{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"WA\" and year = 2014 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-omnibus-funding-bill-passage", "Reichert Statement on Omnibus Funding Bill Passage", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) released the following statement after the passage of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015: \"I applaud the passage of tonight\u2019s bill that will keep the government open. This bipartisan, bicameral measure will responsibly fund our nation\u2019s priorities, including measures to protect jobs, strengthen education, improve access to healthcare, rein in government overreach, and support our troops and first responders. When we return to Congress next year, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to further address the nation\u2019s challenges.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/senate-passes-reichert-alpine-lakes-legislation", "Senate Passes Reichert Alpine Lakes Legislation", "2014-12-12", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the United States Senate passed legislation from U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Senator Patty Murray to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in Washington State and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic.\u00a0 The legislation was included as part of the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Reichert first introduced legislation to designate the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in 2007, and he has since tirelessly championed its passage in order to preserve the stunning landscape for future generations. The House passed the 2014 NDAA, with the wilderness legislation, last week.\n\u201cI am so pleased to see the Alpine Lakes legislation pass the Senate today, sending it to the President for signature to become law,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cThis has been a priority project of mine since 2007 when I first introduced it. The process has involved a lot of hard work and patience, but we came together and got it through Congress, and now it\u2019s on its way to the President\u2019s desk where it is expected to be signed into law shortly. Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area is truly one of the gems of Washington State and I am excited to see this beautiful natural and economic legacy preserved for our children and grandchildren.\u201d\nThe existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. Key elements of the Alpine Lakes legislation include:\n Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands, which 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\tDesignating 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 activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center.\n Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1) is a co-sponsor of the House legislation", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398488", "U.S. House Passes 2015 Funding Measure Addressing Key Southwest Washington Priorities", "2014-12-11", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2015 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the 2015 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler. During passage of the bill, Jaime also secured assurances from U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy that the Secure Rural Schools program that counties like Lewis, Skamania, and Cowlitz rely on for essential school and emergency services funding would be addressed as a top priority in 2015.  The priorities and spending levels in this bill are based on the multiple Appropriations bills written, debated and approved throughout 2014. As a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Jaime helped craft these bills that have continued the overall reduction of discretionary spending by $165 billion since 2010.\u00a0 Projected out over ten years, that will save taxpayers $2.13 trillion.\n\u201cIt\u2019s vital that critical federal services aren\u2019t disrupted, and that we fund government in a way that saves taxpayer dollars and focuses on the priorities that matter to Southwest Washington residents\u2013 and this bill mostly accomplishes those goals,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cI\u2019ve fought hard to ensure that Congress maintains the ports and waterways for our coastal communities, confronts devastating wildfires, ensures Hanford cleanup can continue, and addresses other critical needs in this bill.\n\u201cThough the U.S. House has twice passed long term legislation I\u2019ve championed to responsibly fund the Secure Rural Schools program, the Senate has failed to act on these bills and now we reach year\u2019s end with our rural counties in a crisis situation.\u00a0 I will not cease in my efforts to restore this funding so that schools in Skamania County, Lewis County, and throughout rural Washington can keep operating, and I want to thank Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy for his assurances to me on the U.S. House Floor today that Congress will make Secure Rural Schools a top priority when we reconvene in 2015.\u201d\nEstablished in 2000 as a lifeline to rural communities impacted by restrictive federal forest policies, the Secure Rural Schools program provides funding for schools and emergency services in lieu of timber operation receipts. \n\n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\nCLICK HERE TO WATCH JAIME\nSPEAKING ON SECURE RURAL SCHOOLS \nSouthwest Washington priorities included in the bill: Saving taxpayer dollars:  The bill continues the trend of saving taxpayer dollars, contributing to the $165 billion in savings through the Appropriations process since FY 2010. Specifically, the bill:   \n\u00a0 \u2022\tReduces the IRS budget to pre-2008 levels for a savings of $345 million;   \n\u00a0 \u2022\tRescinds $40 million in \u201cperformance bonuses\u201d within the VA;   \n\u00a0 \u2022\tProvides no new funding for the President\u2019s health care law and makes $10 million in cuts to the controversial, unaccountable, unelected Independent Payment Advisory Board charged with cutting Medicare for seniors;   \n\u00a0 \u2022\tCuts the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s budget through staff reductions. Accountability for executive overreach: \u200bWhile most of the federal government budgets overseen by the Appropriations Committee are funded in this bill through September 30, 2015, the Department of Homeland Security is only funded through February 27, 2015. This is an initial response to the President\u2019s unilateral action on immigration \u2013 a move that, by his own admission, exceeds his constitutional authority. The short term funding window aims to give Congress time to confront the President\u2019s action and more adequately address the nation\u2019s broken immigration system. Dredging and harbor maintenance: Jaime was able to secure $1.1 billion in harbor maintenance from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) with $42 million of the HMTF designated specifically for small ports like Ilwaco, Chinook and others along the Columbian River. Background: The HMTF was created with the purpose of waterway and port maintenance and is funded by a tax importers pay when using U.S. ports. Historically the fund takes in millions of dollars more each year than is expended. The bill also provides over $25 million for maintenance on the mouth of the Columbia River, including critical jetty rehabilitation.   Wildfire prevention: Wildfires have been increasing in severity over the past several years, damaging forests, threatening safety, and forcing the Forest Service to tap into its budget for other services and priorities. The bill includes $3.5 billion for wildfire suppression and $526 million for hazardous fuel management.  The bill also calls for active forest management to prevent wildfires by reducing the fuel load and creating healthier forest and more robust species habitat. Hanford clean-up: The bill restores $25 million not included in the President\u2019s budget toward cleanup projects at the Hanford nuclear site. Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT): The bill includes $422 million for payments to counties with large portions of land owned by the federal government. These funds help offset the loss of property tax income that pays for education, emergency services, county road maintenance, and other critical services in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, and Skamania Counties.  Strengthens justice and law enforcement programs: The bill provides $42,250,000, an increase of $28,000,000 from FY14, to combat human trafficking\u2014creating a special task force within the FBI to combat sex trafficking and broadening collaboration between across all agencies under Department of Justice. The bill also increases funds for drug courts based on their proven effectiveness in reducing recidivism, substance abuse, and crime among non-violent offenders; strengthens mentally ill offender programs; increases funding to strengthen domestic violence programs; and increases funding to address the backlog in processing sexual assault kits nationwide.   Continued commitment to strong salmon recovery: Jaime was successful in maintaining the $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) that she fought for earlier this year. PCRSF provides critical funding for recovery and sustainability projects to improve wild salmon and steelhead habitats on the Columbia River and throughout the western U.S.  Since the program\u2019s inception, over 11,800 PCSRF projects have been implemented, providing fish passage and restoring habitat to strengthen salmon recovery efforts.  \nCommunity development grants protected: The President\u2019s budget proposed additional requirements to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program that would make it harder for smaller communities to get CDBG grants.  Jaime worked successfully to eliminate these requirements in the bill.   Forest Road Maintenance and Construction: The bill would direct the U.S. Forest Service to maintain forest roads in a way that preserves recreational opportunity and reduces costs.  Currently, the Forest Service cannot adequately maintain 4,078 miles of road and 115 road bridges in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  Many of these roads pose safety, environmental and public health threats that must be addressed.  This bill would direct the Forest Service to close and stabilize the roads as opposed to permanently decommissioning them.  Along with the recreational opportunities and taxpayer savings created by this provision, access for firefighting and future forest management would still be available. Safety Regulations for Oil Trains: As a member of the Transportation Appropriations subcommittee, Jaime successfully fought to include important safety regulations for oil trains in that bill. It requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a final rule for new tank car design standards by January 15, 2015, requires rail carriers to develop comprehensive oil spill response plans and improves the safety of railroad grade crossings.  Aquatic Invasive Species: The nonnative quagga and zebra mussels have severely damaged freshwater ecosystems in the Northeast and Southwest U.S. This bill provides $4 million for containment, prevention, and enforcement to prevent the spread of these invasive species to uncontaminated bodies of water throughout Washington state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/pacific-northwest-members-congress-call-president-urge-ports-resolution", "Pacific Northwest Members of Congress Call on President to Urge Ports Resolution", "2014-12-10", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Members of Congress Dave Reichert (WA-8), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), Doc Hastings (WA-4), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3), Kurt Schrader (OR-5), Greg Walden (OR-2), and Mike Simpson (ID-2) sent a letter to President Obama to ask that he encourage the International Longshoreman Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association to use a federal mediator in order to bring about a swift resolution to their current contract negotiations.\nThe members said, \u201cCommunities throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the country rely on thriving ports \u2013 which support hundreds of thousands of jobs in our states \u2013 to export their products around the world. We strongly urge a swift resolution to the current contract negotiations because countless workers, farmers, consumers, businesses, and families depend on it.\u201d \u00a0\nThis is the second letter Pacific Northwest members of Congress have sent regarding the ILWU and PMA to call for a quick resolution. The first letter was sent directly to the organizations and the text can be found here.\nThe full text of the letter to the president is below.\nDear Mr. President,\nWe urge you to encourage the International Longshoremen Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) to use a federal mediator in resolving their current contract negotiations. As members who represent areas which depend on ports, we are concerned about the length of these negotiations and the resulting impact on our constituents.\nAs these negotiations continue, our ports are losing business we know will not return. This is detrimental to our ports, those who work at the ports and communities across the state. This significantly impacts the economy of the Pacific Northwest and the country as a whole. Each day, we are contacted by our constituents who are feeling the real impact of these negotiations on port operations. Efficient movement of goods is critical for all industries, including agriculture and manufacturing. Our specialty crop producers, who depend on international markets, are unable to export their products and meet customer demands. Our manufacturers face similar challenges of higher costs, lost sales, and delayed production. Across the globe, Washington state products are in demand, but our businesses are facing significant challenges in reaching these consumers.\nWe recognize the serious task before the parties. However, after over six months of negations, we strongly believe a federal mediator has become necessary. Moreover, we are increasingly concerned that there could be a shutdown at the ports as occurred in 2002. It is estimated that the previous shutdown cost our economy over a billion dollars a day. We cannot afford to let this happen.\nTo follow up on the requests made by our constituents, the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and numerous Washington businesses, we strongly believe that a federal mediator is needed to bring a swift resolution to these contract negotiations.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398496", "U.S. House Approves Veterans Suicide Prevention Bill", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler joined a strong bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives today in supporting the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler joined a strong bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives today in supporting the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act. This legislation that was approved by the House addresses shortcomings in the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s mental health programs for suicide prevention, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and sexual trauma.\u00a0 \r\nFACTS: \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On average, 22 veterans commit suicide every day.\u00a0 \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Between 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. \r\n\u201cFar too many Southwest Washington veterans are suffering from mental health challenges stemming from their time in service.\u00a0 Since it\u2019s clear that they\u2019re not receiving the help they desperately need, this bill is a first step to try and address this shortcoming. Every veteran we tragically lose to suicide is a veteran we have failed,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cThis nation owes its veterans access to mental health care that really works, and ongoing support to help them thrive.\u201d\u00a0 \r\nThe bill authorizes improvements to suicide prevention and mental health programs within the VA by:  \u2022\tCreating a three year pilot program to repay student loans for individuals who commit to practice psychiatric medicine with the VA. This provision is designed to address the shortage of mental health specialists within the VA.  \r\n\u2022\tCreating a pilot program for community oriented veteran peer support networks that can guide individuals transitioning from active duty back to civilian life.  \r\n\u2022\tRequiring the VA and Department of Defense to have an independent third party review their mental health care and suicide prevention programs to strengthen effectiveness and eliminate efforts that are failing to provide adequate intervention.    \r\n\u2022\tRequiring the VA to publish a website that provides veterans with a centralized, single source for information of all the VA\u2019s mental health services.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris_rodgers_americans_deserve_an_explanation/", "McMorris Rodgers: Americans Deserve an Explanation", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement today after the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing to examine the lack of transparency in the President's health care law. The hearing included testimony from Dr. Jonathan Gruber, an economist who has been recognized as one of the main architects of the President's health care law.\n\"Today's Oversight hearing further reinforced the failed implementation of the President's health care law. Obamacare architect Jonathan Gruber called the American voters 'stupid' and attributed the passage of Obamacare to 'a lack of government transparency.'\u00a0People in Eastern Washington deserve an explanation\u00a0\u2013 they deserve to know why they couldn't keep their health care plans under Obamacare. They deserve to know if Obamacare was deliberately drafted in a way that purposefully obscured its massive tax hikes from families in our community. And they deserve to know how many of their hard-earned tax dollars were being paid to Mr. Gruber and other Obamacare architects while they produced work that concealed the real impact of the health care law. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the answers men and women in Eastern Washington deserve.\"\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris_rodgers_fda_regulations_are_suffocating_eastern_washington39s_economy_and_innovation/", "McMorris Rodgers: FDA Regulations Are Suffocating Eastern Washington's Economy and Innovation", "2014-12-09", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement on the Food and Drug Administration\u2019s recently announced expansive menu regulations:\n\u201cThe Food and Drug Administration has acted recklessly, mandating regulations without considering the impact they will have on Eastern Washington employees, business owners, and on our local economy. Adhering to these burdensome requirements will be extremely costly \u2013 in both time and resources \u2013 for local restaurants, delivery chains, and movie theaters, and they will stifle growth at grocery stores like Yokes and Rosauers.\u00a0This proposal is one of the most expensive regulations ever\u00a0\u2013\u00a0with expected costs being over $1.2 billion with 498,508 hours of paperwork.\u00a0\n\"As local supermarkets like Rosauers innovate and grow, every deli and salad bar offering \u2013 which are constantly changing \u2013 would have to endure costly tests to provide required labeling. And for pizzerias like Domino's, every potential toppings combination \u2013 well over 5 million options \u2013 would have to be calculated and publicized. This requirement is simply not workable. Additionally, these costs and responsibilities fall not on the FDA, but instead on the shoulders of independent franchise owners. The FDA\u2019s action suffocates the innovative potential of the food industry, making it harder for local businesses to expand and grow from the bottom up. Finally, overreaching federal regulations are hitting America's middle class where it hurts the most: their wallets.\n\"These regulations go far beyond original legislative intent, epitomizing the federal government's habit of bureaucratic overreach. It is our responsibility to reverse the overbearing regulations of powerful government agencies, and represent the needs of American entrepreneurs.\u00a0I will continue to advocate for the principles contained in H.R. 1249, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2013, which include reasonable, commonsense nutritional reforms that don't hurt business owners and middle class families in Eastern Washington with unnecessary costs.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris_rodgers_legislation_helping_patients_in_eastern_washington_signed_into_law/", "McMorris Rodgers: Legislation Helping Patients in Eastern Washington Signed Into Law", "2014-12-08", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the President signed the bipartisan H.R. 4067, which provides for the extension of the enforcement instruction on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2014, into law last week. It will help Eastern Washington patients receive care in critical access and small rural hospitals.\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased Republicans and Democrats are working together to advocate for people in rural communities like ours, because unworkable government mandates shouldn\u2019t prevent patients from accessing outpatient therapeutic services. Now that bipartisan legislation guaranteeing access to care has been signed into law, patients across Eastern Washington will continue to have access to low-risk outpatient services. I\u2019m proud to support this smart solution, which ensures patients continue to receive quality treatment without interruption.\u201d\nOver 46 million Americans in rural communities depend on critical access and small rural hospitals, and this law will delay the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate regarding \u201cdirect supervision\u201d of outpatient services for the rest of the year. This CMS policy would require a supervising physician be physically present in the department when Medicare beneficiaries receive these services. It delays the enforcement of this policy for critical access and small rural hospitals with fewer than 100 beds.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-alpine-lakes-legislation-passes-house", "Reichert Alpine Lakes Legislation Passes House", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed legislation from U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area in Washington State and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. The legislation was first introduced by Rep. Reichert in 2007, and he has since tirelessly championed the wilderness protection of Alpine Lakes in order to preserve this local gem for future generations.\n\u201cI am thrilled to see the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act pass the House today as part of a lands package included within the National Defense Authorization Act,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cMaking this long-time goal a reality has been one of my top priorities since introducing this bill in 2007. I have worked tirelessly with my House and Senate colleagues as well as community members and local stakeholders \u2013 all who share my vision of preserving and protecting Alpine Lakes. The Alpine Lakes area is a perfect example of the natural beauty of our great state that also contributes to job creation and the success of local economies. This is the kind of legacy I want passed down to our children and grandchildren and with today\u2019s House passage I truly believe that Alpine Lakes will forever be a part of their heritage.\u201d\nThe existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. Key elements of the Alpine Lakes legislation include:\n Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands, which 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\tDesignating 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 activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center.\n Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-1) is a co-sponsor of the House legislation and Senate companion legislation was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray. \u00a0The Senate is expected to take up and pass the National Defense Authorization Act next week, including the Alpine Lakes legislation.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-takes-select-revenue-subcommittee-chairmanship", "Reichert Takes Select Revenue Subcommittee Chairmanship", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 After today\u2019s Ways and Means Subcommittee Selection, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) released the following statement:\n\u201cI am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee. Among the issues facing our nation, reforming our tax code is one of the most critical. Our businesses must be given the opportunities to grow, invest and hire without a tax code that hinders this ability. For our families, it effects their ability to put food on the table, to send their kids to college, to grow their businesses, and to balance their budgets.\u00a0Our current tax code is outdated, largely incomprehensible, and overly burdensome. We have the ability to change that. I look forward to working with Chairman Ryan and the rest of my Ways and Means colleagues to ensure that tax reform becomes a reality.\n\u201cI am also pleased to remain on the Trade Subcommittee. As a long-time advocate of expanding trade, I will continue to fight for new opportunities for our workers, farmers and businesses across the country. There are many opportunities on the horizon, and I am committed to ensuring that we bring the job-creating benefits home. Millions of jobs in the U.S., including hundreds of thousands in Washington State, depend on trade and I will continue to support those whose livelihood depend on trade.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398486", "Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Fishing Jobs Bill Passed by House; Heading to Senate", "2014-12-04", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bipartisan fishing jobs bill, the Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific (REFI) Act, was passed today by a vote of 300-119 in the U.S. House of Representatives. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bipartisan fishing jobs bill, the Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific (REFI) Act, was passed today by a vote of 300-119 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Upon passage of the bill, Jaime released the following statement:\n\u201cI am very pleased to see the U.S. House move this important fishing jobs bill one step closer to becoming law. It's a great example of a bipartisan, commonsense solution to support 3,000 hard-working Americans' jobs\u2014 many of which are right here in Pacific County,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cThe REFI Act will grant fairer loan terms to fishermen who operate in the West Coast Groundfish Fishery, providing much-needed relief for these struggling businesses. \u00a0It's good for local economies by helping keep businesses afloat, and will increase the likelihood that fishermen are able to pay back the entirety of their loans, which is good for the American taxpayer.\u201d\nFor more information about the REFI Act, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-supports-able-act-%E2%80%93-helping-give-disabled-children-better-future", "Reichert Supports ABLE Act  Helping Give Disabled Children a Better Future", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) and his House colleagues passed the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act which would require states to allow individuals with disabilities to set up tax free ABLE savings accounts. These accounts would be used for expenses incurred related to addressing the disability of the individual. Not only will they provide financial support, but they provide for the freedom to pursue independence and the best possible quality of life.\n\u201cA parent never rests until they know their child is safe and cared for. For many parents of children with disabilities, this just isn\u2019t possible under current law as I have seen in the case of my own godson Kyle. Individuals with disabilities too often lose critical assistance if they begin to work towards a better future for themselves by pursuing the independence of holding a job. The ABLE Act allows parents to save for their child\u2019s future expenses, particularly if their child does not have the ability to support themselves. These are real people who are working hard to overcome real challenges and right now current law hinders rather than helps that. Now, with the ABLE Act, ABLE accounts will allow individuals, or their families, to pay into a tax-free account to help with the costs associated with overcoming a disability. This ranges from uncovered health care, education costs, housing needs, transportation costs, assistive technology, and personal support services. There is nothing more satisfying than ensuring the health and happiness of our children and I am proud today to have passed legislation that will secure a better a future for so many of America\u2019s children.\u201d\nAs Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources Rep. Reichert was a leader in getting the ABLE Act marked up and passed out of the Ways and Means Committee on July 31, 2014. \u00a0This action allowed it to come before the full House for a vote. \u00a0The House passed the ABLE Act by a vote of 404 to 17. For more details on the ABLE Act, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398485", "Rep. Herrera Beutler, Sen. Cantwells Bipartisan Fishing Jobs Bill Heading For Full U.S. House Vote", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The bipartisan fishing jobs bill introduced by U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) \u2013 the Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific (REFI) Act \u2013  is expected to receive a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The bipartisan fishing jobs bill introduced by U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) \u2013\u00a0the Revitalizing the Economy of Fisheries in the Pacific (REFI) Act \u2013\u00a0\u00a0is expected to receive a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. It would then go to the U.S. Senate before year\u2019s end.\n\u201cWith this positive development, I\u2019m very hopeful that this bipartisan bill to protect more than 3,000 fishing jobs \u2013 many of which are in Pacific County \u2013 will make it into law,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cThe REFI Act to grant fairer loan terms to the West Coast Groundfish Fishery is one of those solutions that is neither Democrat nor Republican \u2013 it\u2019s simply common sense.\u00a0 We wouldn\u2019t have gotten here without the work of Senator Cantwell as well as the support of many of my colleagues here in the U.S. House.\u00a0 This fishery was declared an economic disaster in 2000 and has been struggling to recover ever since, so I\u2019m pleased we\u2019re close to passing this bill to help them stay afloat and continue their important role in our region\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\u201cThis is an important step forward to support Washington fishing jobs and our $30 billion maritime economy,\u201d said Sen. Cantwell, a member of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard. \u201cOur bipartisan bill will level the playing field for West Coast groundfish fishermen, ensuring they have fair financing and flexibility to grow their businesses. I\u2019m proud to work with Rep. Herrera Beutler on this common-sense measure to support job growth in Washington\u2019s fishing economy. We\u2019ll continue to work to pass this bill through both the House and Senate.\u201d\nThe bill has been combined into a larger package of legislation and will be considered before Congress this week as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act.\nThe REFI Act that would provide relief to fishermen off the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California who are struggling to sustain their businesses. The bill would adjust groundfishermens\u2019 federal loan interest rates to match loan rates for other businesses, and would extend the length of these loans from 30 to 45 years. It would also reduce the cost recovery fees the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) collects from fishermen to pay down their loans.\nThe West Coast groundfish fishery was declared an 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 those willing to leave the fleet. Congress was responding to a\u00a0very real need, but has since learned that the loans were structured in an unsustainable manner.\nFor more details on this legislation, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris_rodgers_empowering_individuals_across_eastern_washington/", "McMorris Rodgers: Empowering Individuals Across Eastern Washington", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 647, the bipartisan Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which allows individuals with disabilities to save for their futures through the creation of tax-free savings accounts.\n\u201cTonight the House spoke for millions of Americans with disabilities.\u00a0We spoke to give them a better life; to provide them with greater opportunities; and to empower them to reach their full potential.\u00a0 As the mom of a seven-year old son with Down syndrome, today my heart is full \u2013 because I know firsthand how federal policies can limit the opportunities for those with disabilities. The ABLE Act will change that.\u00a0\n\u201cThis overwhelmingly bipartisan bill will empower individuals across Eastern Washington \u2013 through tax-free savings accounts \u2013 to save for college, retirement, and other future expenses.\u00a0 As part of America\u2019s New Congress, we are here to advance real solutions.\u00a0 Solutions that make people\u2019s lives better.\u00a0 Solutions that empowerall Americans \u2013 no matter where they come from or how much money they make or what challenges they face.\u00a0 I applaud the many disability groups that have advocated, for so many years, to secure passage of legislation that is as commonsense as it is compassionate.\u00a0 It will empower millions \u2013 like my son, Cole \u2013 with the opportunity to have a better life.\u00a0 Andthat is why we are here.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\nThe ABLE Act encourages tax-free savings for qualified expenses such as education, housing and transportation by amending Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, working just like a 529 education savings plan.\nTo view Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers\u2019s Floor Statement, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris_rodgers_providing_certainty_for_eastern_washington_taxpayers_/", "McMorris Rodgers: Providing Certainty for Eastern Washington Taxpayers", "2014-12-03", "2014", "2014-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the passage of H.R. 5771, the Tax Increase Prevention Act, which provides American taxpayers certainty and includes over 50 provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to help small businesses and individuals succeed. \n\u201cLooking ahead it is critical we pass comprehensive tax reform in order to provide both permanence and lasting certainty to Eastern Washington taxpayers. That being said, this legislation enables local small businesses to create new jobs, helps Eastern Washington manufacturers invest in new advancements, and creates new possibilities for moms and dads to get ahead \u2013 providing certainty for thousands of people across our state. \n\u201cIt helps our community expand hydropower generation, providing support for this important renewable energy, and it helps Washington state residents keep more of their hard-earned income \u2013 empowering Eastern Washington to reach new heights.\u201d \nThe Tax Increase Prevention Act extends, for one year, numerous tax relief provisions that expired at the end of calendar year 2013 or during 2014, preventing tax increases on millions of families and businesses. \nIt includes provisions to extend through 2014 the research and development(R&D) tax credit, which helps Eastern Washington manufacturers expand and grow. Additionally it provides an extension of credit for nonbusiness energy property in Eastern Washington. \u00a0\nThe Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that these provisions will reduce revenues by $44.7 billion over the ten-year budget window.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398484", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Praises Governors Chehalis Basin Work Group for Cooperative, Citizen-Driven Flood and Fish Plan", "2014-11-25", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Praises Governor\u2019s Chehalis Basin Work Group for Cooperative, Citizen-Driven Flood and Fish Plan \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      Jaime pledges to help move Work Group\u2019s recommendation forward to protect citizens, communities, wildlife \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        November 25, 2014\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 today praised the Chehalis Basin Work Group for putting forth its formal recommendation to Governor Inslee for his endorsement.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler today praised the Chehalis Basin Work Group for putting forth its formal recommendation to Governor Inslee for his endorsement. She released the following statement regarding this important development:\u201cThis recommendation represents significant progress toward realizing a basin-wide flood solution and fish protection plan. The rain and storms that come each November serve as reminders of the disaster that hit our communities in 2007, and can strike again unless we advance a plan to protect this region from catastrophic flooding. Bringing together so many citizens and stakeholders behind this recommendation has been no small feat.  I applaud Governor Inslee and the Chehalis Basin Work Group for their countless hours of work, focus, and dedication to this issue.  There is no partisanship when it comes to protecting families and communities from flood damage or restoring a vibrant fishery in the Chehalis River basin. Since I was first elected as Southwest Washington\u2019s federal representative, I\u2019ve supported a cooperative, citizen-driven effort to protect the residents who call this region home, as well as fish habitat, interstate transportation and commerce. I remain actively ready to help with this proposal however I can as it moves forward.\u201d  Jaime has been at the forefront of finding a basin wide solution since her election to Congress. In 2012 she fought to block any flood plan that only protected the I-5 corridor, leaving communities more vulnerable to devastating floods. Click here to read about those efforts. Jaime also successfully inserted a legislative provision in the fiscal year 2015 U.S. House Transportation Appropriations bill directing U.S. Department of Transportation to provide technical assistance to the Chehalis Basin Work Group as they developed their recommendation.\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=398482", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Questions U.S. Department of Interiors Decision to Advance Land Acquisition for Cowlitz Casino", "2014-11-24", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler sent a letter today to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell questioning the Department\u2019s notice to take into trust 152 acres in Clark County, Washington, for the Cowlitz Tribe. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler sent a letter today to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell questioning the Department\u2019s notice to take into trust 152 acres in Clark County, Washington, for the Cowlitz Tribe. The unexpected move - announced late last month - came while several Southwest Washington stakeholders that include Clark County, the City of Vancouver, and individual citizens were awaiting a court\u2019s ruling on their legal challenge to the proposal.\u201cLocal citizens and stakeholders that I represent have gone through the proper channels to challenge this authority and deserve for that process to play out before the agency acts. I will continue to fight for their voices to be heard on their day in court,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cThe Department\u2019s premature decision could have significant impacts on our community depending on the court\u2019s decision.\u201d  \nThe full text of the letter is as follows, and the original can be found by clicking here: Secretary Jewell, The Department\u2019s October 22 notice to take into trust 152 acres of land in Clark County, WA for the Cowlitz Tribe on or after January 21, 2015 has become a great source of concern and confusion in Southwest Washington.  For this acquisition to take place while the court is still considering a case to determine whether the Department even has the authority to take this land into trust is not only a major shift in the Department policy, but also potentially a violation of federal law.  In an effort to provide clarity to Southwest Washington and all affected parties I respectfully request that you answer the following questions: 1.      Why would the Interior Department approve a Class III Gaming Compact for the Cowlitz Tribe and take this land into trust before the U.S. District Court has rendered its decision in this case? 2.      Several of my constituents, including Clark County, the City of Vancouver, and individual citizens opposed to this casino, are following the appropriate legal process to challenge this trust land acquisition under the federal Administrative Procedures Act.  The Department\u2019s decision severely undermines those efforts.  Why is the Department so willing to deny my constituents their day in court?  3.      Historically, the Department has imposed a \u201cself-stay\u201d on taking land into trust during a challenge to one of its trust land decisions.  In 2013, the Department amended its regulations to permit it to take land into trust at any time, after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians v. Patchak.  Despite this change to its long-standing self-stay policy, the Department has not engaged in any evaluation or study of the issues involved in taking land out of trust if the Department loses a trust land challenge.  There are also provisions in federal law that require the government to provide \u201cjust compensation\u201d if the United States is divested of title as a result of a judicial proceeding.  Given the fact that casino-style gaming may be operating on this land\u2014employing hundreds of people and serving thousands of patrons\u2014why has the Department not thoroughly considered the legal and practical problems involved in reversing this land transfer if it loses this case? Thank you for your attention to this important matter.  The people of Clark County and all of Southwest Washington are well aware of the potential consequences of the Department\u2019s decision and will be eagerly awaiting your response.   Sincerely, Jaime Herrera Beutler", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-presidents-executive-action-immigration", "Reichert Statement on President's Executive Action on Immigration", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement in response to the president's announcement that he would be taking executive action on immigration:\n\u201cLast night, President Obama announced his plan for immigration to the nation. It is deeply concerning to me that the President has chosen to independently pursue a course of action on this issue without consultation with Congress. \u00a0I believe that our immigration system is broken and that we can find and must find a solution, but it is not up to the President to do it alone. Congress and the President must work together to find an effective solution, and that can only happen if we first address the problems with our border security and collaborate to help those pursuing the American dream come out of the shadows. This is what we were elected to do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/pursuing_a_bold_and_firm_strategy_in_iran/", "Pursuing a Bold and Firm Strategy in Iran", "2014-11-21", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after passage of H. Res. 754, Condemning the Government of Iran for its gross human rights violations, and the upcoming P5+1 deadline on Iran\u2019s nuclear program.\n\u201cToday, the House condemned the inhumane actions of the Iranian government \u2014 including its violence against women and religious minorities. \u00a0As our relationship with Iran moves forward, we must hold them accountable for their actions toward their own citizens, as well as their treatment of existing international covenants. \u00a0As the deadline for a pivotal accord regarding Iran\u2019s nuclear program approaches, I reaffirm my unwavering support for a deal that ensures a verifiable end to Iran\u2019s pursuit of nuclear weapons.\u00a0Our agreement must include a rigorous and immediate inspections regime, one designed to halt Iranian nuclear capabilities both now and in the future.\u00a0 As Chair of the House Republican Conference, I will do everything I can to ensure that Iran no longer remains on the precipice of a nuclear state and that sanctions continue to be imposed on a regime that both harbors and finances terrorist organizations. \u00a0 \u00a0\n\u201cAs we continue to engage in these talks, it is imperative to understand the reality of the regime with which we are negotiating.\u00a0 It is one that seeks power through the destruction of democracy and the obliteration of Israel.\u00a0 It seeks power through the abominable human rights violations it continues to commit against its own people.\u00a0 And it seeks power by propping up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime, prolonging the civil war in Syria and allowing ISIL to flourish as a result.\u00a0 Iran has made its position unmistakably clear: it stands in opposition to transparency, respect for human rights, and global and regional security.\u00a0 And so we must act.\u00a0 We must do so not only with our words, but with our actions.\u00a0 The Administration\u2019s strategy must be bold and it must be firm. \u00a0It must include a meaningful consultation with Congress.\u00a0 And it must be unequivocal in its opposition to a nuclear Iran.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205230014/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2385", "We Need a Permanent Solution, Not a Quick Fix", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama\u2019s announcement to act unilaterally on immigration reform.  \u201cTonight the President articulated his plan to act unilaterally on one of the most significant issues facing America: the future of 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country.\u00a0 His decision to act alone blatantly disregards the will of the American people: for their elected leaders to work together and enact effective, long-term solutions that make people\u2019s lives better.\u00a0 Tonight the President has done exactly the opposite.\u00a0 He has revealed that his own desire for unilateral action trumps the democratic process upon which this country was founded. \u00a0\u00a0  \u201cWhen it comes to fixing our broken immigration system, the American people want a permanent solution, not a quick fix.\u00a0 They want the most effective solution, not the most expeditious one.\u00a0 They want their elected leaders to come together, transcend partisan divisions, and advance real, common-sense solutions. \u00a0Make no mistake: I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle \u2013 and I will listen to the American people \u2013 to get immigration reform right.\u00a0 I urge the President to join us in that effort.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205230215/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2386", "We Need a Permanent Solution, Not a Quick Fix", "2014-11-20", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama\u2019s announcement to act unilaterally on immigration reform.  \u201cTonight the President articulated his plan to act unilaterally on one of the most significant issues facing America: the future of 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country.\u00a0 His decision to act alone blatantly disregards the will of the American people: for their elected leaders to work together and enact effective, long-term solutions that make people\u2019s lives better.\u00a0 Tonight the President has done exactly the opposite.\u00a0 He has revealed that his own desire for unilateral action trumps the democratic process upon which this country was founded. \u00a0\u00a0  \u201cWhen it comes to fixing our broken immigration system, the American people want a permanent solution, not a quick fix.\u00a0 They want the most effective solution, not the most expeditious one.\u00a0 They want their elected leaders to come together, transcend partisan divisions, and advance real, common-sense solutions. \u00a0Make no mistake: I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle \u2013 and I will listen to the American people \u2013 to get immigration reform right.\u00a0 I urge the President to join us in that effort.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-applauds-mountains-sound-committee-passage", "Reichert Applauds Mountains to Sound Committee Passage", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert released the following statement after the House Natural Resources Committee passed the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act (H.R. 1785) out of committee:\n\u201cI am very pleased that Chairman Hastings and the Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed my Mountains to Sound Greenway legislation this morning. Ensuring the proper recognition of both the achievements and beauty of our state, will always be a top priority for me. The Mountains to Sound Greenway is an important part of that, as it has played a role in nearly every major industry in the state \u2013 from agriculture to energy to technology. This legislation will highlight the heritage and legacy of the area while also protecting property rights. Clearing the committee is a critical step in the legislative process and I will continue working with my colleagues to make this law.\u201d\nBackground\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"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205230418/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2384", "McMorris Rodgers: Increasing Transparency within the EPA", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the House passed legislation to create a more transparent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including H.R. 1422, the EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013, and H.R. 4012, the Secret Science Reform Act of 2014, of which she is an original co-sponsor.  \u201cAny and all EPA-produced guidelines and regulations impacting Eastern Washington jobs must be fair and balanced, and through this critical legislation we are holding the agency accountable for the proposals it introduces. By increasing transparency within the EPA, we are enabling more public participation from stakeholders and involved parties throughout Eastern Washington \u2013 because their thoughts and ideas should be paramount to the discussion regarding job creation at home. We must hold the EPA accountable, and must ensure regulations impacting our local economy be based on scientific fact.\u201d  The EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2013 makes changes to the EPA\u2019s Science Advisory Board (SAB) to increase public participation, increase the transparency for selecting advisors, and ensure the SAB remains focused on science.  The Secret Science Reform Act of 2014 requires the EPA to base its regulations on data that is public, ending costly EPA rulemaking from happening behind closed doors and out of public view.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205230622/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2387", "Pursuing a Bold and Firm Strategy in Iran", "2014-11-19", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after passage of H. Res. 754, Condemning the Government of Iran for its gross human rights violations, and the upcoming P5+1 deadline on Iran\u2019s nuclear program.  \u201cToday, the House condemned the inhumane actions of the Iranian government -- including its violence against women and religious minorities. \u00a0As our relationship with Iran moves forward, we must hold them accountable for their actions toward their own citizens, as well as their treatment of existing international covenants. \u00a0As the deadline for a pivotal accord regarding Iran\u2019s nuclear program approaches, I reaffirm my unwavering support for a deal that ensures a verifiable end to Iran\u2019s pursuit of nuclear weapons.\u00a0Our agreement must include a rigorous and immediate inspections regime, one designed to halt Iranian nuclear capabilities both now and in the future.\u00a0 As Chair of the House Republican Conference, I will do everything I can to ensure that Iran no longer remains on the precipice of a nuclear state and that sanctions continue to be imposed on a regime that both harbors and finances terrorist organizations. \u00a0 \u00a0  \u201cAs we continue to engage in these talks, it is imperative to understand the reality of the regime with which we are negotiating.\u00a0 It is one that seeks power through the destruction of democracy and the obliteration of Israel.\u00a0 It seeks power through the abominable human rights violations it continues to commit against its own people.\u00a0 And it seeks power by propping up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad\u2019s regime, prolonging the civil war in Syria and allowing ISIL to flourish as a result.\u00a0 Iran has made its position unmistakably clear: it stands in opposition to transparency, respect for human rights, and global and regional security.\u00a0 And so we must act.\u00a0 We must do so not only with our words, but with our actions.\u00a0 The Administration\u2019s strategy must be bold and it must be firm. \u00a0It must include a meaningful consultation with Congress.\u00a0 And it must be unequivocal in its opposition to a nuclear Iran.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-nov-19th-mountains-sound-markup", "Reichert Statement on Nov. 19th Mountains to Sound Markup", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Tomorrow, the House Committee on Natural Resources will mark up U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert\u2019s (WA-8) Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act (H.R. 1785). This is the first heritage designation markup in Congressman Doc Hasting\u2019s (WA-4) four-year tenure as Chairman.\n\u201cThis markup is an important step in the process to making the Mountains to Sound Greenway a nationally recognized Heritage area and my hope is that the committee will favorably report it,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cWhile the Greenway already offers immense beauty and recreation opportunities to its surrounding communities, this legislation would help boost the economies of the area, allowing businesses to take advantage of the tourism and recreation industries that flourish in our state. I thank Chairman Hastings for taking up this important legislation and I am proud to champion the effort to highlight this Washington State gem.\u201d\nTo watch the committee mark up, a live feed will be available here at 10:00 am tomorrow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398483", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Commits to Finding Fix for Community Grant Process that disqualified Vader, Toledo and Pe Ell for being Too Affluent; Invites U.S. Housing Chief  to Visit Impacted Southwest Washington Communities", "2014-11-18", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today formally urged the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to work with her in addressing the flawed survey methods that impacted certain Southwest Washington communities\u2019 ability to qualify for development grants.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today formally urged the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to work with her in addressing the flawed survey methods that impacted certain Southwest Washington communities\u2019 ability to qualify for development grants.\u00a0 In her letter, she also invited Secretary Julian Castro to visit Vader, Toledo, and Pe Ell to view firsthand some of the communities that were deemed \u201ctoo affluent\u201d to receive Community Development Block Grants.\nJaime became aware of the issue via an early October meeting of Lewis County mayors.\u00a0 Since then, she has worked with the Washington Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Southwest Washington\u2019s affected municipalities to find immediate relief for individual communities, as well as a long term solution.\u00a0 \nIn the weeks since Jaime engaged in this issue, Pe Ell was notified they will receive an $800,000 grant for street repairs and Toledo received a grant for a new water reservoir in September, based on an application submitted earlier in the year.\u00a0 However, despite the fact that HUD acknowledged problems with the American Community Survey data that produced these skewed income results, the impacted communities remain in limbo over what will happen next.\n\u201cI\u2019m committed to finding a solution to a problem that is blocking a number of Southwest Washington towns from qualifying for these grants for which they most certainly should qualify.\u00a0 As a member of the congressional committee that shapes the budget of HUD, I\u2019ll explore every option for fixing this problem that impacts so many rural Lewis County residents,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cSpecifically, we need HUD to address the American Community Survey\u2019s flawed data that is painting inaccurate portraits of the economic difficulties these communities face. In particular, it should have taken into account that these folks are in a county still struggling to overcome the second highest unemployment rate in the state. And while I\u2019m pleased that some towns have been given short term relief, we need the agency to obtain more accurate income data without delay to ensure these same communities don\u2019t fall between the cracks going forward.\u00a0  \u201cAnyone who has been to Vader, Toledo, and Pe Ell know that these resource-strapped communities are exactly why the Community Development Block Grant program exists. This is why I\u2019ve offered to take HUD Secretary Castro to these towns \u2013 so he can personally see how flawed these survey results are, and why this problem must be fixed.\u201d\nClick here for Letter to U.S. HUD Secretary Castro.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141205230823/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2383", "McMorris Rodgers: Helping Eastern Washington Families", "2014-11-17", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the Senate passed\u00a0S. 1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014, which is part of her package of bills to empower families at work and home.  \u201cTonight the Senate sent the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 to the President\u2019s desk, marking a significant victory for working families in Eastern Washington. This bill, with its commonsense reforms, reflects the dynamics of a changing, 21st-century workforce, and is yet another solution to help working families create better lives. \u00a0As we continue to empower moms and dads both at work and at home, we build more opportunities for families in the Pacific Northwest and in every corner of America.\"\u00a0  S. 1086 includes these conservative reforms that strengthen the Child Care Development Block Grant Program:  \u00b7Enhances parental choice by providing information about available care options from all providers, including faith-based and community-based providers, and allowing parents to choose the child care provider that best suits their family\u2019s needs.  \u00b7 Strengthens safety in child care settings by requiring all providers\u00a0 to comply with state health, safety, and fire standards and undergo annual inspections.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-keystone-xl-victory-american-workers", "Reichert on Keystone XL: \"A Victory for American Workers\"", "2014-11-14", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert released the following statement after voting yes to approve the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline:\n\u201cBuilding the Keystone pipeline would be a victory for American workers and the American economy. It would create thousands of jobs, improve U.S. energy security and promote overall economic growth. It is a critical component to achieving an all-of-the-above energy policy that balances traditional and new energy sources. I hope the Senate will pass, and the President sign, this measure and allow us to finally get to work on this important project.\u201d\nH.R. 5682 passed the House by a vote of 252 to 161.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-senate-mark-mountains-sound-greenway-national-heritage-area-act", "Reichert Statement on Senate Mark Up of Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act", "2014-11-13", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee marked up the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act, a companion piece of legislation to the House bill introduced by U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) which would help protect this historical, natural Washington State icon.\nUpon its passage out of the Senate committee, Reichert said, \u201cThis is another critical step to ensure that the Mountains to Sound Greenway is preserved for future generations. This corridor of land is rich both in beauty and opportunity and a heritage designation will continue to help the surrounding communities to thrive as thousands of tourists and recreationalists visit the area every year, from Washington and the entire country. I will continue to work hard to pass the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act in the House and I thank Senator Cantwell for introducing this legislation in the Senate and for working alongside me.\u201d\nBackground\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\nNational 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"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141112203356/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2382", "Legislators Celebrate Bipartisan Victory for ALS Community", "2014-11-12", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013Today Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Representative John Tierney (R-MA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) released the following statement regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services\u2019 (CMS) decision to reconsider how speech generating devices (SGDs) are covered.In September, Representatives McMorris Rodgers, Tierney, and Paulsen and Senator Collins spearheaded a bipartisan letter to CMS requesting an explanation for policy changes affecting the coverage of these devices, which impacted millions of Americans living with neurological and degenerative disabilities. \u00a0  \u201cWe are happy to see CMS acknowledge the fact that 21st Century technology is changing lives by enabling millions of Americans to communicate with their loved ones, their medical providers, and the rest of the outside world \u2013 because without this technology, their degenerative and crippling medical conditions made communication impossible. This decision marks a step in the right direction, and hopefully a step towards CMS embracing modern innovation in their coverage and payment decisions.  \u201cStill, there is much more work to be done \u2013 and we urge CMS to address the other issues we raised in our September letter, such as how CMS\u2019s capped rental policy disproportionately affects patients who rely on speech generating devices.Together we will continue to advocate for this community, and we are hopeful CMS will continue to support these life-changing technologies.\u201d \u00a0  Last week CMS instructed Medicare contractors to rescind their coverage reminder and coding review, which was impacting Medicare patients\u2019 ability to both \u201cunlock\u201d their SGDs and use their own money to add on functionalities to help lead productive lives. CMS\u2019s recent decision to open a new coverage determination for SGDs will consider how the technology and use of augmentative and alternative communication devices by patients to meet their medical needs has changed significantly since the last coverage determination in 2001.  Today, thanks to 21st century technology, patients can use speech devices for a wide range of purposes not previously possible, such as tele-health and email.Patients living with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson\u2019s disease, brain stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, and traumatic brain injury are affected by these changes.\u00a0  In September Representatives McMorris Rodgers, Tierney, Paulsen and Senator Collins were joined by 200 legislators who signed onto a bipartisan letter to CMS and Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398475", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Senator Patty Murray Help Secure Permit for New Columbia River Ferry in Wahkiakum County", "2014-11-10", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray welcomed the recent announcement that Wahkiakum County will receive the necessary permit to finish the berth and channel improvements for its new Columbia River ferry.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray welcomed the recent announcement that Wahkiakum County will receive the necessary permit to finish the berth and channel improvements for its new Columbia River ferry.  Jaime teamed up with Senator Patty Murray when Wahkiakum County asked for help in obtaining the U.S. Army Corps permit as quickly as possible. This critical link for Southwest Washington residents runs at least 18 ferries a day, 365 days a year, and is one of the only alternate routes to U.S. Highway 30 and the Astoria bridge.  Without this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit for dredging and construction, the Columbia River ferry route would be left unable to accommodate either the existing ferry or the new ferry scheduled for delivery in February\u2013cutting off this important transportation route for Washington and Oregon residents. Wahkiakum County is scheduled to receive a new, larger ferry in February, 2015, requiring widening and deepening of the channel. Problems arose when the permit hit delays, putting in jeopardy the work that must be completed before the December dredging deadline.  The Westport, Oregon landing alterations will not allow the old ferry to dock there. \u201cThis announcement comes without a moment to spare to keep the Columbia River ferry project on track,\u201d said Jaime.  \u201cSouthwest Washington communities rely on this ferry both for daily transportation and in case of emergency blockages on other routes. Fortunately, Senator Murray and I were able to work with Wahkiakum County and the U.S. Army Corps to help navigate this critical deadline and keep the project moving forward. I\u2019m hopeful that our cooperation will allow its timely completion, and look forward to the new ferry providing better service to Southwest Washington residents without delay.\u201d  \u201cFor families and businesses across Southwest Washington, it\u2019s absolutely critical that the Columbia River ferry project move forward on time,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that Representative Herrera Beutler and I were able to help take the risk of a delay off the table, so that Southwest Washington residents can enjoy improved ferry service as soon as possible.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141108192949/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2381", "McMorris Rodgers Calls for Explanation Behind Reduced Hours at the Spokane VA Emergency Department", "2014-11-07", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "McMorris Rodgers Calls for Explanation Behind Reduced Hours at the Spokane VA Emergency Department  WASHINGTON DC\u2013Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) sent a letter today to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald seeking an explanation for the recent reduction of hours at the Spokane VA Emergency Department. This week the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center announced starting December 1, 2014 the Emergency Department\u2019s hours will go from 24/7 to 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and that the Spokane VA will no longer accept patient emergencies via ambulance.  \u201cThe veterans in our community have made innumerable sacrifices to protect and defend our country, and we show these heroes our appreciation by providing them quality and compassionate treatment. That\u2019s why I\u2019m troubled by the proposed changes at the Spokane VA, which limit veterans\u2019 access to care. We must take every action to keep our veterans in Eastern Washington safe, and I urge Secretary McDonald to provide clarification about how these decisions were made. The needs of our heroes must always come first \u2013 today and every day \u2013and my commitment to our veterans remains steadfast.\u201d  The Congresswoman\u2019s letter to Secretary McDonald is attached and pasted below.  ###  The Honorable Robert A. McDonald  Secretary  Department of Veterans Affairs  810 Vermont Avenue, NW  Washington, D.C. 20420  Dear Secretary McDonald:  I would like to congratulate you on your recent confirmation\u2014I know you are committed to caring for our nation\u2019s veterans and I look forward with working with you. Earlier this week, the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, Washington announced changes in the operations of the Emergency Department. Specifically, starting December 1, 2014, the Emergency Department\u2019s hours of operation will be curtailed from 24/7 to 8:00 am -6:00 pm, seven days per week. Additionally, the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center will not accept patient emergencies via ambulance.  \u00a0  Our veterans, our nation\u2019s heroes, have made innumerable sacrifices to protect and defend our country. One way to demonstrate our appreciation is by providing them with quality and compassionate care and treatment. However, there is a crisis of confidence on the part of many veterans in Eastern Washington and across our nation who no longer feel that the VA is willing and able to provide them with timely care. As the Department of Veterans Affairs seeks to rebuild this trust, I have concerns with the proposed changes at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center and am writing to seek further clarification about how this decision was made.  Specifically:  1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What actions prompted the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center to reduce the Emergency Department\u2019s hours?  2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What numbers or data did the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center use as justification for the reduction in the Emergency Department\u2019s hours?  3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Did the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center seek counsel from representatives within the VISN 20 network or from anyone in Washington, D.C. before making this decision?  4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For families who take their veterans to the Emergency Department at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center during the nighttime hours, will there be an ambulance available to transport the veterans to another community hospital?  5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In the event that a veteran obtains emergency care in the community as a result of the reduction in the Emergency Department\u2019s hours, will the Department of Veterans Affairs cover the cost of care? If so, what will be the process for the impacted veteran to recover the cost of care they received outside of the VA?  As we prepare to recognize and honor Eastern Washington\u2019s veterans on Tuesday-Veterans Day, I want to make certain that those who have served our country receive the care, support, and benefits that they were promised and that they have earned. I look forward to hearing your response.  Sincerely,  Cathy McMorris Rodgers  Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-death-shaylee-chuckulnaskit", "Reichert Statement on Death of Shaylee Chuckulnaskit", "2014-11-01", "2014", "2014-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Death of Shaylee Chuckulnaskit                                           \n              Oct 31, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Issaquah, WA \u2013 Rep. Reichert issued the following statement in response to the news from Providence Regional Medical Center Everett tonight: \"It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Shaylee Chuckulnaskit tonight. I continue to pray for Shaylee\u2019s family, friends, and the entire Marysville community. Our children are precious and the heartbreak and devastation that their tragic death brings can only be softened by being surrounded with compassionate and caring people. May we all be those people for the Marysville community during this time as we keep them all in our prayers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-questions-inslee-administrations-foster-care-oversight", "Reichert Questions Inslee Administration's Foster Care Oversight", "2014-10-27", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Friday, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources, sent a letter to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee inquiring about the effectiveness of the administration\u2019s oversight of the state foster care system. The letter is intended to provide oversight on the use of goals and quality measures by the administration designed to ensure that Washington\u2019s foster youth are receiving the best possible care.\nThe Human Resources Subcommittee oversees the nation\u2019s foster care system. Reichert has served as its chair since the beginning of the 113th Congress and in that capacity has introduced and passed several pieces of legislation, including the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act (H.R. 4058), whose key provisions were signed into law as part of P.L. 113-183 in September.\nThe full text of Reichert\u2019s letter to Governor Inslee is below.\n_______________\nGovernor Jay Inslee\nOffice of the Governor\nPO Box 40002\nOlympia, WA 98504-0002\nDear Governor Inslee,\nProtecting the young people of Washington has been one of my top goals throughout my career in public service, both as the Sheriff of King County and during my time in Congress. Because of this, and as the Chairman of the House committee with jurisdiction over the nation\u2019s foster care system, I am concerned about recent changes your Administration made in how Washington\u2019s foster care system sets goals and measures its performance.\u00a0 I am writing to seek more information about these new goals and measurements in order to ensure that our State\u2019s foster youth are receiving the best possible services .\nThis past July, your administration released the Children\u2019s Administration Strategic Metrics Plan through the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).\u00a0 This plan replaces the metrics and outcomes set forth in the Braam Settlement Agreement that expired in December 2013.\u00a0 The Braam Settlement set tangible and ambitious goals that the foster care system was expected to achieve.\u00a0 In contrast, your Administration\u2019s plan appears to take a less comprehensive approach to monitoring and measuring the achievement of the foster care system, both by having fewer metrics as well as by setting lower expectations for system performance than was the case under the Braam Settlement.\nIn order to better understand your Administration\u2019s motivation in making these changes, I respectfully request that you answer the following questions:\n1. Why did your Administration oppose the extension of the Braam Settlement?\n2. Why does your Administration\u2019s plan not include 19 of the 21 metrics required under the Braam Settlement?\u00a0 Please provide your rationale for not including each of these 19 excluded metrics.\n3. For the Braam Settlement metrics your plan chose to retain (i.e. caseloads per caseworker and monthly health and safety visits), why does your plan set lower expectations for system performance than under the Braam Settlement?\u00a0 For example, the Braam Settlement expected foster children to receive a private, individual face-to-face health and safety visit at least once per month.\u00a0 In contrast, your plan fails to require that such visits be private, individual or face-to-face. Why?\n4. Why does your plan focus on simply gathering data, as opposed to holding the foster care system accountable for achieving specific outcomes designed to better protect children?\u00a0 For example, under the Braam Settlement, 90 percent of caseworkers were expected to have a caseload of 18 cases or fewer; under your Administration\u2019s plan, the foster care system simply is expected to report the number of CPS workers with more than 25 cases.\n5. Do you believe that a foster care evaluation model should include metrics that are \u201cone-and-done\u201d (with the responsibility of the State to measure outcomes expiring if the metric has been achieved even once), or should performance always be measured against key benchmarks, so that the program is always held accountable for achieving important goals and evaluation is always a part of program management?\u00a0\n6. Why does your plan lack a timeframe for improvement by DSHS?\nI believe that using metrics and holding a system like foster care accountable for achieving key goals is an important safeguard for children, and something that should be incorporated into ongoing program operation.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I look forward to receiving your responses to the questions above, and to working with you to ensure that our State\u2019s foster youth are properly protected so they can grow up and become thriving, successful members\u00a0 of our community.\nSincerely,\nDave Reichert\nChairman", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-marysville-pilchuck-high-school-shooting", "Reichert Statement on Marysville-Pilchuck High School Shooting", "2014-10-24", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Marysville-Pilchuck High School Shooting                                           \n              Oct 24, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Issaquah, WA \u2013 Rep. Reichert issued the following statement in response to today's events in Marysville: \"It is with great sadness that I learned of today\u2019s tragedy in Marysville. My thoughts and prayers go out to the staff, students, and families of Marysville-Pilchuck High School. I pray for a quick recovery for the injured students, and I mourn with the rest of our community for those who lost their lives today.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398451", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Asks For Help To Honor Veterans in Southwest Washington", "2014-10-20", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she will be sharing the stories of Southwest Washington\u2019s veteran heroes on her website again this November. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Washington, DC \u2013 Jaime Herrera Beutler announced today that she will be sharing the stories of Southwest Washington\u2019s veteran heroes on her website again this November. \nIf you are a resident who served in the military or you know someone who did, Jaime Herrera Beutler invites you to submit photos and stories from time in the service. Jaime will be posting these stories and photos on her Facebook page and at JHB.House.Gov throughout the month of November. \n\u201cAs a Member of Congress, it is my duty to honor our military veterans by making sure they have access to the resources and support they were promised. Sharing their heroic stories is just one way I hope to honor the sacrifices they made for our security and freedom.\u201d \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"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-ebola-crisis", "Reichert Statement on Ebola Crisis", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Rep. Reichert issued the following statement in response to the ongoing situation concerning the Ebola virus: \"The ongoing Ebola crisis is one of great concern to us all. My thoughts are with the men and women taking up the task of caring for and working to provide treatment and supplies to those here at home as well as in widely-effected nations. This is not without a great deal of risk to their own health and livelihood, and I am impressed by the soldiers and healthcare workers involved in these efforts and their commitment to serving others. I continue to pray for all of those who have contracted the disease and hope for a complete and speedy recovery as well as effective treatment and containment of this virus. I stand ready with my colleagues to take whatever action is deemed most appropriate to end this outbreak abroad and prevent any further occurrences in the United States.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20141024030350/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2377", "McMorris Rodgers Statement on Ebola", "2014-10-17", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement today after President Obama appointed Ron Klain to serve as the Administration\u2019s Ebola response coordinator.  \u201cWe must do everything possible to protect the American people from the growing and life-threatening risk of Ebola. \u00a0As more cases are diagnosed, especially in light of the recent reports, I expect the Administration and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to act swiftly and aggressively to not only combat this epidemic, but also gain the trust and confidence of the American people every step of the way. \u00a0A biosecurity threat of this nature requires a comprehensive strategy across multiple federal agencies \u2013 not just a single official.\u00a0  \u201cI urge the Administration to consider immediate travel restrictions \u2013 such as visa bans for non-US nationals in the West African countries most impacted \u2013 in addition to making sure the CDC and other agencies have the resources they need to train and equip health care professionals to fight this virulent disease.\u00a0 I will continue to advance efforts to assist the Administration\u2019s response to combat the Ebola outbreak \u2013 including the recent approval of $750 million to support Operation United Assistance, the Department of Defense-led mission.\u00a0 This is a public health emergency \u2013 and it should be met with aggressive, coordinated, and immediate action.\u201d  Please visit\u00a0this timeline\u00a0of actions taken in the House to assist and assess the government's response to the Ebola outbreak.\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398318", "PHOTO: Jaime Herrera Beutler Visits Raymond for VA Mobile Medical Units First Trip to Southwest Washington", "2014-10-15", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Tuesday, October 14, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler was in Raymond as the VA\u2019s mobile medical unit made its first trip to Southwest Washington to offer basic medical services to veterans.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \n    \n        \n            \n        \n    \n\n  \nOn Tuesday, October 14, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler was in Raymond as the VA\u2019s mobile medical unit made its first trip to Southwest Washington to offer basic medical services to veterans.  The mobile medical unit\u2019s visit is the first of what will be quarterly visits to Pacific County, and follows more than two years of effort by Jaime to bring this underutilized resource to her region to serve rural veterans.\u201cOn behalf of all the ex-service men and women who have waited so long to now see this facility become a reality, the American Legion Post 150 wants to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jaime for her effort in helping make it possible,\u201d said veteran Kenneth Grimm, Adjutant, American Legion Post 150. \u201cPacific County and our local area have always been among the leaders in numbers of people in uniform. It is only fitting that this kind of a facility is finally available for their use. With the obscene price of gas we cannot be driving to Tacoma, Chehalis, or other out of town locations.\u201d  \u201cThis was a long time coming!  The veterans I\u2019ve spoken to were extremely relieved that they won\u2019t have to travel more than one hundred miles for flu shots and other basic services,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cNow that the mobile medical unit will be here on a regular basis, more and more of our rural veterans will be able to access this convenient resource.\u201d  More details on Jaime\u2019s efforts to bring the mobile medical unit to Southwest Washington are available by clicking here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/reichert-statement-domestic-violence-awareness-month-2014", "Reichert Statement on Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2014", "2014-10-08", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\"October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have witnessed the effects of domestic violence time and time again. In 33 years of law enforcement it was sadly unavoidable and every time, domestic violence left behind devastation, broken families, and broken communities. \u00a0We will never be able to fully assess the damage done to men, women, and children by domestic violence, because it is not just physical, but affects every part of someone\u2019s well-being. \u00a0To eradicate domestic violence, it will take a unified, nation-wide effort. Help is available, and I applaud all of those who have worked tirelessly for years to eradicate domestic violence. I also urge organizations and individuals to continue to provide support and assistance so that we can ensure victims will feel safe seeking help. I am committed to stamping out violence wherever it is found, and together, with an unwavering commitment to justice and helping others, we will keep our people safe.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-awards-angel-adoption-recognition-susan-chung", "Reichert Awards \"Angel in Adoption\" Recognition to Susan Chung", "2014-10-07", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Rep. Reichert presented Susan Chung, founder of the Korean Adoptee Family Foundation (KORAFF) with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute\u2019s (CCAI) \u201cAngel in Adoption\u201d award.\nMs. Chung, a resident of Sammamish, has greatly given back to her community by helping families who have adopted Korean children understand their birth nation\u2019s heritage and culture through the founding and running of KORAFF. KORAFF offers educational programs designed to encourage children to identify with their native cultures and serves as a valuable resource for both parents and children.\nReichert stated, \u201cI was honored to nominate Ms. Chung for this recognition. Her dedication to service and to these families is undeniable and she is a leading light in the 8th District. Her love of and passion for her work is evident in everything she does, and I know the benefits endowed by KORAFF programs reach far beyond individuals, and enrich entire communities.\u201d\nBackground\nCCAI\u00a0was 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.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-named-champion-children", "Reichert Named Champion for Children", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) was named a \u201cChampion for Children\u201d by the First Focus Campaign for Children. The award recognizes the top 100 members in Congress, both House and Senate, who consistently advocate for children.\nAfter the announcement, Reichert said, \u201cI am honored to be named a \u2018Champion for Children\u2019 this year. I have always believed, whether it was as Sheriff of King County during my 33 years in law enforcement, or as a member of Congress and chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee, that it is my job and my privilege to fight for the most vulnerable, whoever they may be. \u00a0All too often it is America\u2019s kids. They are the ones who will shape and lead the future, and I want to ensure that they receive the best possible support from us to be able to make wise choices, receive a high-quality education, enter a thriving and economically viable workforce, and succeed as adults.\u00a0 Whether a foster child, an only child, or one of 7 like myself, every child deserves equal opportunities.\u201d\nReichert is chairman of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee which oversees the country\u2019s foster care system. He recently helped author H.R. 4980, a bill package that included critical reforms to help foster youth get into permanent homes and live happy, successful lives. It also included Reichert\u2019s legislation to prevent the sex trafficking of youth in foster care. Additionally, Reichert is a founder and co-chair of the Children\u2019s Health Care Caucus which works to promote policy that will result in better health outcomes for children across the nation.\nThe Champion for Children Award recognizes the members who have best \u201cdemonstrated extraordinary initiative\u201d to \u201cimprove the health, educational outcomes, and well-being of children\u201d, according to First Focus. To learn more, visit their website here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-sex-trafficking-prevention-legislation-becomes-law", "Reichert Sex Trafficking Prevention Legislation Becomes Law", "2014-10-02", "2014", "2014-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 4980) was signed into law by President Obama. This bipartisan legislation includes bills from Rep. Dave Reichert (WA-8) to prevent the sex trafficking of youth in foster care (H.R. 4058) and to ensure proper child support payments even when a parent lives abroad (H.R. 1896).\nReichert said, \u201cThis legislation becoming law is a victory for American children.\u00a0 We have committed to protecting foster kids and we are responsible for their safety and success, yet for too long we have not lived up to that that promise. In 33 years of law enforcement, I saw all too often the tragic circumstances these children could end up in if not properly taken care of.\u00a0 Now, this new law will help protect children from the horrors of sex trafficking and give them opportunities to lead more normal and successful lives.\u201d\nReal-life survivor and Rights4Girls Advocate \"T\" Ortiz Walker Pettigrew said, \"The signing of H.R. 4980 into law is more than a dream come true. As an advocate pushing for the public to recognize these issues, it is with great admiration that I thank those who helped make this law a reality. It will help so many young people, families, and social systems tp practically address the issue of domestic trafficking of this country's already vulnerable populations. Many aspects of this law, including engaging young people as respected members of the planning team for their own lives, will make a world of difference in shaping successful outcomes. Sharing my story on a federal level has not been easy, but watching those of power take action to make a difference in the lives of others made it all worth it.\"\n\u201cAt Treehouse, we are whole-heartedly committed to transforming the lives of kids in foster care by helping them experience a real childhood, and providing them the support that all kids need to graduate from high school with a plan for their future. We were thrilled to join Congressman Reichert in support of this important legislation to empower youth to participate in the planning of their transition from foster care. We as a community have a special responsibility to kids in care, and by enabling them to define their own course and develop the self-determination and problem-solving skills needed to be self-sufficient young adults, we are helping to build their future prospects and avoid tragic outcomes like sex trafficking,\u201d stated Janis Avery, Treehouse CEO.\u00a0\n\u201cThe Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act will\u00a0help ensure children in foster care find the permanent, loving families they deserve and promote adoptions from foster care.\u00a0The legislation addresses sex trafficking of youth in foster care\u00a0and demonstrates that Congress has made it a priority to protect the many children at risk of being trafficked every year in the United States.\u00a0The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act will empower children and families by helping foster children lead normal lives, giving older foster youth more control over their future, and increasing the likelihood that children find permanent families rather than\u00a0languishing in foster care,\" said First Focus Campaign for Children president Bruce Lesley.\u00a0\nJim Theofelis, Founder and Executive Director of the Mockingbird Society said, \u201cAt The Mockingbird Society, we work with young people to change policies and perceptions that stand in the way of every child having a safe, stable home. This legislation is an important step towards ensuring our government policies treat young people involved in sex trafficking as survivors instead of criminals, providing the support necessary to keep them out or get them out of dangerous situations. I want to thank Congressman Reichert for his leadership on this issue and for always welcoming the input of our young people.\u201d\n\u201cWe must do everything possible to ensure young people in the child welfare system who have also faced the horrors of trafficking are supported to heal and prepare for the future; we owe them that. Congressman Reichert\u2019s leadership and support of this issue is critical,\u201d said Dr. Melinda Giovengo, Executive Director of YouthCare, a Seattle-based organization providing essential services to runaway, homeless, and sexually exploited youth and young adults. \u201cWe see too many youth walk through our doors having had their childhoods stolen away. We know that youth on the run from care are incredibly vulnerable to sexual exploitation. We also know the future is still out ahead for each of them. We owe youth in young adults in this situation the opportunity to discover their potential and thrive in life. The improvements of HR 4980 will go a long way to keeping our community\u2019s children safe and moving forward.\u201d\nThe new law will specifically act to prevent sex trafficking by:\n Requiring state child welfare agencies to identify, document, and determine appropriate services for children in foster care or who are otherwise involved in the child welfare system who are victims of child sex trafficking or at risk of becoming victims.\n  Requiring state child welfare agencies to promote \"normalcy\" for youth in foster care allowing them to more easily participate in age appropriate social, scholastic and enrichment activities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394733", "VA Announces Plans to Serve Southwest Washingtons Rural Veterans with Mobile Medical Unit beginning in October", "2014-09-29", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The VA has announced that it will send its Puget Sound mobile medical unit to Raymond to serve Southwest Washington\u2019s rural veterans.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      The VA has announced that it will send its Puget Sound mobile medical unit to Raymond to serve Southwest Washington\u2019s rural veterans.\nCongresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler has been working with the VA for more than two years to give veterans in Southwest Washington access to this resource that brings primary health care to rural areas. Some veterans in Southwest Washington must travel 150 miles roundtrip to obtain care from a VA facility.\u00a0 The mobile medical unit program was designed to bridge this gap by bringing basic care such as checkups, flu shots, and prescription filling closer to remote and rural communities.\nThe VA has announced that it will deploy its mobile medical unit to Raymond for one week every quarter, beginning with the following scheduled appearance next month. \u00a0According to VA personnel, walk up appointments will be available, and if there is not availability upon arrival, veterans will have the option to be scheduled for a later time or day.\n\nWhen: 10/14 \u2013 9am-3pm\n10/15 \u2013 8am-3pm\n10/16 \u2013 8am-3pm\n10/17 \u2013 8am-Noon \nWhere: American Legion  \n221 Duryea St  \nRaymond, WA 98577 \nServices include: \n\u00b7Primary health care appointments and walk-ups\n\u00b7Physical Exams\n\u00b7Flu shots and other immunizations\n\u00b7Prescriptions\n\u00b7Labs\n\u00b7 Assistance in signing up for VA benefits\n\n\u201cWe have a responsibility to make sure every veteran has access to\u00a0the quality health care they were promised,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cAfter more than two years of working to make sure the federal government better utilizes this taxpayer-funded resource, I am pleased that the VA will finally use its mobile medical unit to regularly serve Southwest Washington vets.\u00a0 I hope veterans will come take advantage of this opportunity to get care closer to home. Currently, most veterans in the Pacific County area must travel more than 60 miles each way to get even basic care like flu shots or prescriptions from a VA facility. Given the need to fix the VA\u2019s overall system for serving veterans, this is a good step.\u201d \n\u00a0\nBackground on Jaime\u2019s efforts to bring the Mobile medical unit to Southwest Washington: \n \u00b7 July, 2012: Jaime formally requested that the Puget Sound Mobile medical unit be deployed to Southwest Washington. Click here to read more. \u00a0 \n \u00b7 May, 2013: Jaime introduced a legislative provision to audit the VA\u2019s Mobile medical unit program. Click here to read more. \n \u00b7 May, 2014: As a result of Jaime\u2019s legislative efforts, an audit is performed revealing gaps and identified recommendations for improvement. Click here to read more.  \n \u00b7 June, 2014: Jaime sends letter to VA Secretary General once again requesting the Puget Sound Mobile medical unit be deployed to Southwest Washington. Click here to read more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/house-members-introduce-outdoor-act", "House Members Introduce OUTDOOR Act", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Congressmen Dave Reichert (R-WA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Greg Walden, (R-OR), Jared Polis (D-CO), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Mike Thompson, (D-CA), introduced thebipartisan U.S. Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation (OUTDOOR) Act (H.R. 5646) to reduce tariffs on recreational performance apparel.\u00a0 The legislation would make products like jackets and pants more affordable for American consumers, encourage participation in outdoor activities, and help designers and retailers of performance apparel better compete in the global economy.\u00a0\nThe Congressmen said, \u201cThe American Dream is built on the idea of exploration and economic success, and the OUTDOOR Act works to promote both of those concepts and make them a reality. From canoeing to mountain climbing, Americans have found ways to enjoy the outdoors in every season of the year, and outfitting them with innovative apparel is a major job-creating industry.\u00a0 This legislation is a needed update to antiquated and unreasonably high tariffs set on recreational performance apparel, and more importantly it will help employers grow their businesses, remove a hidden tax on consumers, and continue to foster interest in America\u2019s outdoor recreation.\u201d\n\u201cI commend the Representatives and Senators Cantwell and Ayotte for coming together in a bipartisan effort to support the outdoor recreation industry, a vital part of the economy at the state and national level,\u201d said OIA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer.\u00a0 \u201cThe U.S. OUTDOOR Act will lower costs for outdoor businesses, fuel innovation, attract more consumers to get outdoors using high-quality, affordable apparel and will create more jobs in the United States.\u00a0 We look forward to the enactment of this important legislation.\u201d\nBACKGROUND  \n\tAccording to the Outdoor Industry Association, American consumers spend over $640 billion each year on outdoor recreation, in so doing supporting an industry that is directly and indirectly tied to 12 million American jobs. H.R. 5646 creates new Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) breakouts for both knit and woven recreational performance outerwear and changes tariff rates for these clothing items to duty-free, thereby eliminating the \u201chidden tax\u201d on these goods. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398453", "Chronicle Guest Commentary: Time to Change How We Combat Fires, Fund Efforts", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It only takes a quick look in the newspaper to know that this year\u2019s wildfire season has been bad\u2014endangering communities, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of forest, and costing millions of dollars to contain the destructive flames. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      It only takes a quick look in the newspaper to know that this year\u2019s wildfire season has been bad\u2014endangering communities, destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of forest, and costing millions of dollars to contain the destructive flames. Over the past 20 years the U.S. Forest Service has had to more than double the resources necessary to fight wildfires. Each year, it drains its wildfire fighting budget and must dip into funds supposed to be used for maintenance work in our national forests. \u00a0 The result is disease and fire-prone forests, and an even greater risk of catastrophic wildfire. \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 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\r\nIt\u2019s time to change how we combat wildfires in the short term, and do more to prevent catastrophic fires in the future.\u00a0 First, we need to alter the way we fund federal wildfire management so we have the necessary resources for these emergencies.\u00a0 Second, it\u2019s time to actively manage our national forests so that they\u2019re healthy and fire-resilient, rather than diseased tinderboxes prone to disastrous wildfires that threaten private and state - managed lands and surrounding communities.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act of 2014 would give the federal government an immediate tool to more effectively fight wildfires. Currently, the very same wildfires that forced the evacuation of homes in North-Central Washington and displaced families to seek shelter at a local high school are not eligible for the same emergency funding as other natural disasters.\u00a0 This bill changes that, allowing the U.S. Forest Service to access emergency resources without having to deplete the rest of its budget. My colleagues on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and I have been working to build bipartisan support for this legislation. The Obama administration has voiced its support for this initiative and I\u2019m optimistic that we can get this necessary change written into law.\r\n\r\n\r\nFixing the way we fund wildfires is important, but it\u2019s only a start. The constant increase in wildfires points to a larger root problem: the chronic mismanagement of our federal forests. Twenty years ago, the well-intended but deeply flawed Northwest Forest Plan was adopted, ushering in a \u201chands-off\u201d forest management style.\u00a0 The ensuing surge in wildfires in combination with other troubling symptoms \u2014 insect infestations, a decline in wildlife species, the rapid spread of disease \u2014 have spurred a growing number of scientists, wildlife biologists, conservation organizations and academics to sound the alarm that our federal forests are in trouble.\u00a0 Year after year of overgrowth and fuel buildup continue to compound the problem, leading to the fires we\u2019ve seen in recent summers that burn hotter and longer.\u00a0 In turn, wildlife habitat is being destroyed and our clean water is being severely threatened.\u00a0 We desperately need to remove fuel buildup and create openings throughout the forest landscape to help provide natural fire breaks.\r\n\r\n\r\nForest openings are not only important for wildfire prevention, but they are also necessary to support healthy habitat for many species within the forest. A healthy forest has a mosaic of age classes, each habitat able to support different species.\u00a0 Many species rely on the plant life that is found only in early forest conditions for foraging and survival. For example, Northwest deer and elk have been forced onto smaller swaths of private lands due to lack of foraging areas in our federal forests. The prey of the northern spotted owl also lived in these early forest habitats. As this habitat has disappeared, the spotted owl\u2019s population has continued to decline at 3 percent each year.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile the consensus for active management is solidifying, we must avoid some of the riskier \u201cactive\u201d approaches that could cause more harm. \u00a0 In July, the head of the U.S. Forest Service stated in a congressional hearing that the agency would intentionally burn 65 million acres of national forests in the name of fire prevention.\u00a0 This approach would be extremely costly and risky - experienced Forest Service veterans and firefighters warn that such large scale prescribed fires could easily burn out of control.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat\u2019s really needed is a sustainable, ecosystem-based, long-term rotating mosaic of age classes across the forest landscape that will provide a variety of habitats for a broad spectrum of wildlife and vegetation species.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nThis is imperative for overall forest health and it will also benefit the communities who live and breathe in the shadow of our forests.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nResponsible timber harvests that meet the level determined as \u201csustainable\u201d by scientists would be a win-win for the Forest Service and our communities.\u00a0 The harvests would provide desperately-needed revenue for the Forest Service to carry out forest management, and would fund emergency services, schools and roads in the rural communities that have been devastated by twenty years of \u201chands off\u201d federal forest policy. \u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\nThe long term prevention of devastating wildfires hinges on better forest management.\u00a0 Fortunately, forest management does not have to be a choice between harvesting every stick of timber, or putting a fence around the forest and walking away.\u00a0 As someone who grew up in Southwest Washington and now represents this region in Congress, I\u2019ll keep fighting for common sense solutions that give our forests and communities the best chance of a healthy future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398454", "U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee Discuss Washington State SHOP Exchange Failure", "2014-09-19", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Thursday, September 18 the U.S. House Small Business committee hosted a hearing to discuss the implementation of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) through the Affordable Care Act. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      On Thursday, September 18 the U.S. House Small Business committee hosted a hearing to discuss the implementation of the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) through the Affordable Care Act. Jaime Herrera Beutler pressed for answers about current and future of the exchange. \r\n\u00a0\r\nHEARING VIDEO OF JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER \r\n\u00a0\r\nDr. Stark is a retired physician and an accomplished health care policy analyst from Washington state provided following insights.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cWe have 3 major carriers in the individual market in the state of Washington and so far none of those have opted to participate in the SHOP and we don\u2019t see them participating in 2015 and it\u2019s doubtful in 2016, 2017.\u201d \r\n\u201cAssociation Health Plans are very popular in the State of WA \u2026 A lot of business owners are very fearful that those are going away and they will be left with either putting their employees in the private market or in the SHOP.\u201d\r\n\u201cEmployers are going to be looking at doing away with coverage or putting employees in the individual exchange.\u201d \r\nDemocrat Small Business Committee Ranking Member Hahn stated, \u201cIt was disturbing, Dr. Stark, to hear that a lot insurance companies are not participating in the SHOP. And that is not good for consumers. We know that competition drives down costs\u2026\u201d\r\nBackground: \r\nThe SHOP Exchange is a program within the ACA that was intended to allow Small Businesses to provide health care for their employees at affordable rates.\u00a0 \r\nFACT: \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Washington State SHOP Exchange has only one participating provider. \r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Only 2 counties in the state have plan options for small business owners.\r\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Washington state\u2019s SHOP waiver is set to expire next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/house-members-introduce-teacher-tax-relief-act", "House Members Introduce Teacher Tax Relief Act", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Representatives Dave Reichert, Jim McDermott, Aaron Schock, Ron Kind, Pat Tiberi, and Bill Pascrell introduced the Teacher Tax Relief Act, H.R. 5504, to make permanent the deduction allowed for teachers who purchase classroom supplies out of pocket and expands the deduction to the include professional development expenses.\n\u201cToo often teachers spend their own hard-earned money in order to provide their students with basic school supplies,\u201d said the Representatives. \u201cOur bill will alleviate some of the financial burden placed on today\u2019s teachers while also making a significant investment in the education and the futures of America\u2019s children. This bipartisan legislation will allow teachers to expand their knowledge, keep skills current, and equip themselves and their students for success.\u201d\nDirector of NEA Government Relations Mary Kusler said, \u201cEducators nationwide who work to create successful learning environments for all of their students\u00a0appreciate the leadership and support of the bipartisan sponsors of this bill. \u00a0In recent years, educators have spent $1.6 billion of their own money to ensure their students have basic supplies and instructional materials that help them meet their goals. Providing educators with a modest tax deduction that will now keep pace with inflation, is an important recognition of educators\u2019 daily sacrifices on behalf of the students they serve.\u201d\nBACKGROUND  \n\tEvery year educators across the country foot the bill for basic classroom supplies out of dedication to teaching and to their students.\u00a0 In fact, the National School Supply and Equipment Association found that for the 2005-2006 school year educators spent out of their own pockets an average of $826 for supplies and $926 for instructional materials \u2013 for a total of $1,752.\nAdditionally, teacher quality is critical to maximize student achievement, as highly qualified teachers will enable students to meet high standards. Continued professional development is one vital way that teachers keep their skills and knowledge current, and best equip themselves to prepare students for college and the challenges of the 21st Century global workplace. Expanding the tax deduction to cover qualified continuing education pursuits further assures the success of our teachers and our children.\u00a0 The legislation is written to adjust for inflation so that the deduction keeps pace with the growing cost to teachers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210353/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2372", "RELEASE: McMorris Rodgers to Host A 'Conversation with Cathy' in Cheney", "2014-09-18", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA \u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will host a \u2018Conversation with Cathy\u2019 in Cheney next week. The Congresswoman looks forward to hearing from members of the community so she can bring their thoughts and ideas to Congress.\u00a0She will give an update on the work she is doing to create better opportunities for Eastern Washington men and women.  Friday, September 26, 2014  9:30 AM to 10:30 AM  City of Cheney, Multi-Purpose Room  615 4th Street\u00a0  Venue Entrance,  Wren Pierson Building  \u00a0\u00a0  Any further questions can be directed to the Spokane office at 509-353-2374  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-voting-yes-fight-isil-and-fund-government", "Reichert Statement on Voting Yes to Fight ISIL and Fund the Government", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement after today's House votes on training Syrian rebels and keeping the government open:\n\u201cToday, I voted with my House colleagues to give President Obama the authority to train and equip vetted Syrian rebels who are actively fighting against ISIL. This authorization comes with strict oversight and a requirement for consistent reporting on progress to ensure the Administration communicates properly with Congress and the American people. All of this is a step towards developing a real and complete strategy that will eliminate ISIL as a threat.\n\u201cThis amendment was part of the larger Continuing Resolution (CR) which the House passed this evening to continue funding the government through December 11, 2014. Included in that funding was language that extended the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank through the middle of next year. As a critical resource for many Washington companies, from our manufacturers to our wineries, this will give us time to come together and develop a long term plan that will ensure the continued success of Washington businesses, farmers and workers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210555/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2371", "McMorris Rodgers: America Must Lead the Fight Against ISIL", "2014-09-17", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Remarks by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) on the House floor prior to passage of Amendment #3 to H.J. Res. 124, which fulfills the President's request to train and equip vetted Syrian forces against the terrorist group ISIL:  \"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Chairman's amendment and stand ready to work with my colleagues and the President on a long term strategy to dismantle and destroy ISIL. Last week, the President's address to the country began to make the case that ISIL is an immediate threat to our allies in the Middle East, Europe, and ultimately our homeland. This is a radical and brutal force opposed to all who do no adhere to their narrow view of Islam and the world. ISIL has declared war on our way of life and the values on which our country was founded and has flourished for over 235 years. In fact, ISIL has made clear they will not be deterred until they see their flag flying over the White House.\u00a0  \"When it comes to protecting the safety and security of Americans at home and abroad, Americans must lead. As we know, a speech is not a plan. An F-18 is not a strategy. As the Commander in Chief, we need the President to give us an honest assessment and an in-depth strategy to defend the country and our interests around the world. This amendment responds to the President's request to use title 10 authority to train and equip vetted Syrian opposition forces. General Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called it a necessary but not sufficient step. Beyond the amendment and the President's limited request, the American people need to see a plan clearly articulated with a strategy to dismantle and destroy ISIL.  \"When we look around the world today, we see instability and numerous threats. The spread of radical Islam throughout the globe is more pervasive Iran continues to move toward a nuclear weapon. Russia continues to take aggressive action toward the Baltic states. I support this amendment because America must lead. As we've seen, when America sits idle on the sidelines, there's a leadership void which is filled by bad actors. I urge my colleagues to join us in taking this action. I yield back the balance of my time.\"  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210757/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2369", "McMorris Rodgers: Executive Action is Unlawful and Unacceptable", "2014-09-16", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement in response to a new report published by the\u00a0independent Government Accountability Office (GAO). The report finds the Obama Administration has knowingly disregarded\u00a0bipartisan policy that prevented taxpayer funded elective abortion.  \u201cThe American people deserve an Administration committed to carrying out the law \u2013 not usurping it. Disappointingly, today\u2019s report marks one more example of the President\u2019s disregard for the law and for hard-earned taxpayer dollars. For decades, both Republicans and Democrats have believed that taxpayer dollars should not fund elective abortion. Yet this report highlights Obamacare\u2019s unlawful dismissal of these bipartisan measures.\u00a0  \u201cWe must come together to protect hardworking taxpayers across the country, which is why I was proud to support bipartisan legislation that corrects this abuse \u2013 and I am hopeful the Senate will take up this important legislation. We must put an end to this unacceptable executive overreach.\u201d  The GAO report, released this morning, finds that American taxpayer dollars are funding abortion under the\u00a0Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Earlier this year, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers voted in favor of H.R. 7, the\u00a0No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which protects taxpayer dollars from funding elective abortion.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918210959/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2370", "McMorris Rodgers: A Victory for Eastern Washington Families", "2014-09-15", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after the House passed S. 1086, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014.  \u201cToday the House acted to protect and empower working families all across this country.\u00a0 As the mom of three young children, and the representative of thousands of working parents in Eastern Washington, I know how important it is to find safe and reliable child care services for our kids. \u00a0And right now \u2013 when too many moms and dads are struggling to pay their bills and make ends meet \u2013 American families need security.\u00a0 They need options.\u00a0 And they need solutions. \u00a0\u00a0This bipartisan legislation improves and modernizes our child care services while giving parents the peace of mind they need when they say goodbye to their kids every morning.\u00a0 It strengthens the safety of existing child care facilities.\u00a0 And it makes life better for hardworking parents.\u00a0 As this bill heads to the President\u2019s desk, we celebrate a huge victory for families in every corner of this country.\u201d\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918211201/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2364", "Legislators Call For Answers On Behalf of ALS Community", "2014-09-12", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), John Tierney (D-MA), and Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) sent a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting an explanation for recent policy changes impacting millions of Americans living with neurological and degenerative disabilities. They released the following statement on these changes, which limit patient access to speech generating devices (SGDs) .  \u201cAmericans rely on these innovative technologies as their only means to continue communicating with family, friends, and the outside world, but CMS\u2019s recent actions are now limiting their ability to benefit from these tools that help lead to independent, productive lives. After hearing from numerous individuals living with ALS and other degenerative disabilities, we urge CMS to explain its shortsighted policy decisions. Together we stand with the millions of Americans living with degenerative disabilities who are being impacted. We must empower men and women with the opportunity to utilize 21st century technologies that can have a tremendous impact on their quality of life.\u201d  These changes by CMS impact patient access to speech generating devices, including eye tracking technology, which is often the only option for those with advanced degenerative conditions. Patients living with cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Rett Syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson\u2019s disease, brain stem stroke, locked-in syndrome, and traumatic brain injury are affected by these changes.\u00a0  This letter seeks an explanation from CMS for these revisions, which include the prevention of unlocking of SGD devices -- which expand their functionality -- when Medicare is not being asked to cover or pay for those expanded functionalities. \u00a0  Representatives McMorris Rodgers, Tierney, Paulsen and Senator Collins were joined by 200 legislators who signed onto this bipartisan letter to CMS and Administrator Marilyn Tavenner.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-911-anniversary-we-will-always-remember", "Reichert Statement on 9/11 Anniversary:  We Will Always Remember", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the 9/11 and Benghazi terrorist attacks:\n\u201cToday is a day of tragedy in our nation\u2019s history. We remember not only the horrific and devastating September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a now infamous field in Pennsylvania, but also the unthinkable actions that took the lives of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens, and Americans Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty in Benghazi, Libya in 2012. This day serves as a reminder of those we have lost, innocent men and women who died as heroes and the brave men and women who make daily sacrifices to protect America from further harm. It is a reminder to treasure our loved ones and the freedoms we hold dear. We have seen a new world since September 11, 2001, and the attack on our embassy in Benghazi two years ago was a stark reminder of that changed landscape. The Middle East remains in turmoil and our national security is still heightened. As we meet new threats and new challenges, we must continue to defend the principles and the ideals of this great nation. I stand with each and every one of you today, shoulder to shoulder, dedicated to keeping America safe and working to keep it strong. We will always remember.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-response-presidents-speech-isil", "Reichert Statement in Response to President's Speech on ISIL", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement in response to the President's speech last night:\n\u201cLast night we heard President Obama\u2019s strategy to \u2018degrade and ultimately defeat\u2019 the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). His strategy incorporates a broad, multi-national coalition, which I applaud. Every citizen of the world should be concerned about the threat posed by ISIL. We have seen cases of men and women from all over the globe leave home to join their ranks. This radicalism cannot be tolerated; the president is right: we cannot allow terrorists safe havens. The objectives laid out by President Obama are a start, but we must also be prepared to continually assess and evaluate a clear strategy to eliminate the extremism taught and acted out by ISIL. I will work diligently with my colleagues to ensure that the President's words lead to action and that an open dialogue continues on how best to defeat this enemy. It is time for America and this Administration to lead and to take decisive, powerful action to eliminate the threat of ISIL.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918211403/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2366", "McMorris Rodgers: We Will Never Forget", "2014-09-11", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today to mark the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  \u201cIt is with heavy hearts that we reflect on America\u2019s darkest day. We remember the firefighters who ran in to those burning buildings instead of away from them.\u00a0We remember the faces of those searching for those they loved.\u00a0We remember the flames and the debris and the fear.\u00a0We will never forget the fear.\u00a0But let us also reflect on the selflessness of strangers; the courage of our first-responders; and the prayers that were echoed in silence around the world.\u00a0From great destruction came unwavering resolve.\u00a0Today we remember what makes us all proud to be Americans: an unshakable spirit that can endure even the greatest and darkest of evils.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140918211604/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2365", "McMorris Rodgers: Advocating for Eastern Washington Patients", "2014-09-10", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage of H.R. 4067, which provides for the extension of the enforcement instruction on supervision requirements for outpatient therapeutic services in critical access and small rural hospitals through 2014. The legislation helps Eastern Washington patients receive care in critical access and small rural hospitals.\u00a0\n\n\t\u201cGrowing up in Eastern Washington, I know firsthand the challenges rural communities face when it comes to accessing health care.\u00a0 Right now, it\u2019s too hard for those in rural areas to receive quality health care because too many government mandates stand in the way. This legislationaddresses one of those unnecessarily burdensome mandates. \u00a0It ensures that those in rural hospitals have full access to outpatient therapeutic services. \u00a0The patients who rely on Eastern Washington\u2019s rural hospitals for life-saving treatments and procedures must be protected \u2013 with fewer regulations and smarter legislation.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\n\n\tOver 46 million Americans in rural communities depend on critical access and small rural hospitals, and this legislation delays the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandate regarding \u201cdirect supervision\u201d of outpatient services for the rest of the year. This CMS policy would require a supervising physician be physically present in the department when Medicare beneficiaries receive these services. H.R. 4067 delays the enforcement of this policyfor critical access and small rural hospitals with fewer than 100 beds.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-remembers-ranger-margaret-anderson", "Reichert Remembers Ranger Margaret Anderson", "2014-09-05", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) spoke at the renaming of the Eatonville Post Office in honor of Park Ranger Margaret Anderson.\u00a0 The post office was renamed after legislation Reichert introduced, H.R. 1036, was signed into law earlier this year.\u00a0 Park Ranger Anderson\u2019s heroic actions were remembered during a ceremony that included the unveiling of a plaque officially designating the Eatonville Post Office as a memorial in her honor.\nUpon this recognition, Reichert said, \u201cI have lost friends and partners in the line of duty. I know just how difficult that loss is. I know that you never forget. Eatonville will never forget Margaret Anderson.\u00a0 Her family will never forget.\u00a0 With the renaming of Eatonville Post Office, we erect a permanent memorial in her honor, giving this community a visible, tangible reminder of her heroic actions and all of those who have committed their lives to serving others, and this community in particular.\u00a0 It was an honor to be able to introduce the legislation that made this possible, and it was an honor to be here today to celebrate Margaret Anderson\u2019s life and memory.\u201d\nRanger Anderson was killed in the line of duty on January 1, 2012 while establishing a roadblock within Mt. Rainier National Park.\u00a0 Her actions prevented an armed suspect from venturing further into the park and endangering more lives. She made the ultimate sacrifice protecting others.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140905013013/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2361", "McMorris Rodgers Announces Veterans and Military Outreach Staff Member", "2014-09-04", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement announcing retired Air Force service member and longtime veterans advocate John Davis as her new Veterans and Military Outreach Liaison.\u00a0  \u201cI am both humbled and honored to welcome John Davis to my team. Over the past four decades, John has dedicated his life to serving our country, our military, and our veterans, and his compassion for the Eastern Washington veteran community has impacted countless lives.  \u201cSimply put, in his new role John is working every day to help veterans in our community \u2013 be it by assisting them with their claims and records, or providing them support and information about how to navigate the VA system. He joins my office in furthering our commitment to the men and women who have served our nation so dutifully. I am inspired by the work John has done to assist homeless veterans, and am confident this new role will leave a lasting impact on the veterans and service members in Eastern Washington.\u201d  John enlisted in the Air Force in 1968, and has served in the Philippines, Okinawa, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Alaska, Antarctica, New Mexico, and at Fairchild Air Force Base, in the 92 Munitions Maintenance Squadron. While assigned to Fairchild AFB, John graduated from Spokane Falls Community College and Eastern Washington University, where he studied counseling and sciences. He also attended Gonzaga University prior to earning his commission.  In 2000, John accepted a job at the Spokane VAMC as the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Coordinator, and under his leadership the program grew from housing ten veterans in Spokane to one that housed more than 250 veterans and their family members.  In 2010 he was awarded the \u201cSecretary's Award of Outstanding Achievement\" in Service to Homeless Veterans by a VA Organization and last year was named by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans as the Outstanding Department of Veterans Affairs Staff Member.  John lives in Stevens County with his wife of 43 years, Cho Sun Ae.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140905013215/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2357", "September 2014 Mobile Office Hours", "2014-09-01", "2014", "2014-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA\u2014Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers\u2019 staff members are hosting monthly mobile office hours throughout Eastern Washington. Anyone who needs assistance with a federal agency or would like to voice an opinion on federal issues is encouraged to come by\u2014no appointment necessary. McMorris Rodgers staff members will be at the following locations in September 2014:  Tuesday, September 5  Colfax:\u00a0Whitman County Courthouse, 400 North Main St, 9-11 AM  Clarkston:\u00a0SEWEDA Office, 845 Port Way, 2-4 PM  Wednesday, September 6  Pomeroy:\u00a0Garfield County Courthouse, 789 Main St, 9-11 AM  Dayton:\u00a0Port of Columbia County Office, 1 Port Way, 2-4 PM  Wednesday, September 9  Davenport:\u00a0Lincoln County Court House, Chambers Room, Logan St, 2-4 PM  *Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers\u2019 Veterans\u2019 Services staff member, John Davis, will be assisting veterans during the Mobile Office Hours in Davenport.*  Any further questions can be directed to the Spokane office at 509-353-2374", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-urges-army-consider-jblm-rif-impact", "Reichert Urges Army to Consider JBLM RIF Impact", "2014-08-25", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 On August 22nd, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) sent a letter to Colonel Robert Wittig, U.S. Army Environmental Command, to urge him to consider the impact that a Reduction in Force (RIF) might have on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). A RIF is planned for JBLM no later than January 15, 2015 which could result in income losses for the communities and businesses that JBLM troops support.\nIn the letter Reichert states, \u201cAs the representative of Washington\u2019s Eighth Congressional District, I ask that you look at all of the facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of the security of our nation, the operation of JBLM, and the surrounding local communities.\u00a0Thank you for your fair and thorough consideration of the SPEA for the 2020 Force Structure Realignment. I have faith that the Army will come to the right decision while keeping the security of our nation at the forefront.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter is below.\n\u00a0\nAugust 22, 2014\n\u00a0\nCol. Robert Wittig\nU.S. Army Environmental Command\nATTN: SPEA Public Comments\n2450 Connell Road (Building 2264)\nJoint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-7664\nDear Col. Wittig, \u00a0\nThank you for serving and all who serve this country. I certainly understand your commitment to doing what is best for our great nation and the men and women who serve.\u00a0 Therefore, as the Army continues to deliberate the SPEA (Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment) review for the Army\u2019s 2020 Force Structure Realignment, I respectfully wish to reemphasize the potential impacts to the community that a Reduction in Force (RIF) might have on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).\nWith the Department of the Army planning to conduct a RIF at JBLM no later than January 15, 2015, which may result in the involuntary separation of 102 permanent employees, it is important to review all of the facts before making a decision that will have an impact on the surrounding communities of JBLM. \u00a0The local community has forged a bond with the over 30,000 soldiers living outside of the base and the local economy has become dependent on this bond.\nThroughout the public comment period, I have heard concerns from community leaders. According to the Pierce County Council and multiple businesses in the area, a reduction of 16,000 troops at JBLM would result in a total income loss of over $1 billion.\u00a0Other concerns include the Department of the Army\u2019s underestimated impacts on local revenue, unemployment rates, and housing market in the area.\u00a0\nAs the representative of Washington\u2019s Eighth Congressional District, I ask that you look at all of the facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of the security of our nation, the operation of JBLM, and the surrounding local communities.\u00a0Thank you for your fair and thorough consideration of the SPEA for the 2020 Force Structure Realignment. \u00a0I have faith that the Army will come to the right decision while keeping the security of our nation at the forefront. Please do not hesitate to contact Zack Guill in my district office at (425) 677-7414 if you need additional information.\n\u00a0\nSincerely,\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dave Reichert\n\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Member of Congress\n\u00a0\nCC: The Honorable John McHugh, Secretary\nU.S. Army", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140822003322/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2356", "McMorris Rodgers to Host 'Conversations with Cathy' This Week", "2014-08-19", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WA \u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will host four \u2018Conversation with Cathy\u2019 events throughout Eastern Washington this week. The Congresswoman looks forward to hearing from the community so she can bring their thoughts and ideas to Congress. She will give an update on the work she is doing to create better opportunities for Eastern Washington men and women. Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers will host \u2018Conversations with Cathy\u2019 events at the following locations this week: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 Walla Walla: Conversation with Cathy for Veterans 2:00 \u2013 3:00 PM City of College Place Council Chambers, 625 South College Avenue Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Dayton: Conversation with Cathy 11:30 AM \u2013 12:30 PM Dayton Library Delaney Room, 111 South 3rd Street Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Clarkston: Conversation with Cathy 3:00 \u2013 4:00 PM Clarkston Campus Auditorium, 1470 Bridge Street Friday, August 22, 2014 Colfax: Conversation with Cathy 10:00 AM \u2013 11:00 AM   Whitman County Public Service Building Auditorium, 310 North Main Street Any further questions can be directed to the Spokane office at 509-353-2374 ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-supports-governors-appeal-federal-wildfire-assistance", "Reichert Supports Governor's Appeal for Federal Wildfire Assistance", "2014-08-13", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA \u2013 After learning that the Washington State request for Individual Assistance, as well as Public Assistance for Chelan County, through a Major Disaster Declaration was denied, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) issued the following statement:  \n\t\u00a0  \n\t\u201cI fully support Governor Inslee\u2019s decision to appeal this ruling from the federal government. Not only is this one of the worst wildfire seasons Washington has seen in many, many years, but we have seen individuals and families lose absolutely everything.\u00a0 The state is doing what it can to help provide assistance but they can\u2019t do it alone.\u00a0 I am working with my colleagues, FEMA, and the Governor\u2019s office to get the federal help we need to ensure people can access basic necessities and provide for themselves and their families as they rebuild their lives. I urge the federal government to address these needs and seriously consider the Governor\u2019s appeal.\u201d  \n\t\u00a0  \n\tWildfires in Washington State have destroyed more than 300 homes across four different counties and have seriously affected local economies, particularly as this comes in the middle of the busiest tourism season for Central Washington, in addition to the destruction of private property.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140808003805/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2354", "McMorris Rodgers: Emergency Funding for Our Friend and Ally", "2014-08-07", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement today after the House voted to allocate an additional $225 million for Israel\u2019s Iron Dome missile defense system.  \u201cThere are no actions more atrocious and contemptible than intentional attacks against civilian populations \u2014 which is the hallmark of the Hamas terrorist gang. However, their barbarism is matched by Israeli ingenuity with Iron Dome, the Israel rocket interceptor. It has kept Hamas from terrorizing the brave Israeli civilian population. Hamas rockets aimed at Israel have been successfully destroyed by Iron Dome. Violence and terror are met by engineering and civilization. \u00a0  \u201cTo protect Israel \u2013 our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East \u2013 we must fund this vital missile defense system. \u00a0Today the House has acted once again to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and provide critical emergency funding for the Iron Dome and protect the people of Israel as they defend themselves and their country.\u00a0 In the name of freedom and democracy, we must act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140808004007/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2355", "McMorris Rodgers: Emergency Funding for Our Friend and Ally", "2014-08-07", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) issued the following statement today after the House voted to allocate an additional $225 million for Israel\u2019s Iron Dome missile defense system.  \u201cThere are no actions more atrocious and contemptible than intentional attacks against civilian populations \u2014 which is the hallmark of the Hamas terrorist gang. However, their barbarism is matched by Israeli ingenuity with Iron Dome, the Israel rocket interceptor. It has kept Hamas from terrorizing the brave Israeli civilian population. Hamas rockets aimed at Israel have been successfully destroyed by Iron Dome. Violence and terror are met by engineering and civilization. \u00a0  \u201cTo protect Israel \u2013 our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East \u2013 we must fund this vital missile defense system. \u00a0Today the House has acted once again to stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel and provide critical emergency funding for the Iron Dome and protect the people of Israel as they defend themselves and their country.\u00a0 In the name of freedom and democracy, we must act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-tours-fire-affected-areas", "Reichert Tours Fire-Affected Areas", "2014-08-05", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Issaquah, WA - Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) visited fire-affected areas in Central Washington including the Red Cross operation at Chelan High School as well as Entiat, Leavenworth, and Ellensburg.\n\u201cAfter meeting so many chiefs and command crews and Red Cross workers today, I am prouder than ever of the work being done by our first responders and volunteers,\u201d said Reichert.\u00a0 \u201cThey have done so much and continue to do so much to ensure that our communities are safe and, if all else fails, that people are removed from harm\u2019s way and provided for.\u00a0 I cannot remember a fire season quite like this one; so many have lost homes or property and watched years of work go up in flames.\u00a0 I hope and pray that the remaining fires, such as those threatening Ellensburg and Vantage, are quickly contained, and I will continue to fight in Congress for our fire fighters to have the proper tools and resources to combat this natural enemy.\u201d\nReichert is chair of the bipartisan Congressional Fire Services Caucus.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390116", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, other Members of Congress Press USDA to Ensure Wheat Exports Can Continue", "2014-08-01", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler and several other Northwest and Midwest Members of Congress yesterday urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to resolve the stoppage in grain inspections at the Port of Vancouver.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler and several other Northwest and Midwest Members of Congress yesterday urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to resolve the stoppage in grain inspections at the Port of Vancouver.\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Greg Walden (R-OR), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Ra\u00fal Labrador (R-ID).\u00a0 The text of their letter is below, and the original July 31 letter can be found by clicking here. \n\u00a0\nDear Secretary Vilsack:\n  \nWe write to express our concern with the continued stoppages to official grain inspections at the Port of Vancouver in Washington State. \n  \nAs you are aware, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) delegated certain critical responsibilities of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). However, in recent weeks, it has come to our attention that WSDA has been either unable or unwilling to perform its official grain inspection duties on a consistent or reliable basis. This is unacceptable.\n  \nWheat growers play a significant role throughout the Midwestern and Northwestern United States. In the latter region, approximately 80 percent of wheat is exported abroad, with a significant portion going to Asia via export facilities in the Pacific Northwest. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan pay a premium for wheat exports through the Northwest because they know that not only is it a high-quality wheat, but through the years, the region has provided timely and reliable delivery. \n  \nOur trading partners, as well as farmers, grain handlers and exporters from the Northwest and Midwest, depend upon accurate, timely, and cost-effective delivery of mandated official grain inspection and weighing services administered by FGIS and its designated and delegated agencies. As such, it is imperative that we continue to assure all of our trading partners that the Port of Vancouver will continue to export a reliable supply of high-quality wheat, especially with wheat harvest already underway. \n  \nUnderstanding the gravity of this situation, we urge FGIS to immediately take action to meet its statutory obligation to inspect wheat exports. It is incumbent on USDA and FGIS to ensure the inspections are completed and to prevent similar disruptions in the future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140808004210/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2353", "McMorris Rodgers: Answering Crisis with Leadership", "2014-08-01", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013\u00a0Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after acting to address the border crisis. \u00a0  \u201cWe face a grave humanitarian and national security crisis at the border \u2013 and\u00a0Americans in Eastern Washington and across this country are asking for leadership. They\u2019re asking for solutions. \u00a0And that\u2019s what our legislation does: it provides a serious solution to a serious problem. Our plan reallocates $694 million to secure the border, provide emergency care, and prevent future arrivals.\u00a0 This will ensure that children are reunited with families in their home countries. Our solution addresses the problem humanely, effectively, and expeditiously.\u00a0The crisis at the border demands our attention.\u00a0It demands our action.\u00a0And it demands our immediate and unwavering leadership.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140808004413/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2351", "McMorris Rodgers: Helping Eastern Washington Students Reach Their Full Potential", "2014-08-01", "2014", "2014-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after introducing H.R. 5303, the 21st Century Classroom Innovation Act, which encourages the use of blended learning in the classroom.   \u201cIn the past few years we\u2019ve seen an increase in the number of classrooms integrating technology \u2013 and these personalized learning tools are leading to tremendous academic performance. \u00a0As the mom of three, I see firsthand how technology in the classroom transforms education.\u00a0 Now we\u2019re taking this success to the next level \u2013 we\u2019re making it possible for students in communities in Eastern Washington and across the country to experience blended learning. By fully incorporating technology into teachers\u2019 lesson plans, elementary and secondary education possibilities are limitless \u2013 and academic results will improve, opening new doors for students.\u00a0 By arming students and teachers with education-focused technology, we are helping our nation\u2019s students succeed in the 21st century and reach their full potential.\u201d   By allowing state education agencies to recognize blended learning pilot programs at the local level, fully integrated technology instruction will better support personalized instruction for all individual students. Participating schools will demonstrate improved students\u2019 assessed outcomes by using actionable data from students\u2019 work.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140808004719/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2352", "McMorris Rodgers: Reliable Grain Inspection Critical to Eastern Washington", "2014-07-31", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after sending a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack expressing concern over stoppages to official grain inspections at the Port of Vancouver.  \u201cWheat growers are at the heart of Eastern Washington\u2019s economy, and the continual inefficiencies at the Port of Vancouver pose a threat to our longstanding export partnerships. In the Northwest, over 80 percent of our wheat is exported abroad \u2013 but these stoppages threaten to harm to our established trade with Asia and other parts of the world. This year\u2019s wheat harvest is already underway, and our community\u2019s farmers, grain handlers, and exporters rely on accurate, timely, and cost-effective mandated official grain inspection to support their livelihood. It is critical we assure our trading partners that the Port of Vancouver will continue to export a reliable supply of high-quality wheat \u2013 our local economy depends on it.  \u201cTogether with my colleagues I urge the Federal Grain Inspection Service to take action today to provide the wheat growing community adequate inspection of wheat exports.\u201d  Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers led the letter to Secretary Vilsack. Her colleagues Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Greg Walden (R-OR), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), and Ra\u00fal Labrador (R-ID) joined her in urging the Secretary\u2019s swift action in restoring timely grain inspection.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/alpine-lakes-legislation-clears-key-hurdle", "Alpine Lakes Legislation Clears Key Hurdle", "2014-07-30", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, a markup was held by the Natural Resources Committee on legislation from Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and cosponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA): the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act (H.R. 361); it was passed favorably out of committee.\u00a0 This legislation would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic.\n\u201cProtecting this area for recreation and tourism opportunities is one of my highest priorities and I am pleased to see the Natural Resources Committee take this step to moving the Alpine Lakes legislation closer to law,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cSince this issue was first brought to my attention in 2006, I have refused to give up on working to ensure that the Alpine Lakes area receives the recognition and protection it deserves. Not only is this area an elegant, natural gem of both the state and the nation, it supports local economies and creates jobs.\u00a0I want our children and grandchildren to enjoy everything Washington State has to offer, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is one the best and most beautiful legacies we can leave them.\u201d\n\u201cWith today\u2019s passage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness expansion bill out of the House Natural Resources Committee, we are one step closer to protecting one of the most popular wilderness destinations in the country,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cWhile I am concerned with some of the changes made to the bill today, this will not be the final version that the president signs into law. Expanding the Alpine Lakes is crucial in supporting outdoor recreation, which generates $22.5 billion in consumer spending each year and is responsible for 227,000 jobs in our state. A short drive from downtown Seattle, countless residents and tourists visit the Alpine Lakes to camp, fish, hunt, hike and enjoy some of the most spectacular views that Washington has to offer.\u201d\nTom Uniack, Conservation Director for Washington Wild was pleased to see the bill pass out of committee, and recognized the work already done and what remains to be accomplished. \"We are happy to see that this important bill passed the House Committee for the first time in four years under the sustained leadership of Congressman Reichert. However, the proposed deletion of low-elevation mature forests along the Pratt Connector Trail is a great concern. These lands are worthy of wilderness designation.\"\nThe existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1976 and is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the country. Key elements of the Alpine Lakes legislation include:\n Providing the protection of the Wilderness Act of 1964 for the lower elevation lands, which 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\tDesignating 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 activities including unique backcountry hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting that is unheard of so close to a major urban center.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=390114", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Advance Legislation Improving Southwest Washington Veterans Timely Access to Care", "2014-07-30", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler issued the following statement today following the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate to expand veterans access to health care, and put in place accountability measures at the VA. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler issued the following statement today following the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the bipartisan agreement between the House and Senate to expand veterans access to health care, and put in place accountability measures at the VA.\r\n\u201cIt\u2019s time the federal government started treating our veterans with the respect they deserve.\u00a0 Recent revelations of VA misconduct shows that many are simply being allowed to slip through the cracks.\u00a0 This bipartisan agreement begins to address these issues by providing non-VA health care options for veterans who have been left waiting by the VA, or who live too far from a VA facility for regular visits to be realistic. \u00a0Some veterans in Southwest Washington have to make a 150 mile roundtrip to reach the nearest VA medical facility, and they need these alternate solutions.\u00a0\r\n\u201cBy providing this relief and strengthening the VA\u2019s ability to hire more doctors and nurses, we\u2019re moving toward finally putting our veterans\u2019 needs first.\u00a0 Importantly, this bill includes accountability measures \u2013 including the ability to remove failing managers \u2013 that will hopefully begin the process of reform the VA so badly needs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-testifies-importance-mountains-sound-greenway", "Reichert Testifies on Importance of Mountains to Sound Greenway", "2014-07-29", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) testified before the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation on his bill H.R. 1785, \u00a0the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act.\nReichert said, \u201cThe Mountains to Sound Greenway is already a cultural and historical icon in Washington State.\u00a0 Passage of this legislation would recognize that fact and help the communities around it thrive economically.\u00a0 It would also offer further tourism and recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people from not just the state, but around the nation and the world. I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and am grateful for the support of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and advocates such as Senator Slade Gorton who testified alongside me today.\u201d\nBackground\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"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389540", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Calls for U.S. Senate Action on Highway Trust Fund", "2014-07-29", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement urging the U.S. Senate to pass a bill allowing Southwest Washington transportation projects to continue. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement urging the U.S. Senate to pass a bill allowing Southwest Washington transportation projects to continue. \r\n\u201cIt\u2019s been two weeks since the U.S. House passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (367\u201355)\u00a0 its measure to fund the Highway Trust Fund through March of 2015. \u00a0While we continue to work toward a longer-term solution to provide stable funding for our nation\u2019s highways and infrastructure, this bill is absolutely necessary to keep our infrastructure projects on pace without significant disruption.\u00a0 Unfortunately, with the August recess less than four days away, the U.S. Senate has not yet passed its own bill or considered the House\u2019s legislation. \u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cU.S. Transportation Anthony Foxx has repeatedly warned that, without immediate action from Congress, the Highway Trust Fund will become insolvent as soon as next week, causing projects to come to a standstill.\u00a0 The Washington State Department of Transportation recently announced that this would stall or eliminate 45 projects statewide, including multiple in Southwest Washington. \u00a0Funding transportation infrastructure is the federal government\u2019s responsibility.\u00a0 \u00a0I hope that the Senate can quickly resolve whatever challenges are standing in its way and partner with the House to get this done.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140801020015/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2350", "McMorris Rodgers: Empowering Eastern Washington", "2014-07-29", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 4315, the Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act, which improves transparency and enhances species recovery, and reforms the listing decision process outlined in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Congresswoman is a co-sponsor of this legislation.\u00a0  \u201cWe are blessed to live in a corner of the country abundant in wildlife and natural beauty. But for too long, our community has encountered excessive mandates and social costs due to the outdated ESA. By making ESA data public to Eastern Washington men and women, we can keep local citizens better informed while caring for our wildlife. And by requiring federal agencies to provide Washington state and our local government with information before listings are made, we are increasing transparency and keeping more individuals involved \u2013 because no one understands what is going on at home better than the people who live there.\u201d  H.R. 4315 keeps states, tribes and local governments involved by requiring the consideration of data submitted by these entities as a part of the ESA process.\u00a0 Additionally, it requires the tracking and publication of ESA-related litigation expenses, including taxpayer-funded attorney fees.  This legislation caps attorney fees for litigation filed under the Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act at $125 per hour. This is the same cap that applies to claims under the Equal Access to Justice Act, making it consistent with current law.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140801020218/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2349", "McMorris Rodgers Welcomes District Director Chud Wendle", "2014-07-29", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement announcing community leader and lifelong Eastern Washington resident Chud Wendle as her new District Director.\u00a0  \u201cIt is with great excitement that I welcome Chud Wendle as my District Director. As a longtime leader and member of the Eastern Washington community, I know that he will serve as an invaluable member of our team. Chud brings over a decade of experience and involvement in Eastern Washington, having worked with numerous local non-profit organizations, including Goodwill Industries and United Way of both Pullman and Spokane. He and his family have a long history of giving back to our community, and I am glad to have him as a member of my staff. His leadership will bring new opportunities to my congressional office, advancing our partnership in moving Eastern Washington projects and issues forward. I look forward to working with Chud as we continue to bring new possibilities to Eastern Washington families.\u201d  Chud has worked in the private sector in both the automotive and real estate industries. Additionally, his entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of the first and only frozen yogurt and cupcake shop in Pullman. For the past ten years Chud has coached numerous sports teams, including volunteering as a Spokane Youth Sports coach.\u00a0  Chud and his family recently moved back to Spokane after living in Pullman for six years. He and his wife, Cindy, have three sons, Ben, Nick, and Jack. Ben, their oldest, will be starting Lewis and Clark High School in the fall \u2013 making him the fourth generation of Wendle\u2019s to attend the school.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389539", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Joins House in Confronting Sex Trafficking with Legislation to Help Vulnerable Youth", "2014-07-25", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler voted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of her U.S. House colleagues to pass eight bills aimed at assisting victims of sex trafficking and increasing protections for vulnerable individuals this week.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler voted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of her U.S. House colleagues to pass eight bills aimed at assisting victims of sex trafficking and increasing protections for vulnerable individuals this week. \u00a0These bills complement the package of bills passed by the House in May to strengthen laws and penalties for purchasers of commercial child sex. \nWith stories of trafficking in or just outside of Southwest Washington coming forth with startling regularity, Jaime has taken a lead role in Congress to combat the problem.\u00a0 She was a cosponsor of all eight bills passed by the U.S. House in the last three days.\u00a0 Five of these bills would equip professionals with training and provide resources to victims of trafficking \u2013 specifically runaway and foster youth. Three bills are aimed at stemming international trafficking.\nFACTS: \u00a0\n\u00b7 One out of every seven runaways in the United States becomes a victim of trafficking. \n\u00b7 In 2013, 60% of the trafficking victims recovered nationwide were from foster care or group homes, according to The National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges.\n\u00b7There are only 267 emergency bed spaces for trafficking victims in the U.S. \u00a0\n\u201cFoster care and runaway youth are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and I cannot stand by while they are treated as prey,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cThe bills we passed give the professionals who are entrusted with caring for these kids the resources and training they need to better identify when a child has become a victim and to help give them appropriate care. We also begin to address the need for emergency housing for those children who have been successfully removed from trafficking. As we continue to fight to stop this crime, we also need to help former victims regain structure and normalcy in their lives.\u201d\n\u201cOne of the greatest needs we have once we get trafficking victims away from their exploiters is safe housing,\u201d said Kay Vail, Probation Counselor, Clark County. \u00a0\u201cThese kids often need to be removed from their environment and have a safe place to go receive restorative care.\u00a0The Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act\u00a0makes existing grants available for housing for victims of trafficking, which is a big need here in Clark County.\u00a0 There are new adult facilities, but, because of licensing, there aren\u2019t as many for youth.\u00a0 There is only one I know of in the state of Washington.\u201d\u00a0\n\u201cI applaud Jaime for supporting these bills.\u00a0 The vulnerable youth or \u2018street\u2019 kids who are often runaways and state dependents are preyed upon by men and women who exploit their weaknesses, drug addictions and lack of caring family figures in their lives, to name just a few,\u201d said \u00a0Detective Jason Mills, Vancouver Police Department. \u00a0\u201cThe bottom line is that we need to find a way to keep the vulnerable youth in the foster care system and ensure their success.\u201d \nLegislation passed this week:\nH.R. 5135, The Human Trafficking Prevention, Intervention, and Recovery Act\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allows existing Department of Justice grants to be used for emergency housing for trafficking victims.\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Uses a three part approach of prevention, integrated law enforcement and strengthened resources.\nH.R. 5081, Strengthening Child Welfare Response to Trafficking Act\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ensures every state has updated child welfare policies and trains child welfare workers to better identify and assess child victims of trafficking. \nH.R. 5076, Enhancing Services for Runaway and Homeless Victims of Youth Trafficking Act\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allows the Department of Health and Human Services to use street outreach programs to identify and help homeless youth and move them off the streets. \nH.R. 4980, Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act \n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Empowers and promotes normalcy for foster youth, transitioning more children from foster care into adoptive homes or the homes of relatives more expeditiously. \nH.R. 5111, To improve the response to victims of child sex trafficking\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Changes the language used in the reporting categories of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children\u2019s from the term \u201cchild prostitute\u201d to \u201cchild sex trafficking\u201d to ensure children are treated as victims and not criminals.\nH.R. 2283, Human Trafficking Prioritization Act \u00a0\u00a0\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Elevates the status of the Department of State\u2019s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from and office to a bureau and puts pressure on other countries to combat sex trafficking.\nH.R. 4449 Human Trafficking Prevention Act\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Requires training for federal personnel who come into contact with trafficking. \nH.R. 5116 Human Trafficking Detection Act\n\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Directs training for the Department of Homeland Security personnel to effectively deter, detect, disrupt, and prevent human trafficking. \n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/icymi-reichert-statement-preventing-sex-trafficking-and-strengthening-families-act", "ICYMI: Reichert Statement on Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act", "2014-07-24", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C \u2013 Last night, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) urged support of H.R. 4980, the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act.\u00a0 The legislation is a bipartisan, bicameral agreement incorporating several pieces of adoption legislation as well as Congressman Reichert\u2019s Preventing Sex Trafficking of Youth in Foster Care legislation.\u00a0 It passed the House unanimously and is a critical step forward to helping America\u2019s youth in foster care find permanent, loving homes; lead happy successful lives; and stay off the streets and escape the horrors of sex trafficking.\nFor Congressman Reichert, this is a deeply personal issue that he witnessed himself during his 33 years in law enforcement and particularly while working the Green River serial murder case in Washington State.\u00a0 He said, \u201cWe have a responsibility to take care of these children.\u00a0 For far too long we have not kept our promise to keep our foster kids safe.\u00a0 Passing this legislation will do much to fix that failure and I look forward to seeing it on the president\u2019s desk very soon.\u201d\nTo see Congressman\u2019s Reichert\u2019s full floor statement click here and for more information on H.R. 4980 click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725004101/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2347", "McMorris Rodgers: New Opportunities for Eastern Washington Students", "2014-07-24", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 3136, the bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014, which encourages innovation and flexibility in higher education.  \u201cAs the first in my family to have graduated from college, I am especially proud of thebipartisan action the House took today to make higher education more affordable and accessible for people in Eastern Washington and across this country.\u00a0For too long, obtaining higher education has meant financial hardship for students and familiesbecause traditional postsecondary education and federal aid programs have not kept up with advances in technology. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the needs of today\u2019s students, making it possible for them to succeed and gain the fundamental skills they need to grow in the 21st century workforce. From WSU to Gonzaga, these efforts will to bring new opportunities to students on college campuses across Eastern Washington, and will make it possible for more students to gain personalized, cost-effective education.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  The bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014 directs the Secretary of Education to implement competency-based education demonstration projects that will support innovation and take advantage of technology in delivering a quality education rather than relying on traditional \u201ccredit hours\u201d to measure progress. It provides accountability by requiring an annual evaluation to determine the quality, progress, and financial assistance opportunities related to each demonstration project.\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725004728/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2345", "McMorris Rodgers: Stepping Stones to Succeed", "2014-07-24", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 4984, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act, which increases awareness for students and families participating in the federal loan program.  \u201cAs someone who is still paying off student loans, I know firsthand how important it is to plan ahead and be aware of the financial commitments that are so often associated with higher education. This bipartisan legislation gives Eastern Washington students and parents the tools they need to make informed decisions about their financial commitments \u2013 through interactive counseling sessions and greater loan awareness. Taking on loans is a significant investment \u2013 one that that no student should go into blindly. This bill will change that.\u00a0By empowering students with access to financial counseling opportunities, we can ensure students succeed.\u201d  Through annual counseling, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act requires borrowers to consent every year before receiving federal student loans, providing better awareness for both students and borrowers. Additionally, it informs low-income students about the terms and conditions of the Pell Grant program.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725004931/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2344", "McMorris Rodgers, Transportation Secretary Foxx Discuss Eastern Washington Transportation Priorities", "2014-07-24", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after meeting with United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to discuss Eastern Washington\u2019s transportation projects.  \u201cTransportation and infrastructure investment in Eastern Washington serves as the heartbeat of our community\u2019s economic growth, and I was glad to speak with Secretary Foxx this afternoon to discuss the importance of these projects. Projects like \u2018Connecting the Inland Pacific Hub Multimodal Centers to the Global Marketplace\u2019 and North Spokane Corridor, which will better link our region to the rest of the world and expand economic opportunities. Secretary Foxx and I will continue to work together to advance Eastern Washington\u2019s important transportation priorities.\u201d  The \u201cConnecting the Inland Pacific Hub Multimodal Centers to the Global Marketplace\u201d project seeks to rehabilitate portions of the Central Washington Branch of the state-owned Palouse River & Coulee City Rail System.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-50th-anniversary-land-and-water-conservation-fund", "Reichert Statement on the 50th Anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund", "2014-07-23", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This morning, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-8) joined a bipartisan group of House and Senate colleagues to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).\u00a0 At the event, the LWCF Coalition released a new report examining the successes made possible by the LWCF and made policy recommendations to preserve the fund in the coming years.\u00a0\nA long-time champion of the LWCF, Congressman Reichert said, \u201cFor the last 50 years, the LWCF has played a pivotal role in preserving America\u2019s national treasures for future generations. In Washington alone, it has helped to conserve the natural beauty of the Pacific Crest Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, and the Columbia River Gorge. These are places that attract visitors from across the country, and even from other parts of the globe. I look forward to working with my colleagues to sustain the LWCF and put it to good use in the next 50 years.\u201d\nThe LWCF was authorized by the House of Representatives on July 23, 1964 and became law on September 3 of the same year. It is the only federal program that is solely dedicated to conserving and protecting national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, civil war battlefields, and the creation and development of state and local parks.\u00a0 The fund does not use taxpayer dollars, instead it is funded through revenues from offshore oil and gas royalty payments.\u00a0 The types of projects supported by the fund in turn support over 227,000 jobs in the Washington.\nTo read the full anniversary report, titled \u201c50 Years of Conserving America the Beautiful\u201d, visit LWCFcoaltion.org.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=389538", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Statement Regarding New Rail Safety Regulations", "2014-07-23", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s new rail safety rule. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s new rail safety rule. \r\n\u201cThe U.S. Department of Transportation\u2019s proposed rule is an encouraging move toward assuring the safe transport of energy products both here in Southwest Washington and around the country.\u00a0 My firm belief has always been that while our economy can benefit from the boom in domestic sources of energy, we have to make sure the safety of railroad workers and communities along train routes keeps up.\u00a0   \r\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s demand for upgraded railcars and slower speeds is a necessary next step.\u00a0 This is particularly important in environmentally sensitive areas like the Columbia River Gorge and highly populated area like Vancouver where the transport of energy products is already happening.\u00a0 Improving emergency readiness and response efforts are welcomed reforms, especially in smaller Washington towns through which dozens of trains travel every day.\r\n\u201cAs a member of the House Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, I helped write a bill that was approved by the House on May 27, 2014 calling on USDOT to finalize a rule for improved safety standards for oil cars.\u00a0 The bill also included additional funding for increased rail safety measures and improved rail crossings in towns.\u00a0 I am pleased to see that the Administration has responded positively toward the House\u2019s actions, and I look forward to building on that progress when the Senate passes its own transportation appropriations bill.\r\n\u201cI look forward to hearing from those Southwest Washington communities impacted by rail transport, and working with the Administration in the coming months to improve upon this proposal.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\r\nFlashback (VIDEO): Jaime Herrera Beutler presses U.S. DOT Secretary Foxx to issue updated safety rules in March.\u00a0 Watch video here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005135/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2348", "McMorris Rodgers: New Opportunities for Eastern Washington Students", "2014-07-23", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 3136, the bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014, which encourages innovation and flexibility in higher education.  \u201cAs the first in my family to have graduated from college, I am especially proud of thebipartisan action the House took today to make higher education more affordable and accessible for people in Eastern Washington and across this country.\u00a0For too long, obtaining higher education has meant financial hardship for students and familiesbecause traditional postsecondary education and federal aid programs have not kept up with advances in technology. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the needs of today\u2019s students, making it possible for them to succeed and gain the fundamental skills they need to grow in the 21st century workforce. From WSU to Gonzaga, these efforts will to bring new opportunities to students on college campuses across Eastern Washington, and will make it possible for more students to gain personalized, cost-effective education.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0  The bipartisan Advancing Competency-Based Education Demonstration Project Act of 2014 directs the Secretary of Education to implement competency-based education demonstration projects that will support innovation and take advantage of technology in delivering a quality education rather than relying on traditional \u201ccredit hours\u201d to measure progress. It provides accountability by requiring an annual evaluation to determine the quality, progress, and financial assistance opportunities related to each demonstration project.\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725005821/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2343", "McMorris Rodgers: America's Strength as a Global Leader", "2014-07-23", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after hosting a meeting with congressional leaders and stakeholders to discuss recent events, America\u2019s role in the world, and the components needed to transition to a 21st century military.\n\n\t\u201cAs we face escalating conflicts across the globe, it is imperative that we have a clear vision of America\u2019s 21st-century role in the world. And that is why we must have these important conversations \u2013 to look ahead and develop a strategy that keeps the United States as the world\u2019s leader. The recent developments in Iraq, Ukraine, and Israel underscore the need for bold American leadership. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus and the representative of Fairchild Air Force Base, I will make every effort to foster our place as a global leader for today and tomorrow.\u201d\n\n\tThese recurring meetings offer a unique opportunity for Members of Congress and defense experts to speak openly and substantively about the role the U.S. plays on a global scale.\n\n\tAs a former member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, and a representative of Eastern Washington\u2019s military community, including Fairchild Air Force Base, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers continues to work on issues affecting issues affecting U.S. defense policy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725010024/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2346", "McMorris Rodgers: A Champion for the Disability Community", "2014-07-23", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after delivering testimony before the Senate Committee on Finance in support of H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, for which she is an original cosponsor and a longtime champion.  \"As the mom of a son who was born with that extra 21st chromosome, my family understands firsthand how federal policies limit \u2013 not expand \u2013 the opportunities for those with disabilities.\u00a0 And the ABLE Act will change that.\u00a0 It will ensure that my son, Cole \u2013 and the millions like him who have special needs \u2013 will be able to save for their futures and reach their full potential. In Eastern Washington and across this country, individuals with disabilities and their families spend countless hours worrying about their financial security. This stress, coupled with\u00a0outdated laws \u2013 laws that encourage a life of dependence rather than saving assets for future expenses \u2013 must change.  \u201cAs Americans, we want to empower everyone in this country \u2013 regardless of background or birth \u2013 and the ABLE Act will do that.\u00a0It will empower millions of Americans, bringing independence for people with disabilities instead of requiring them to remain dependent on the federal government. It will help ensure that those with special needs will be able to save for their futures and reach their full potential \u2013 which every person should have the right to.\u201d  The ABLE Act would allow parents of children with disabilities to save for their children\u2019s future without jeopardizing their access to benefits, helping many of them escape from poverty while adding another layer of security.\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388775", "Jaime Herrera Beutler statement on Todays Court Ruling Against the ACA", "2014-07-22", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement after the D.C. Court of Appeals decision in Halbig v. Burwell.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler today issued the following statement after the D.C. Court of Appeals decision in Halbig v. Burwell.\r\n\u201cThis ruling against one of the health care law\u2019s central pillars is just one latest reminder of how problem-riddled and unworkable the Affordable Care Act is.\u00a0 Five years ago, Congress hastily passed this massive health care bill in order to find out what it did \u2013 and since then, Southwest Washington families have seen their premiums go up, their plans cancelled, the loss of their doctors, and their access to care limited.\u00a0 In Washington state, just this week we found out that the health care coverage of 6,000 Washington state residents has been jeopardized over yet another of the law\u2019s \u2018glitches.\u2019\u00a0 We don\u2019t need any more glaring reminders that our region needs better patient-centered health care reform that makes health care more accessible, affordable and higher quality for everyone.\u00a0 There are better solutions to ensure Americans who are young, or struggling, or living with a pre-existing condition can access good health care.\u201d\r\nBackground:\r\n-Today the D.C. Court of Appeals ruled that the federal exchange could not provide the subsidies to Americans that it had promised.  \r\n-This week, the Seattle Times detailed the latest flaw in Washington\u2019s Health Exchange.\u00a0 Up to 6,000 people have been impacted and are being told they don\u2019t have health care coverage.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-washington-fires", "Reichert Statement on Washington Fires", "2014-07-20", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Statement on Washington Fires                                           \n              Jul 20, 2014      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) released the following statement regarding the ongoing wildfire situation in Washington State:\n\"My thoughts and prayers are with all the first responders and firefighters who are battling one of the worst fire seasons Washington State has seen and with the families that have lost or are in danger of losing their homes.\u00a0 We have not seen this kind of devastation in many years and we must now come together as a community to help our friends and neighbors.\n\"I thank those already risking so much battling these fires and helping others move to safety.\u00a0 I also thank those who are giving up their time to help feed and care for those who have been evacuated.\u00a0 They can\u2019t do it alone and need all of our help and support.\n\"I pray for the safety of all, for the first responders and firefighters, for the victims of the fire, for improved weather conditions and a quick end to the fires.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388685", "Longview Daily News Guest Column: VA has been doing our vets a disservice", "2014-07-20", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "We owe the privilege of living in the greatest nation largely to those military veterans who have sacrificed to defend it. It is thus difficult to explain how the agency created to provide for their health care \u2013 including treatment for the wounds they suffered in service to our nation \u2013 has fallen so short.\r\nOne Washougal veteran recently shared his story with me that mirrors the problems too many are experiencing locally with the VA. When \u201cSteve\u201d joined the Army, he fully understood that deploying to Iraq would involve risks\u2013 but it never crossed his mind that one would be the difficulty of obtaining the health care he was promised upon his return.\r\nAfter his service ended, Steve\u2019s doctor requested an MRI at the Portland VA Medical Center for a combat-related knee injury. That was in November of 2012. However, it wasn\u2019t until October of 2013 -- after ten months of phone calls and conversations with VA caseworkers who couldn\u2019t explain the delay -- that the appointment was finally scheduled. He was also unable to get the VA to provide the back surgery needed for an injury sustained in Iraq.\r\nHis story is hardly unique. In the wake of news that a Phoenix VA Medical Center was manipulating wait times and denying care, an internal VA investigation found that the Portland VA Medical Center that serves Southwest Washington residents has an average wait time of 80 days for their first basic care appointment for issues like high blood pressure or asthma. New patients must wait 29 days for their first mental health appointment. That\u2019s too long for someone suffering symptoms of PTSD or other serious mental trauma.\r\nThe reason I regularly host veterans resource fairs in Kelso and Chehalis, and why I highlight stories of Southwest Washington veterans on the front of my website, is because we should do everything we can to honor and support our nation\u2019s heroes. Along those lines, it\u2019s clear what Congress must do: fix the problems in the VA and put the care of our veterans first.\r\nHow to start? First, let\u2019s make sure veterans who have been waiting for appointments get them immediately, even if that means going to clinics outside the VA system. Then let\u2019s fix the systemic problems within the VA so that veterans are receiving timely, top-notch health care.\r\nIn response to the revelations of delayed care, I joined my colleagues to help pass the \u201cVeterans\u2019 Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act.\u201d This bill would require the VA to pay for veterans to get care at private health clinics if they have faced extensive wait times or live more than forty miles from a VA medical facility. The bill also starts changing the internal structure of the VA by giving the Secretary of the VA authority to fire managers who aren\u2019t doing their jobs, and suspends bonuses for all VA employees for the next two years.\r\nThis bill was a good start, but it is just that \u2013 only the beginning.\r\nFixing the poor service delivered by the VA goes beyond just increasing funding. Congress has consistently increased VA funding for medical services each year, but we\u2019re still left with Southwest Washington veterans waiting 80 days for an appointment. We need a culture change within the VA that incorporates transparency, accountability and make veterans the top priority. As a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee that determines federal spending levels, I\u2019ll hold VA leadership accountable for making this change.\r\nTake the VA\u2019s taxpayer-funded \u201cmobile medical units\u201d that are supposed to provide prescriptions, flu shots, and basic health services to veterans in rural areas. My office had been requesting the Puget Sound mobile medical unit visit Southwest Washington for three years, but had only been given vague excuses. I fought for legislation demanding an objective report on the entire mobile medical unit program, and the results were worse than I imagined: the VA didn\u2019t know how many mobile medical units they owned, how many veterans they had helped, or their operating costs. Some units sit unused 25 days each month. It\u2019s clear that the VA could be better utilizing the resources it already possesses.\r\nI won\u2019t rest until vets have access to the care they have earned. I\u2019m committed to working with my colleagues from both parties to bring the VA up to the standard that our veterans deserve. Let\u2019s start with getting care to those who have been waiting, and then work to improve quality and access for current veterans and those who have yet to return from service. We owe them no less.\r\nIf you are a veteran who is having trouble accessing your benefits, my office is here to help. Please call (360) 695-6292 or visit my website JHB.House.Gov.\r\nU.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., represents Washington\u2019s 3rd Congressional District.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140725010403/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2341", "McMorris Rodgers Statement on Central Washington Wildfires", "2014-07-19", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today in response to the wildfires impacting Washington state.\u00a0\n\n\t\u201cAs these devastating wildfires continue to plague communities throughout Central Washington, my thoughts and my prayers go out to the men, women, and children who have been impacted. I offer my deepest appreciation to those who have put their lives on the line to combat these spreading fires --\u00a0the firemen, Washington Guard, and countless volunteers. I remain in contact with those authorities working around the clock to keep all Washingtonians safe as we work toward a rapid, effective response.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388310", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Demands Truthful Explanation, Accountability and Action for VAs Absentee Mobile Medical Units", "2014-07-17", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler today called on the local VA to explain the real reasons for why its mobile medical units are not serving rural veterans, and they are sitting unused for up to 25 days out of each month.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime Herrera Beutler today called on the local VA to explain the real reasons for why its mobile medical units are not serving rural veterans, and they are sitting unused for up to 25 days out of each month.\r\nJaime began requesting that the Puget Sound Region\u2019s mobile medical unit start serving rural veterans in Southwest Washington in 2012.\u00a0 These units are supposed to provide basic care, such as prescriptions and flu shots, to veterans in remote and rural areas.\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nSince then, the response from the VA\u2019s local unit has been a comedy of errors.\u00a0 At least, it would be a comedy if basic health care for rural veterans wasn't suffering as a result.\u00a0\r\nAs recently as last week, the Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20 \u2013 the VA\u2019s regional management unit \u2013 \u00a0had been issuing excuses to Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s office that conflicted with previous explanations.\u00a0 Some explanations were internal communications that appear to be sent unintentionally, and others were quickly recalled by the VA.\r\nVA: No idea how many units exist or how much they cost\u00a0 \r\nIn May, as a result of Herrera Beutler-authored legislation, the VA\u2019s Office of the Inspector General issued a report stating that the VA didn\u2019t know how many mobile medical units it possessed, how many veterans they had helped, or their operating costs.\u00a0 Even worse, the VA couldn\u2019t demonstrate whether the $29 million they have spent on mobile medical units had increased rural veterans' access to health care.\u00a0 Some units, such as the Puget Sound-area unit located in American Lake, sit unused for up to 25 days a month.\r\n\u201cCalling the management of these mobile medical units a mess would be an understatement,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cAt best, the VA\u2019s coordination of these units has been grossly incompetent.\u00a0 At worst, the conflicting excuses I\u2019ve been given for the lack of action suggest intentional manipulation of information.\u00a0 In light of the other issues the VA needs to address, I would hope it would finally respond to this problem with transparency and accountability. Instead, I\u2019ve seen the \u2018sweep the problems under the rug\u2019 approach continue.\u00a0  \u201cFor two years I\u2019ve been urging the VA to better utilize this resource, and this week, VA Acting Secretary Gibson pledged to deploy Mobile Medical Units to increase access to VA health care,\u201d Jaime continued.\u00a0 \u201cWhile I\u2019m hopeful that they will follow through on this promise, I\u2019m going to keep them accountable for identifying the real reasons these units are sitting idle and ways they can fully utilize them to get care to those veterans who need and deserve it.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\r\nTimeline of Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s efforts to get Mobile Medical Units deployed to Southwest Washington:\r\nNovember 2011 \u2013 At Jaime\u2019s Chehalis Veterans Resource Fair, a VA health care provider informed her about the Puget Sound mobile medical unit. The provider\u2019s request to take the mobile medical unit to a coastal community to administer flu immunizations had been denied.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nEarly 2012 \u2013 Jaime made inquiries to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA Congressional Liaison, and then connected with Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 20, WA, OR, ID, AK.\u00a0 \r\nJuly 2012 \u2013 Jaime sent a letter to VISN 20 Acting Director Michael Fisher asking for the mobile medical unit to come to rural areas in her district.\u00a0 \r\nAugust 2012 \u2013 Acting Director Fisher sent a formal letter response\u00a0citing staffing challenges and mechanical problems as the cause of the Puget Sound\u2019s mobile medical unit scarcely being utilized for 2.5 years.\r\nJanuary 2014 \u2013 Jaime\u2019s legislative provision requesting an independent report on mobile medical unit utilization, efficiency, and cost effectiveness is signed into law.\u00a0 \r\nMay 2014 \u2013 Report comes back with alarming findings. The VA didn\u2019t know how many mobile medical units it had, how many veterans were being served, or how much they cost to run. Jaime supported the improvement recommendations included in the report.\r\nJune 2014 \u2013 Jaime again requests to have the Puget Sound mobile medical unit serve rural communities in Southwest Washington. VISN 20 staff cites electronic health records not being able to interface as the reason it cannot serve the region. \r\nJune 2014 \u2013 Jaime wrote a letter to VA Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson regarding wait times and urged him to consider expanded use of mobile medical units.\u00a0 She also asked for the mobile medical unit to visit her district, and that she had been told the problem was that the electronic health systems not being able to interface.\u00a0 \r\nJuly 8, 2014 \u2013 VISN 20 staff accidentally sent internal working notes.\u00a0 An excerpt from the note, apparently instructing VA staff on how to construct the response: \r\n\u201cThe Congresswoman only wants to know why we can\u2019t send the MMU to Portland to help out, the reason it is too expensive and Puget Sound needs it up there and back that up with data.\u201d\r\nJuly 8, 2014 \u2013 VISN 20 recalls the previous message, and states via email \u201cIt is not too expensive.\u201d\r\nJuly 9, 2014 \u2013VISN 20 staff sends the July 9 communication, and states:\r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It is not an IT issue that prevents the MMU from treating veterans in our district, and any suggestion that it was was a miscommunication.\r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 That the Mobile Medical Unit has been consistently been deployed at full capacity. \r\nJuly 9, 2014 \u2013 VISN 20 staff recalls the prior communication.\r\nJuly 16, 2014 \u2013 VA News Release states \u201cVHA facilities are adding more clinic hours, aggressively recruiting to fill physician vacancies, deploying mobile medical units, using temporary staffing resources, and expanding the use of private sector care.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388208", "Jaime Herrera Beutler and U.S. House Appropriations Committee Advance Bill for Healthy Forests, Healthy Waters, and Healthy Rural Communities", "2014-07-16", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime and a majority of the U.S. House Appropriations committee yesterday approved critical funding for fighting wildfires, as well as other Southwest Washington priorities.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime and a majority of the U.S. House Appropriations committee yesterday approved critical funding for fighting wildfires, as well as other Southwest Washington priorities.\r\nThe U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a bill to fund the Department of Interior, Forest Service, EPA, and other related agencies in the upcoming year that was $409 million below the President\u2019s request. In addition to wildfire fighting funding, the responsible spending bill calls for more active management on our national forests, and also includes funding to protect Northwest waters from aquatic invasive species that threaten both ecosystems and local economies.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSouthwest Washington priorities included in this bill:\r\nWild Fire prevention:\u00a0Wildfires have been increasing in severity over the past several years, damaging forests, threatening safety, and forcing the Forest Service to tap into its budget for other services and priorities. The bill includes $291 million for wildfire suppression and $160 million for hazardous fuel management.\u00a0 The bill also calls for active forest management to prevent wildfires by reducing the fuel load and creating healthier forest.\u00a0 This would also create healthier species habitat.\r\nForest Road Maintenance and Construction:\u00a0The bill would direct the U.S. Forest Service to maintain forest roads in a way that preserves recreational opportunity and reduces costs.\u00a0 Currently, the Forest Service cannot adequately maintain 4,078 miles of road and 115 road bridges in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.\u00a0 Many of these roads pose safety, environmental and public health threats that must be addressed.\u00a0 This bill would direct the USFS to close and stabilize the roads as opposed to permanently decommissioning them.\u00a0 Along with the recreational opportunities and taxpayer savings created by this provision, access for firefighting and future forest management would still be available.\r\nAquatic Invasive Species:\u00a0The nonnative quagga and zebra mussels have severely damaged freshwater eco systems in the Northeast and Southwest United States. This bill provides $2 million for containment, prevention, and enforcement to prevent the spread of these invasive species to uncontaminated bodies of water throughout Washington state.\r\nPayment in Lieu of Taxes Fund (PILT):\u00a0The bill includes $422 million for payments to counties with large portions of land owned by the federal government. These funds help offset the loss of property tax income that pays for education, emergency services, county road maintenance, and other critical services in rural communities.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe increase in wildfires in past years has consumed the Forest Service\u2019s budget and crippled its ability to properly manage our forests,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cThis bill acknowledges that, given the current state of our national forests, more funding is needed to fight wildfires\u2013 but we also call for more active management to bring about a future of healthier forests less susceptible to fires.\u00a0\r\n\u201cAs our fish populations continue to recover, the need to protect our waters from invasive species has never been greater,\u201d continued Jaime. \u201cGiven the havoc they\u2019ve wreaked on other ecosystems and economies throughout the country, I\u2019m pleased to offer this bill that will help prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels to our region\u2019s waters, protecting local species and local jobs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140718004148/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2337", "McMorris Rodgers: Securing Protection for Our Digital Economy", "2014-07-16", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 3086,the bipartisanPermanent Internet Tax Freedom Act. This legislation, which McMorris Rodgers co-sponsors, permanently ensures Americans can continue to access the Internet tax free.  \u201cEvery American should be able to use the internet without paying taxes, and now we can permanently guarantee noone faces a tax burden just to go online. This smart legislation will continue to enable Eastern Washington men, women, and children to communicate, learn, and conduct business in the 21st century. I was proud to cast my vote in support of this bill because a secure future digital economy \u2013 for wine producers in Walla Walla and online businesses in Spokane \u2013 relies on a tax free Internet every day.\u201d\u00a0  This legislation permanently ensures that access to the Internet is not burdened by unnecessary costs and that Americans can continue to access the Internet tax free.  \u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140718004349/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2335", "McMorris Rodgers: Eastern Washington Men and Women Deserve an Accountable Government", "2014-07-16", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 5016, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2015, which brings new possibilities to Eastern Washington and provides annual funding for the Treasury Department, the Judiciary, the Small Business Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and several other agencies.  \u201cToday, I voted to create better opportunities for American taxpayers, because men and women in Eastern Washington are tired of a federal government that works against them. By increasing transparency and accountability in numerous government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), we are reducing government spending and streamlining government agencies to better work for the people of Eastern Washington. No person should be discriminated against because of his or her political beliefs, and this bill prevents the IRS from targeting individuals based on these beliefs. And by prohibiting the IRS from implementing Obamacare\u2019s individual mandate, we are reining in this agency\u2019s intrusive overreach into the lives of millions of Americans. The time is now to build a better life for all Americans and to restore trust in our government, and I hope my colleagues in the Senate will follow suit.\u201d  The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2015 is the seventh appropriations bill the House has passed since April, while the Senate has yet to pass a single one. It reduces IRS funding to a level sufficient for the agency to perform its core duties, including taxpayer services and the proper collection of funds, but will require the agency to streamline and make better use of its budget.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140718004549/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2336", "McMorris Rodgers: Boosting Eastern Washington Infrastructure Jobs", "2014-07-15", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 5021, the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014, which keeps safe thousands of jobs and secures funding for Eastern Washington transportation projects.  \u201cBy passing legislation that keeps transportation projects like the North Spokane Corridor and U.S. Highway 12 in Walla Walla going, we are ensuring Eastern Washington roads remain open and Eastern Washington transportation jobs are protected. Supporting our nation's highways and bridges can go a long way in creating jobs and supporting our local economy, and this bill protects tens of thousands of American jobs in communities across our country. However, there is more work to be done, and we must now come together to develop a long-term solution, ensuring a lasting infrastructure network for Eastern Washington.\u201d  This legislation reauthorizes funding for Federal highway and surface transportation programs through May 31, 2015. Additionally, this bill addresses the looming shortfall in the Highway Trust Fund by providing critical funding through three funding provisions, none of which involve tax increases.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388097", "Jaime Herrera Beutler secures funding for dredging and harbor maintenance and Hanford cleanup", "2014-07-11", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of her colleagues late Thursday night to advance a responsible spending bill that secures funding for waterway maintenance on the Pacific Coast and Columbia River, as well as Hanford cleanup.   \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of her colleagues late Thursday night to advance a responsible spending bill that secures funding for waterway maintenance on the Pacific Coast and Columbia River, as well as Hanford cleanup.\u00a0\u00a0 \r\nThe U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the FY 2015 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, legislation that funds U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Hanford cleanup efforts under the Department of Energy.\u00a0 As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Jaime helped craft this bill that continues the trend of this year\u2019s appropriations packages to cut spending from previous years, reducing total discretionary funding by $50 million from Fiscal Year 2014 levels.\u00a0 \r\nSouthwest Washington priorities included in this bill:\r\nFunding for dredging and harbor maintenance: \r\n \r\n    $1.1 billion in harbor maintenance from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). Background: The HMTF was created with the purpose of waterway and port maintenance and is funded by a tax importers pay when using U.S. ports. Historically the fund takes in millions of dollars more each year than is expended.\r\n    $42 million of the HMTF designated specifically for small ports like Ilwaco, Chinook and many other along the Columbian River. \r\n    Over $25 million for the mouth of the Columbia River, including critical jetty rehabilitation.\u00a0 \r\n \r\nFunding for Hanford clean-up: The bill restores $25 million not included in the President\u2019s budget toward cleanup projects at the Hanford nuclear site.  \r\n\u201cOur region is uniquely positioned on the Pacific Ocean and the Columbian River, and we need to maintain our waterways so that they remain an incredible asset to our economy. The funding in this bill for maintaining ports like Chinook and Ilwaco is essential to growing jobs in our economy, and I\u2019m pleased we\u2019re utilizing the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to keep our waterways operating at full capacity,\u201d said Jaime. \r\n\u201cAs we lower spending to meet budget realities, it\u2019s still critically important that we maintain nuclear waste cleanup efforts upriver from our communities,\u201d continued Jaime. \u201cThe commitment by our federal government to clean up Hanford should be a non-negotiable, but the president\u2019s budget fell far short of what was needed. I was able to help restore some of that funding, and I\u2019ll continue calling on the Department of Energy to ensure that efforts are efficient and timely.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140718014722/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2333", "McMorris Rodgers: We Stand Beside Israel", "2014-07-11", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today applauding the House passage of H. Res 657, which calls on Hamas to immediately cease its rocket attacks against Israel.  \u201cIt is with full and unwavering support that I stand beside our true friend and ally in the Middle East, the state of Israel.\u00a0 We condemn the violent terrorist attacks that have been executed in the name of Jihad, and our resolution reaffirms Israel\u2019s right to defend herself. \u00a0When five million innocent Israelis wake up every morning to the threat of deadly rocket attacks, they have a right to protect themselves.\u00a0 When Hamas \u2013 a terrorist organization that has fired more than 600 rockets from Gaza in the last month alone \u2013 calls for the destruction of the State of Israel, the people have a right to respond.\u00a0 And this Congress stands beside them as they do.\u00a0  \u201cOur resolution reaffirms Israel\u2019s right to defend herself and calls on Hamas to immediately cease its rocket attacks.\u00a0 We must come together as Americans to condemn the terrorist attacks against the people of Israel.\u00a0 They are unwarranted and unprovoked.\u00a0 And they must be stopped.\u00a0 Furthermore, we urge the Administration, as it moves forward in its nuclear negotiations with Iran, to take a somber look at Iran\u2019s support to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which enables them to produce longer-range rockets to kill innocent Israelis. \u00a0We send the people of Israel the steadfast and unending support of the United States of America.\u201d\u00a0  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://web.archive.org/web/20140711014639/http://mcmorris.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=96&itemid=2332", "McMorris Rodgers: Expanding Employment Opportunities for Eastern Washington Students, Disability Community", "2014-07-09", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u2013 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) applauded the passage today of H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which creates new opportunities for the people of Eastern Washington by closing the skills gap between job seekers and job opportunities.  \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will improve our nation\u2019s workforce training system and help put hard-working men and women in Eastern Washington back to work. By closing the gap between the millions currently unemployed and the millions of jobs left unfilled because of a lack of required skills, we can ensure new opportunities for today's job seekers and equip the next generation of innovators with the workforce they need to succeed.  \u201cAdditionally, by focusing efforts on youth service programs, we\u2019re working to reduce the high school dropout rate and bring new opportunities to Eastern Washington\u2019s young people. And by ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the skills necessary to be successful in workplaces that provide competitive employment, this legislation guarantees countless Eastern Washington men and women new possibilities for reaching their full potential.\u201d  The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act streamlines the federal workforce program and creates community and state-specific workforce development boards to best fit unique local needs. By enabling businesses to identify in-demand skills and match workers seeking to build those skills, this bill encourages Eastern Washington\u2019s Aerospace Corridor to increase employment opportunities in the region.  ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=388694", "Daily World Guest Column House members offer economic incentive for ocean research", "2014-07-01", "2014", "2014-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Working on the water in our corner of Washington state is a way of life. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Working on the water in our corner of Washington state is a way of life. Every year, shellfish farmers along the coastlines we represent collect and harvest the seafood that ends up on dinner plates and store shelves across America and around the world. There are also the commercial and recreational fishermen who have sustained jobs for generations. Fishermen and shellfish growers are woven into the fabric of our economy. It\u2019s safe to say that Washington state is the nation\u2019s seafood breadbasket.\r\nAll that demand for seafood caught in our rich waters creates jobs for our communities. But the livelihoods of these workers \u2014 from boats to docks to processing plants to restaurants \u2014 face a new threat that comes from the ocean itself. Lately we\u2019ve been hearing from folks in our area about how ocean acidification is changing the very chemistry of the Pacific and damaging our seafood industry in the process.\r\nThis is a problem that must be confronted head on. Washington state\u2019s fishing industry supports more than 67,000 jobs and generated over $8 billion in seafood sales in 2011. The state also leads the nation in producing farmed clams, oysters, and mussels with much of that production coming from our regions. These growers in Washington state contribute more than $250 million to the economy and support more than 3,200 jobs. It\u2019s clear that any harm acidification causes to the seafood we catch puts a big dent in our economy.\r\nRecently, we\u2019ve seen why this is such a threat and how it comes down to the acidity in water (or pH). As the pH in a body of water like the Pacific Ocean lowers, the level of acidity rises. Acidic water makes it harder to sustain the nutrients that help organisms up and down the food chain grow.\r\nTake, for example, the plight of pteropods. These tiny sea butterflies are actually a large part of the diet for salmon and other fish important to Washington state. Unfortunately, those lower pH levels cut pteropods off from the materials they need to grow strong shells. Now, scientists are finding that these shells are dissolving, making it harder for pteropods to survive. Even more worrisome, the shells of shellfish have the same components as pteropods.\r\nAlong these same lines, scientists have discovered that low pH creates a corrosive environment for baby oysters \u2014 contributing to some of the die offs we\u2019ve seen in recent years. The Seattle Times has highlighted how family-owned businesses like the Goose Point Oyster Co. are concerned about the future of oysters in our region.\r\nWith these high stakes, we joined together to take action to help our region. This is an issue that cuts across party lines: it\u2019s about making sure we help preserve and protect quality jobs that fuel economic growth. We introduced the Ocean Acidification Innovation Act, a proposal to encourage breakthrough solutions to the acidification problem.\r\nOur approach is modeled after the XPRIZE, a non-profit organization that creates public competitions that ask people to try and find solutions to problems that impact us all. In turn, that generates increased investment, and in the Ansari XPRIZE case, launched an entire industry of personal space flight.\r\nWhy prizes? Testimony by representatives from XPRIZE explained it best. A $5 million research grant will generally yield $5 million of research. In contrast, a $5 million research prize competition can yield four to ten times leverage. In other words, private industry and university research will combine to do $20 million to $40 million of research.\r\nSo our legislation calls on federal agencies to leverage existing funds by creating prize competitions that will increase our ability to manage, research, and monitor ocean acidification and its impacts. In a time of tighter budgets, we need to make sure that every dollar goes farther, and we think these competitions are an innovative way to do that and help solve the acidification problem. Most importantly, it won\u2019t take any new dimes out of taxpayer pockets. But it will bolster ongoing research efforts.\r\nWe hope others join us in our efforts to minimize any harm acidification could cause. Now is the time to ensure that future generations are able to make a living in Washington state off healthy waters.\r\nCongressman Derek Kilmer is a Democrat representing Washington\u2019s Sixth District. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler represents the state\u2019s Third District. 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