hiring employers. \u201cI continue to make jobs my number one priority in Congress, and I\u2019m pleased to host this jobs fair that puts employers and job seekers in the same room,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cI continue to hear positive feedback from folks who found employment through previous jobs fairs and from employers who hired them.\u00a0 In addition, my office is currently organizing resume clinics, entrepreneurship classes and other events surrounding the fair to connect future employers and employees with resources that will help them succeed.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0  Date and Time: Monday, June 10 \u2022 1:00pm - 5:00pm  \r\nLocation:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Red Lion Hotel at the Quay  \r\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0100 Columbia Street, Vancouver WA 98660 Employers who are interested in participating should contact Pam Peiper in Jaime\u2019s Vancouver office at (360) 695-6292.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-conclusion-ways-and-means-hearing-acting-commissioner-steven", "Rep. Reichert's Statement on the Conclusion of the Ways and Means Hearing with Acting Commissioner Steven Miller", "2013-05-20", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Reichert's Statement on the Conclusion of the Ways and Means Hearing with Acting Commissioner Steven Miller                                           \n              May 20, 2013      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. -\u00a0Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement on the Internal Revenue Service\u2019s (IRS) outgoing Commissioner Steven Miller's testimony today\u00a0before the House Committee on Ways and Means.\u00a0\n\"The American people, and their representatives in Congress, have a right to know that they are being properly and honestly served by their government. Unfortunately, in today's hearing the IRS continued to be uncooperative.\u00a0\u00a0 They refused to identify who was ultimately responsible for the\u00a0blatant abuse of power in targeting conservative groups in processing tax-exempt applications.\u00a0The IRS must be held accountable for its actions. \u00a0I will continue working with my colleagues to uncover who is responsible and take steps to ensure that no\u00a0group or individual, regardless of their political affiliation, has their constitutional rights trampled on or threatened by the IRS.\nTo see Rep. Reichert's questioning of Acting Commissioner Steven Miller during today's hearing, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=334771", "Daily News Guest Column: Health Care Law's three-year checkup not good", "2013-05-19", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It\u2019s now been three years since the President and Congress passed a massive overhaul of our health care system. While I didn\u2019t support this specific bill, I embrace the idea that folks in Southwest Washington should be able to afford quality care for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the health care bill\u2019s three year checkup reveals that we\u2019ve drifted farther from this goal.The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was ushered through Congress under pledges of lower health care premiums for hardworking people, reduced health care costs, and coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Instead, folks are facing higher costs, more taxes, and some with pre-existing conditions are still being turned away. Consider the alarming comments about the health care law by the ACA\u2019s co-author, U.S. Senator Max Baucus, D-Mont., during an April 17 hearing: \u201cI just see a huge train wreck coming down.\u201d During the debate over health care in 2008, President Obama consistently promised that \u201cIf you like your health insurance, you can keep it.\u201d However, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reported in March that up to 20 million employees could lose their employer-sponsored health care due to new provisions. Folks who have been happy with their health care will now need to scramble to find another plan. People I talk to throughout Southwest Washington fear they will no longer be able to see their family doctor once the new provisions take effect. Quality of care will suffer and hard-working families will be left with less choice. Also troubling is that health care is going to cost families more. Since 2008 -- a year before the bill was passed -- the average family\u2019s health insurance premium has grown by over $3,000 and the costs to families will only keep growing. A recent study found that insurers could pay an average of 32 percent more for medical claims -- higher costs that will be passed on to individuals. On top of rising premiums, the CBO has projected that the legislation\u2019s price tag will be nearly twice the original cost to taxpayers. The deadline for small business owners to comply with the law is supposed to be late 2013 \u2013 but small businesses are almost totally in the dark. One explained he and his business have spent hundreds of hours working to comply with the law, but the only thing experts and federal officials agree on is this: \u201cIt will cost more for everyone.\u201d A recent Wall Street Journal poll found 77 percent of small businesses say the health care law will make employee coverage more expensive. This leaves struggling business owners wringing their hands over whether they can afford to hire -- or keep the employees they have. This means a bill intended to improve health care will end up costing us jobs. Businesses with 50 or more employees must pay a fine if they do not provide health care. Small business owners are confessing they either won\u2019t hire will actually lay off workers order to stay below this threshold. We should be putting more moms and dads back to work -- but this bill takes us in the opposite direction. It\u2019s difficult to offer a quick prescription to address these serious problems with this health care law. The first step is to simply provide answers. My office and I are working to collect information to try and help people understand what this law will mean to them. Second, we can\u2019t stop pushing for a better health care solution. Had Congress implemented commonsense, patient-centered solutions back in 2009, we\u2019d be in a far better place. For instance, expanded health savings accounts would give individuals and families more control over their health care choices. Small businesses could be allowed to join together and pool their risk to keep costs low like big corporations and labor unions are able to do. We could also increase competition among insurers, resulting in lower premiums for families and individuals. The individual mandate in the ACA actually decreases competition. By forcing citizens to pay a tax if they don\u2019t have an insurance plan, the government removes the incentive for insurance companies to provide affordable, effective health care. Those insurance companies now get guaranteed business. This is not just a matter of personal health -- it\u2019s a matter of economic health, too. We cannot realistically solve our economic issues without a serious plan that addresses providing affordable and accessible care. I refuse to abandon our need to fix the cost and confusion issues that will impact the residents of Southwest Washington, because they deserve better. Read this article online at the Daily News by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=334285", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Bipartisan Group of House and Senate Lawmakers Introduce Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act", "2013-05-16", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "A bipartisan group of senators and U.S. House members today introduced bills to provide certainty to forestry companies and workers, by reaffirming the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s 37-year-old policy toward regulation of runoff from forest roads.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      A bipartisan group of senators and U.S. House members today introduced bills to provide certainty to forestry companies and workers, by reaffirming the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s 37-year-old policy toward regulation of runoff from forest roads.Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Senator Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., introduced the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act today. The bill would aid efforts to increase timber harvests and forestry jobs by preventing unnecessary litigation on a question that the U.S. Supreme Court settled in the EPA\u2019s favor earlier this year. The bill, like the Supreme Court decision, upholds the EPA\u2019s existing policy, which does not require water discharge permits for forest roads. Despite the EPA and Supreme Court decisions, however, some groups have promised to continue litigation, which will needlessly delay needed forest restoration work without action by Congress. Senators Max Baucus, D-Mont., and James Risch, R-Idaho, and Representatives John Barrow, D-Georgia, Dan Benishek, R-Mich., Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia, Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., Doc Hastings, R-Wash., Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., Jack Kingston, R-Georgia., Rick Larsen, D-Wash., Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Michael Michaud, D-Maine, Collin Peterson, D-Minn., Nick Rahall, D-W.V., Reid Ribble, R-Wisc., Terri Sewell, D-Ala., Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, and Glenn \u201cGT\u201d Thompson, R-Penn. are original cosponsors of the measure. WYDEN: \u201cWe need a healthy timber industry to provide timber jobs and to do the restoration work that ensures healthy forests. The way to do that is to stop litigating questions that have already been answered, and start working together to improve forest management practices. This bill will reaffirm the determination by both EPA and the Supreme Court that forest roads and other silviculture activities are not open to more litigation over water discharge permits under the Clean Water Act.\u201d\r\n  \r\nCRAPO: \u201cThe jobs and economic activities relating to the forest products industry are critical to Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. The decision to change a 37-year-old program that deferred the regulation of logging road runoff to individual states has brought increased hardships causing job losses and jeopardizing our rural communities.\u00a0 This bipartisan legislation will clarify that the Clean Water Act was not intended to regulate stormwater runoff on forest roads and allow the focus of private, state and federal land managers to return to improving forest management.\u201d\r\n  \r\nHERRERA BEUTLER: \u201cAt the heart of our efforts are the moms and dads employed by healthy, working forests \u2013 and passing this law will help make sure they have jobs, and will help make our forests healthy. I\u2019m proud to keep working with my colleagues in both parties to solidify a law based on sound science that takes people and their livelihoods into account.\u201d\u00a0\r\n  \r\nSCHRADER: \u201cThe ability to independently manage our forests in a sustainable and responsible way is crucial to the vitality of Oregon\u2019s rural economies and helps to keep our forests healthy and thriving. The timber industry and EPA have worked together for over three decades to reduce forest roads runoff with much success. The Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act restores the certainty our state and local governments and private forest landowners need to continue managing forestlands using best management practices that have been successful in the past.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-peace-officers-memorial-day", "Reichert Statement on Peace Officers Memorial Day", "2013-05-15", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), the former Sheriff of King County who served 33 years in law enforcement, today released the following on the 51st observance of Peace Officers Memorial Day: \"Every day I think of my brothers and sisters in law enforcement.\u00a0 As a cop, we serve as a unit, as a family.\u00a0 Together we work to protect and defend our communities; together we risk our lives.\u00a0 When a life is lost it affects all of us,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cToday, as I had the honor to attend the National Law Enforcement Memorial Service, I remember especially those brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.\u00a0 It is our duty to remember and revere their work. This week I join with my law enforcement family in honoring the fallen Officers from Washington State: Sergeant William Armstrong, Trooper Tony Radulescu, and Ranger Margaret Anderson as well as all those who have lost their lives protecting their communities across the nation.\"\nThis Congress, Rep. Reichert has introduced or supported several pieces of legislation that would equip law enforcement officers with the tools they need to keep our communities safe.\u00a0 In January, he introduced bipartisan legislation that would reauthorize the Community Orienting Policing Services (COPS) grant program (H.R. 421).\u00a0 In February, he introduced with Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09) the Department of Justice (DOJ) Global Advisory Committee (GAC) Authorization Act (H.R. 817), and only yesterday, he supported the passage of the Blue Alert legislation of which he was a cosponsor.\u00a0 Rep. Reichert also works to support law enforcement through his position as Co-Chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus.\u00a0 BACKGROUND President John F. Kennedy designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962; the preceding week has become \"Police Week\u201d honoring all of those who have served in law enforcement.\u00a0 During this time, police officers from all over the nation come together in Washington, D.C., to pay tribute to their fellow officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.\u00a0\u00a0More than 3,000 people have been remembered.\u00a0 This year, among the 321 names to be inscribed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, three from Washington State will be honored:\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Officer William W. Armstrong \u2013 Jefferson County, Washington, S.O.\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Officer Tony Vian Radulescu \u2013 Washington State Patrol\n-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Officer Margaret A. Anderson \u2013 National Park Service", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reps-reichert-and-thompson-introduce-bipartisan-medicare-secondary-payer-and-workers", "Reps. Reichert and Thompson Introduce Bipartisan Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers' Compensation Settlement Agreement Act", "2013-05-15", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers\u2019 Compensation Settlement Agreement Act, H.R. 1982 into the House of Representatives.\u00a0\nThe legislation aims to protect injured workers whose workers\u2019 compensation claims overlap with Medicare coverage.\u00a0 Far too often, these claims are subjected to lengthy and cumbersome reviews by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine appropriate set-aside amounts to pay for future medical costs in which Medicare may have an interest. \u00a0The delays associated with this review place unfair burdens upon the injured party.\u00a0\n\u201cThis is a common-sense measure to ensure that hard-working Americans are not left in limbo because of inefficient bureaucratic procedures,\u201d said Rep. Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cInjured workers must have the confidence that their heath care claims will be processed in a fair and timely manner.\u00a0 By introducing this bill, Rep. Thompson and I aim to do just that: protect our hard-working citizens by making sure our systems serve them and their families.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cThe last thing injured workers should have to worry about is if needless bureaucracy\u00a0is going to prevent their medical bills from being paid,\u201d said Thompson. \u201cThis bill will make sure hard working families\u2019 medical claims are processed efficiently and quickly, it will reduce bureaucratic headaches for businesses, and it will save taxpayers money. I will continue working with Congressman Reichert to get this bipartisan bill signed into law.\u201d\nBackground\nThe Medicare Secondary Payer and Workers\u2019 Compensation Settlement Agreements Act establishes clear and consistent standards for an administrative process that provides reasonable protections for injured workers and Medicare.\u00a0 It would benefit injured workers, employers and insurers by creating a system of certainty, and allows the settlement process to move forward while eliminating millions of dollars in administrative costs that harm workers, employers and insurers.\nThe legislation has widespread support from groups such as the American Insurance Association, the American Bar Association, the National Council of Self-Insurers, Property Casualty, Insurers Association of America, UWC-Strategic Services and the Workers Injury Law and Advocacy Group (WILG).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-applauds-house-passage-national-blue-alert-act-2013", "Reichert Applauds House Passage of National Blue Alert Act of 2013", "2013-05-14", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), Co-Chair of the House Law Enforcement Caucus\u00a0applauded passage of the National Blue Alert Act of 2013, which he co-sponsored. The bill passed the House today by a vote of 406-2.\u00a0\nAs a former Deputy and the Sheriff of King County, Washington, Rep. Reichert has too often felt the loss of a law enforcement brother or sister over his 33 year career. Creating the National Blue Alert system helps to protect not just the men and women of law enforcement, but their families and communities.\n\u201cCreating the National Blue Alert system is a necessary step towards preventing tragedy and keeping our communities and loved ones safe,\u201d said Reichert. \u00a0\u201cWhen a criminal murders a law enforcement officer, speedy apprehension is essential to protecting the public, preventing further loss of life and returning peace to communities.\u00a0 By creating a system to quickly disseminate crucial information, we empower ordinary citizens and public safety officers, increasing the speed of justice. Adding to the tools at the disposal of law enforcement is a critical means of fulfilling our duty to keep America safe.\u201d\nAccording to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, there is an upward trend in ambush attacks against law enforcement, like the ambush that resulted in the death of Washington State Trooper Tony Radelescu.\u00a0 Washington State also saw the tragic death of Park Ranger Margaret Anderson last year, who sacrificed her life to protect those she served. \u00a0Both Trooper Radelescu\u2019s and Ranger Anderson\u2019s \u00a0names will be added this year to the National Law Enforcement Memorial dedicated to fallen officers.\u00a0\nThe National Blue Alert Act of 2013 has the full support of multiple Law Enforcement organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff\u2019s Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Sergeant\u2019s Benevolent Association, and the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.\u00a0 It directs the Attorney General to establish a national Blue Alert communications network within the Department of Justice to disseminate information when a law enforcement officer is killed or injured in the line of duty. The act assigns an existing DOJ officer to act as the national coordinator responsible for creating voluntary guidelines to assist states in developing their Blue Alert plans. While over 15 states have already developed Blue Alert systems, criminals do not respect borders, and to this end the Act encourages more states to establish such plans so they can quickly communicate and share information with each other and the public about potentially dangerous offenders on the run.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-irs-discrimination", "Reichert Statement on IRS Discrimination", "2013-05-13", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement on the Internal Revenue Service\u2019s (IRS) admission on Friday that it had specifically singled out conservative groups when processing applications for tax-exemption.\n\u201cI was appalled to learn of the IRS\u2019s blatant abuse of power in targeting conservative groups in processing tax-exempt applications.\u00a0 No group, regardless of political affiliation, should have their right to free speech threatened by the IRS.\u00a0 Even more troubling is the fact that the IRS had repeatedly denied, despite numerous inquiries by the Ways and Means Committee, that this sort of targeting was taking place.\u00a0 The IRS\u2019s conduct in this matter has been unacceptable, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to find out what the IRS knew, when it knew it, and the officials responsible for such discrimination.\u00a0 The IRS must be held accountable for its actions.\u201d\nBackground\nIn a statement released Friday, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) announced that the Committee will hold a hearing on the matter in the weeks ahead.\nCongressman Reichert has been a Member of the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee since 2009. During the 113th Congress, Reichert serves as Chair of the Ways and Means Tax Reform Working Group on Tax Exempt Organizations and the Charitable Deduction.\u00a0 Reichert\u2019s prior work in the oversight of tax exempt organizations includes a 2011 report on the commercial and political activities of AARP.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-announces-winners-wa-8th-congressional-art-competition", "Reichert Announces Winners of WA-8th Congressional Art Competition", "2013-05-07", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Last night, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert held a reception for the participants of this year\u2019s Congressional Art Competition at the Green River Community College.\u00a0 It was announced that this year\u2019s winner is Mia Hell from Tahoma Senior High School.\u00a0 Her winning piece is entitled \u201cDive In\u201d.\u00a0 Second and third place were claimed by Austin Perry (\u201cSustainability\u201d), and Dylan Hageman (\u201cClear Vision\u201d), respectively; both are students at Tahoma Senior High School.\u00a0\n\u201cI am so pleased by the high level of participation this year and I am blown away by the quality and talent displayed in each submission,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cEach one of these students should take pride in their accomplishments, just as I and the rest of this district take pride in them.\u00a0 I look forward to seeing Mia\u2019s artwork in the halls of the Capitol as a visual reminder of the talent and commitment to success of our district.\u201d\u00a0\nBackground  \n\tThe Congressional Art Competition was founded in 1982.\u00a0 Since that time, over 650,000 high school students from across the nation have participated.\u00a0 This year, Washington\u2019s 8th District saw a higher than average turnout with 48 students entering 80 pieces of artwork.\u00a0 The participating schools included Auburn Mountainview High School, Auburn Senior High School, Bonney Lake High School, Chelan High School, Skyline High School, and Tahoma Senior High School.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/statement-record-national-teacher-appreciation-day-2013", "Statement to the Record: National Teacher Appreciation Day 2013", "2013-05-07", "2013", "2013-05", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on National Teacher\u2019s Appreciation Day, to recognize and honor the teachers of America.\u00a0 Year in and year out, they dedicate their lives to educating our children and helping them to succeed both in and out of the classroom. \u00a0They not only teach us to read and write, but for many of us, it is a teacher who first shows us that we can achieve whatever we put our minds to; they tell us that anything is possible, that it is okay to dream.\u00a0 The confidence and curiosity that teachers instill in their students are just as important as the traditional subjects they teach; it is these life lessons that will resonate with our children well into adulthood.\nIn my own experience, the teacher who brought these truths home to me was Mr. Gowenlock.\u00a0 Mr. Gowenlock was my\u00a0 high school geometry teacher as well as one of my football coaches.\u00a0 He made sure I knew that I had the ability to be a great man, and the only thing that would get in the way was my own doubt.\u00a0 He was one of the first to fully believe in me, and that is a gift that has made it possible for me to be where I am today.\nI hope that students and parents everywhere will join with me in recognizing the importance and value of good teachers.\u00a0 Without them, America would not be the beacon of hope that it is today.\u00a0 We owe them our gratitude and our respect.\u00a0 I have fought for teachers in the past, with legislation such as the Teacher Tax Relief Act, and I will continue to fight for them. Teachers must have the tools and support they need to ensure our children receive the best education possible for they will be the ones shaping the future of this great nation.\u00a0 Thank you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/us-representative-dave-reichert-pushes-federal-designation-mountains-sound-greenway", "U.S. Representative Dave Reichert Pushes Federal Designation for the Mountains to Sound Greenway", "2013-04-30", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ISSAQUAH \u2013 Today U.S. Representative Dave Reichert announced legislation to designate the Mountains to Sound Greenway as a National Heritage Area.\u00a0 The bill, H.R.\u00a01785, was introduced to Congress by Rep. Reichert on Friday, April 26th.\u00a0\n\u201cDesignating the Mountains to Sound Greenway a National Heritage Area is yet another step in recognizing Washington State\u2019s distinguished influence and contribution to the national movement of keeping America green, clean, and pristine,\u201d said U.S. Representative Dave Reichert. \u201cThe natural wealth and beauty of the Greenway represents a truly unique national gem and I\u2019m proud to represent such an integral part of our nation\u2019s heritage, nestled in the heart of Washington State. The Mountains to Sound Greenway has played a vital role in many of our nation\u2019s most important industries: from salmon and coal, to timber and recreation, to technology and green building.\u00a0 I am so pleased to champion this effort, helping to preserve this important piece of Washington State\u2019s heritage, which has been so central to America\u2019s history, for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\n\u201cThe National Heritage Area designation of the Mountains to Sound Greenway will communicate the national significance of the Greenway and build public awareness, recognition and involvement in stewardship of this landscape between Seattle and Ellensburg,\u201d said Bill Chapman, President of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. \u201cOur goal is to empower citizens, businesses, interest groups and government to work together more efficiently to promote and preserve the Greenway for generations to come.\u201d\nThe Mountains to Sound Greenway is a 1.5 million-acre landscape with alpine peaks, wilderness lakes, and lush forests that connect by road, rail and trail to rural towns and city high-rises, sustaining generations through an abundance of natural resources.\u00a0 Today, the Greenway\u2019s scenic beauty is the backdrop for the daily lives of 1.4 million residents who live, work and play in communities deeply rooted to the land around them.\n\u201cShowcasing the remarkable balance between a flourishing economy and access to recreation and nature that we enjoy in our region, we have an opportunity to demonstrate to the entire country that the Greenway is a national treasure,\u201d says Chapman.\nTwenty years of innovative conservation and collaborative solutions protect the natural heritage of the Greenway. This network of parks, forests, farms, and cities is part of a regional history and a legacy for future generations. The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area will be a fitting recognition of this regional identity in the Pacific Northwest, and serve as a model of sustainability and cooperative solutions for the nation.\u00a0\nA National Heritage Area is a large, lived-in area designated by the United States Congress where natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a landscape of national distinction. This designation provides a flexible strategy to encourage residents, government agencies, nonprofit groups and private partners to collaboratively plan and implement projects to preserve a landscape, without affecting private property rights.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/entire-washington-delegation-continues-ongoing-joint-effort-base-tankers-fairchild", "Entire Washington Delegation Continues Ongoing Joint Effort to Base Tankers at Fairchild", "2013-04-17", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the entire Washington state congressional delegation\u00a0sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley to again express its strongest support for basing the Air Force\u2019s new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington.\u00a0 \n\u201cWith its strategic location and ability to support the Pacific rebalance, investments in infrastructure, unparalleled classic association of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and 141st Air Refueling Wing, and strong community support, we believe Fairchild is the strongest candidate to serve as the first Main Operating Base for the KC-46A,\u201d the delegation wrote in the letter to Secretary Donley. \u201cWe appreciate the manner in which the Air Force has handled this strategic basing process and look forward to your consideration of Fairchild Air Force Base as a home for the new tanker fleet.\u201d\nIn December 2011 and May 2012, members of the Washington delegation sent letters to Secretary Donley highlighting the benefits to basing the tankers in Spokane. Fairchild is currently home to KC-135 aerial refueling tankers and has invested over $400 million in base infrastructure over the last several decades.\nWith help from Washington\u2019s Congressional delegation, Fairchild already possesses much of the needed capacity to accommodate the new KC-46A aerial refueling tanker including its 14,000 foot runway, a new, state-of-the-art fitness center, and a new wing command headquarters to better integrate active-duty Airmen and Air National Guardsmen.\nThe full text of the letter follows:\nThe Honorable Michael B. Donley\n\tSecretary of the Air Force\n\t1400 Defense Pentagon\n\tWashington, DC 20301-1400\nDear Secretary Donley:\nOn behalf of the Washington State delegation, we write to express our strongest support for basing the Air Force\u2019s new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. \nWe believe Fairchild\u2019s strategic location combined with its core strengths in capacity and the well-established association between the Air Force\u2019s 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the Air National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing make it the ideal first home of the new KC-46A aerial refueling tankers. Additionally, the Spokane community has demonstrated strong support for Fairchild and is actively taking steps to ensure that Fairchild\u2019s mission can continue for years to come. \nFairchild is in an optimal strategic position to maximize support for the KC-46A mission. The only base west of the Rocky Mountains to be considered for the first Main Operating Base for the KC-46A refueling tankers, Fairchild has the advantage of serving as a gateway to the Pacific Rim. With the Department of Defense rebalancing towards the Asia-Pacific region, Fairchild is the best positioned candidate base to support the spectrum of bilateral and multilateral training exercises, as well as possible contingency operations, in U.S. Pacific Command\u2019s area of responsibility.\nPossessing much of the needed capacity to accommodate the new KC-46A aerial refueling tanker, the Air Force continues to recognize Fairchild\u2019s strategic value with a sustained campaign of infrastructure investments totaling more than $400 million in the last several decades. These investments include an improved 14,000 foot runway, a new, state-of-the-art fitness center, and updated SERE facilities. Additionally, a new wing command headquarters designed to better integrate Fairchild\u2019s active-duty Airmen and Air National Guardsmen is currently under construction. \nFairchild is home to a classic association of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing with the Air National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing. This association marries the best the active duty and guard components have to offer, providing for world-class aerial refueling, airlift and aeromedical evacuation capabilities while fostering innovation and efficiency in operation. Fairchild, as a base with a mature, high-performing association, is the model for the entire Air Mobility Community. \nFairchild has a long history with our nation\u2019s aerial refueling fleet. The important community support that Fairchild established in 1942 when the City of Spokane and local residents donated land for the base is alive today \u2013 with the community continuing to protect its servicemembers via the Joint Land Use Study and the Fairchild Air Force Base Protection and Community Empowerment Project which seeks to permanently reduce the residential density in Fairchild\u2019s Accident Potential Zone II. In addition, the State of Washington has demonstrated their commitment to support the continued viability of the installation by proposing $2.7 million in the state\u2019s budget for the acquisition of land within the encroachment zone at Fairchild Air Force Base.\nWith its strategic location and ability to support the Pacific rebalance, investments in infrastructure, unparalleled classic association of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and 141st Air Refueling Wing, and strong community support, we believe Fairchild is the strongest candidate to serve as the first Main Operating Base for the KC-46A. We appreciate the manner in which the Air Force has handled this strategic basing process and look forward to your consideration of Fairchild Air Force Base as a home for the new tanker fleet.\nSincerely,\nThe Washington Delegation\nCc:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 General Mark A. Welsh, III\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0General Paul J. Selva\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Commander, Air Mobility Command\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Lieutenant General Stanley E. Clark, III\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Director, Air National Guard\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Honorable Kathleen Ferguson\n\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Acting Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Installations, Environment, and Logistics)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/reichert-statement-conclusion-bilateral-us-japan-trans-pacific-partnership-consultations", "Reichert Statement on Conclusion of U.S.-Japan Trans-Pacific Partnership Consultations", "2013-04-17", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Dave Reichert released the following statement upon the Administration\u2019s announcement of the conclusion of its bilateral consultations with Japan.\u00a0 \n\u201cThe addition of Japan to the Trans-Pacific Partnership will add an already considerable export destination for Washington goods and services to this comprehensive and high-standard agreement. Greater access to the Japanese market, through the removal of significant tariff and non-tariff barriers, could substantially benefit Washington growers, businesses, and workers. Therefore, we must continue to ensure that Japan is committed to the overall objectives of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and not slow down the negotiations. I welcome the agreement made that begins to address these serious, longstanding barriers to trade and will continue to engage with USTR on this critical opportunity for Washington exporters.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=329100", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Supports \u201cFlex Time\u201d Bill for Working Families", "2013-04-15", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she had put her support behind the \u201cWorking Families Flexibility Act\u201d \u2013 a legislative solution that gives workers in the private sector more choices when they need time off to spend with their families.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she had put her support behind the \u201cWorking Families Flexibility Act\u201d \u2013 a legislative solution that gives workers in the private sector more choices when they need time off to spend with their families.\u00a0 Jaime cosponsored this legislation last Thursday. Currently employees working in the public sector who exceed a 40 hour work week are able to make a choice between paid time off or overtime pay.\u00a0 However, private sector employees are prohibited by federal law from making this same choice -- as of now, private sector employees must choose overtime.\u00a0 Parents working in the private sector who want to attend a child\u2019s soccer game or music recital, and would prefer flex time to overtime, currently don\u2019t have that option. This bill would expand choices for families struggling to balance demanding schedules.\u00a0 The flex time option would be completely voluntary for employers to offer, and for employees to use. \u201cMy goal here is to give working moms and dads more choices.\u00a0 This family-centered bill would allow employees to decide how to manage more of their time, whether that\u2019s being with their child or an aging relative, or tending to personal responsibilities outside of work,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s important to me that this bill protects workers\u2019 rights to choose what\u2019s best for them.\u00a0 We should update an outdated law to meet employees where they\u2019re at today, and in doing so we\u2019ll encourage a more productive workforce and a better work-life balance.\u201d The \u201cWorking Families Flexibility Act\u201d received a hearing in the House Education and Workforce Committee\u2019s Workforce Protection Subcommittee last week, and is expected to receive full committee approval in the coming weeks.  \r\n\r\nWhat this bill does:\r\n \r\n    The bill allows employers to offer employees a choice between cash wages and comp time for overtime hours worked.\u00a0 Employees who want to receive cash wages would continue to do so.\u00a0 It updates the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 which prohibits private sector employers from offering their employees the choice of accruing time off for working overtime hours.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Workers are free to \u2018cash out\u2019 their accrued comp time whenever they choose to do so.\u00a0 The comp time option is completely voluntary.\r\n \r\n \r\n    The legislation retains all existing employee protections in current law, and adds additional safeguards to ensure workers remain in control of their overtime compensation.\r\n \r\n \r\n    It requires a written agreement between the employer and employee, voluntarily and knowingly entered into by the employee.\u00a0 An employer is forbidden by law from making the comp time agreement a condition of employment.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Employees represented by union would need the comp time agreement to be settled on through collective bargaining between a union and employer.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Neither the method for calculating overtime, nor the employees right to receive cash wages for overtime work, are altered.\u00a0\r\n \r\n \r\n    Compensatory time off accrues at the same rate as overtime, 1.5 hours for each hour of overtime worked.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Employees could accrue up to 160 hours of compensatory time each year.\u00a0 An employer would be required to pay cash wages for any unused, accrued time at the end of the year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=328617", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzanne Bonamici Reintroduce Bill to Speed Up Marine Debris Cleanup", "2013-04-12", "2013", "2013-04", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) teamed up with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to roll out legislation that would assist coastal communities impacted by tsunami debris and other unexpected marine waste.   \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) teamed up with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to roll out legislation that would assist coastal communities impacted by tsunami debris and other unexpected marine waste. \u00a0 They were joined by original cosponsors representing Washington, Oregon, Alaska and California \u2013 Representatives Peter DeFazio, Adam Smith, Kurt Schrader, Judy Chu, Sam Farr, Michael Honda, Jackie Speier, Earl Blumenauer, Rick Larsen, Louis Capps, Barbara Lee, Derek Kilmer, Jim McDermott, Mike Thompson, Don Young, Dave Reichert, Jared Huffman, Denny Heck and Suzan DelBene. With debris from the 2011 tsunami that struck Japan still washing up on beaches and coastline all along the western U.S., Jaime and Congresswoman Bonamici reintroduced the \u201cMarine Debris Emergency Act\u201d to allow NOAA to provide quicker, more targeted cleanup responses.\u00a0 The Washington and Oregon representatives began pushing the bill last August, and are reintroducing the bill with the new congressional session. Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides marine debris removal grants but does not distinguish between emergency and non-emergency scenarios. The Marine Debris Emergency expedites the entire grant application process. \u201cWe\u2019re working to address the continuing cleanup needs from the 2011 tsunami, but we\u2019re also equipping Pacific County and communities all along the coast to respond to unforeseen debris emergencies,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cKeeping our water and beaches clean and our communities safe requires us to respond in a quick, targeted and efficient manner.\u00a0 This bill will put existing resources to better use on the front lines, protecting the people and ecosystems of Southwest Washington.\u201d The bill will require NOAA to give preference to those areas experiencing a marine debris emergency and applying for debris removal grants. Additionally, the bill will require NOAA to approve or deny all Marine Debris Program grant submissions within 60 days of application.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=324877", "Pearson Air Museum Bill Approved by Congressional Committee; Next Stop is U.S. House Floor", "2013-03-20", "2013", "2013-03", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Pearson Air Museum Bill Approved by Congressional Committee; Next Stop is U.S. House Floor \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        March 20, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee today voted to approve Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bill to restore local management to the Pearson Air Museum.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The U.S. House Natural Resources Committee today voted to approve Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bill to restore local management to the Pearson Air Museum.\u00a0 The legislation gained votes from both parties, and the next stop would be a vote by the entire U.S. House of Representatives. \u201cOn one hand, I\u2019m glad that our bill to restore Pearson Air Museum is quickly moving forward in in the U.S. House.\u00a0 Yet I continue to hope that the Park Service will take a cue from the strong support that\u2019s building in Congress, and agree to a solution that is acceptable to our community,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cWhat our region cares about is access and careful stewardship of this resource, and we get there by treating the local community as partners, not vendors. \u201cI commend Chairman Hastings and Chairman Bishop for taking the time to understand this issue and move the bill through the Natural Resources Committee,\u201d Jaime continued.\u00a0 \u201cI also appreciate the effort that ranking subcommittee Democrat Raul Grijalva has made to reach out to the Park Service and urge a compromise.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=324936", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Kurt Schrader Applaud Supreme Court Ruling on \u201cForest Roads,\u201d Pledge to Keep Working to Protect Forests and Jobs", "2013-03-20", "2013", "2013-03", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the United States Supreme Court overturned an earlier Ninth Circuit Court decision that upended more than 35 years of Clean Water Act protection.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the United States Supreme Court overturned an earlier Ninth Circuit Court decision that upended more than 35 years of Clean Water Act protection.\u00a0 Before today's Supreme Court ruling, the Ninth Circuit Court\u2019s decision would have required the dirt and rock runoff from forest roads to be treated the same \u2013 and require the same permitting \u2013 as industrial parking lots. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) have led a bipartisan coalition opposing this onerous decision and resulting \u201cforest roads rule,\u201d introducing legislation last Congress that would have maintained the Clean Water Act protections.\u00a0 However, since that time the Environmental Protection Agency has ruled that forest roads are \u201cpoint sources\u201d of pollution which still leaves forest landowners, businesses, and state and local governments vulnerable to new lawsuits and unlimited regulations from the federal government. \u201cThe Supreme Court decision today is very good news for workers, small businesses, and communities throughout Southwest Washington \u2013 but we\u2019re not in the clear just yet,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cUntil we\u2019ve put clear protections into law, forest roads are still susceptible to job-killing federal regulations that simply aren\u2019t necessary to protect our forests and waterways.\u00a0 I\u2019ll continue leading efforts to preserve the Clean Water Act protections alongside Congressman Kurt Schrader, and preserving healthy ecosystems and a healthy economy.\u201d \u201cI applaud today\u2019s Supreme Court decision which upholds the EPA\u2019s long-standing policy of managing forest roads as non-point sources under the Clean Water Act,\u201d said Schrader. \u00a0\u201cThe next step in the process is for Congress to affirm today\u2019s ruling with legislation to codify in law that forest roads are indeed non-point sources. That\u2019s why I look forward to continue working with my Pacific Northwest colleague Rep. Herrera Beutler to reintroduce the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act to provide that certainty for our state and local governments as well as our private forest landowners.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=324168", "VIDEO: Pearson Air Museum Bill Gains Support in Congressional Hearing", "2013-03-15", "2013", "2013-03", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "VIDEO: Pearson Air Museum Bill Gains Support in Congressional Hearing \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        March 15, 2013\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Pearson Air Museum bill gained crucial support during a congressional hearing that took place yesterday.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Pearson Air Museum bill gained crucial support during a congressional hearing that took place yesterday. The House Natural Resources Committee\u2019s Public Lands and Environmental Regulation Subcommittee hosted the hearing yesterday on Capitol Hill.\u00a0 Jaime\u2019s proposed legislation would\u00a0transfer Pearson Air Museum and the surrounding seven acres of land from National Park Service control to the City of Vancouver.  \u201cIt was heartening to see strong support for our bill from other Members of Congress -- including the subcommittee chair,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cI hope the Park Service got the message that stall tactics and empty gestures are unacceptable.\u00a0 With this bill gaining support and advancing through Congress, I remain determined to help rectify the current mess and restore the Pearson Air Museum to our community.\u201d  \r\n\r\nVideo 1: Jaime\u2019s opening statement  \r\n\r\nVideo 2: Jaime\u2019s questions  \r\n\r\nVideo 3: Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) questions and remarks  \r\n\r\nVideo 4: Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) questions and remarks Video 5: Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) discusses legislation -- \u201cthis is legislation\u2026 that is going to move\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 88, "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": "Republican", "p1": "WA", "p2": "2013"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 88, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 88, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2013&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "WA", "label": "WA", "count": 88, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2013", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2013", "results": [{"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 88, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 230.764992069453, "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"}