{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"WA\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-pascrell-call-strengthened-police-community-relations-new-year", "Reichert, Pascrell Call for Strengthened Police-Community Relations in the New Year", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 It has been a tough year for our nation\u2019s law enforcement officers, their families, communities, and our country. To date, 138 law enforcement officers have lost their lives, representing a 20 percent increase over 2015. On behalf of the House Law Enforcement Caucus, Co-Chairs Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) released the following statement calling for all Americans, inside the law enforcement community and out, to reflect on our responsibilities and work together to build trust and positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve:\n\"Since the inception of the bipartisan Law Enforcement Caucus in the House of Representatives, it has been our goal to examine ways in which we can improve the safety of our law enforcement officers while simultaneously improving safety in our neighborhoods. With growing tensions between law enforcement and some of the communities they serve, this task has become increasingly urgent.\nWorking to relieve these tensions and protect the safety of both those in and out of uniform must begin and end with rebuilding trust and respect within the communities where it has deteriorated or never existed in the first place. These changes must take place in our homes, classrooms, local diners, and on streets being patrolled, but change must also come from those with influence.\nElected representatives, community leaders, and members of the press who hold this influence shoulder the burden to speak out. If we are truly committed to improving safety and preventing unnecessary deaths, then we must not seek to reaffirm our biases, but to widen the lens of our perspective and join the national conversation taking place. We believe the Law Enforcement Caucus has an important role to play in facilitating those conversations and working together to find common ground on solutions.\nLaw enforcement deserves the respect of the communities they serve \u2013 and communities deserve the respect of law enforcement. We must also not forget that the power of police to fulfill their duties is dependent on public approval of their existence, actions and behavior, and on their ability to secure and maintain public respect. This respect must be earned, but it can only come about if community members work to understand the sacrifices law enforcement officers make on their behalf and law enforcement works to understand the communities and populations they serve. \nAs we move into a new year, we must look to the future with optimism and the belief that every American, first and foremost, wants and deserves to feel safe and protected in their community. With the understanding that this shared goal is immune to differences in demographics and geography, we must remind ourselves that we are all Americans, working together on the same team. From there, guided by facts and grounded by common principles, we can work to strengthen and rebuild the police-community partnerships that are the foundation of civility and a functioning democracy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-obama-administrations-failure-veto-anti-israel-un-resolution/", "McMorris Rodgers on Obama Administration\u2019s failure to veto Anti-Israel UN Resolution", "2016-12-28", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SPOKANE, WASHINGTON (December 28, 2016) \u2014 Upon the Obama administration\u2019s failure to veto the United Nations Security Council resolution that condemned Israeli settlement construction, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe Obama Administration\u2019s failure to veto last week\u2019s United Nations\u2019 vote censuring Israel is a low point in the sixty-eight year history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Israel,\u201d said Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). \u201cFortunately, a new administration and bipartisan Congress will begin to rebuild trust and cooperation with Israel, and begin anew on the road to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-washingtonians-serving-one-another", "COLUMN: Washingtonians Serving One Another", "2016-12-26", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The great philosopher Bob Hope once said, \u201cmy idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?\u201d He has a point. This time of year, Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true \u2018reason for the season,\u2019 as we say, and the Christmas season reminds us to serve our neighbors. Part of what makes this season so special, beyond families traveling long distance to gather together, or the music of Bing Crosby in the background while enjoying a roaring fire, is the love that people in Central Washington show one another in their communities. There are so many recent examples in our cities and towns that I wanted to share a few.\nIn Kennewick, a school bus driver and veteran from the U.S. Army noticed a little boy on his route who did not have gloves or a hat in freezing temperatures. The driver contacted a school administrator to find the little boy\u2019s classroom and gave him a new pair of gloves and a hat to keep him warm.\nIn Ritzville and several cities in the Mid-Columbia, local law enforcement participated in a community service effort called \u201cShop with a Cop.\u201d The officers accompanied children to shop for Christmas presents, in the process giving the children the opportunity for a positive interaction that builds trust with law enforcement.\nThis year, the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima has provided 45,000 \u2018bed nights\u2019 this year in addition to more than 155,000 meals.\nIn Moses Lake, local firefighters executed \u201cOperation Warm\u201d to give 120 winter coats to children in need at local elementary schools.\nOkanogan Middle School students collected food, gift certificates, and donations to give meals to fourteen local families as part of a \u201cThanks and Giving\u201d project.\nIn my hometown of Sunnyside, a local church recently prepared turkey dinners to feed 100 hungry and homeless people in the community.\nOne of the best parts of representing the Fourth Congressional District is the opportunity to highlight positive stories about our community that inspire people from Oroville in Okanogan County all the way to Touchet, Walla Walla County.\nIf you have a story about someone you know in our community who deserves recognition, I invite you to send it to my Yakima office at 402 E. Yakima Avenue, Suite #445, Yakima,\u00a0WA\u00a098901.\nWe remember the men and women in the Armed Forces who are stationed around the world and unable to spend the holidays with their families. We are grateful for their service, which allows us to celebrate the blessing of freedoms we enjoy as Americans.\nIn Scripture, Jesus says, \u201ctruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of\u00a0the least of these\u00a0brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.\u201d That is the true Christmas spirit. Our community thrives when we serve each other as these local examples attest, and we do not have to wait for the holidays. I hope you enjoy this blessed season with your loved ones, and that you look forward to a joyous new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-meets-vice-president-elect-mike-pence-discuss-trade-and-tax", "Reichert Meets with Vice President-elect Mike Pence to Discuss Trade and Tax", "2016-12-21", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013\u00a0Yesterday, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, met with Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady and Vice President-elect Mike Pence to discuss the\u00a0tax and\u00a0trade agendas\u00a0in the new Congress. Chairman Reichert released the following statement after the meeting:\n\u201cVice President-elect Mike Pence and I share the same goal of growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs here at home. Tax reform and expanded trade\u00a0will help us meet this goal,\" said Chairman Reichert.\n\"I am looking forward to continuing \u00a0an open and direct dialogue with Mr. Pence and the Trump Administration as we move into 2017. I am confident that by putting America first through high-standard trade agreements, we will not only maintain our role as a world economic leader, but we will strengthen our national security and open doors for countless entrepreneurs and workers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398821", "President Signs Jaime Herrera Beutlers BABES Act into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Signs Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s BABES Act into Law \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      The BABES Act requires TSA to better assist parents traveling with breastmilk and formula \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, D.C. ,\r\n        December 16, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Today, President Obama signed U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bill, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act), into law. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, President Obama signed U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bill, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act), into law. This bipartisan solution will require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to better accommodate parents traveling with breast milk, infant food and feeding equipment.\u201cToo many parents have dealt with the TSA\u2019s harassment-like treatment for carrying infant food and breast milk through airport security \u2013 even though this is allowed under TSA\u2019s own guidelines.  With the president signing my bill into law today, we will make it easier for families to travel with the supplies and food they need,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cThe BABES Act will ensure that TSA agents are trained to provide families traveling with breastmilk with reasonable, consistent treatment, and that the agency maintains this priority in the future for new hires and retraining activities.\u201d Click here to read more about Jaime\u2019s legislation to assist parents traveling with breastmilk and formula.\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=398822", "President Signs Jaime Herrera Beutlers Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Effort into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, President Obama signed Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem into law. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, President Obama signed Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem into law.\r\n\u201cProtecting the Columbia River ecosystem from invasive species is paramount to our way of life in Southwest Washington, and I\u2019m pleased the president signed my legislative effort into law today,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0\u201cPrevention is the first line of defense, and I\u2019ve secured the resources to strengthen invasive species prevention because it\u2019s the cheapest and most effective tool to use against invasive species.\u00a0 It is also key to maintain our reliable, renewable, and affordable hydro energy.\r\nJaime\u2019s anti-invasive species initiative was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2017 (WRDA).\u00a0Watercraft inspection stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect for invasive mussels and decontaminate them.\u00a0 More information about Jaime\u2019s effort is available here.\r\nDedicated Funding for Southwest Washington Ports\r\nThe WRDA bill also provides funding for maintenance and improvements to Southwest Washington ports by phasing in full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund -- money collected for harbor and channel operations maintenance and dredging. Jaime has consistently fought to ensure that 10% of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be set aside for small ports like those in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, and along the Columbia River.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve consistently championed returning the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund resources to those small ports who need it. With the president\u2019s signature of this legislative package, we\u2019re also strengthening the small ports in Southwest Washington \u00a0that support jobs and critical economic activity.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-bill-faster-care-veterans-act-signed-law/", "McMorris Rodgers\u2019 Bill, Faster Care For Veterans Act, Signed into Law", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (December 16, 2016)\u2013 Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), issued the below statement after the President signed into law the Faster Care for Veterans Act.\n\n\u201cToday is a victory for our veterans and a big step toward bringing the VA into the 21st Century and back to being focused on its sole mission \u2013 serving veterans,\u201d said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). \u201cI\u2019m grateful for my colleagues\u2019 support of this legislation, and I look forward to seeing the very real impact it will have on giving our veterans easier access to the care they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\nNOTE: Rep. McMorris Rodgers recently spoke at a House Republican Leadership press conference about the Faster Care for Veterans Act. Click here to view her remarks, and click here to watch her speech on the House floor. Earlier this year, she penned a Washington Post op-ed outlining her vision for a modern VA system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-change-coming-washington", "COLUMN: Change Coming to Washington", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the 114th Congress comes to an end, it is worth looking back on my first term in Congress and highlight the important accomplishments and the change that Americans should expect before the 115th Congress convenes next year.\nWhile there has been much disagreement between Republicans and Democrats in the nation\u2019s capital, progress on issues that earned bipartisan support should not be overlooked. During the 114th Congress, Medicare was put on stronger footing by the \u201cDoc Fix.\u201d This improvement was signed into law to permanently repeal the practice of allowing automatic cuts to doctors\u2019 payments under Medicare, which threatened seniors\u2019 access to their doctors. For many years, Congress would temporarily delay these cuts on an annual basis, and now there is a long-term bipartisan agreement.\nCongress just recently passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which was signed into law by President Obama. Not only did the legislation streamline development and federal approval of life-saving drugs, but it included improvements for our nation\u2019s mental health care system. The bill also included state grants to fight the opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation, including communities in Central Washington.\nFor Washingtonians in particular, one important accomplishment of the 114th Congress was to make the federal tax deduction for state and local sales tax permanent. In 2012, Washington families saved $602 from this deduction, and making this provision permanent allows them to plan ahead.\nThese are a few examples of recent accomplishments during a period of divided government. In 2017, unified Republican control of the federal government will result in a dramatic shift from the Obama years.\nOne of the most important changes is a return to the system laid out in Article I of the Constitution. Article I delegates all legislative authority to Congress. During the past two years, hard-fought legislative priorities would be passed by Congress only to be vetoed by President Obama. President Obama\u2019s \u201cpen and phone\u201d strategy\u2014meant to maximize his power through executive actions and federal regulations while bypassing Congress on a host of issues\u2014overstepped the constitutional powers of the presidency. Congress was forced to hold the line on overreaching executive actions and agency regulations, and in many cases the federal courts have found that the administration exceeded its authority.\nFor the health of our republic, the executive branch must stay within its constitutional limits regardless of who occupies the White House. There have been high-profile bipartisan legislative accomplishments in the past two years, but the nation\u2019s government was largely divided between an overreaching executive and a resistant Congress.\nAmericans can expect the legislative branch to reclaim the Constitution\u2019s focus on limited government next year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-attends-policy-retreat-work-tax-and-health-care-reform", "Reichert Attends Policy Retreat to Work on Tax and Health Care Reform", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Reichert Attends Policy Retreat to Work on Tax and Health Care Reform                                           \n              Dec 15, 2016      \t\t        \t    \n      \t            \n                    \n                                            \n          \n        \n        \n          \n  \n    \n    \n    Washington, DC \u2013 This week, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), a senior member of the Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade, joins fellow Republicans on the Committee for an intensive two-day policy retreat in Washington, DC while Congress is adjourned for the holiday recess. The retreat will focus on key priorities for many Americans, including tax and health care reform.\n\u201cAs I visit with families across the district, I often hear the same concerns about our overly complicated tax code and the rising costs of health care,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cI am optimistic with a new Congress fast approaching, my colleagues and I will be in a strong position to implement the reforms Americans across Washington State and the country have been asking for.\u201d\n\u201cDuring this week\u2019s retreat, we are discussing how to create a simpler, fairer tax system that allows families to keep more of their hard-earned dollars and what steps must be taken to give families access to more individualized, more affordable health care.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tri-tech-skills-center-students-win-congressional-app-design-challenge", "Tri-Tech Skills Center Students Win Congressional App-Design Challenge", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the winners of the Fourth Congressional District\u2019s second annual Congressional App Challenge, an app competition for high school students. Tri-Tech Skills Center seniors Tobias (Toby) Williams, Jamas Middleton, and Elijah Stiham, of Kennewick, have been named the competition winners for their app called \u201cTrinity Complex,\u201d which is an open world, first-person game app in which the player must navigate through a virtual environment to collect six keys.\n\u201cThe Congressional App Challenge encourages development of the creativity and computer skills that our young people will need to succeed,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cI am proud to recognize Toby Williams, Jamas Middleton, and Elijah Stiham for their team\u2019s achievement in winning the Fourth Congressional District\u2019s second annual Congressional App Challenge.\u201d\nYou can see a preview of the app by clicking here.\nThe winning app was selected by a panel of local judges and will receive a prize tour of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The winners will also share $400 in Amazon Web Services credits donated by Amazon for the challenge.\nThe winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building.\nThe Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations. According to some estimates, the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. industry invest in our youth now and help them acquire necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.\nLast year\u2019s Fourth District App Challenge winners, Cinthia Santiago Villanueva and Esmeralda Lopez, students at Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside,\u00a0won the challenge with an app they designed called the Agricultural Job Finder.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398819", "President Signs Jaime Herrera Beutler Bill into Law to Make Medication Safer for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Signs Jaime Herrera Beutler Bill into Law to Make Medication Safer for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms \r\n   \r\n    \r\n      \u201c21st Century Cures\u201d package to improve medical treatments and cures signed into law included bipartisan bill authored by Reps. Herrera Beutler and Castor \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, D.C. ,\r\n        December 13, 2016\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n        Today, President Obama signed a bill coauthored by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act, that was included in the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, President Obama signed a bill coauthored by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act, that was included in the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act.\r\nReps. Herrera Beutler and Castor introduced the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act last spring to address the dangers posed to mothers and infants by the lack of research on medication taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\u00a0 This bipartisan solution will identify major research gaps involving pregnant and lactating women who take prescription medication, and detail ways to promote safer medications for them to use. \u00a0More details on the bill are available here.\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s signing by the president marks an important step for making medication safer for moms and babies,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cI\u2019m proud that the President signed my Safe Medication for Moms and Babies Act into law today, which will make it easier for mothers to effectively manage chronic health conditions. Without reliable information, women and doctors are playing a guessing game as to the impacts of many medications. A mother shouldn\u2019t have to choose between taking medication with an unknown effect on her and her child, or not taking it at all \u2013 and today\u2019s bill signing will help make sure moms aren\u2019t in that position.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398818", "President Expected to Sign Jaime Herrera Beutlers BABES Act into Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Over the weekend, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s bill to better accommodate parents traveling with infant food and equipment, protecting them against harassment-like scrutiny that contradicts Transit Security Administration\u2019s (TSA) own policies.\u00a0 The president will sign this bill into law before the end of the year.\r\n\u201cWith holiday travel season quickly approaching, parents across the country are vulnerable to inconsistent treatment, having their child\u2019s food thrown away, and missed flights when attempting to fly with infant food and breast milk,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that the BABES Act I\u2019ve been championing will be signed into law to eliminate the stressful \u2018guessing game\u2019 for parents as to whether TSA will uphold the accommodation for breast milk and formula.\u201d\u00a0\r\nClick here to read more about this bipartisan legislation championed by Jaime and U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) to assist parents traveling with breastmilk and formula.\r\n\u201cScientific evidence demonstrates that breastfeeding has a range of significant health benefits for both mother and child,\u201d stated March of Dimes President Dr. Jennifer L. Howse.\u00a0 \u201cThe BABES Act will make sure that all agents across the country are appropriately trained on TSA\u2019s policies and procedures related to mothers and families traveling with breastmilk, formula and infant feeding equipment, helping to ensure that women who choose to breastfeed face one less barrier to doing so while travelling.\u00a0 The March of Dimes is grateful to Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler and Sen. Kelly Ayotte for championing this important issue.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe goal of every obstetrician-gynecologist is a healthy mother and a healthy baby,\u201d said Dr. Thomas Gellhaus, MD and President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). \u201cAs the leading group of health care providers dedicated to caring for women, ACOG applauds passage of H.R. 5065/ S. 3299, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Act to ensure the TSA consistently enforces existing rules allowing breast milk, formula, and breastfeeding equipment across all airport security checkpoints. Proper nutrition during infancy is beneficial for maternal and infant health and well-being.\u00a0 ACOG is committed to advocating for changes to the public environment that support breastfeeding locally and nationally. We applaud Representative Herrera Beutler and Senator Ayotte for their leadership in introducing the BABES Act.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-bill-faster-care-veterans-act-heads-presidents-desk/", "McMorris Rodgers\u2019 Bill, Faster Care For Veterans Act, Heads to the President\u2019s Desk", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (December 10, 2016)\u2014 Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), issued the below statement after the Senate passed the Faster Care for Veterans Act. The bill, which requires the VA to adopt technology that allows veterans to schedule VA appointments online, passed the House early last week and now heads to the President\u2019s desk and awaits his signature to become law.\n\n\u201cThe best way to show our gratitude to our veterans is to provide them with the care they\u2019ve earned,\u201d said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). \u201cThe Faster Care for Veterans Act lets our veterans schedule appointments online, which is a tool the VA should have adopted a long time ago. The VA has lost sight of its mission to put our veterans first, and I\u2019m glad to see the Senate agree with reforms that bring the VA into the 21st Century. I thank Congressman Moulton and Senators Klobuchar and Ernst for partnering together on this bipartisan bill and look forward to seeing it signed into law.\u201d\n\nNOTE: On Tuesday, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke at a House Republican Leadership press conference about the Faster Care for Veterans Act. Click here to view her remarks, and click here to watch her speech on the House floor. Earlier this year, she penned a Washington Post op-ed outlining her vision for a modern VA system.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-votes-keep-government-open-and-running-0", "Reichert votes to keep the government open and running", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through April 28, 2017.\n\u201cIt is my privilege and my duty to make sure our seniors, military, and vulnerable members of society receive the support they deserve,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cKeeping our government fully funded and running is also critical to America\u2019s national security and the economic stability of our country. This continuing resolution puts Congress in a strong position to immediately focus on growing good-paying American jobs and protecting our national security in the new year.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398815", "Kilmer, Herrera Beutler & Murphy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Help Mental Health Patients in Crisis", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), and Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced legislation today that would help people suffering from a behavioral health or substance abuse crisis get more immediate help. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), and Tim Murphy (R-PA) introduced legislation today that would help people suffering from a behavioral health or substance abuse crisis get more immediate help. The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Accessibility Act of 2016 would allow the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide loans and loan guarantees to local entities with plans to build psychiatric and substance abuse facilities. Across the country there is an acute need for facilities that provide short-term stays for individuals suffering from psychiatric and substance disorders. The Treatment Advocacy Center reports that there are just 37,559 inpatient beds available nationwide for an average of 11.7 inpatient beds per 100,000 people. The same survey found that the number should be closer to 40 to 60 beds per 100,000 people. \u201cOur country is facing a mental health challenge that has hit all our communities,\u201d said Kilmer. \u201cToo many of our neighbors are suffering from behavioral and substance abuse disorders and not getting proper treatment. That has left emergency rooms and jail cells overwhelmed while leaving families hurting. I\u2019m proud to work with Representatives Herrera Beutler and Murphy to introduce a bill that will give a jump-start to local proposals to build brand new psychiatric facilities.\u201d \u201cFar too often, people suffering a mental health or substance abuse crisis don\u2019t get the immediate help they need because our communities lack the necessary resources,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cBy partnering with Representatives Kilmer and Murphy on this solution, we hope to better address the needs of those struggling with mental illness, make available more resources to keep our communities safe, and relieve the overload on emergency rooms ill-equipped for these cases.  Importantly, this solution will pay for itself and provide value to Southwest Washington taxpayers while strengthening our communities.\u201d  \u201cAccess to inpatient mental healthcare is a cornerstone to our effort in delivering treatment before tragedy. This bill will work to make that possible, and I am pleased to support Rep. Kilmer\u2019s bipartisan approach to improving access to crisis mental health care,\u201d said Murphy.Under the members\u2019 bill, HHS could offer loans and guarantees to psychiatric treatment facilities, substance abuse treatment facilities, and public and private psychiatric hospitals for the planning and construction of new facilities. The bill would also make needed investments to community based outpatient programs with any revenue generated from the loans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398816", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Effort Passes U.S. House", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem. \u201cI\u2019m pleased Congress passed my legislation to protect the Columbia River Basin from invasive species that, if they spread here, would have a $500 million cost to our region,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cPrevention is the first line of defense, and this legislative solution represents the cheapest and most effective tool to use against invasive species. \u201cI\u2019m also encouraged by the other benefits to Southwest Washington in the overall water infrastructure package, including steady, dedicated funding to maintain the waterways and ports that are lifelines for our region\u2019s economy.\u201d Jaime\u2019s anti-invasive species initiative is part of the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2017 (WRDA) that represents a bipartisan agreement between the U.S. House and Senate. Watercraft inspection stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect for invasive mussels and decontaminate them.  More information about Jaime\u2019s effort is available here.Dedicated Funding for Southwest Washington PortsThe WRDA bill also provides funding for maintenance and improvements to Southwest Washington ports by phasing in full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund -- money collected for harbor and channel operations maintenance and dredging. Jaime has consistently fought to ensure that 10% of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be set aside for small ports like those in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, and along the Columbia River.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-hr-2028", "Newhouse Statement on H.R. 2028", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement after voting for H.R. 2028, the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, which funds the federal government through April, 2017.\n\u201cThis continuing resolution gives the incoming administration of President-elect Trump the time it has indicated that it needs to transition and have a greater say in the appropriations process,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cUnder typical circumstances a short-term CR is far from ideal, but the election has upended the political landscape for the upcoming year and it is reasonable to give the new administration time to work with us to craft a responsible spending plan. This legislation also paves the way for congressional approval of Gen. James N. Mattis, a Tri-Citian, as Secretary of Defense. I look forward to making progress on Central Washington\u2019s priorities and reining in government spending on conservative terms.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/olympic-national-park-wilderness-will-be-renamed-honor-former-washington-governor-and", "The Olympic National Park Wilderness Will Be Renamed in Honor of Former Washington Governor and US Senator Dan Evans", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, the Daniel J. Evans Olympic National Park Wilderness Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives after unanimously passing the Senate in July. The legislation will rename the Olympic Wilderness within Olympic National Park as the \u201cDaniel J. Evans Wilderness.\u201d Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), who authored the House version of the bill, was joined by the entire Washington State congressional delegation in supporting the legislation on the House floor. It will now head to the President\u2019s desk for signature into law.\nDan Evans served the state of Washington for more than 50 years, including service as a state legislator, governor and United States Senator. During his time in the U.S. Senate, Evans was the lead sponsor of the Washington Park Wilderness Act of 1988 which designated over 1.5 million acres of wilderness areas in Washington, including 877,000 acres within Olympic National Park as \u201cthe Olympic Wilderness.\u201d\n\u201cMy home state of Washington and the region I represent are known for their breathtaking natural treasures,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cBut we cannot talk about Washington\u2019s natural beauty without thanking the man who\u2019s been instrumental in maintaining and protecting it for future generations. From the 1984 Washington Wilderness Act to the Washington Park Wilderness Act of 1988, Senator Dan Evans\u2019 initiatives have had a lasting impact on every person who had or will get the opportunity to experience Mother Nature\u2019s gifts. I am proud my colleagues in the House joined me in recognizing his contributions by passing the Daniel J. Evans Olympic National Park Wilderness Act and sending it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-blumenaur-introduce-bill-strengthen-use-energy-efficient-commercial-buildings", "Reichert, Blumenauer introduce bill to strengthen use of the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) released the following statement after introducing H.R. 6376, a bill to strengthen and incentivize the use of the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction found in Section 179D of the Internal Revenue Code. Specifically, the bill ensures that non-profits and tribal governments can benefit from the deduction just like federal, state, and local government building owners do.\n\u201cNon-profit schools, hospitals, community organizations, and tribal community centers should be allowed to focus on the important services they provide to residents in Washington State and people around the country,\u201d said Congressman Dave Reichert. \u201cBy reducing their energy bills and construction costs, this legislation will help ease the financial concerns faced by many of these entities and allow them to better serve the people who count on them. I thank my colleagues for joining me in introducing this important, bipartisan bill.\u201d\n\u201cImproving energy efficiency saves money and reduces pollution,\u201d said Congressman Earl Blumenauer. \u201cBy strengthening incentives for energy efficiency, we can help our organizations cut costs and protect the environment.\u201d\nBackground:\nSince becoming law in 2005, 179D has proven to be an effective policy for investment in design and installation of energy efficient systems and structures benefitting consumers across the country. This simple, common-sense bill makes several important improvements to enhance and promote the use of 179D. First, it expands the current law allocation provision to cover tribal governments and non-profits. Under current law, a public building owner may allocate the deduction to the primary designer of the property. Our bill expands this provision to allow non-profit and tribal government building owners to do the same. Second, the bill ensures that S corporations and partnerships receive the full benefit of an allocated deduction. Finally, the bill makes the deduction more compatible with the low-income housing tax credit thereby encouraging the construction of energy efficient affordable housing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-bipartisan-progress-mental-health-and-medical-research", "COLUMN: Bipartisan Progress on Mental Health and Medical Research", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Even as this year\u2019s legislative session comes to a close, the last bills passed by Congress are certainly not the least important. As the saying goes, \u201clast but not least.\u201d Bipartisan legislation passed just last week tackles real problems, such as the mental health crisis and the need for improving medical research. I joined my colleagues in the House to approve the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes the most significant bipartisan mental health reform in a decade, on a vote of 392-26. The legislation also supports research for much-needed biomedical innovation to develop and deliver cutting-edge medicine faster so that it reaches patients.\nOur mental health care system desperately needs an overhaul to better serve families and individuals. As many as 11.5 million Americans struggle with mental illness, including serious conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about \u201c1 in 5 youth aged 13\u201318 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life.\u201d For children aged 8\u201315, according to NAMI, the estimate is 13%. Yet a recent federal report revealed that there is a shortage of 100,000 psychiatric beds nationwide, and for every 2,000 children with a mental health disorder, there is only one available child psychiatrist.\nAfter the unspeakable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut, when an individual stole the lives of more than 26 innocents, it became clear that our country must do more to address the mental health crisis. The mental health system requires broad improvement. My colleague, Rep.\u00a0Tim Murphy (R-PA), authored\u00a0legislation, Helping\u00a0Families in Mental Health Crisis, which was included in 21st Century Cures to address current shortcomings of our mental health system. His legislation will increase the number of crisis mental hospital beds, promote evidence-based care, and bring accountability to spending on mental health. It provides grants to increase access to pediatric mental health care. The federal government spends $130 billion annually on mental health, and the newly-created National Mental Health Policy Laboratory will be charged with setting objectives and measuring scientific outcomes to ensure that resources are being used wisely and effectively. These are only a few of the legislation\u2019s improvements to help fix our mental health system.\nWhile mental health reforms were a key part of 21st Century Cures, the legislation also accelerated the development of life-saving treatments and cures. The bill expedites the development and review of drugs for rare diseases and modernizes the Food and Drug Administration to streamline approvals. It also improves the review for medical devices and reduces unnecessary regulation. Finally, it funds state grants to fight the opioid abuse crisis affecting our communities.\nFrom improving mental health services to saving lives through encouraging innovative cures, the passage of 21st Century Cures place patients first and creates hope in the fight against disease.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398814", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Effort to Protect Columbia River Ecosystem, Hydropower Infrastructure against Aquatic Invasive Species included in Water Infrastructure Agreement", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler applauded the inclusion of her legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem in a bipartisan water infrastructure bill released late yesterday.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler applauded the inclusion of her legislative effort to prevent aquatic invasive species from infiltrating the Columbia River ecosystem in a bipartisan water infrastructure bill released late yesterday.\r\nJaime\u2019s anti-invasive species initiative is included in the final version of the Water Resources Development Act of 2017 (WRDA) that represents a bipartisan agreement between the U.S. House and Senate.\u00a0 The potential costs of a quagga mussel introduction into the Pacific Northwest would be economically devastating, estimated at more than $500 million annually.\u00a0\r\nJaime\u2019s initiative clarifies that funds authorized under WRDA are intended to assist in establishing new watercraft inspection stations, and provide maintenance for existing stations in northwest states. Watercraft inspection stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect for invasive mussels and decontaminate them.\u00a0 More information about Jaime\u2019s effort is available here.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased my amendment to protect the Columbia River Basin from invasive species is included in the final WRDA agreement.\u00a0 The potential damage to our ecosystem if these invasive mussels were introduced would be economically devastating,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cWestern states are seeing a catastrophic spread of quagga and zebra mussels, and we need to act now to stop it from spreading here.\u00a0 Prevention is the first line of defense, and it\u2019s the cheapest and most effective tool to use against invasive species.\u201d\r\nDedicated Funding for Southwest Washington Ports\r\nThe WRDA bill also provides funding for maintenance and improvements to Southwest Washington ports by phasing in full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund -- money collected for harbor and channel operations maintenance and dredging. Jaime has consistently fought to ensure that 10% of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be set aside for small ports like those in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties, and along the Columbia River.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-demands-epa-halt-federal-grants-during-ongoing-investigation", "Newhouse Demands EPA Halt Federal Grants during Ongoing Investigation into Whats Upstream", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), expressed his extreme concern to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding the agency\u2019s decision to continue awarding federal grants despite an ongoing investigation into the misuse of taxpayer dollars in the anti-farmer \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d campaign in Washington State. In a letter sent today, Rep. Newhouse urged the EPA to prohibit subgrant awards to \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d in a recent National Estuary Program grant of $25 million over five years made to the National Indian Fisheries Commission \u2013 of which organizers of \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d were subgrant recipients \u2013 until the completion of the investigation by the EPA Office of Inspector General. Rep. Newhouse released the following statement:\n\u201cIt is unconscionable that before farmers in Washington State receive answers on how taxpayer dollars were used improperly to smear them and to lobby lawmakers, the EPA is continuing to shell out taxpayer dollars with zero accountability,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cThe EPA has not fulfilled its promise to complete a full review of how anti-farmer propaganda was funded by the taxpayer before making additional grants. I urge Administrator McCarthy in the strongest terms to halt any further awards to subgrantees that participated in the \u2018Whats Upstream\u2019 campaign until EPA gets to the bottom of the misuse of taxpayer funds.\u201d\nRead the full text of Rep. Newhouse\u2019s letter here.\nBackground: \nEPA Region 10 funded the What\u2019s Upstream website and advocacy campaign that attempts to influence legislators for greater regulation of farmers and ranchers. In April of this year, Administrator McCarthy acknowledged that the EPA was \u201cdistressed by the use of the money and the tone of [the What\u2019s Upstream] campaign\u201d and called for a full review of the use of taxpayer funds for the campaign \u201cbefore additional monies are spent.\u201d\nIn April, the EPA admitted that it should not have funded a campaign\u00a0in Washington State known as\u00a0What's Upstream, due to that campaign\u2019s brazen lobbying of state legislators in contravention of federal law. The What's Upstream\u00a0campaign, which was wholly funded by the EPA, used grant awards to fund a website, radio ads, and billboards depicting dead fish and polluted water, urging individuals to contact their state legislators and, \u201chold the agricultural industry to the same level of responsibility as other industries.\u201d A large, red button on the website labeled, \u201cTake action! We\u2019ve made it simple,\u201d allowed visitors to easily send an email to their state legislators advocating for 100-foot stream buffer zones and other policies. An\u00a0EPA Inspector General\u2019s report from 2014\u00a0had warned that the EPA region responsible for awarding the grant had insufficient protections in place to ensure awardees were not using funds for advocacy, propaganda, and/or lobbying efforts.\nAccording to a December, 2015 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the\u00a0EPA violated federal lobbying and advocacy\u00a0laws by funding social media campaigns supporting EPA\u2019s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398817", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Applauds Quick Installation of Marker Balls on Columbia Gorge Transmission Wire", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler applauded the Bonneville Power Administration\u2019s quick implementation of visibility markers on transition lines suspended over the Columbia River Gorge. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler applauded the Bonneville Power Administration\u2019s quick implementation of visibility markers on transition lines suspended over the Columbia River Gorge. Community leaders asked Jaime to intervene because the new transmission wires were not marked and posed immediate danger in the navigable air space frequently used by military, training, firefighting, and personal aircraft. The wires were not marked because of an error where the vertical distance of the lines over the river was not taken into account.  \r\nJaime called together the Federal Aviation Administration, Bonneville Power Administration and community leaders at a meeting on July 18. During the meeting, Jaime received a commitment from the FAA and BPA that they would resolve the issue in a timely manner and provide regular progress reports to the community and involved stakeholders. \u201cI applaud the BPA for making it safer to fly through the Columbia River Gorge \u2013 this measure should give pilots time to maneuver safely and make sure catastrophic incidents don\u2019t happen,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cUnmarked wires are the most common fatal hazard for pilots, and we have aircraft constantly flying through the channel conducting military training, fighting forest fires and for other reasons. I appreciate the willingness of BPA to respond to my call to act quickly on behalf of our communities, and pilots who use this airspace.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-newhouse-sen-murray-rep-heck-announce-major-step-forward-effort", "Rep. Newhouse, Sen. Murray, Rep. Heck Announce a Major Step Forward in Effort to Return Ancient Remains To Columbia Basin Tribes", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Several Columbia Basin tribes have called for the Ancient One to be returned to his descendants\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), and Rep. Denny Heck (WA-10) announced that a provision in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act would start the process to return the Ancient One to his rightful resting place. Newhouse, Murray, and Heck have fought to return the remains of the Ancient One, also known as Kennewick Man, to Columbia Basin tribes since Senator Murray introduced the bill in 2015. Companion legislation was introduced by Reps. Newhouse and Heck in the House of Representatives in 2015. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider the legislation first.\nExperts believe the remains, discovered in 1996 on federal land near the Columbia River, are at least 8,400 years old, making the Ancient One among the oldest and most complete skeletons found in North America. In June 2015, new genetic evidence determined the remains were closer to modern Native Americans than any other population worldwide.\n\u00a0\u201cTwo decades after his discovery, it is finally time to return the human remains to the Columbia Basin tribes where he belongs,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cI was pleased to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate on this bipartisan effort to repatriate the Ancient One.\u201d\n\u201cThis is about doing right by the descendants of the Ancient One,\u201d Senator Murray said. \u201cAfter more than twenty years of debate, I\u2019m proud to see this legislation so close to finally bringing the Ancient One home, and I will do everything I can to see it over the finish line.\u201d\n\u201cFor two decades, the Native peoples of the Columbia River Basin have strived to rebury their ancestor,\u201d Rep. Heck said. \u201cThe inclusion of this important provision in the final water infrastructure agreement honors the rights and traditions of these Tribes. We are close to finally returning the Ancient One home.\u201d\nThe provision championed by Senator Murray in the Senate and by Representatives Heck and Newhouse in the House transfers the Ancient One from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, which has existing, effective, and efficient regulations in place to carry out repatriation of remains such as these, to tribes. Several area tribes have joined together in calling for the Ancient One\u2019s return to his descendants, to be laid to rest in an undisclosed location.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-praises-house-passage-national-defense-bill-0", "Newhouse Praises House Passage of National Defense Bill", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement after the House approved the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report on a vote of 375-34. The legislation is expected to be considered in the Senate next week:\n\u201cWith overwhelming bipartisan support, the House has approved the largest pay raise for our troops in six years and funded our military to keep Americans safe,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cI am pleased that the legislation included priorities for Central Washington, including strong levels of Hanford funding and land provisions to boost local economic development at the Port of Benton and the McNary Shoreline.\u201d\nRep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 5017, the Port of Benton Restriction Release Act of 2016 this year, which was included in the NDAA to lift the conveyance restrictions on a 71.5 acre parcel of land that was deeded to the Port of Benton in 1996 by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD).\nThe 2017 NDAA conference report unveiled today also includes language directing the Secretary of the Army to provide a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2017 on the process by which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acquired certain properties, such as the McNary Shoreline, along the Columbia River by the Corps. The report will include the specific legal documentation pursuant to which the properties were acquired. The bill text reflects Rep. Newhouse\u2019s McNary Shoreline Army Corps Report amendment.\nThe conference report for NDAA authorizes the level of funding requested by Congressman Newhouse to ensure the federal government meets its obligation at the Hanford Site. The report authorizes funding at $785,311,000, an increase from House-passed level of $769,811,000 for the Richland Operations Office (RL) and $1.4875 billion for the Office of River Protection (ORP).\nRead the letter Rep. Newhouse sent to the House Armed Services Committee to request that support for Hanford cleanup be made a priority in the NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-death-tacoma-law-enforcement-officer", "Reichert statement on death of Tacoma law enforcement officer", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), a law enforcement veteran of over 30 years and twice-elected former King County Sheriff, made the following statement in response to the tragic death of a veteran law enforcement officer from the Washington State Tacoma Police Department.\n\u201cToday, Washington State and our country mourns the loss of an officer who confronted danger with courage and a resolute focus on saving lives, sadly sacrificing his own life in the end. It is with a heavy heart that I send my prayers and deepest condolences to the officer\u2019s family and men and women of the Tacoma Police Department,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cWith a recent surge in targeted attacks against members of law enforcement, we have seen tragic reminders of just how real the threats faced by our protectors are. But despite heightened tensions and sharp criticisms, we have seen resilience within our law enforcement communities and an unshakable commitment to perform their critical mission of keeping our families safe and protecting our freedoms, whether we are relaxing at home or protesting on the street. Last night was no exception. Tacoma Police Department was assisted by Lakewood, Fife, Ruston, the Pierce County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the King County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the Tacoma Fire Department, the Washington State Patrol, and their federal partners from ATF, who came to the scene ready to support their colleagues in securing the surrounding area. What\u2019s exceptional about this demonstration of bravery is that it is not exceptional at all. Men and women across our country put their lives on the line every day because it is their duty and it is their calling.\u201d\n\u201cAs we gather with our friends and loved ones this holiday season to celebrate and give thanks, we must remember that our family stretches beyond our kitchen table, past our neighborhood boundaries, and over the geographic boundaries that separate us. We are one family and one America \u2013 and we are all in this together.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-defazio-paulsen-pingree-lead-104-members-support-hops-research", "Newhouse, DeFazio, Paulsen, Pingree Lead 104 Members to Support Hops Research", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Peter DeFazio. (D-OR), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) led 100 other Members in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, Dr. Cathie Woteki. The letter requests that USDA\u2019s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) increase its commitment to hop-related research to reflect the growing cultural and economic importance of this crop.\nThe Members wrote in the letter:\n\u201cOverall, the brewing industry generated more than $250 billion in economic activity in 2014, directly and indirectly employing over 1.75 million Americans. This activity is only sustained through a healthy, stable hop market. Hop growers face a variety of challenges, including mites, mildews, blights, and other pests that harm production\u2026.The development of new hop varieties that are pest-resistant and climate-tolerant would help growers increase yields while reducing pesticide use. Additionally, while commercial hop production now exists in 29 states, developing new climate-tolerant varieties could help further expand commercial production, putting growers closer to their customers and reducing the threat that a disaster in the Pacific Northwest would affect U.S. and global supplies.\u201d\nThe Members continued:\n\u201cUSDA\u2019s previous hop research has resulted in the development of varieties that are now universal to the industry. The two largest varieties of U.S.-produced hops, Cascade and Centennial, are products of public hop breeding programs. As consumers continue to demand beers with new aroma and flavor traits, research into developing these characteristics could result in significant benefit to growers, brewers, and the customers they serve.\n\u201cGiven these great advantages that would come with additional research, we request that USDA-ARS increase the commitment to hops genetics/molecular biology from 0.7 full time employees (FTE) to 1.0 FTE, while continuing to fund the existing 1.0 FTE pathology research program for FY 2017. This critical boost in research would result in breakthroughs in hop cultivation that will help sustain the significant growth of this important industry.\u201d\nBackground:\nCurrently, USDA\u2019s Agriculture Research Service (ARS) has committed 1.7 full time employee (FTE) scientists to conduct research into hops \u2013 one scientist who researches hops pathology, and another who commits 70 percent of efforts to hops genetics research. Despite the growth of the U.S. brewing industry over the past decade to generate more than $250 billion in economic activity, and indirectly support more than 1.75 million jobs, ARS research still only offers a 1.7 FTEs in hop research. Additionally, it has been reported that many brewers are having trouble procuring the types of hops that they need for brewing because the slowly-increasing supplies cannot keep up with the rapidly-growing demand.\nSigners of the letter include Reps. Newhouse, DeFazio, Paulsen, Pingree, Bilirakis, Bishop (GA), Blumenauer, Bonamici, Bost, Boustany, Butterfield, C\u00e1rdenas, Carter (GA), Chabot, Cicilline, Comstock, Conyers, Costello, Cramer, DelBene, DesJarlais, Duffy, Emmer, Farenthold, Farr, Fudge, Gallego, Garamendi, Hanna, Heck (WA), Herrera Beutler, Higgins, Hudson, Huizenga, Huffman, Hurd, Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Jones, Kaptur, Kelly (PA), Kilmer, Kind, King (NY), Kuster, Lamborn, Larsen, Lieu, Lipinski, LoBiondo, Loebsack, Lofgren, Lowenthal, Lucas, Luetkemeyer, Lujan Grisham, Lynch, Marino, McCaul, McCollum, McGovern, McHenry, McMorris Rodgers, Meadows, Meehan, Moore, Moulton, Neal, Nolan, Norton, Pascrell, Payne, Pearce, Plaskett, Pocan, Polis, Reichert, Renacci, Rooney, Rouzer, Rush, Sensenbrenner, Schrader, David Scott (GA), Simpson, Sinema, Smith (NE), Speier, Stefanik, Thompson (MS), Thompson (PA), Tipton, Titus, Tonko, Tsongas, Vargas, Wagner, Walberg, Watson Coleman, Welch, Yarmuth, Yoder, Young (AK), Zeldin, Zinke.\nThe full text of the letter is included below.\nDecember 1, 2016\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\nDear Secretary Vilsack and Under Secretary Woteki:\nWe write to request your support for an industry that has been a model of U.S. economic growth over the past decade. The brewing industry sustains millions of jobs in the U.S., and especially through the emerging popularity of craft brewing, has boosted domestic sales and exports, and supports a growing supply chain of U.S. farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. U.S. hop cultivation is central to this industry, and we request USDA\u2019s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) increase its commitment to hop-related research to reflect the growing cultural and economic importance of this crop for FY 2017.\nOverall, the brewing industry generated more than $250 billion in economic activity in 2014, directly and indirectly employing over 1.75 million Americans. This activity is only sustained through a healthy, stable hop market. Hop growers face a variety of challenges, including mites, mildews, blights, and other pests that harm production. It is estimated that 15 percent of hop yields are lost to pests annually. The increased threat of drought and extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest, where the majority of U.S. commercially-produced hops are grown, is also a persistent threat to crops. The development of new hop varieties that are pest-resistant and climate-tolerant would help growers increase yields while reducing pesticide use. Additionally, while commercial hop production now exists in 29 states, developing new climate-tolerant varieties could help further expand commercial production, putting growers closer to their customers and reducing the threat that a disaster in the Pacific Northwest would affect U.S. and global supplies.\nUSDA\u2019s previous hop research has resulted in the development of varieties that are now universal to the industry. The two largest varieties of U.S.-produced hops, Cascade and Centennial, are products of public hop breeding programs. As consumers continue to demand beers with new aroma and flavor traits, research into developing these characteristics could result in significant benefit to growers, brewers, and the customers they serve.\nGiven these great advantages that would come with additional research, we request that USDA-ARS increase the commitment to hops genetics/molecular biology from 0.7 full time employees (FTE) to 1.0 FTE, while continuing to fund the existing 1.0 FTE pathology research program for FY 2017. This critical boost in research would result in breakthroughs in hop cultivation that will help sustain the significant growth of this important industry.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-tri-citian-selected-secretary-defense", "Newhouse Statement on Tri-Citian Selected as Secretary of Defense", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement congratulating retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis, on his selection by President-elect Trump to lead the U.S. Department of Defense:\n\u201cTri-Citians can be proud that one of their own, General Mattis, with a distinguished military service of 41 years and deep knowledge of national security affairs, will serve as the next Secretary of Defense. The selection of Gen. Mattis can give all Americans confidence that President-elect Trump will be focused foremost on the safety and security of the United States.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-bill-promote-innovation-health-care-address-mental-illness-and-fight", "House passes bill to promote innovation in health care, address mental illness, and fight opioid addiction", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after the U.S. House passed the 21st Century Cures Act. This bipartisan legislation will work to spur innovation in health technology, promote life-saving research, address mental illness, and combat the opioid epidemic sweeping Washington State and the nation.\n\u201cIn the 21st Century, we need healthcare solutions that not only address our medical needs in the present, but also take steps to create better health outcomes for future generations,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cThe Cures Act gives our scientists the necessary tools and resources to more quickly find life-saving cures and make health threats of today diseases of the past.\u201d\n\u201cThe Cures Act is a big win for cancer patients in Washington State. Our region is fortunate to be home to some of the best medical facilities in the nation, including the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). With this bill, places like SCCA can expand their treatment to patients in locations outside of a hospital without harmful additional costs.\u201d\n\u201cThis bill will also support the four million Americans with serious mental illness who do not receive treatment and expand training to help members of law enforcement better identify and respond to criminal suspects who are suffering from mental illness. I am proud the mental health provisions also include support for our nation\u2019s homeless population as they work to get back on their feet. Finally, the Cures Act addresses the opioid epidemic that has torn apart countless families across the country and stolen the potential from too many lives.\u201d\n  \n\t###  \n\t\u00a0\nTo read more about specific provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398813", "U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler Bill to Make Medication Safer for Moms and Infants Passes U.S. House", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act \u2013 a bill co-authored by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL).  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the\u00a0Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act \u2013 a bill co-authored by Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL).\u00a0 The bipartisan solution was included in the 21st Century Cures legislative plan to improve cures and treatments for chronic conditions and diseases.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m so pleased the U.S. House advanced this important solution that will help mothers obtain safer medication while pregnant and breastfeeding,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cIt\u2019s time we take the risk out of treating chronic conditions for pregnant and nursing moms.\u00a0 I\u2019m optimistic that the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act will be approved by the Senate and be signed into law before the year ends.\u201d\r\nReps. Herrera Beutler and Castor introduced the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act last spring to address the dangers posed to mothers and infants by the lack of research on medication taken during pregnancy and lactation.\u00a0 Their bipartisan solution will identify major research gaps involving pregnant and lactating women who take prescription medication, and detail ways to promote safer medications for them to use. \u00a0More details on the bill are available here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/following-veterans-day-newhouse-kilmer-introduce-bill-make-veterans", "Following Veterans Day, Newhouse & Kilmer Introduce Bill to Make Veterans Healthcare System Fix Mismanagement Issues", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) introduced legislation to force the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to move forward on fixes to its mismanagement issues. Their bill, the VA Management Alignment Act of 2016, would direct the head of the VA to issue a report to Congress detailing the steps they will take to reorganize and effectively improve veterans\u2019 access to quality care. \u00a0\u00a0\nThe legislation followed the release of the first in a series of comprehensive studies that uncovered management problems at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). In the report the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that following scandals related to manipulated wait times and management failures the VA did not follow through on internal and Congressional recommendations to fix the problems.\n\u201cOur legislation will help us ensure we can take care of veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect us,\u201d said Kilmer. \u201cAfter stories and reports about manipulated wait times and mismanagement in our VA system, it became clear systemic reforms were needed. We are calling on the VA to give us a blueprint for how we can best empower the VA and its employees to address systemic management challenges and improve care at the VA to get veterans the services they need.\u201d\n\u201cVeterans deserve accountability and improved care after facing mismanagement at the VA,\u201d said Newhouse. \u201cI am glad to work with my colleague Rep. Kilmer on this legislation that will require the VA to respond with a framework to address problems on behalf of the men and women who served in uniform.\u201d\nThe bill from Kilmer and Newhouse calls for the VA to deliver their report to the Committees on Veterans\u2019 Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives within 180 days of the act\u2019s passage. The report would spell out the responsibilities for senior staff within the VA and how it is organized. It would also recommend any legislative changes that are needed to create more effective accountability and better ensure that management problems don\u2019t prevent veterans from receiving the care they need.\u00a0\nIn 2014 news reports came out about patient delays at the Phoenix VA and other facilities across the country. A national audit of the VA was conducted and it was found at the time that the VA Puget Sound hospital had new patients waiting 59 days \u2013 on average \u2013 for an appointment. Nearly 100,000 veterans use the VA Puget Sound system. Nationally, the audit found that 13 percent of VA schedulers reported that supervisors told them to manipulate appointments to make wait times look shorter.\u00a0\nThe original GAO report evaluated how well the VHA followed through on recommendations to change management practices from internal and outside reviews of the organization. It also looked at how well a realignment of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) from 21 to 18 was being carried out. Each VISN oversees all VA facilities and personnel in separate regions of the country.\nThe GAO found:\n Recommendations not carried out: A number of different recommendations from the internal and outside reviews were given to the VHA central offices to more effectively detail what roles and responsibilities need to be carried out at local and national facilities, better measure how core VHA duties are completed, and the best ways to improve services, planning, and communications throughout the entire system. The GAO found that despite spending more than $68 million on these efforts, the majority of these recommendations were not agreed to or implemented by leadership at the VHA.\u00a0\n  No guidance on realignment: The GAO discovered that the VHA did not create a plan to guide the reduction of the VISN networks from 21 to 18. Instead, they allowed each to move forward independently without any guidance or direction. That created problems at the regional level as VISN officials tried to figure out on their own how to incorporate new VA facilities of different sizes and patient populations and matching up electronic records correctly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-inclusion-central-washington-priorities-national", "Newhouse Statement on Inclusion of Central Washington Priorities in National Defense Bill", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement on the release of the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report for consideration in the House:\n\u201cThis bill continues strong provisions to meet the needs of our national defense and our troops,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cAdditionally, the inclusion of Central Washington priorities in the legislation unveiled today is good news for our community. From including my request for strong levels of Hanford funding, to the inclusion of land provisions at both the Port of Benton and the McNary Shoreline, on which I have worked closely with the local Tri-Cities community, I see this bill as a step forward for Hanford cleanup and local economic development. I am optimistic and will urge final passage as the House considers this legislation.\u201d\nRep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 5017, the Port of Benton Restriction Release Act of 2016 this year, which was included in the NDAA to lift the conveyance restrictions on a 71.5 acre parcel of land that was deeded to the Port of Benton in 1996 by the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD).\nThe 2017 NDAA conference report unveiled today also includes language directing the Secretary of the Army to provide a report to the congressional defense committees by March 1, 2017 on the process by which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers acquired certain properties, such as the McNary Shoreline, along the Columbia River by the Corps. The report will include the specific legal documentation pursuant to which the properties were acquired. The bill text reflects Rep. Newhouse\u2019s McNary Shoreline Army Corps Report amendment.\nThe conference report for NDAA authorizes the level of funding requested by Congressman Newhouse to ensure the federal government meets its obligation at the Hanford Site. The report authorizes funding at $785,311,000, an increase from House-passed level of $769,811,000 for the Richland Operations Office (RL) and $1.4875 billion for the Office of River Protection (ORP).\nRead the letter Rep. Newhouse sent to the House Armed Services Committee to request that support for Hanford cleanup be made a priority in the NDAA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398812", "U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler Bill to Make Medication Safer and More Effective for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms Included in Bipartisan Legislative Package", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) applauded the inclusion of their Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act in a bipartisan medical innovation and mental health reform package.  \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kathy Castor (D-FL) applauded the inclusion of their Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act in a bipartisan medical innovation and mental health reform package.  This package, the 21st Century Cures Act, is expected to receive approval by both the U.S. House and Senate before the end of the year, and be signed into law. Reps. Herrera Beutler and Castor introduced the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act last spring to address the dangers posed to mothers and infants by the lack of research on medication taken during pregnancy and lactation.  This bipartisan solution will identify major research gaps involving pregnant and lactating women who take prescription medication, and detail ways to promote safer medications for them to use.  More details on the bill are available here.\u201cMoms who take medication for chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes or depression are often playing a guessing game when it comes to the impacts on them and their babies.  They\u2019re often choosing between taking medication with an unknown and potentially harmful effect, or not treating their conditions altogether.  Both are poor choices, and highlight the need for this important solution,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler.  \u201cAlmost four million women in the U.S. give birth each year, and more than three million breastfeed their infants \u2013 and they deserve information about what medications and what doses are safe to take.  I appreciate Congresswoman Castor\u2019s partnership in fixing this dangerous information gap, and better protecting the health of mothers and infants.\u201d\u201cThe Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act ensures that expectant mothers and their doctors have adequate and accurate information about medications used during pregnancy and when nursing to facilitate the best health outcomes,\u201d said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. \u201cExperts advised that we need focused research to assess the risks of current medications on the market to mothers and babies.  U.S. Rep. Herrera Beutler has been a champion for families and I am grateful to her for leading this effort to improve the quality of data and information on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.\u201dMore information about the Safe Medication for Moms and Babies Act: The Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act will establish a taskforce of federal and medical experts to advance research and information sharing on medication use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The task force will report to Congress: \u2022\ta plan to identify and address gaps in knowledge and research regarding safe and effective medications for pregnant women and lactating women;  \r\n\u2022\tthe state of federal research involving pregnant and lactating women, recommendations for the coordination of, and collaboration on, research related to pregnant and lactating women.   \r\n\u2022\tdetail what can be done to promote development of safer medications for use during pregnancy and breastfeedingThe Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act is supported by March of Dimes, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Nurse Midwives, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Association of Women\u2019s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women\u2019s Health, North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology, Society for Women\u2019s Health Research.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-federal-government-must-listen-local-community-snake", "COLUMN: Federal Government Must Listen to Local Community on Snake River Dams", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Hundreds of local residents showed up last week in Pasco for a debate that many thought had long been settled. We again find ourselves making the case that proposals to breach the Columbia and lower Snake River dams would hurt our local community, and negative impacts would far outweigh any benefit. I attended the meeting in Pasco to add my voice in strong opposition to proposals to remove the four dams. I was one voice among many, seeing firsthand the passionate feelings on the matter. Last week\u2019s meeting was a glaring example of the importance of local impact of proposed federal action being taken seriously.\nThe Lower Snake River dams are an irreplaceable source of energy-efficient and clean hydropower for the equivalent of 800,000 homes. A 2015 \u201creliability analysis\u201d conducted by Bonneville Power Administration found that replacing the lower Snake River dams with natural gas would increase the region\u2019s carbon dioxide emissions by between 2 and 2.6 million metric tons annually \u2013 the equivalent of adding 421,000 cars to our roads each and every year and at the annual cost of between $274 million and $372 million.\u00a0\nWithout the dams, our region would lose waterways that are critical for navigation. The region\u2019s agriculture economy \u2013 especially wheat growers that are far inland \u2013 would suffer. According to the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, moving the same amount of wheat by road or rail would require 137,000 semi-trucks or 23,900 railcars.\nFarmers and irrigators would lose access to water storage. We have seen the plight of agriculture communities in states like California that have grappled with diminishing access to water supplies. It boggles the mind that the federal government would intentionally impose similar struggles on our Pacific Northwest communities.\nThe most common reason to breach the dams is to save endangered salmon. I share the goal of ensuring safe fish passage, and ratepayers and taxpayers have spent billions of dollars to do just that. Survival rate for young salmon populations migrating downstream to the ocean through the dams stands at 97 percent, and fish ladders and turbine improvements \u2013 such as those recently made at Ice Harbor Dam \u2013 improve adult fish passage.\nThe most important consideration in any debate on the dams future must be the impact on local residents. Incredibly, the Environmental Impact Statement public scoping meeting had not even originally been scheduled for the Tri-Cities. I was able to request a meeting in our area, and I appreciate community groups that were supportive of this effort. In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed to make this meeting happen, and hundreds of people were able to have their voices heard.\nStrong feelings remain on both sides of the debate, but the local community\u2019s input must be at the forefront. When the local community clearly relies on the dams\u2019 maintenance for our way of life, the key must be to achieve a balanced solution of what we have seen work in the past: investing in improving fish survival while maintaining the dams.\nIf you would like to have your say on the matter and add your voice to this debate, comments can be submitted on the scope of the planned study until January17 at\u00a0www.crso.info, by email to\u00a0comment@crso.info\u00a0or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: CRSO EIS, P.O. Box 2870, Portland, OR, 97208-2870.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/block-last-minute-federal-regulations", "COLUMN: Block Last Minute Federal Regulations", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Voters\u2019 selection of Donald J. Trump as president, as well as Republican congressional majorities, sends a strong signal that Americans are ready for a dramatic shift in their government. Under the Obama Administration, we have seen unprecedented federal power grabs, including an attempt to tell farmers how they can use their own cropland through the \u201cWaters of the United States\" (WOTUS) rule. We have seen a flood of regulations, which came at a heavy cost to Americans: in 2015 alone, government regulations totaled $1.89 trillion in lost productivity and growth. On November 8th, Americans clearly rejected one-size-fits-all, top-down policies that have been tried time and again under President Obama. A unified Republican government is a historic opportunity to restore limited government and rule of, by, and for the people. A renewal of the principles of the rule of law \u2013 rather than the rule of federal mandates \u2013 and the separation of powers will restore our founders\u2019 intent of governing with the consent of the governed.\nBefore a new government is sworn in this January, it is imperative that the Obama Administration listen to the American people rather than move forward with any potential \u201cmidnight regulations.\u201d Midnight regulations are typically rushed out by an outgoing administration during the lame duck period when the public\u2019s attention is elsewhere during the holiday season. A law called the Congressional Review Act (CRA) has been in place since 1996, and it allows Congress\u00a0to disapprove midnight rules. There is a catch, however. Currently, CRA resolutions can only disapprove of one rule at a time. This loophole would allow the outgoing administration to \u201cflood the zone\u201d with regulations to overwhelm any congressional response under CRA.\nMidnight rules are the kind of last-minute rulemaking that simply defies the message that Americans just sent through the ballot box. Last week, I supported House passage of H.R. 5982, the Midnight Rules Relief Act, which would institute common sense reforms by amending the CRA to allow disapproval of multiple midnight rules to be passed by the incoming Congress. The bill establishes a streamlined process by which Congress can respond to a flurry of last-minute rulemaking. The new legislation would also be a tool to discourage any administration from trying to push through unpopular rules while avoiding accountability and public scrutiny.\nRelief from burdensome federal regulations will allow breathing room for the private sector from job-killing rules, while at the same time ensuring that Congress maintains its proper role as the branch of government responsible for legislation. It is time to stop abusive midnight rules and restore the limits on the executive branch outlined in our Constitution.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398808", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Questions Forest Service Discriminatory Actions toward Disabled Individuals Using Pedal-assist Bicycles", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Jaime Herrera Beutler is questioning a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to ban pedal-assist bicycles, which are frequently used by individuals with disabilities, on bicycle trails in federal forests. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      \r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\nClass 1 Pedal-assist Bike: can only be activated \r\nthrough a pedaling action and is limited to 20 mph.\r\nJaime Herrera Beutler is questioning a decision by the U.S. Forest Service to ban pedal-assist bicycles, which are frequently used by individuals with disabilities, on bicycle trails in federal forests.  The issue was brought to her attention by a White Salmon resident with a degenerative muscular disease who was told by a Forest Service official that the Forest Service disregarded the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allowance for certain pedal assist bicycles on its bike trails.Jaime sent a letter to U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell yesterday, asking him to review the incident involving Ms. Bella Berlly of White Salmon, and to reverse its discriminatory prohibition on equipment that can help people with disabilities recreate in their national forests.\r\n\u201cA long-time athlete who has hiked and mountain biked extensively, Ms. Berlly now suffers from a degenerative muscular disease and no longer has the ability to access mountain bike trails without the use of a Class I E-Bike to assist her as she pedals.\u201d Jaime wrote in her letter.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThese bikes provide battery assistance only when being pedaled, and offer a valuable service to those who wish to access our national trails via mountain bike but need a small amount of assistance to be able to do so,\u201d Jaime continued.\u00a0 \u201cOur National Forests are community assets, and it is troubling that individuals employed to act as stewards of those assets are limiting access by the physical disabilities community through discriminatory actions.\u201d\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nThe full text of Jaime\u2019s letter follows: \r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Chief Tidwell,\r\nI have received the attached correspondence from my constituent, Bella Berlly, regarding the barriers to access that she has experienced as a person with disabilities who simply wishes to enjoy our National Forests.\u00a0\u00a0 The letter and the documentation she has provided are troubling, and I believe warrant your review.\u00a0\u00a0 A long-time athlete who has hiked and mountain biked extensively, Ms. Berlly now suffers from a degenerative muscular disease and no longer has the ability to access mountain bike trails without the use of a Class I E-Bike to assist her as she pedals.\r\nEarlier this year, Ms. Berlly experienced a disturbing and traumatic incident of harassment and discrimination from a fellow mountain biker while riding her bike in the Coconino National Forest in Arizona.\u00a0\u00a0 Just as\u00a0alarming,\u00a0when she\u00a0contacted Forest\u00a0Service officials\u00a0to report the incident and to ask for their assistance, she was treated\u00a0without sympathy regarding what had happened to her.\u00a0\r\nFurther, she was also told she would no longer be allowed to ride on mountain bike trails, even though it is my understanding that this bike classification is not prohibited under the Travel Management Plan, but would instead be required to ride her bike on roads and trails that are designated for motor vehicles.\u00a0\u00a0 It is not hard to imagine the distress this would cause, particularly for a person with a physical disability.\u00a0\r\nAs you are aware, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was landmark legislation which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs run by federal agencies.\u00a0 In addition, the mobility device that she must use to access our National Forests via mountain bike, a Class E-1 Bike, has been classified under the Americans with Disability Act as a non-motorized vehicle because it is not self-propelled.\u00a0\u00a0 These bikes provide battery assistance only when being pedaled, and offer a valuable service to those who wish to access our national trails via mountain bike but need a small amount of assistance to be able to do so.\r\nI hope you will agree that the way in which Ms. Berlly was, and continues to be, treated is an exceptionally poor reflection on US Forest Service policy, and that her experience should not be the accepted procedure directed towards those with physical limitations.\u00a0\u00a0 Our National Forests are community assets, and it is troubling that individuals employed to act as stewards of those assets are limiting access by the physical disabilities community through discriminatory actions.\u00a0 I will appreciate your giving this matter your careful consideration, and notifying my office of any provisions which will allow Ms. Berlly and others with similar needs, to continue to access our National Forests.\u00a0\u00a0 I look forward to your response. \u00a0\r\nThank you for your assistance. \r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-celebrating-127-years-evergreen-state", "COLUMN: Celebrating 127 Years of the Evergreen State", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington my home;\n\tWhere ever I may roam;\n\tThis is my land, my native land,\n\tWashington, my home.\n\tOur verdant forest green,\n\tCaressed by silvery stream;\n\tFrom mountain peak to fields of wheat.\n\tWashington, my home.\nThis verse of \u201cWashington My Home,\u201d adopted as our state song in 1959, illustrates what so many Washingtonians picture about our home in the northwest corner of America. For those of us in the Okanogan Highlands, thinking of the \u201cverdant forest green\u201d is certainly true. For those of us in the Mid-Columbia south, though, we think of large tracts of treeless hills and steppe. The natural beauty of our mountains, forests, and rivers are assets that Washingtonians have long celebrated and enjoyed. Just last week, November 11th marked the 127th anniversary of our young state, which was admitted to the United States in 1889 by a proclamation signed by President Benjamin Harrison as the 42nd state.\nIn 1805, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery\u00a0Expedition, guided by Sacajawea, after being sent by President Thomas Jefferson to map a new route to the Pacific Ocean. In October of 1805 the explorers reached the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, the present location of Sacajawea State Park in Pasco and the Wallula Gap. They could scarcely have imagined how many people would settle the Mid-Columbia in what is now the Tri-Cities, now a thriving metropolitan area of more than 250,000 people.\nOver the past 127 years, our state\u2019s economy has indeed thrived from the contributions of agriculture, hydropower, technology, forestry, mining, and more. On the state\u2019s centennial in 1989, President George H.W. Bush pointed out that, \u201cSince achieving statehood in 1889, Washington has also witnessed tremendous economic development. Washington State has become a leader in aviation, computer software, shipbuilding, trade, forestry, agriculture, and the production of energy. The Puget Sound area flourishes as a gateway to the Pacific. Eastern Washington boasts rich soil that has made the State famous worldwide for its apples and many other crops.\u201d Despite the famous \u2018Cascade Divide\u2019 and our many differences, our state and our people find common ground and flourish.\nTo celebrate the admission of Washington to the union, the Library of Congress is featuring Washington Collections online at http://cdn.loc.gov/project/lcnet/states/Washington.html. The collection includes early maps, state songs, stories of our state\u2019s veterans, and folklife collections. I encourage you to explore the story of our great state, as together we celebrate what makes Washington our home. The future is bright for the Evergreen State, and we look to many more anniversaries as the 42nd state in our union.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-legislation-recognize-impact-outdoor-industry", "House passes legislation to recognize impact of outdoor industry", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Outdoor REC Act with strong bipartisan support. This legislation, championed by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), would direct the government to measure the outdoor industry\u2019s important contributions to the U.S. economy.\n\u201cWith countless hiking and biking trails, rivers, lakes, and parks, Washington State is home to some of the country\u2019s most active outdoorsmen and women. But spending time outside is more than a recreational activity in my home state \u2013 the outdoors industry is a staple of our economy. I am proud today my colleagues in the House joined me in recognizing the important role the outdoor recreation industry plays in contributing to job creation and the overall health of our economy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-gosar-bishop-lead-members-urging-house-appropriators-protect", "Newhouse, Gosar, Bishop Lead Members Urging House Appropriators to Protect Federal Dams", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) led 13 Members on a letter to House appropriators, with jurisdiction over federally-owned and operated dams, in support of retaining language to ensure the dams continued operation in any appropriations legislation considered in the final days of the 114th Congress. In both Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 and 2017, the House adopted language to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to remove any federally-owned or operated dam. During consideration of the FY2016 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 2028), Representatives Gosar and Newhouse offered an amendment to this effect that was adopted by voice vote. The following year the House Appropriations Committee included this language in the base text of H.R. 5055 in the form of Section 507. Today\u2019s letter was sent to House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-TX) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID), and Ranking Member Marcy Kaptur (D-OH).\nThe Members wrote:\n\u201cOn October 18, 2016, Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell\u00a0sent a letter to\u00a0the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to approve the destruction of four dams on the Klamath River in California and Oregon. Sadly, this is not a new position for this administration. In 2009, during the first year of the Obama presidency, the administration ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct studies on the possibility of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River in the State of Washington, which it argued was necessary to \u2018save\u2019 salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. While we share the goal of protecting salmon populations, which are a vital to the economies of many communities that rely on fishing and outdoor recreation, the fact remains that hydropower dams are not adversely impacting endangered fish populations, as billions of dollars in investments by utilities has led to fish-passage success rates near 99%. \n\u201cIn recent years, extremist environmental groups have increased efforts to dismantle and remove federal dams and the Obama administration has often been a willing and supportive partner. These efforts defy commonsense, particularly at a time of major water challenges across the West and with an increasing need for clean, reliable hydropower. Electricity generated from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation operated dams is utilized by millions of Americans every day and represents the largest source of renewable energy in the country. Many of these dams are essential components for flood control, strategic water storage, and life-sustaining irrigation for millions of acres of American agriculture. Tens of millions of Americans rely on these dams to supply their drinking water and support their livelihoods. The vital water, energy, economic, and ecological benefits provided by federally-owned and operated dams must be protected.\u201d\nThe letter was signed by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Rep. John Fleming (R-LA), Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO), Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM).\nThe full text of the letter can be found below and HERE.\nDear Chairman Rogers, Ranking Member Lowey, Chairman Simpson, and Ranking Member Kaptur:\nWe write in support of retaining language to ensure the continued operation of federally-owned and operated hydroelectric dams and infrastructure in any appropriations legislation considered in the final days of the 114th Congress.\u00a0 In both Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 and 2017, the House adopted language to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds to remove any federally-owned or operated dam. During consideration of the FY2016 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act (H.R. 2028), Representatives Gosar and Newhouse offered an amendment to this effect that was adopted by voice vote.\u00a0 The following year the House Appropriations Committee included this language in the base text of H.R. 5055 in the form of Section 507. \nHydropower is a clean, affordable, and carbon-neutral energy source, one that produces sustainable, renewable, and low-cost energy to power homes, businesses, and cities across the country. Hydroelectric dams also provides numerous additional benefits besides energy production, such as water storage, irrigation, and flood control, as well as conservation, recreation, and navigational benefits.\u00a0 Recent efforts to remove federal hydropower dams and infrastructure is misguided and does not comport with the shared goal of increased domestic energy production that will lead to greater U.S. energy security and independence. \nDespite almost eight years of unabashed support for renewable energy, and countless policies purportedly intended to promote the development of clean sources of energy, the Obama administration has taken extreme steps to hinder future hydroelectric energy production \u2013 and more recently has made clear its intent to destroy existing hydroelectric dams \u2013 rather than build new ones.\u00a0 This is extremely troubling, especially given hydropower\u2019s critical role in the U.S. energy portfolio as a reliable, carbon-neutral, and abundant energy source. \nThe administration has continually advocated for increased hydropower production, yet its recent actions betray these public sentiments. In April 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new initiative called Hydropower Vision that is intended to \u201cestablish the analytical basis for an ambitious roadmap to usher in a new era of growth in sustainable domestic hydropower over the next half century.\u201d\u00a0 Nearly a year later, DOE Secretary Dr. Ernest Moniz discussed the importance of hydropower in a speech to the National Hydropower Association, stating that, \u201cWe have to pick up the covers off of this hidden renewable that\u2019s right in front of our eyes and continues to have significant potential.\u201d\u00a0 However reassuring the Administration\u2019s rhetoric may have been, its actions show a starkly different agenda on this issue.\u00a0 \nOn October 18, 2016, Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell\u00a0sent a letter to\u00a0the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) urging the agency to approve the destruction of four dams on the Klamath River in California and Oregon. Sadly, this is not a new position for this administration.\u00a0 In 2009, during the first year of the Obama presidency, the administration ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct studies on the possibility of removing four hydroelectric dams on the Snake River in the State of Washington, which it argued was necessary to \u201csave\u201d salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. While we share the goal of protecting salmon populations, which are a vital to the economies of many communities that rely on fishing and outdoor recreation, the fact remains that hydropower dams are not adversely impacting endangered fish populations, as billions of dollars in investments by utilities has led to fish-passage success rates near 99%. \nIn recent years, extremist environmental groups have increased efforts to dismantle and remove federal dams and the Obama administration has often been a willing and supportive partner. These efforts defy commonsense, particularly at a time of major water challenges across the West and with an increasing need for clean, reliable hydropower.\u00a0 Electricity generated from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation operated dams is utilized by millions of Americans every day and represents the largest source of renewable energy in the country.\u00a0 Many of these dams are essential components for flood control, strategic water storage, and life-sustaining irrigation for millions of acres of American agriculture. Tens of millions of Americans rely on these dams to supply their drinking water and support their livelihoods.\u00a0 The vital water, energy, economic, and ecological benefits provided by federally-owned and operated dams must be protected. \nWe believe that it is imperative that language ensuring the continued operation of federal hydroelectric dams remains a top priority as the House of Representatives considers legislation funding the federal government for the remainder of FY2017.\u00a0 We thank you for your consideration of this request, and for your leadership on the committee.\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-honoring-america-s-defenders", "COLUMN: Honoring Americas Defenders", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten \u2013 President Calvin Coolidge said it well almost one hundred years ago. Friday is Veterans Day, when we as a nation honor those who have answered the call to defend our way of life. We exercise and enjoy our freedoms every day, and we owe special recognition of every American man and woman who has served in uniform.\nOn November 11, Veterans Day ceremonies will take place across the country. Citizens will gather in assembly to pay tribute to the memory and service of our warriors by singing the words of the Star-Spangled Banner\u2014that ours is \u201cthe land of the free and the home of the brave.\u201d We will pledge allegiance to the flag, with hands on our hearts, while remembering Americans who fulfilled their pledge to our republic, our indivisible nation under God, with everything they had to give. We will take a moment and pray for the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, husbands and wives, and sons and daughters whose loved one made the decision to defend all of us, and never returned home.\nWashington is home to more than 600,000 veterans, so as Washingtonians, we each have the opportunity to honor a veteran we know. An appropriate way to honor veterans is to simply say \u2018thank you for your service\u2019 to someone who served in uniform, or to the family members of those who are currently serving. We should honor them not just with our words, but with our actions as well.\nOne local veteran that comes to my mind is U.S. Army veteran Donald Siefken from Kennewick. I sat down with Mr. Siefken, now a retired truck driver, last week to discuss his own story, which unfortunately includes mistreatment at the Seattle Veterans Administration. Mr. Siefken\u2019s story inspired my work on the Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET) Act to require that every enrolled veteran is afforded the highest level of emergency care at every emergency-capable medical facility under VA jurisdiction. Passing legislation to fix problems at the VA is one way to honor our veterans. Because we remember our veterans, past and present, with our actions.\nThe words inscribed on the Korean War Memorial say: Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met. May we never forget the price of our freedom. These brave Americans fulfilled their pledge to defend us, and we remember and honor all who answered that call this Friday.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/bipartisan-group-lawmakers-call-peace-between-police-and-communities", "Bipartisan group of lawmakers call for peace between police and communities", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 In response to the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve, today Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Trey Gowdy (R-SC), Susan Brooks (R-IN), and Doug Collins (R-GA) \u2013 all members of the Policing Strategies Working Group \u2013 released the following statement calling for peace as we work together as a country to regain trust and rebuild police-community relationships that have deteriorated:\nThe statistics are alarming. Last year, Baltimore saw its bloodiest year on the books with 344 homicides. And with over 600 homicides reported so far this year, violent crime in Chicago is expected to spike by more than 70 percent by the close of 2016. Altogether, violent crime in America is projected to rise by 13 percent by year\u2019s end. The trail of violent crime is tragically clear: where there is loss of life, there are deteriorating police-community relations.\nThis past July we came together to form the Policing Strategies Working Group with the shared goal of protecting the sons, daughters, loved ones, and friends who are the faces and the names behind these numbers. As elected leaders from all corners of the United States, we represent constituents from regions north and south, west and east, rural and urban, and from all racial backgrounds. Like the beautiful country we call home, we are rich with different histories, interests, and backgrounds.\u00a0 However, we share a bond that no electoral lines can splinter \u2013 the human bond. We are one family living on this earth.\nAs Americans \u2013 as people \u2013 we all want safe neighborhoods, the fair and just rule of law, and peace. When we lose sight of these common goals and the ties that bind us as humans, we risk losing the very things we are fighting to protect. Our life here is fragile, a temporary gift, let\u2019s use this blessing of life to work toward a future of peace and prosperity for our children. \nWe are committed to examining the issues fueling the tension threatening our communities. We are visiting neighborhoods where trust is low and not only listening to opposing voices but learning how individuals live. \u00a0We are doing our best to walk in each other\u2019s shoes - and that\u2019s what you must do, too. \nIn many neighborhoods across America healing will be no easy task, but the stakes are too high to pursue any other path. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, \u201cWe must all learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we will all perish together as fools.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/nam-awards-rep-newhouse-supporting-manufacturing", "NAM Awards Rep. Newhouse for Supporting Manufacturing", "2016-11-03", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) announced U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as a recipient of the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence.\n\u201cManufacturers large and small provide economic growth and good-paying jobs right here in Central Washington,\u201d said Representative Newhouse. \u201cEntrepreneurs need the right tools to compete and sell their products in a global marketplace. I am grateful for this award, and I am proud to support policies that allow our manufacturers to succeed.\u201d\n\u201cManufacturing in Washington State and across the country are changing lives for the better\u2014through the jobs we create and the products we make. Manufacturing is about improving the human condition, one innovation at a time,\u201d said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. \u201cRep. Newhouse is helping to make our success possible by standing with manufacturers when it matters and casting the right votes.\u201d \n\u201cManufacturers employ over 12 million men and women in the U.S., who are making everything from lifesaving medicines to the most cutting edge technology. The strength of manufacturing in America is responsible for the success of America in the world. When manufacturing succeeds, America succeeds, so Rep. Newhouse\u2019s consistent support for manufacturing means he is supporting a better future for all Americans.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \nKey Votes included in the Voting Record are selected by small, medium and large manufacturing executives who serve on the NAM\u2019s Key Vote Advisory Committee. Additional information on the NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence can be found here.\nThe National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for two-thirds of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reichert-respond-watchdog-report-port-performance", "Newhouse, Reichert Respond to Watchdog Report on Port Performance", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled \u201cBetter Supply Chain Information Could Improve DOT's Freight Efforts.\u201d The GAO report recommended that in developing a freight data strategy, the U.S. Department of Transportation should identify: what supply chain information is needed, potential sources of that information, data gaps, and how it intends to use this information to inform freight efforts. The report also highlights how the Department of Transportation\u2019s (DOT) own draft National Freight Strategic Plan calls for developing similar data. Rep. Newhouse\u2019s amendment creating the Port Performance Program was included in H.R. 22,\u00a0Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation Act\u00a0(FAST Act), which was signed into law in December, 2015, helps to address this need. The amendment required the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) to collect and report port statistics which will then be published in an annual report by BTS. The Port Performance Working Group will make recommendations to BTS to determine specific port metrics.\n\u201cMaintaining stable supply chains and preventing another West Coast ports disruption is critical for exporters and consumers in the Pacific Northwest,\u201d the congressmen said. \u201cThis watchdog report lays out the challenges facing West Coast port operations and highlights the necessity of the Department of Transportation to develop port performance measures that will be used to improve port operations and freight efforts. Preventing future disruptions at our ports necessitates gathering and maintaining data on ports performance. Clear baseline data is an important step to ensure our ports are working effectively, and we eagerly anticipate progress on upcoming recommendations from the Department.\u201d \nBackground:\nThe Port Performance Program within the FAST Act created the following requirements:\n The BTS Director must submit a report on port capacity and throughput no later than January 15th of each year;\n\tThe annual report must cover, at a minimum, the top 25 ports in the nation by tonnage, containers, and dry bulk;\n\tThe working group members must submit their recommendations to the BTS Director within one year of enactment of the bill.\n To read the GAO report, click here.\nFor a summary of the Port Performance Program, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-celebrates-jaramillo-family-angels-adoption-national-adoption", "Newhouse Celebrates Jaramillo Family as Angels in Adoption for National Adoption Month", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SUNNYSIDE \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recognized Sunnyside residents Nellie and Frank Jaramillo with the 2016 Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute\u2019s \u201cAngels in Adoption\u201d award. November is National Adoption Month, and Rep. Newhouse honored the Jaramillos for their outstanding advocacy of adoption and foster care issues.\n\u201cFor their commitment as foster parents who have also made the step to open their home by adopting children, Nellie and Frank\u00a0Jaramillo have been outstanding Angels in Adoption,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cWe celebrate the Jaramillos, and I am proud to recognize this local family for providing a loving home for children in our community. I hope their story will be an inspiration to other families in Central Washington considering becoming foster or adoptive parents.\u201d\u00a0\nNellie and Frank Jaramillo adopted three siblings\u00a0on November 20th, 2015.\u00a0After all four of their biological children\u00a0left home,\u00a0Nellie and Frank decided to apply to be foster parents.\u00a0Nellie had previously dedicated\u00a0her time to transporting\u00a0children between their foster homes and their biological parents. She decided she wanted to do more for the children in her community and became a foster parent.\u00a0Nellie and Frank have fostered many children in the past, and many of them\u00a0now\u00a0have children of their own who know Nellie and Frank as simply Grandma and Grandpa.\nThe Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAI\u2019s Angels in Adoption initiative provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity from their district which has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes.\nCCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-fewer-choices-higher-premiums-require-health-reform", "COLUMN: Fewer Choices, Higher Premiums Require Health Reform", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Remember this promise from President Obama to sell his signature health care law to the American people: If you like your health care plan, you can keep it. You might remember that it earned the distinction as PolitiFact\u2019s \u201cLie of the Year\u201d in 2013 after millions of Americans\u2019 plans were cancelled. Even former President Bill Clinton recently called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) \u201cthe craziest thing in the world.\u201d Broken promises have become the new normal with the ACA, and the people paying the price are regular Americans.\nThe latest news is that in the 2017 plan year, premiums will rise in Washington by an average of 13.5 percent, and around the nation by as much as 25 percent, as insurers pull out of existing markets. These price increases will have a real impact on the budgets of families, and they show why it is so important to replace the ACA with a system that works and is actually affordable.\nIn Washington, families and small businesses will face fewer health care choices next year, especially in rural communities. At the end of 2015, insurers Moda and Columbia United Providers exited the Washington individual market. This year, insurer Premera announced it would stop selling individual plans, and Lifewise Health Plan of Washington, a Premera subsidiary, will stop selling plans on ACA exchanges in 12 Washington counties: Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Kittitas, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Skagit, Stevens and Yakima. Another major insurer, UnitedHealth Group, announced that it will exit Washington altogether.\nInsurers heading for the exits all add up to fewer choices and competition for consumers. Instead of the current 11 carriers on the state ACA exchange, Washington consumers will be down to nine in 2017. Nationally, and as we have seen in our own state, rural communities are the hardest hit, with more than 650 counties stuck with a single health insurer. Small businesses are also feeling the pressure of fewer choices. Washington Healthplanfinder Business, the state\u2019s ACA small business marketplace, will only have a single insurer, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, selling plans in only two counties in 2017.\u00a0Eleven health insurers will sell small employer plans outside of the Exchange.\u00a0\nThe ACA has been a disaster for American families. The premium rate shock facing Washingtonians and consumers nationwide in 2017 show that the ACA is falling far short of its goal of making health care more affordable. You can read the Republican plan to restore competition and lower health care costs by going online and checking out http://abetterway.speaker.gov. I am committed to supporting a patient-centered system that allows more competition in a free market on behalf of families and businesses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-newhouse-schrader-push-certainty-west-coast-ports", "Reichert, Newhouse, Schrader push for certainty at West Coast ports", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 On the eve of a meeting between Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) led a letter urging both parties to continue discussing an extension of their current contract covering operations at the 29 West Coast container ports. Although the current contract does not expire until 2019, the last time the contract expired in 2014 there was no resolution until 2015. The result was a prolonged dispute that led to backups at ports along the West Coast and an estimated $7 billion of impacts to the U.S. economy.\n\u201cDuring the 2014-2015 disruption at the 29 West Coast ports, our growers were forced to dump spoiled produce, our manufacturers were delayed waiting for necessary parts, and our retailers were faced with empty shelves. The impact was not simply limited to the West Coast, but was ultimately felt by communities across the country and the larger economy,\u201d wrote the representatives. \u201cWe urge you to come to a resolution, so that we can all avoid this same outcome and the repeat of these devastating stories.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter can be found, HERE.\nRelated Links:\nReichert, Coffman, Radewagen, Newhouse Introduce PORTS Act", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reichert-schrader-urge-contract-extension-progress-west-coast", "Newhouse, Reichert, Schrader Urge Contract Extension Progress as West Coast Ports Parties Meet", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On the eve of a meeting between Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) led a letter urging both parties to continue discussing an extension of their current contract covering operations at the 29 West Coast container ports. Although the current contract does not expire until 2019, the last time the contract expired in 2014 there was no resolution until 2015. The result was a prolonged dispute that led to backups at ports along the West Coast and an estimated $7 billion of impacts to the U.S. economy.\n\u201cDuring the 2014-2015 disruption at the 29 West Coast ports, our growers were forced to dump spoiled produce, our manufacturers were delayed waiting for necessary parts, and our retailers were faced with empty shelves. The impact was not simply limited to the West Coast, but was ultimately felt by communities across the country and the larger economy,\u201d wrote the representatives. \u201cWe urge you to come to a resolution, so that we can all avoid this same outcome and the repeat of these devastating stories.\u201d\nThe full text of the letter can be found, HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-leads-112-members-calling-agricultural-biotechnology-remain-top", "Newhouse Leads 112 Members Calling for Agricultural Biotechnology to Remain a Top Priority in China Talks", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u00a0\u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a letter joined by Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and 107 other U.S. House members to President Obama urging the administration to maintain agricultural biotechnology as a top priority as the U.S. Trade Representative engages with the People\u2019s Republic of China in a series of trade meetings, including the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in November.\u00a0\nThe Members wrote: \u201cOver the past three years, your administration has successfully secured commitments from Chinese officials to pursue a more normalized trading relationship and improve the approval process for products of agricultural biotechnology. Despite this very promising engagement, we continue to see a disconnect between Chinese commitments and action. For instance, in February, three out of 11 biotech products were approved, but China has issued no approvals since that time. The backlog continues to grow.\u00a0 Currently there are a total of 25 biotech products in the regulatory queue in China, including eight in the final stage.\u00a0 Four of these products have been under review since mid-2011. \u00a0\n\u201cWe recognize that regulatory reform in China is complex and will require time. However, we are alarmed that recent amendments to China\u2019s biotech regulatory regime effectively provide less clarity and specificity around the approval process, rather than more transparency and accountability. This development appears to run counter to commitments made to the United States, and raises serious questions regarding China's intention to follow through on the spirit of the agreements made in September 2015 and June 2016.\u201d\nThe Members continued in the letter: \u201cThe U.S. agricultural value chain is committed to working with the United States and Chinese governments to support these efforts. Delayed approvals that limit access to innovative products and encumber trade only serve to undermine the progress made to date and significantly dampens innovation and trade affecting both the U.S. and Chinese economies.\u201d\nFull text of the letter can be found below and here.\n\u00a0\nOctober 28, 2016\n\u00a0\nPresident Barack Obama\nThe White House\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue\nWashington, DC 20500\n\u00a0\nDear Mr. President,\nWe appreciate your administration\u2019s continued efforts to engage the People\u2019s Republic of China \u2013 a vital U.S. trading partner \u2013 on the topic of agricultural innovation and trade.\u00a0 Though some progress has been made, we request that agricultural biotechnology remain a top priority for the United States as we engage the Chinese through a series of meetings this fall, including the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in November.\u00a0\nOver the past three years, your administration has successfully secured commitments from Chinese officials to pursue a more normalized trading relationship and improve the approval process for products of agricultural biotechnology. Despite this very promising engagement, we continue to see a disconnect between Chinese commitments and action. \u00a0For instance, in February, three out of 11 biotech products were approved, but China has issued no approvals since that time. The backlog continues to grow.\u00a0 Currently there are a total of 25 biotech products in the regulatory queue in China, including eight in the final stage.\u00a0 Four of these products have been under review since mid-2011. \u00a0\nWe recognize that regulatory reform in China is complex and will require time.\u00a0 However, we are alarmed that recent amendments to China\u2019s biotech regulatory regime effectively provide less clarity and specificity around the approval process, rather than more transparency and accountability. This development appears to run counter to commitments made to the United States, and raises serious questions regarding China's intention to follow through on the spirit of the agreements made in September 2015 and June 2016.\nChina continues to be a very significant trading partner for U.S. agriculture.\u00a0 In 2015 China purchased $20.3 billion worth of American agricultural products, roughly $10.8 billion, or 54%, of which were biotech-derived plant products. Paving a path forward through continued high-level engagement is essential to facilitate a more positive trade environment and relationship, including for products of agricultural biotechnology.\u00a0 The U.S. agricultural value chain is committed to working with the United States and Chinese governments to support these efforts.\u00a0 Delayed approvals that limit access to innovative products and encumber trade only serve to undermine the progress made to date and significantly dampens innovation and trade affecting both the U.S. and Chinese economies.\u00a0\nAs your team engages their Chinese counterparts in preparation for the JCCT, we ask that you place added focus on transitioning China\u2019s commitments into positive action. Thank you again for your efforts on behalf of U.S. agriculture and trade.\nSincerely,\nRep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA)\nRep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)\nRep. Jim Costa (D-CA)\nRep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA)\nRep. Rodney Davis (R-IL)\nRep. Ralph Abraham, M.D. (R-LA)\nRep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)\nRep. Brad Ashford (D-NE)\nRep. Dan Benishek, M.D. (R-MI)\nRep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)\nRep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA)\nRep. Rod Blum (R-IA)\nRep. Mike Bost (R-IL)\nRep. Susan W. Brooks (R-IN)\nRep. Julia Brownley (D-CA)\nRep. Ken Buck (R-CO)\nRep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN)\nRep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)\nRep. Bradley Byrne (R-AL)\nRep. Tom Cole (R-OK)\nRep. Chris Collins (R-NY)\nRep. K. Michael Conaway (R-TX)\nRep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)\nRep. Rick Crawford (R-AR)\nRep. Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (R-TN)\nRep. Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. (R-NY)\nRep. Sean Duffy (R-WI)\nRep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)\nRep. Tom Emmer (R-MN)\nRep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX)\nRep. Stephen Fincher (R-TN)\nRep. John C. Fleming, M.D. (R-LA)\nRep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)\nRep. Bill Foster (D-IL)\nRep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)\nRep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH)\nRep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)\nRep. Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (R-AZ)\nRep. Sam Graves (R-MO)\nRep. Tom Graves (R-GA)\nRep. Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD)\nRep. Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)\nRep. French Hill (R-AR)\nRep. George Holding (R-NC)\nRep. Richard Hudson (R-NY)\nRep. Lynn Jenkins, CPA (R-KS)\nRep. Bill Johnson (R-OH)\nRep. Mike Kelly (R-PA)\nRep. Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI)\nRep. Ron Kind (D-WI)\nRep. Steve King (R-IA)\nRep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL)\nRep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ)\nRep. Ra\u00fal R. Labrador (R-ID)\nRep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)\nRep. Robert E. Latta (R-OH)\nRep. David Loebsack (D-IA)\nRep. Billy Long (R-MO)\nRep. Frank Lucas (R-OK)\nRep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)\nRep. Tom Marino (R-PA)\nRep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)\nRep. Martha McSally (R-AZ)\nRep. Mark Meadows (R-NC)\nRep. Patrick Meehan (R-PA)\nRep. Luke Messer (R-IN)\nRep. John Moolenaar (R-MI)\nRep. Randy Neugebauer (R-TX)\nRep. Devin Nunes (R-CA)\nRep. Kristi Noem (R-SD)\nRep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN)\nRep. Steve Pearce (R-NM)\nRep. Scott Perry (R-PA)\nRep. Collin C. Peterson (D-MN)\nRep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS)\nRep. Tom Reed (R-NY)\nRep. Dave Reichert (R-WA)\nRep. Jim Renacci (R-OH)\nRep. Reid Ribble (R-WI)\nRep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN)\nRep. Todd Rokita (R-IN)\nRep. Thomas J. Rooney (R-FL)\nRep. Peter Roskam (R-IL)\nRep. David Rouzer (R-NC)\nRep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)\nRep. Austin Scott (R-GA)\nRep. David Scott (D-GA)\nRep. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R-WI)\nRep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)\nRep. John Shimkus (R-IL)\nRep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)\nRep. Kyrsten Simena (D-AZ)\nRep. Jason Smith (R-MO)\nRep. Steve Stivers (R-OH)\nRep. Marlin Stutzman (R-IN)\nRep. Glenn \u2018GT\u2019 Thompson (R-PA)\nRep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX)\nRep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH)\nRep. Scott Tipton (R-CO)\nRep. Dave Trott (R-MI)\nRep. Michael R. Turner (R-OH)\nRep. Fred Upton (R-MI)\nRep. Filemon Vela (D-TX)\nRep. Ann Wagner (R-MO)\nRep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN)\nRep. Timothy J. Walz (D-MN)\nRep. Randy Weber (R-TX)\nRep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH)\nRep. Kevin Yoder (R-KS)\nRep. Ted S. Yoho, DVM (R-FL)\nRep. David Young (R-IA)\nRep. Todd Young (R-IN)\nRep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/following-support-congressman-reichert-and-members-wa-delegation-27-million", "Following Support from Congressman Reichert and Members of the WA Delegation, $2.7 Million Apprenticeship Grant Heads to Washington State", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Representatives Dave Reichert (WA-08), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Jim McDermott (WA-07), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Denny Heck (WA-10) today announced that Washington has been awarded a $2.7 million US Department of Labor ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant to boost apprenticeships in the state.\nThe announcement comes after the Members threw their support behind Washington\u2019s application in a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor last month.\n\u201cThe need for highly-skilled workers in Washington is significant, especially given our robust aerospace industry,\u201d the Members wrote. \u201cWe ask that you give full and fair consideration to Washington state\u2019s grant application and look forward to working with you on a federal level to promote apprenticeships and expand the skills of our workforce.\u201d \nThe state expansion grant program exists to help states develop and implement comprehensive strategies to support apprenticeship expansion to new sectors and underserved populations, as well as enhance state capacity to conduct outreach and work with employers to start new programs.\nWashington state\u2019s application aims to use apprenticeships to help increase the number of people in the state who are able to find and maintain good jobs \u2013 especially people in disadvantaged populations \u2013 and help close the skill gaps that employers need, especially in manufacturing industries.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-restore-article-i-and-framers-intent-balanced", "COLUMN: Restore Article I and the Framers Intent of Balanced Government", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As a farmer and a student of American history, few things are as satisfying as wrapping up the last few weeks\u2019 harvest at my family\u2019s hop farm in Central Washington. Thomas Jefferson once wrote to John Adams in 1787: \u201cI think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries; as long as they are chiefly agricultural.\u201d While I admit some bias, I tend to agree. 240 years into the experiment of American democracy, we enjoy the fruition of the efforts of citizen farmers such as Jefferson and Adams, who played prominent roles in founding the United States by planting the seeds of our nation\u2019s future. While our country\u2019s economy has become less rural and agricultural, the extent to which our national government has adhered to the rule of law and framework set by those citizen farmers has allowed us to flourish as a free people.\nToday, Americans are still revolutionary in our distrust of arbitrary, centralized government that could in any way mirror the abuses under British colonial rule. We understand the importance of safeguarding the boundaries that preserve our limited government and keep it accountable to the people. The framers of the Constitution intended to prevent the abuse of federal power by delineating the three branches of legislative, executive, and judicial authority. Crossing those lines may not lead to subjective rule overnight, but it erodes the rule of law that upholds our freedoms.\nEven a democratic form of government can cross lines, which is why Article I of the Constitution lays out the limited duties of Congress. The Founders designated Congress, the legislative branch, as the most responsive and accountable to the will of the people. Article I stipulates that \u201cAll legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives [emphasis added].\u201d Unfortunately, we live during a critical point in our history, when legislative authority of the people\u2019s elected representatives has been disregarded by a flood of executive orders and regulations crafted by unelected bureaucrats. The need to restore Article I legislative authority is critical to upholding the people\u2019s voice in representative government. Republicans are advancing a Better Way agenda to put our nation back on the right path by reviving the constitutional balance of our government.\nOur American Constitution is the oldest single governing document in the world. We uphold it not because of a magical arrangement of words, but due to the prudence of its design and the seriousness of the American people in safeguarding its principles one generation after the other. Even as our country becomes less rural and agricultural, we can still be a people who flourish by preserving the rule of law set up by our forebears.\n*This column first appeared on GOP.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-urges-swift-action-after-new-information-what-s-upstream", "Newhouse Urges Swift Action after New Information on Whats Upstream", "2016-10-19", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the amended complaint was filed to the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission regarding violations related to the \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d campaign in Washington state:\n\u201cI encourage this complaint to be acted upon swiftly in order to determine all the facts on the improper and illegal use of taxpayer funds for the anti-farmer \u2018What\u2019s Upstream\u2019 campaign. Those found responsible for any illegal activity should be held accountable to the law.\u201d\nLast month, Rep. Newhouse led a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy requesting an update on the agency\u2019s review. EPA Region 10 funded the What\u2019s Upstream website and advocacy campaign that attempts to influence legislators for greater regulation of farmers and ranchers.\u00a0The letter requests an update on the agency\u2019s progress assembling facts and enacting reforms to ensure appropriated funds are not being used in contravention of the law. In April of this year, Administrator McCarthy acknowledged that the EPA was \u201cdistressed by the use of the money and the tone of [the What\u2019s Upstream] campaign\u201d and called for a full review of the use of taxpayer funds for the campaign. The letter sent today was signed by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Rep. Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), and Rep. David Scott (D-GA).\nIn April, the EPA admitted that it should not have funded a campaign\u00a0in Washington State known as\u00a0What's Upstream, due to that campaign\u2019s brazen lobbying of state legislators in contravention of federal law. The What's Upstream\u00a0campaign, which was wholly funded by the EPA, used grant awards to fund a website, radio ads, and billboards depicting dead fish and polluted water, urging individuals to contact their state legislators and, \u201chold the agricultural industry to the same level of responsibility as other industries.\u201d A large, red button on the website labeled, \u201cTake action! We\u2019ve made it simple,\u201d allowed visitors to easily send an email to their state legislators advocating for 100-foot stream buffer zones and other policies. An\u00a0EPA Inspector General\u2019s report from 2014\u00a0had warned that the EPA region responsible for awarding the grant had insufficient protections in place to ensure awardees were not using funds for advocacy, propaganda, and/or lobbying efforts.\nAccording to a December, 2015 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the\u00a0EPA violated federal lobbying and advocacy\u00a0laws by funding social media campaigns supporting EPA\u2019s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-praises-victory-american-aerospace-manufacturers-and-workers-wto-dispute", "Reichert Praises Victory for American Aerospace Manufacturers and Workers in WTO Dispute Against China", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA) issued the following statement regarding today\u2019s announcement from the United States Trade Representative that China has ended discriminatory tax exemptions for certain Chinese-produced aircraft. This decision came after the United States brought World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement proceedings against China.  \n\t\u00a0\n\u201cAmerica is home to the greatest manufacturers and workforce in the world, and we know that when our businesses compete on a level playing field, they win. Thank you to Ambassador Froman and his team for their commitment to enforcing the rules and standing up for the aerospace workers and businesses in my home state of Washington. The elimination of China's discriminatory tax on imported aircraft is a significant victory for American businesses and workers. We must continue taking actions to hold our trading partners accountable and give our companies the chance to succeed.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-protect-families-stealth-death-tax", "COLUMN: Protect Families from Stealth Death Tax", "2016-10-18", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Internal Revenue Service is at it again, this time targeting farmers, ranchers, and other businesses operated by families. It may not be politically-motivated targeting, but the IRS is now pushing a new rule that would revise the valuation of family-operated businesses, resulting in a higher tax burden when a family member passes away. In Congress, I proudly voted to repeal the onerous death tax because I have seen firsthand that it prevents hardworking Americans from passing on the fruits of their labor to the next generation. The IRS\u2019 new \u2018stealth death tax\u2019 proposal would create a heavier tax burden for family farmers and ranchers.\nOne of the challenges for family businesses is \u201cmarketability,\u201d or the difficulty in setting a fair market value when passing on assets from one family member to another. 15 percent of a family-held business may be valued at a certain sum, but that valuation does not mean that it is cash liquid. There may not be a willing non-family buyer to purchase that percentage of the business at that \u2018valued\u2019 price. Because of this difficulty evaluating the value of family businesses when passing on assets, the IRS has allowed valuation discounts for family-held businesses to reduce the tax liability for minority shareholders. For 25 years, this common sense \u2018valuation discount\u2019 has helped family businesses survive to be run by the next generation. The IRS proposal to limit the ability of families to use valuation discounts would increase the taxes that must be paid when passing on family businesses, making it more likely that family businesses would have to be broken up or even fold after the death of a loved one.\nHow hard would you work and save to build a family business if you knew that the beneficiary of your labor would ultimately be the taxman? I recently cosponsored the Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act, introduced by my colleague, Rep. Warren Davidson, (R-OH), because no American should put blood, sweat, and tears into a business only for the family to be hit with a hefty tax penalty. The bill I cosponsored would block the proposed IRS valuation rule from increasing the burden of the death tax on families.\nThe American Dream means the freedom to create and pass on opportunity to the next generation. The government should not inherit a larger share of results of a lifetime of work. The IRS rule change would make that more likely, and family farms, ranches, and other businesses would pay the price.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-and-colleagues-announce-kick-new-process-deliver-tariff-relief-us-businesses", "Reichert and Colleagues Announce Kick Off of New Process to Deliver Tariff Relief to U.S. Businesses", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - Today, House Ways and Means\u00a0Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Subcommittee Ranking Member Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), and Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI) invited American businesses to apply for temporary duty suspensions and reductions at the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). \nIn a letter to their Congressional colleagues, the Ways and Means Members outlined specifically how American businesses and manufacturers who have had to pay expensive tariffs for certain products not made in the United States can now benefit from the new process established by the\u00a0American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act (AMCA) of 2016.\n\u201cStarting today, American businesses have until December 12, 2016, to file petitions at the ITC for a temporary duty suspension or reduction. Filing a petition at the ITC is the\u00a0only\u00a0way to pursue eligibility for this relief,\u201d\u00a0the Members wrote.\nAmerican businesses that want to apply for this relief should visit https://www.usitc.gov/mtbinfo.htm.\nCLICK HERE\u00a0for more information on the\u00a0American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act (AMCA) of 2016.\nExcerpts of the Letter:\n\u201cEarlier this year, the House passed by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 415-2 and the Senate passed by unanimous consent the bipartisan American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act (AMCA) of 2016.\u00a0This new law will lower costs for American manufacturers who have had to pay expensive tariffs for certain products not made in the United States, unnecessarily increasing their costs and making them less competitive. The AMCA creates an open and transparent process to provide relief for such manufacturers through temporary duty suspensions and reductions, making it easier for them to sell their products, grow their businesses, create jobs, and invest in their communities.\u00a0This new process is fully consistent with the letter and intent of all House Rules and related guidance.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe AMCA process commences today at the International Trade Commission (ITC), an independent, nonpartisan agency charged by the statute with conducting the petition process and making recommendations to Congress.\u00a0Starting today, American businesses have until December 12, 2016, to file petitions at the ITC for a temporary duty suspension or reduction.\u00a0Filing a petition at the ITC is the\u00a0only\u00a0way to pursue eligibility for this relief.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cThe\u00a0only\u00a0entities eligible to file petitions are members of the public who meet the definition of a \u2018likely beneficiary\u2019 of the requested duty suspension or reduction.\u00a0This term is defined in the statute as \u2018an individual or entity likely to utilize, or benefit directly from the utilization of, an article that is the subject of a petition for a duty suspension or reduction.' \n\u201cAfter petitions are filed, the ITC will commence a public comment procedure in January 2017 and then will begin its evaluation.\u00a0\u00a0\n\u201cIn evaluating each petition, the ITC will determine whether it meets the following tests:\u00a0 (1) there is no objection by a \u2018domestic producer\u2019 of the merchandise, as defined in the statute; (2) it is administrable; (3) the estimated loss in revenue does not exceed $500,000 per calendar year; and (4) the benefit is available to any person importing the article.\u00a0The ITC may make recommendations for technical corrections and modifications to a petition so that it meets these tests.\u00a0\n\u201cThe ITC will then make its final recommendations to Congress, which are due in the summer of 2017.\u00a0At that point, Congress may then consider legislation providing for tariff relief\u00a0only\u00a0for those petitions for which the ITC made a positive recommendation.\u00a0\n\u201cIn the event that you receive inquiries from constituents, please refer them to the very thorough ITC website \u2018MTB Info Page': https://www.usitc.gov/mtbinfo.htm.\u00a0This page contains the links to file a petition, a handbook on filing procedures, a \u2018Before You File\u2019 manual, and answers to frequently asked questions.\u00a0In addition, the page contains the portal required by the enhanced transparency requirements of the new statute to allow the public to follow the process in detail, including access to all petitions, public comments, and ITC report.\u00a0Finally, the Ways & Means website contains further information: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/competitive/.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-hyde-amendment-40-years-saving-lives", "COLUMN: The Hyde Amendment: 40 Years of Saving Lives", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Two million lives. That is the number, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, of lives saved by the Hyde Amendment. Many Americans may not be familiar with the Hyde Amendment, named after\u00a0the late Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), and first enacted by Congress on September 30, 1976.\u00a0The Hyde Amendment, which must be renewed every year, prevents federal taxpayer dollars from paying for abortions, particularly through Medicaid.\u00a0Last month was the 40th anniversary of this important piece of legislation, which has been passed by Congress every year since 1976 and signed into law by presidents of both parties. I have supported and will continue to support the Hyde Amendment so that Americans will not be forced to violate their conscience and pay for the destruction of human life.\nNot only is this a matter of respecting the values of Americans who are pro-life, but it is also about preventing the loss of innocent lives. According to one estimate, repealing the Hyde Amendment could increase abortion rates by 25 percent.\u00a0\nMost Americans clearly favor a prohibition on taxpayer funding of abortions, which is why the Hyde Amendment has had bipartisan support for 40 years. A recent Marist poll found that almost two in three Americans oppose taxpayer funding of abortions; support for the Hyde Amendment supersedes partisan politics.\nFor our society to make progress to respect every life, I believe the Hyde Amendment should be made permanent law instead of requiring annual approval. One of my first votes in Congress was for House passage of\u00a0H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015, which would make the prohibition of federal taxpayer funds for abortion permanent.\nThere are also additional legal measures that are critical to supporting health care entities that decline involvement in abortion. I have supported legislation called the Weldon Amendment that prevents the federal, state, and local governments from enacting policies that require health care entities to provide or pay for abortion-related services.\u00a0Like the Hyde Amendment, the Weldon Amendment must be renewed every year. I voted for the Conscience Protection Act, which would make these protections permanent.\nI believe that all life is precious, and it is the responsibility of our society to protect the most vulnerable. The Hyde and Weldon Amendments, which must be reauthorized annually by Congress, should be made permanent. After 40 years, two million lives testify to the importance of these efforts to protect the sanctity of all life.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-sends-letter-ustr-urging-administration-oppose-iran-wto-membership", "Reichert sends letter to USTR, urging Administration to oppose Iran WTO membership", "2016-10-07", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 As the Wall Street Journal reported, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, and Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), Peter Roskam (R-IL), and Grace Meng (D-NY) sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman, expressing their opposition to Iran\u2019s potential World Trade Organization (WTO) membership and asking for more information regarding the Administration\u2019s position. \nThe Members wrote, \u201cAs Iran remains the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism and continues to be a destabilizing force in the Middle East, maintaining our robust sanctions regime is critical. Iran must be held responsible for its actions, and our ability to impose sanctions is vital in deterring Iran from engaging in nefarious activities.\u201d\nTo read the full letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-prescription-top-down-fever", "COLUMN: A Prescription for Top-Down Fever", "2016-10-03", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I am convinced that there is a recurring \u201ctop-down\u201d fever that strikes Washington D.C., which gives rise to the idea that more government regulations are the answer to creating economic prosperity and supporting job growth. In reality, one-size-fits-all regulations often have unintended and damaging consequences to individuals, job creation, and the economy. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, regulations cost Americans $1.89 trillion in lost productivity and growth in 2015 alone. That enormous number is more than the entire annual economic output of the second-largest state in our nation\u2019s economy. I have been working in Congress to break the regulatory fever that makes regulations work against Americans instead of for us.\nIn recent months, I have heard from constituents in Central Washington who are very concerned about the impact of an overtime regulation proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on their jobs, businesses, and non-profit organizations. The DOL\u2019s rule would impose new costs on businesses by lifting the cap of workers eligible for overtime pay from $23,600 to $47,476. At first glance, this may sound like a benefit for workers, but the regulation will likely have devastating unintended consequences. Small businesses and non-profits confronted with this new burden will be faced with being required to pay thousands of dollars in additional labor costs, limiting the hours of their employees, moving salaried workers to hourly positions, or laying off workers. Higher wages and more jobs do not come from government mandates, but from increasing opportunity.\nThe DOL has not even made an attempt to make this national rule workable for small businesses. First, there is no phase-in period \u2013 on December 1st it will hit every business, school, and non-profit in America at full-force. Second, the rule is not adaptable to varying economic conditions of different regions. The rule will apply as much to the Seattle metro area \u2013 with an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent \u2013 as it will to the Yakima area, where the unemployment rate is 7.2 percent. Rather than more regulatory burdens and red tape, communities in Central Washington need flexibility to provide more jobs and opportunities.\nI recently cosponsored the Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act, introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), which passed the House just last week. This legislation would simply delay DOL\u2019s rule for six months to give time to consider the economic impact of the workplace regulation on small businesses, nonprofits, institutions of higher education. The bill would also ensure future changes to the salary threshold accurately reflect the economic realities facing workers and employers. One might say the legislation is a prescription to help break DOL\u2019s fever for more federal regulations.\n*This column is adapted from a speech Rep. Newhouse gave in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 28, 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398780", "Congress Advances Jaime Herrera Beutlers Measures to Speed Up Care for Southwest Washington Veterans", "2016-09-29", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s measures to address the lengthy VA hiring process and staff vacancies that have delayed care for Southwest Washington veterans. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s measures to address the lengthy VA hiring process and staff vacancies that have delayed care for Southwest Washington veterans. The measures were included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations portion of the legislation, which is expected to be signed into law by the President in coming days.\r\nAlso part of the package approved last night was $1.1 billion in emergency funding for combating and preventing the Zika virus \u2013 resources Jaime has been working to secure since earlier this year.\r\n\u201cThis effort that will soon be signed into law gets at the root problems in Portland and Vancouver-area VA facilities that are making veterans wait too long for care,\u201d said Jaime.\u00a0 \u201cFunding is important, but it\u2019s clear the problems plaguing the VA go beyond just more funding, whether it\u2019s turnover of VA doctors and care providers, or the burdensome hiring processes to replace them.\u00a0 This legislative effort I\u2019ve been leading aims to uncover the causes of those problems so they can be fixed.\u00a0 Our veterans deserve timely access to high quality care from the VA, and I\u2019ll keep working for them until that happens.\u201d\u00a0\r\nIn addition to Jaime\u2019s reforms, the bill includes a total of $176.9 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, an increase of $14.2 billion. The 9% increase provides additional funding to address management problems and health care shortages, and to increase the speed, efficiency, and effectiveness of its services to veterans.\r\nHerrera Beutler-authored veteran wait time accountability measures included in the bill:\r\nWait times due to staff turnover \u2013 Jaime\u2019s legislative directive requires the VA to investigate the steps, and cost of those steps, in its hiring process and continues Jaime\u2019s previous work to address long wait times at the Vancouver and Portland VA due to high staff turnover.\r\nWhile the Vancouver VA clinic should have 16 primary care physicians, it recently only has 11 physicians on staff.\u00a0 This staff shortage contributes to more than 10% of veterans being forced to wait 30-plus days for health care appointments, which is three times the national average.\r\n\u201cChoice Act\u201d resource scrutiny\u2013 One of Jaime\u2019s accountability measures will look at the amount of funding from The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act \u2013 a bill Jaime supported that was signed into law in 2014 \u2013 was allocated to each VA region to hire additional staff, the number of staff actually hired, and the number of employees who left VA in the same period, and the net gain/loss of healthcare providers.\r\nMedical staff retention \u2013 Another one of Jaime\u2019s accountability measures builds on her legislative provision signed into law last year that required the VA to collect data on the number of medical staff who have left the VA system including their main reasons for leaving, and a detailed plan of how the VA can address these issues. In response to last year\u2019s provision, the VA has uncovered a multitude of reasons behind providers\u2019 decision to leave the VA. \u00a0However, the VA only provided data at the national level.\u00a0 To better address this range of issues, Jaime\u2019s directive requires the VA to break down the data by region, facility and primary verses specialty care. \u00a0\r\nVA care capacity for severely disabled veterans \u2013 It is unclear if VA has maintained capacity to care for severely disabled veterans.\u00a0 Jaime included an accountability measure requiring the VA to report on its capacity to provide for the health care needs of severely disabled veterans, including veterans with spinal cord dysfunction, blindness, amputations, and mental illness.\u00a0\r\nVouchers for homeless veterans program \u2013This accountability measure would have the VA report the specific numbers of vouchers it issues to house and provide services for both male and female homeless veterans in rural and urban areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-blumenauer-mcmorris-rodgers-and-tsongas-introduce-resolution-address", "Reichert, Blumenauer, McMorris Rodgers, and Tsongas introduce resolution to address physician shortages in rural communities", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and Niki Tsongas (D-MA) introduced a resolution expressing support for a stable and sustainable funding source for the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program. The THCGME program is dedicated entirely to training primary-care physicians and dentists in community-based settings to help fill shortages of primary-care clinicians across the country.\n\u201cToo many families in rural communities are struggling to access the health care they need due to a shortage of primary care physicians. The doctor shortage threatens the health of the over 46 million Americans who call rural regions of the country home, including Ellensburg and Chelan in my home state of Washington. Community Health Centers play a critical role in meeting this need,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cIt only makes sense that we should be training our future doctors in the setting where we need them most \u2013 and that\u2019s what the THCGME does. It has a proven track record of attracting and retaining high-quality medical professionals in underserved areas. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join us in supporting the THCGME program and provide it with the resources necessary to serve our communities.\u201d\n\u201cIn communities across America, there is a growing need for more primary care providers,\u201d said Rep. Blumenauer. \u201cBy training primary care providers in diverse settings, the Teaching Health Center program expands access to health services in rural and underserved urban communities. This important program deserves continued Congressional support.\u201d\n\u201cBringing more general family practice doctors, OBGYNs, and psychiatrists to Eastern Washington is one of my top priorities. Recruiting and developing the next generation of medical providers in our community starts with securing the funding and building the facilities needed to attract more doctors to our area,\u201d said House Republican Conference Chair Rep. McMorris Rodgers. \u201cOne way to do this is by continuing the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) Program. The program has helped recruit 60 percent more medical residents to Eastern Washington in the last two years, and the resolution my colleagues and I introduced today continues the success teaching health centers, including the Spokane Teaching Health Center, have achieved to help grow our medical community and provide better, faster care to our rural communities.\u201d\n\u201cThe benefits of Teaching Health Centers are widespread. They give aspiring primary care physicians \u2013 who are so crucial to providing personalized preventative care and ensuring health concerns are caught and treated early \u2013 the opportunity to train in a diverse setting,\u201d said Rep Tsongas. \u201cAnd as I have seen in my own district at exceptional facilities like the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Teaching Health Centers provide communities with the next generation of physicians for their area. The residency program at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center has trained 161 family physicians, more than 73% of whom work in underserved communities and 32% in community health centers. Last year, I led a bipartisan effort for two years of funding for the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education program and am proud to join Reps. Reichert, Blumenauer, and McMorris Rodgers to make that funding permanent.\u201d\u00a0\nThis is what people in the medical community are saying about H.Res.899:\n\u201cBecause of its strong emphasis on meeting current physician workforce needs and providing access to primary care in medically underserved areas, the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Program is critical to the future of our nation\u2019s health.\u00a0 This program is of particular importance to osteopathic medical education, as most currently-funded medical residency programs are osteopathic or dually-accredited (DO/MD). AACOM applauds Representative Reichert\u2019s efforts to support this bipartisan program that is critical to ensure the stability and continuity of the nation\u2019s primary care training programs in community-based settings while simultaneously delivering health care services to underserved communities most in need.\u201d -Stephen C. Shannon, DO, MPH, AACOM President and CEO\n\u201cThe AAFP appreciates Reps. Dave Reichert, Earl Blumenauer, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Niki Tsongas for sponsoring a bipartisan resolution of support for sustaining the Teaching Health Center GME program. This important program is dedicated entirely to training new primary care physicians -- two-thirds of whom are training in family medicine. Research shows that family physicians tend to practice where they are trained, which is why continued support of this program is important to addressing our national shortage in primary care.\" \u2013 John Meigs, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians\n\"We are grateful that Representative Reichert, who represents the first rural THC funded clinic, in Ellensburg, Washington, is taking this action to provide Congressional support for sustaining this important federal program. The Teaching Health Center (THC) program has been a significant tool for addressing the primary care physician shortage in the Yakima and Ellensburg areas of Washington state, and nationally. Community Health of Central Washington provides quality healthcare through service and education and the THC program plays an important part in supporting it.\u201d - Russell G. Maier, MD, FAAFP, program director of the Central Washington Family Medicine Residency \n\"Speaking for the nation\u2019s first community health center-sponsored residency program, I commend the efforts of our own Rep. Nikki Tsongas, a stalwart advocate for healthcare access for our patients. We so appreciate her joining Representatives Reichert, Blumenauer, and McMorris Rodgers in introducing this resolution, recognizing that a stable and sustainable funding source is needed for the long-term survival of the THC program.\" - Joseph Gravel, MD, Chair of Family Medicine & Community Health/ Chief Medical Officer of the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-votes-keep-government-open-and-running", "Reichert votes to keep government open and running", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR), which will keep the government funded through December 9, 2016.\n\u201cI am proud my House and Senate colleagues agreed to put politics aside and acted in the best interest of our national security and the American people. Veterans, seniors, our troops, vulnerable members of society, and our economic stability all depend on a government that is open and fully operating. I see it as my privilege and duty to make sure these needs are met,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cAlthough a continuing resolution is not a long term solution, I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle over these coming months to pass a comprehensive funding bill that strengthens our economy, addresses our communities\u2019 needs, and keeps the government running.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398779", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Champions Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention in Water Infrastructure Bill that Passes House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA) that steps up protection on the Columbia River system against aquatic invasive species via an amendment successfully championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler.  The WRDA bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain our national waterways infrastructure, vital to economic growth and targeted flood prevention. Jaime led the effort to speed up the utilization of funds that have already been approved for invasive species prevention, ensuring this funding would quickly be applied to support watercraft inspection stations along the Columbia River.The impacts of a quagga and zebra mussel invasion of the Columbia River system would be devastating.  According to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, the potential costs of a quagga mussel introduction into the Pacific Northwest has been estimated at more than $500 million annually. Last night, Jaime successfully defended her amendment on the U.S. House floor (click here to watch).  A transcript of her speech is below.The WRDA bill also provides funding for maintenance and improvements to local ports by phasing in full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, money collected for harbor and channel operations maintenance and dredging. It also includes a 10% of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund will be set aside for small ports like those in Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties and along the Columbia River.  \r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n\u201cMy amendment is a simple technical correction to clarify Congressional intent to assist northwestern states in prevention and monitoring of aquatic invasive species. \u201cWestern states are seeing a troubling spread of Quagga and Zebra mussels, which are an invasive species that quickly destroy infrastructure such as hydropower, water supply, filtration systems, and fisheries. Once this species becomes established and spreads, it is difficult and costly to eradicate. In some states, invasive mussels are already costing industries and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and repair. \u201cFor communities in the Columbia River Basin, an infestation would be devastating to production of clean, renewable hydropower, which means steep rate hikes for families and businesses that are located in our region and are currently thriving due to the low-cost of energy. Communities would also suffer severe damages to fisheries and boats putting all users and recreators of the Columbia and Snake River systems at risk.\u201cPrevention is the first line of defense, and the cheapest tool to use against invasive species. Watercraft inspection stations are particularly crucial in successful monitoring and detection. These stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect and decontaminate. \u201cThis is why Congress authorized funds under the 2014 WRDA to support watercraft inspection stations that protect the Columbia River Basin from mussel invasion. Unfortunately, these funds have yet to actually reach the stations due to ambiguity in the law. \u201cThis amendment simply clarifies that funds authorized under WRDA are intended to assist in establishing new watercraft inspection stations AND support coverage for existing stations in northwest states. \u201cMr. Chair, this is a good-government amendment to ensure that federal funds are being used for the purposes for which Congress intended.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/legislation-returning-kennewick-man-tribes-approved-house", "Legislation Returning Kennewick Man to Tribes Approved by House", "2016-09-28", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment introduced by Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Denny Heck (D-WA) that transfers the prehistoric human remains of the Kennewick Man to a coalition of Columbia Basin tribes. The amendment, also cosponsored by Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR), was adopted as part of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which was passed on a vote of 399 to 25. The amendment text is similar to legislation previously introduced by Rep. Heck, H.R. 4131, the Bring the Ancient One Home Act.\nLeaders in the House and Senate will now work to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Water Resources Development Act. A similar amendment was also included in the Senate version by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA). The House and Senate will then vote on the conference report before the legislation is sent to the President.\n\u201c20 years after the discovery of the Kennewick Man on the banks of the Columbia River, it is finally time to repatriate the human remains. I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation transfers responsibility of the Kennewick Man from the federal government to Columbia Basin tribes where he belongs.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse\n\u201cFor two decades, the Native peoples of the Columbia River Basin have strived to rebury their ancestor. The action taken by Congress today honors the rights and traditions of these Tribes and returns the Ancient One home.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Denny Heck\n\u201cThis is good news for our region. Returning these prehistoric remains to their rightful place is simply common-sense. I\u2019m pleased that the House passed our plan on a bipartisan vote, and that this long process will soon be coming to a conclusion,\u201d \u2013 Rep. Greg Walden. \n\u201cTribes in Washington state have a right to bring the Ancient One home. I\u2019m glad that the House of Representatives has recognized this and passed our bipartisan legislation to honor the descendants of the Ancient One and clear the path for a proper burial on tribal lands.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Derek Kilmer\nThe amendment adopted today transfers the remains from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, in order to repatriate the remains to the claimant tribes through the State Historic Preservation Officer. The coalition of Columbia Basin tribes includes the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, and the Wanapum Band of Priest Rapids.\n\u00a0\nYou can read the text of the amendment here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398774", "Jaime Herrera Beutler, Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell Applaud Final FAA Rule that will Protect Pearson Airport", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-SW WA) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today applauded the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) new rules that will allow Pearson Airport, one of the oldest operating airfields in the U.S., to continue to operate in a manner that is economically feasible while fostering airspace safety.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-SW WA) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today applauded the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) new rules that will allow Pearson Airport, one of the oldest operating airfields in the U.S., to continue to operate in a manner that is economically feasible while fostering airspace safety.\r\nThe FAA issued its final rules on September 12, 2016 that will once and for all scrap the restrictive \u201cPearson Box\u201d proposal that would have limited flights in and out of Pearson Airport, while still enhancing the region\u2019s air safety.\u00a0 The Pearson Box arrangement had been put on hold in 2013 after Herrera Beutler, Murray and Cantwell had successfully facilitated dialogue between the FAA and the local stakeholders who were concerned over its potential impact.\r\n\u201cI applaud FAA for finding a solution that allows Pearson Field Airport to remain a great asset for Southwest Washington,\u201d said Congresswoman Herrera Beutler.\u00a0 \u201cI want to thank all of the Pearson advocates \u2013 local pilots, the City of Vancouver, Pearson Field, air traffic controllers, Senators Cantwell and Murray \u2013 who continued to work as a team to allow Pearson Airport to remain an important hub for the region\u2019s aviation community.\u201d\r\n\u201cVancouver and its surrounding communities depend on safe, reliable airports - both big and small - to connect our cities,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cPearson Airport is a historic fixture of this region that supports jobs and the local economy, and I was proud to work with my colleagues to support continued operations at Pearson.\u201d\r\n\"Pearson Field brings almost 40,000 visitors to the region every year and supports the jobs of around 460 Vancouver residents,\" said Cantwell. \u00a0\u201cThis decision is good news for the region, and will help ensure more efficient and predictable flight operations for visitors and the Field's businesses.\"\r\nIn 2012, the FAA\u2019s proposed rule creating the \u201cPearson Box\u201d would have placed severe restrictions on aircraft operating out of Pearson Field in an attempt to reduce the chance of converging flight paths and mid-air collisions between Pearson and Portland International Airport air traffic.\u00a0 Strong concerns were raised by the general aviation community as to whether the Pearson Airfield would be able to continue to operate if the proposed rule was finalized.\u00a0 Herrera Beutler, Murray, and Cantwell met with the FAA and asked them to address this issue in a manner that would create a safe airspace for both airports, while ensuring that Pearson would be able to continue to operate.\u00a0\r\nIn summary, the FAA\u2019s newly published rules:  \r\n1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Establish a Special Flight Rules Area in the vicinity of the Pearson Field Airport that will prevent conflicts between Portland International Airport and Pearson air traffic.  \r\n2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Re-designates the airspace around Pearson to a Class E airspace.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398776", "Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Bill to Aid Parents Traveling with Infants Passes U.S. House of Representatives", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act) was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives with unanimous support. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act) was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives with unanimous support.\r\nJaime introduced the BABES Act in response to reports of traveling parents being subject to inconsistent, harassment-like scrutiny from the Transit Security Administration (TSA) when attempting to travel with breastmilk, formula and infant feeding equipment \u2013 items explicitly allowed under TSA guidelines.\u00a0 The BABES Act would require TSA to better support these air passengers by providing its agents with ongoing training, leading to more consistent enforcement of current procedures across all airport security checkpoints\r\nJaime partnered with Homeland Security Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member, John Katko (R-NY) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to introduce this bipartisan legislation, and the Homeland Security Committee unanimously approved the bill earlier this month.\u00a0\r\nU.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte\u00a0has introduced a companion bill to the BABES Act in the U.S. Senate.\r\nJaime spoke in support of her legislation on the House Floor (click here to watch):\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n    \r\n        \r\n            \r\n            \u201cThank you, Chairman Katko for your support and collaboration on this important piece of legislation. Today I\u2019m excited to support a bill that I introduced, a bipartisan bill, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act, or the BABES Act, to ensure that families aren\u2019t penalized for simply trying to travel with supplies and equipment necessary to take care of their babies.\r\n        \r\n    \r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cFor parents, working moms, care takers, air travel can present its own unique challenges and to accommodate these challenges, the Transportation Security Administration -- or TSA -- has important exemptions in place that allow passengers to bring breast milk, bottles and feeding equipment through airport security and on board the aircraft. It exempts them from the 3-1-1 Rule. You can imagine how important this is during longer flights for moms who have to be away from their infants for extended periods of time. I have been in this situation, this is critical.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately although this exemption is in place, we\u2019ve seen a problem with compliance. There have been too many instances reported by parents that TSA officials either didn\u2019t know or simply refused to follow these exemptions. Parents who are trying to follow these rules are consistently singled out for harassment-like scrutiny by TSA. This has led to breast milk being forcibly tossed out, equipment being broken and flights missed. Mr. Speaker, a family following TSA\u2019s posted regulations shouldn\u2019t have to have their breast milk thrown out or shouldn\u2019t have to endure the terrible nightmare of missing flights while they are traveling with kids because of the lack of training on the agency\u2019s part.\r\n\u201cThe BABES Act is a commonsense measure to hold TSA accountable in upholding its own current regulations and standards so I urge adoption. And I have a couple of letters to add into the record. One from the Academy of Pediatrics in support of this bill and one from the March of Dimes.\u201d\r\nBackground \r\nWhile TSA\u2019s current Special Procedures already explicitly permit parents traveling with infants to bring formula and breast milk that exceed the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for carry-on baggage, many have experienced inconsistent harassment-like scrutiny that resulted in significant travel interruptions, broken equipment and wasted food. Click here to read the reports of several of these accounts.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-second-annual-app-designing-challenge-fourth", "Newhouse Announces Second Annual App-Designing Challenge for Fourth Congressional District", "2016-09-27", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced that the Fourth Congressional District will be participating in its second annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a national app competition for students:\n\u201cAs last year\u2019s winners demonstrated with their agricultural job finder app, the Congressional App Challenge is a great opportunity for young, tech-savvy people to highlight their creativity while building STEM skills,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cI encourage students in Central Washington of all coding experience levels to participate.\u201d\nThe challenge submission period will run through November 2, 2016. Winners will be selected by a panel of local judges and receive a prize tour of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The apps will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building. For more information on the contest rules and requirements, please visit Rep. Newhouse\u2019s official Congressional App Challenge website or contact Matt Pettit, Staff Assistant in Rep. Newhouse\u2019s D.C. office, at Matt.Pettit@mail.house.gov or (202) 225-5816.\nLast year\u2019s Fourth District App Challenge winners, Cinthia Santiago Villanueva and Esmeralda Lopez, students at Harrison Middle School in Sunnyside, won the challenge with an app they designed called the Agricultural Job Finder.\nThe CAC was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations. According to some estimates, the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. industry invest in our youth now and help them acquire necessary STEM-based skills. The CAC highlights and encourages students to pursue those skills.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398773", "Jaime Herrera Beutler Presses U.S. Department of Transportation to Study Reducing Combustion Risks of Oil Trains", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is pressing the U.S. Department of Transportation to study whether breaking up the long lines of oil-carrying rail cars with other non-volatile commodities will reduce combustion risks in the event of a derailment. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is pressing the U.S. Department of Transportation to study whether breaking up the long lines of oil-carrying rail cars with other non-volatile commodities will reduce combustion risks in the event of a derailment. In a letter to the agency sent recently, Jaime asks for information relating to this potential risk factor that has been voiced by local fire departments, elected officials, and community members.\r\n\u201cCurrently, oil trains are traveling along the Columbia River Gorge, and my focus is on ensuring federal regulations are making these shipments as safely as possible,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cLong lines of oil cars are becoming a more familiar sight in our region, and if breaking them up into smaller blocks will better protect our citizens, the Columbia River and nearby forests, we should put a federal standard in place \u2013quickly.\u201d\r\nThe text of Jaime\u2019s entire letter follows, and the original can be found by clicking here.\r\nSecretary Foxx and Administrators Dominguez and Feinberg:\r\nOn June 3, 2016, an issue of great interest and concern to the people of my district covering Southwest Washington was put in stark relief when we witnessed the derailment of an oil train carrying Bakken Crude Oil in Mosier, Oregon.\u00a0 Although far less catastrophic than it could have been, the derailment highlighted the need for strong safety measures to address shipments of volatile and hazardous commodities through the Columbia River Gorge\u2014whether related, or unrelated to oil shipments.\u00a0\u00a0 Subsequently, I am writing to request information on dispersing tank cars carrying oil, or other hazardous materials, with non-volatile products throughout trains. As you know, there are currently trains moving through Pacific Northwest communities that carry continuous blocks of tank cars loaded with crude oil. I am very concerned that loading trains with consecutive blocks of oil-filled cars, one after another, is only increasing the risks associated with derailments. \u00a0\r\nI request your responses to the following questions:\u00a0\r\n \r\n    Have agencies studied whether or not continuous blocks of tank cars carrying oil increases the risks of combustion?\r\n    Have agencies conducted analyses on the potential benefits of requiring disbursement of cars carrying these flammable materials with non-volatile commodities throughout a train, in order to reduce the risks of combustion in derailments or incidents? \r\n    Have the agencies conducted analyses for a recommended ratio of disbursement of volatile to non-volatile rail car commodities to reduce the risk of combustion in the event of a derailment or incident?\u00a0 How would this ratio be affected by the use of the DOT-117 tank cars?\r\n    Have you seen this modeled in the U.S. or elsewhere?\r\n    Have agencies studied whether or not reducing speeds permitted for oil trains would mitigate the risks of combustion?\r\n \r\nThank you for your attention to these matters. I look forward to receiving your responses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-veterans-emergency-treatment-bill-approved-house", "Newhouse Veterans Emergency Treatment Bill Approved by House", "2016-09-26", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL), released the following statements after legislation Rep. Newhouse introduced, H.R. 3216, the\u00a0Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET)\u00a0Act, passed the House today on a voice vote. Rep. Newhouse introduced H.R. 3216 in response to recent incidents of mismanagement and the subsequent mistreatment of veterans, including the case of a 64-year-old Army veteran from Kennewick, who was refused assistance from his car to the emergency room at a Seattle Veterans Administration hospital in February of 2015.\u00a0\n\u201cFor a veteran who has served our nation to request emergency assistance from the VA, and instead of receiving aid to be hung up on, is unconscionable. Such mistreatment demands legislative reform, and I thank Chairman Miller and my colleagues for supporting this measure to improve emergency care for our veterans.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse\n\u201cSometimes it seems VA is almost incapable of operating with common sense, and the department\u2019s maddening mistreatment of veteran Donald Siefken proves it. That\u2019s why I am grateful to Rep. Dan Newhouse for his leadership in offering this important legislation that would clarify and strengthen the VA\u2019s obligation to provide appropriate emergency care for veterans.\u201d \u2013 Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman, House Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs\nHighlights of H.R.\u00a03216\nThe Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted by Congress in 1986 and is designed to prevent hospitals from transferring, or \u201cdumping\u201d, uninsured patients at public hospitals. While a 2007 Veterans Health Administration (VA) directive indicates that the VA complies with the intent of the EMTALA requirements, VA hospitals are considered to be \u201cnon-participating\u201d hospitals and are therefore not obligated to fulfill EMTALA requirements. The VET Act would create similar EMTALA requirements for veterans visiting VA hospitals.\nH.R. 3216 requires:\n A VA hospital to conduct a medical examination of an enrolled veteran to determine if an emergency medical condition exists\n\tIf such condition exists, the VA hospital must either stabilize the patient or comply with the statutory requirements of a proper transfer\n\tIf an emergency medical condition exists and has not been stabilized, the hospital may not transfer the patient unless the patient, after being made aware of the risks, makes a transfer request in writing or a physician certifies that the medical benefits of a transfer outweigh the risks.\n H.R. 3216 passed the House today as a standalone bill and has been referred to the Senate. Rep. Newhouse\u2019s amendment adopted and included in H.R. 5620, the\u00a0VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, has identical language and was passed by the House on September 14.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/chairman-reichert-applauds-wto-ruling-illegal-airbus-subsidies", "Chairman Reichert Applauds WTO Ruling on Illegal Airbus Subsidies", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, applauded the World Trade Organization\u2019s announcement regarding the United States\u2019 longstanding dispute with the European Union (EU) and four of its member States regarding subsidies to Airbus. The WTO found that the EU and four of its member States illegally subsidized Airbus to the sum of nearly $22 billion, depriving Boeing of the sale of hundreds of aircraft and potential aerospace employees in Washington State the chance at a good-paying job. This was the largest trade ruling from WTO in history. Chairman Reichert participated in a press call announcing the report with Ambassador Froman and his Washington state delegation colleagues and made the following statement:\n\"We know that American businesses and workers win when competition is fair,\" said Chairman Reichert. \"Today's confirmation that the EU continues to illegally subsidize aircraft and must be held accountable is not only a huge victory for the United States and the over 260,000 workers employed by the aerospace industry in my home state of Washington, but it is a win for the rule of law and for all those who believe that trade rules are critical to empowering U.S. workers and consumers to compete in the 21st Century economy. Thank you to USTR for its dedication over many years to providing a level playing field for American workers.\"\nAdditional Background Information:\nIn June 2011, the WTO found that the EU and four of its member States (Germany, France, the UK, and Spain) conferred more than $18 billion in subsidized financing to Airbus and had caused Boeing to lose sales of more than 300 aircraft and to lose market share throughout the world. In fact, in looking at the effect of the EU subsidies, the Appellate Body agreed with the Panel that \"[w]ithout the subsidies, Airbus would not have existed... and there would be no Airbus aircraft on the market. None of the sales that the subsidized Airbus made would have occurred.\" In contrast, the WTO rejected the EU assertion in the EU's counter-complaint that U.S. subsidies were responsible for the viability of Boeing's large civil aircraft production.\nThe Boeing Company is the only American producer of large civil aircraft and is the largest single U.S. exporter. Boeing employs more than 157,000 people, including nearly 80,000 in Washington State and 15,000 in Washington\u2019s Eighth Congressional District. Boeing sold $31.8 billion worth of commercial aircraft in 2010. It is the largest American manufacturer of commercial jetliners.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398772", "Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bill to Protect Endangered Salmon and Steelhead on the Columbia River Approved by Congressional Committee", "2016-09-22", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) to improve the survival of endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species in the Columbia River system, was approved by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, the\u00a0Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act, a bipartisan bill authored by U.S. Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) to improve the survival of endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species in the Columbia River system, was approved by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee. The legislation provides tribal members and government fish managers with the means to remove California sea lions from specific areas where they are posing the most harm.\r\n\u201cSalmon are central to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest, but right now sea lion predation is posing a serious threat to our salmon populations,\u201d\u00a0said Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler. \u201cSignificant resources are invested to ensure their survival, but we\u2019re being poor stewards of these resources if we don\u2019t also manage the threat of an exploding sea lion population.\u00a0 I want to thank Chairman Bishop of the Natural Resources Committee for their strong support of my Endangered Salmon and Fisheries Predation Prevention Act that provides the tools to manage the sea lion threat on the Columbia River system.\u00a0 With this solution, we can better protect the salmon so vital to our recreational, cultural and economic interests.\u201d\r\nSpecifically, this bipartisan\u00a0bill would authorize states and tribal members to lethally remove sea lions that are predating on endangered salmon, steelhead and other native fish species. The bill is supported by a broad spectrum of Northwest residents and organizations that includes recreational fishermen represented by the Coastal Conservation Association, tribal members represented by Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.\r\nHistoric recovery efforts of endangered salmon and steelhead populations in the Columbia River have been compromised by exponentially increasing sea lion predation in recent years. The estimated consumption of salmon and steelhead by sea lions in the Bonneville Dam tailrace was 2,928 fish in 2013, 4,704 fish in 2014, and 10,859 fish in 2015. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, removing sea lions that are the most egregious predators continues to be the most effective way to protect the salmon populations. \r\nProtecting salmon populations helps secure a future for recreational fishing in Washington state \u2013 an industry that contributes 5,100 jobs, provides $247 million in income for Washington residents, generates $654 million in sales and contributes $390 million to the state\u2019s gross domestic product (2011 statistics).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-newhouse-named-guardian-small-business", "Congressman Newhouse Named Guardian of Small Business", "2016-09-21", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation\u2019s leading advocate for small businesses, has awarded Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) with its biennial Guardian of Small Business Award for his outstanding support of America\u2019s small business owners in the 114th Congress.\u00a0\n\u201cAs a farmer and small business owner myself, I understand the challenges that come with running small businesses,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cSmall businesses are the engine of our economy and have created more than half of all new jobs. For Central Washington to thrive, our small businesses need support. I am honored to be named a guardian of the men and women entrepreneurs who wake up every day to run their businesses.\u201d\n\u201cMany elected officials claim that they are champions of small business, but our Guardian Award shows our members and other small business owners who is really fighting for them,\u201d said NFIB President and CEO Juanita Duggan.\u00a0\u201cBased on his voting record, Rep. Newhouse is one of the most reliable advocates for small business in Washington.\u201d\nThe Guardian of Small Business is NFIB\u2019s most prestigious award.\u00a0 It is reserved for lawmakers who vote consistently with NFIB on the key issues identified by small business owners.\u00a0 NFIB tracks the votes of every member of Congress. House members and Senators who vote with NFIB members at least 70 percent of the time are eligible for the Guardian Award.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nNewhouse received a 100 voting record during the 114th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/five-months-after-epa-distressed-what-s-upstream-campaign-still-no", "Five Months after EPA Distressed by Whats Upstream Campaign, Still No Answers from EPA", "2016-09-20", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), led a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy requesting an update on the agency\u2019s review of the anti-farmer \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d campaign in Washington State. EPA Region 10 funded the What\u2019s Upstream website and advocacy campaign that attempts to influence legislators for greater regulation of farmers and ranchers.\u00a0The letter requests an update on the agency\u2019s progress assembling facts and enacting reforms to ensure appropriated funds are not being used in contravention of the law. In April of this year, Administrator McCarthy acknowledged that the EPA was \u201cdistressed by the use of the money and the tone of [the What\u2019s Upstream] campaign\u201d and called for a full review of the use of taxpayer funds for the campaign. The letter sent today was signed by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX), Rep. Rick Crawford (R-AR), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Rep. Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), and Rep. David Scott (D-GA).\nThe Members wrote in the letter:\n\u201cIn light of the Government Accountability Office\u2019s (GAO) finding that EPA violated the Antideficiency Act and federal appropriations law by promoting the Waters of the Unites States (WOTUS) rule, followed so closely by the revelation of misuse of funds to lobby state legislators through the \u2018What\u2019s Upstream\u2019 campaign, we are growing increasingly concerned about EPA\u2019s use of taxpayer dollars. As we await the Office of Inspector General\u2019s (OIG) report on the \u2018What\u2019s Upstream\u2019 campaign and discuss the need for and scope of potential legislative reform, an update from EPA on what proactive steps have been taken to address this disturbing trend could help better direct our conversations.\u201d\nBackground:\nIn April, the EPA admitted that it should not have funded a campaign\u00a0in Washington State known as\u00a0What's Upstream, due to that campaign\u2019s brazen lobbying of state legislators in contravention of federal law. The What's Upstream\u00a0campaign, which was wholly funded by the EPA, used grant awards to fund a website, radio ads, and billboards depicting dead fish and polluted water, urging individuals to contact their state legislators and, \u201chold the agricultural industry to the same level of responsibility as other industries.\u201d A large, red button on the website labeled, \u201cTake action! We\u2019ve made it simple,\u201d allowed visitors to easily send an email to their state legislators advocating for 100-foot stream buffer zones and other policies. An\u00a0EPA Inspector General\u2019s report from 2014\u00a0had warned that the EPA region responsible for awarding the grant had insufficient protections in place to ensure awardees were not using funds for advocacy, propaganda, and/or lobbying efforts.\nAccording to a December\u00a02015 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the\u00a0EPA violated federal lobbying and advocacy\u00a0laws by funding social media campaigns supporting EPA\u2019s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.\nLast week, Rep. Newhouse voted to pass legislation he joined in introducing with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI): H.R. 5226, the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016, would direct each federal agency to provide transparency into the proposed rule process by requiring agencies to post, in a central location, all the public comments they issue during the proposed rule stage. The bill prohibits agencies from lobbying or campaigning in support of proposed rules and establishes clear standards of what that type of activity would include.\nTo read the full text of the letter to the EPA, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-no-more-unconstitutional-settlement-slush-fund", "COLUMN: No More Unconstitutional Settlement Slush Fund", "2016-09-19", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For Americans, two dates in our history hold special meaning for our personal liberties and for limiting the power of the federal government. July 4th is universally known because of the date\u2019s association with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Another foundational date that we just observed is September 17th, the day in 1787 when delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the Constitution, which lays out the structure and limits of our federal government. One of the provisions in the Constitution that balances the power of government is to give Congress, the branch that is the most accountable to the people, the authority for taxing and spending. In recent years, however, the Executive Branch has circumvented congressional authority, when enforcing legal settlements, by funneling hundreds of millions of dollars to third party groups, effectively spending without approval from Congress. As part of the Republican Congress\u2019s a \u201cBetter Way\u201d vision for a more confident America, it is a priority of the majority in Congress to restore constitutional balance and rein in Executive Branch overreach.\nThe U.S. Department of Justice, part of the Executive Branch, has overreached by requiring that defendants in legal settlements involving the U.S. government include charitable donations to non-victim, special interest groups\u2014frequently leftist organizations that Congress has refused to grant taxpayer dollars. This settlement requirement amounts to a slush fund for allies of the Administration that bypasses Congress\u2019 spending authority. The amount of payments mandated by the Justice Department has reached more than $800 million in the past two years alone. Congress must act to protect the separation of powers and reverse the Executive Branch\u2019s intrusion on constitutional spending powers.\nThe House recently passed, and I supported, H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016, as part of the effort to restore the Constitution. H.R. 5063 would prohibit government officials from entering into or enforcing any settlement agreement for civil actions on behalf of the United States government if that agreement requires that the settlement is made in a donation to a non-victim third party. The prohibition would not apply to payments made as restitution in a settlement.\nSimply put, the legislation passed by the House would bar not only the Justice Department, but all other government agencies, from requiring defendants to donate money to outside special interests groups as part of their settlement agreements with the federal government.\nSafeguarding representative government means standing for the principle of the separation of powers and adhering to our Founders\u2019 vision of accountable government. We celebrate the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution because those documents describe our ideals and the kind of representative system that is worth preserving. I will continue to push to protect and restore our constitutional order.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-letter-spokane-va-director-need-find-solution-msg-group-participation-soon-possible/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers to Spokane VA Director: We Need To Find A Solution To Veteran\u00a0Group\u2019s PT Participation As Soon As Possible", "2016-09-16", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Sept. 16, 2016)\u2013Rep. McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) sent a letter today to Ron Johnson, Director of the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Facility in Spokane, regarding the recent decision by the center to terminate the ability of veterans to access physical therapy services through the Minimally Supervised Group (MSG).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here and below.\n\nSeptember 16, 2016\n\nMr. Ron Johnson\n\nDirector, Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center\n\n4815 North Assembly Street\n\nSpokane, Washington 99205\n\nMr. Johnson,\n\nI am writing to share my ongoing concerns about the decision by the Spokane VA Medical Center to terminate the ability of veterans to access physical therapy services through the Minimally Supervised Group (MSG).\n\nIn August, I learned that veterans participating in the MSG were informed that the program was being terminated with very little notice. This short notice caused many of these veterans to experience a great deal of stress and anxiety. The veterans in the program, who were using the physical therapy equipment without direct supervision from a therapist, were able to maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet their physical therapy and mobility goals, and improve their overall health as a result of regular exercise.\n\nMy staff met with several of these veterans shortly after they received this notification, and as you know, my office helped facilitate a meeting with you to discuss the situation and determine whether a compromise could be reached to allow their continued participation in the program. I appreciate your willingness to meet with this group for that purpose.\n\nPrior to this meeting, I expressed my concerns about the short notice the veterans received and the impact it would have on their physical and mental well-being. As a result of our conversation, I had some reassurance from you that there could be a compromise reached that would allow for the veterans to continue the use of the facility equipment.\n\nUnfortunately, the meeting did not yield a mutually acceptable agreement in that regard. After the meeting, members of the veterans\u2019 group informed me they were not offered a compromise to be allowed to continue their activities. Moreover, they also informed me that they were told \u201cthey were not patients,\u201d which they interpreted as disrespectful and not \u201cbeing welcome at their VA.\u201d\n\nA recent response from the Medical Center to an inquiry from my office on behalf of an affected veteran claims that \u201csignificant growth over the last few years\u201d is the reason for terminating this program. The letter further stated that, since \u201c2014 there has been an increase in staff from 12 to 19 employees which has increased the demand for services.\u201d The letter additionally directs the veteran to access the Vet Center programs or go to a community-based gym. In addition, the letter notes that 19.4 percent of veterans are unable to get appointments within 30 days of the \u201cclinically indicated date\u201d due to increased demand.\n\nThe letter also directed veterans to contact the Vet Center for alternatives. However, after doing so, the veteran was told there are no \u201cgroups available\u201d that will provide the physical exercise they need. In addition, most of the veterans in the MSG group tell me they do not have the necessary resources to purchase memberships at local health clubs. They have also told me the reason they use the VA is that most of them share the camaraderie of their service and feel safer when around other veterans.\n\nI would like to know whether the inability of veterans to obtain appointments in a timely manner is due to the use of the equipment by the MSG group or the non-availability of staff to meet with the new veterans. I ask because veterans have told me that on most occasions when they were using the equipment \u201cthey were the only ones in the exercise room.\u201d In that regard, would you provide me a breakdown on utilization of the equipment, by hour and day? In addition, I would like to know how many veterans are assigned to each physical therapist at the hospital and what percentage of their time is spent on the exercise equipment. Further, could you provide information documenting how many of those visits are no shows or cancellations, either on the part of the clinic or by the veteran?\n\nI firmly believe there is and should be a mutually-agreeable way forward that will allow veterans participating in the MSG group to continue doing so in a manner that does not impact the ability of those under the care of VA physicians to utilize physical therapy equipment in a timely manner. For instance, could veterans in the MSG group enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Center that would govern the terms and conditions under which the MSG could continue?\n\nWe need to find a solution to this issue and solve this problem as soon as possible. I would like to continue this conversation and meet with you personally about the situation at your earliest convenience.\n\nI look forward to discussing this matter soon.\n\nSincerely,\n\nCathy McMorris Rodgers\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398769", "Jaime Supports Veteran Affairs Accountability and Appeals Reform Bill", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Jaime Herrera Beutler joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Yesterday, Jaime Herrera Beutler joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016. This bill will improve VA care by making the process for disciplining or terminating VA employees proven to have been engaged in misconduct faster and more streamlined.\r\nThe bill would specifically shorten the timeline for terminating bad-acting employees from over a year down to 77 days. It also allows the VA to reduce an employee\u2019s pension if they were convicted of a felony that influenced their job performance, and provides the VA secretary with the ability to recoup bonuses and relocation expenses from employees engaged in such behavior that jeopardized the efficient care of military veterans.\r\nThe bill also takes additional steps to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and provides more avenues for them to submit complaints. The VA must regularly submit to Congress both documented complaints and the steps taken by the agency to resolve the complaints\u2019 underlying issues.\r\nAdditionally, the bill also improves the VA appeals process by providing veterans with the opportunity to choose one of three appeal options that best suits their needs \u2013 an increase from the single appeals avenue available currently.\u00a0 This would significantly speed of the appeal procedure for many veterans by giving them the option of waiving a hearing and shortening other steps in the process.\u00a0\r\n\u201cVeterans deserve the best care in return for the service they have given to our nation,\u201d said Jaime. \u201cHowever, the VA will never be able to clean up its act if it\u2019s too difficult to remove employees for poor performance, misconduct, or committing felonies.\u00a0 For veterans of Southwest Washington to get the care they deserve, the VA needs to be able to swiftly discipline and, if necessary, remove staff engaged in deceptive and destructive behavior that makes this level of care more difficult. I\u2019m pleased to help advance these reforms that will move the VA in the right direction, and I\u2019ll continue to do whatever it takes to reduce wait times and increase the quality of care for Southwest Washington\u2019s military heroes.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-votes-rein-epa-lobbying/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers Votes to Rein in EPA Lobbying", "2016-09-15", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Sept. 15, 2016) \u2013 House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House yesterday passed the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016 (H.R. 5226). The bill provides greater transparency to the federal government\u2019s rulemaking process in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)\u2019s propaganda during the crafting of Waters of the United States (WOTUS).\n\n\u201cThe EPA has a record of using taxpayer dollars to lobby for their policy agenda and then attempting to block the American people from knowing about it,\u201d said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. \u201cTheir actions are inexcusable. Their effort to deliberately target hardworking Washington farmers in their What\u2019s Upstream campaign last year was especially egregious. It\u2019s time they were reined in.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the Regulatory Integrity Act, the EPA and other agencies will be required to post all public comments during the proposed rule stage in a central location, such as online. That means the American people will have increased access to fair, accurate information about the rules that directly impact their daily lives, and be protected from propaganda efforts by unaccountable bureaucrats who clearly haven\u2019t spent a day on a farm.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/chairman-reichert-participates-presidents-final-export-council-meeting", "Chairman Reichert participates in President's final Export Council meeting", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, participated in President Obama\u2019s final Export Council meeting at the White House. The Export Council has served as the nation\u2019s principal advisory committee on international trade where members discussed issues impacting American exporters, workers, and our nation\u2019s economy. Chairman Reichert was first appointed as a member of the President\u2019s Export Council in 2010. Today, Chairman Reichert thanked the entire council and discussed the need to find a path forward for the Trans-Pacific Partnership. \n\u201cIt has been an honor and a privilege to sit at the same table as the President and members of his cabinet as well as some of our country\u2019s greatest innovators and individuals who are committed to growing American jobs,\u201d said Chairman Reichert. \u201cDuring our time together, we have seen successes that have improved the lives of everyday Americans, better enabled our exporters to compete on the world stage, and given our farmers, workers and businesses new opportunities. To name a few successes, we passed free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and Korea, fought for the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, and moved Trade Promotion Authority and Trade Adjustment Assistance through Congress.\u201d\n\u201cBut our work is not done. We must ensure the Export-Import Bank is fully functioning and we must continue to set the record straight on the benefits of strong free trade agreements (FTAs). At the same time, the Administration must pursue solutions that move FTAs with strong potential \u2013 like the Trans-Pacific Partnership \u2013 across the finish line.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-votes-make-easier-fire-bad-va-employees/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers Votes to Make it Easier to Fire Bad VA Employees", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. (Sept. 14, 2016) \u2013 House Republican Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed theVA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 5620). The bill strengthens whistleblower protections, reforms the Department\u2019s disability benefits appeals process, and provides additional authority to the Secretary to reprimand employees for performance or misconduct.\n\n\u201cMany of the veterans I spoke with recently at town halls around Eastern Washington told me \u2018heads should roll\u2019 at the VA,\u201d said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. \u201cI agree that it should not be hard to fire VA employees who break the rules or do a terrible job. I am proud to say the People\u2019s House today passed the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act (H.R. 5620), which strengthens whistleblower protections, reforms the Department\u2019s disability benefits appeals process, and provides additional authority to the Secretary to reprimand employees for performance or misconduct. To our veterans, their families, and concerned Americans across this country, these reforms are common sense and long overdue.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-veterans-amendment-adopted-passed-house-va-accountability-first", "Newhouse Veterans Amendment Adopted, Passed by House in VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), voted in favor of H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, which included an amendment he offered to ensure America\u2019s veterans are guaranteed access to emergency care at all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. Rep. Newhouse\u2019s amendment language is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans. H.R. 5620 strengthens whistleblower protections, reforms the VA\u2019s disability benefits appeals process, and\u00a0provides additional authority to the VA Secretary to reprimand employees for performance or misconduct.\n\u201cSupporting and caring for our veterans should priority number one for the Veterans Administration, and the cases we have seen \u2013 such as the mistreatment of a retired Army veteran from Kennewick \u2013 where the VA failed to provide emergency care should never happen again,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cMy amendment ensures that emergency treatment requirements are consistently applied to VA hospitals so that there is no excuse to furnish the highest standard of care.\u201d\nWATCH: REP. NEWHOUSE INTRODUCE VETERANS EMERGENCY CARE AMENDMENT\n\u00a0\nTranscript:\nThank you, Mr. Speaker:\nI believe one of the federal government\u2019s most important functions is to support those who have sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation. Whenever our government fails to meet this responsibility, swift action must be taken. We have heard far too many distressing stories in recent years about the Department of Veterans Affairs failing to provide our veterans with the care they deserve. My amendment seeks to address one of these problems by adding the text of H.R. 3216, the Veterans Emergency Treatment Act to this bill. This language is supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans.\nIn short, my amendment would ensure that every enrolled veteran who arrives at the emergency department of a VA medical facility and indicates an emergency condition exists, is assessed and treated in an effort to prevent further injury or death. This is accomplished by applying the statutory requirements of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to emergency care furnished by the VA to enrolled veterans.\nMr. Speaker, my attention was first drawn to this issue by one of my constituents. In February of 2015, a 64-year-old Army veteran arrived at the Seattle VA emergency room in severe pain with a broken foot that had swollen to the size of a football. No longer able to walk, he requested emergency room staff assist him in traveling the ten feet from his car to the ER entrance. Hospital personnel promptly hung up on him after instructing him that he would need to call 911 to assist him at his own expense.\u00a0 He was eventually helped into the emergency room by a Seattle fire captain as well as three firefighters. \nAnother notable incident occurred in New Mexico in 2014, when a veteran collapsed in the cafeteria of a VA facility and ultimately died when the VA refused to transport him 500 yards across the campus to the emergency room. \nEMTALA is a federal statute that supersedes state and local laws and grants every individual a federal right to emergency care. It was enacted by Congress in 1986 and is designed to prevent hospitals from transferring, or \u201cdumping\u201d, uninsured or Medicaid patients to public hospitals. EMTALA requires a hospital to conduct a medical examination to determine if an emergency medical condition exists. If one does then the hospital must either stabilize the patient or effectuate a proper transfer at the patient\u2019s request. Currently, VA hospitals are considered to be \u201cnon-participating\u201d hospitals and are therefore not obligated to fulfill the requirements instituted by EMTALA. This amendment will revise current law to remove the \u201cnon-participating\u201d designation and require them to fulfill requirements of EMTALA, just as every other hospital does.\u00a0 \nMr. Speaker, it is actually the Veterans Health Administration\u2019s stated policy that all transfers in and out of VA facilities of patients in the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Units are accomplished in a manner that ensures maximum patient safety and is in compliance with the transfer provisions of EMTALA and its implementing regulations.\nHowever, unfortunately this policy is not always followed, and occasionally locally-designed transfer policies at VA facilities undermine efforts to provide emergency care to veterans. Additionally, in some of these instances, there was clear confusion on the part of the VA facilities about their own transfer policies. This is why we must now act now.\nMr. Speaker, I urge the House to support and pass my amendment to H.R. 5620. It is time we ensure our veterans receive proper medical care during emergency medical situations \u2013 all without requiring additional spending.\n\u00a0\nBackground:\nIn June, Rep. Newhouse testified at a House Committee on Veterans Affairs\u2019 hearing on legislation he introduced, H.R. 3216, the\u00a0Veterans Emergency Treatment (VET)\u00a0Act. Rep. Newhouse\u2019s legislation would require that every enrolled veteran is afforded the highest level of emergency care at every emergency-capable medical facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs (VA). The VET Act would apply the statutory requirements of the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to emergency care furnished by the VA to enrolled veterans who arrive at the emergency department of a VA medical facility and indicate an emergency condition exists. The amendment Rep. Newhouse offered to H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, is identical to H.R. 3216.\n\u00a0\nHighlights of Newhouse Amendment to H.R. 5620\nThe Emergency Treatment and\u00a0Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted by Congress in 1986 and is designed to prevent hospitals from transferring, or \u201cdumping\u201d, uninsured patients at public hospitals. While a 2007 Veterans Health Administration (VA) directive indicates that the VA complies with the intent of the EMTALA requirements, VA hospitals are considered to be \u201cnon-participating\u201d hospitals and are therefore not obligated to fulfill EMTALA requirements. The VET Act would create similar EMTALA requirements for veterans visiting VA hospitals.\nRep. Newhouse\u2019s amendment to H.R. 5620 requires:\n A VA hospital to conduct a medical examination of an enrolled veteran to determine if an emergency medical condition exists\n\tIf such condition exists, the VA hospital must either stabilize the patient or comply with the statutory requirements of a proper transfer\n\tIf an emergency medical condition exists and has not been stabilized, the hospital may not transfer the patient unless the patient, after being made aware of the risks, makes a transfer request in writing or a physician certifies that the medical benefits of a transfer outweigh the risks.\n For the text of Rep. Newhouse\u2019s amendment to H.R. 5620, click\u00a0here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-walberg-bill-prevent-rulemaking-misconduct-federal-agencies", "Newhouse, Walberg Bill to Prevent Rulemaking Misconduct by Federal Agencies Passes House", "2016-09-14", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), voted to pass legislation he joined in introducing with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI): H.R. 5226, the Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016, would direct each federal agency to provide transparency into the proposed rule process by requiring agencies to post, in a central location, all the public comments they issue during the proposed rule stage. The bill prohibits agencies from lobbying or campaigning in support of proposed rules and establishes clear standards of what that type of activity would include. Rep. Newhouse spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation:\nWATCH REP. NEWHOUSE FLOOR SPEECH ON BILL TO PREVENT RULEMAKING MISCONDUCT\nTranscript:\nMr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation, H.R. 5226, the Regulatory Integrity Act\u2026.In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged among federal agencies. In a number of instances, federal agencies have used taxpayer dollars to fund public communication campaigns attempting to lobby for agency regulations. Despite multiple federal laws explicitly prohibiting this, agencies continue to ignore the law and use taxpayer dollars to lobby on the very regulations their agencies are developing.\nSeveral months ago in my own home state of Washington, a campaign known as \u201cWhat\u2019s Upstream\u201d came to light. I\u2019d like to point your attention to this poster. Through this broad and unfair ad campaign, all farmers were demonized as careless polluters. What\u2019s Upstream used billboards, bus and radio ads, and a visually-assaulting website \u2013 depicting dead fish and polluted water \u2013 to encourage private citizens to contact their state legislators and push for stricter regulations on farmers. It is also important to note that it has been discovered that these images were not even from the state of Washington. \nAs a life-long farmer myself, who has seen first-hand the remarkable, proactive steps farmers have taken to protect our resources, I was insulted by the blatant lies this campaign has spread about farmers. And what\u2019s probably more insulting though can be seen by these pictures of the What\u2019s Upstream website. What\u2019s Upstream encouraged site visitors to send messages to \u201cWashington state senators whose votes we hope to influence\u201d \u2013 this is lobbying in the truest sense of the word. But the real kicker is when you scroll down to the bottom of the page to see who it was funded by: \u201cthis message has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.\u201d\nNow just stop and think about that for just a second \u2013 your hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used by the EPA to lie about farmers, and then to lobby state legislators to put in place stricter regulations against farmers. It\u2019s unconscionable, and it violates the law.\nEarlier this year, I was proud to co-lead a letter with my friend from Nebraska, Congressman Ashford, to EPA Administrator McCarthy, expressing outrage and demanding an investigation into this campaign. I was honored to have 145 House members \u2013 fully one-third of the entire body \u2013 join us on that letter demanding accountability. But this campaign exposed to us a very real need for grant and lobbying reform, which H.R. 5226 takes a good first step in bringing. By requiring all Executive agencies to disclose their public communications, it will help bring transparency to agency communications, and ensure that these types of activities cannot hide or go unnoticed. \nWhile future steps may be necessary, I was proud to work with Congressman Walberg to introduce this legislation, and I thank him for his leadership on this issue.\nOur agricultural community and the American taxpayers deserve accountability, and I look forward to continuing to work for this bill\u2019s enactment. \n\u00a0\nBackground:\nIn April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) admitted in news reports that it should not have funded a campaign in Washington State known as What's Upstream, due to that campaign\u2019s brazen lobbying of state legislators in contravention of federal law. The What's Upstream campaign, which was wholly funded by the EPA, used grant awards to fund a website, radio ads, and billboards depicting dead fish and polluted water, urging individuals to contact their state legislators and, \u201chold the agricultural industry to the same level of responsibility as other industries.\u201d A large, red button on the website labeled, \u201cTake action! We\u2019ve made it simple,\u201d allowed visitors to easily send an email to their state legislators advocating for 100-foot stream buffer zones and other policies. An EPA Inspector General\u2019s report from 2014 had warned that the EPA region responsible for awarding the grant had insufficient protections in place to ensure awardees were not using funds for advocacy, propaganda, and/or lobbying efforts.\nAccording to a December, 2015 report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the EPA violated federal lobbying and advocacy laws by funding social media campaigns supporting EPA\u2019s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule.\nIn response, Rep. Newhouse was joined by 144 Members of Congress on a bipartisan letter to the EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. The Members demanded answers on EPA Region 10\u2019s funding of whatsupstream.com website and advocacy campaign in Washington State that attempts to influence legislators for greater regulation of farmers and ranchers.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398765", "Jaime Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Bill to Aid Parents Traveling with Infants Approved by Congressional Committee", "2016-09-13", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act) was marked up by the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. \r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler\u2019s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act (BABES Act) was marked up by the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. The BABES Act requires the Transit Security Administration (TSA) to better support air passengers traveling with breastmilk, formula and infant feeding equipment. Jaime partnered with Homeland Security Transportation Security Subcommittee Chairman and Ranking Member, John Katko (R-NY) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) to introduce this bipartisan legislation.\u00a0 The Committee advanced the legislation unanimously.\r\nJaime made the following statement in support of her legislation which was submitted to the congressional record for this markup:\r\n\u201cI would like to extend my thanks to the Chairman and Ranking Member for their support of H.R.5065, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act. Air travel can present unique challenges for parents, especially travelling with infants. While TSA already has guidelines in place allowing parents to take breastmilk, bottles, and feeding equipment through security and on-board the aircraft, there have been too many instances reported by parents where TSA officials did not know how to properly handle these items, which led to parents and families receiving harassment-like scrutiny.\u00a0 Too often, these actions have led to missed flights, wasted milk, broken equipment, and other unnecessary and completely avoidable consequences. A family who is trying to follow TSA\u2019s posted regulations shouldn\u2019t have precious infant food thrown away and be forced to navigate travel delays. This is why I introduced the BABES Act, a commonsense measure to hold TSA accountable to uphold and follow its existing standards.\u00a0 Through better training, TSA can make sure that families aren\u2019t being penalized simply for traveling with equipment necessary to feed their infants.\u201d\r\nBackground \r\nWhile TSA\u2019s current Special Procedures already explicitly permit parents traveling with infants to bring formula and breast milk that exceed the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for carry-on baggage, many have experienced inconsistent harassment-like scrutiny that resulted in significant travel interruptions, broken equipment and wasted food. Click here to read the reports of several of these accounts.\r\nThe BABES Act directs the TSA to provide ongoing training so that its agents consistently enforce current procedures across all airport security checkpoints to better accommodate parents who are adhering to the regulations listed on TSA\u2019s website.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-receives-rating-named-tax-fighter-national-tax-limitation", "Newhouse Receives A Rating, Named Tax Fighter by National Tax Limitation Committee", "2016-09-12", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The National Tax Limitation Committee (NTLC) has honored Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) with its 114th Congress \u201cTax Fighter Award.\u201d\n\u201cI am honored to receive this award for fighting on behalf of taxpayers in Central Washington,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cMy first act in Congress was to put my support behind the Balanced Budget Amendment and the Tax Code Termination Act. I will continue to work in Congress to rein in fiscal irresponsibility, simplify the tax code, and cut wasteful spending by the federal government.\u201d\nNTLC President Lewis K. Uhler presented the award to Rep. Newhouse in Washington, D.C., saying, \u201cRepresentative Newhouse\u2019s votes on tax and spending issues in the 114th Congress earned him an \u2018A\u2019 grade and the Tax Fighter Award.\n\u201cRepresentative Newhouse has been a leader in the battle on behalf of taxpayers to kill the hated death tax, reduce tax rates and the complexity of the tax code, to provide incentives for private savings, investment and job creation, to control the growth of federal spending and to force Congress to act on major, economic growth-inducing tax reform.\n\u201cRepresentative Newhouse has been a major asset to taxpayers all across America during his congressional service. He has had the courage to challenge the orthodoxy of Washington special interests. His leadership is vital to America\u2019s future,\u201d concluded Uhler.\nSince 1975, the National Tax Limitation Committee, a 501(c)(4) grassroots taxpayer activist organization, has worked to limit taxes and spending and to reduce the size and scope of government at all levels. NTLC has led the national movement for constitutional tax and spending limits at the state and federal levels. NTLC publishes a congressional scorecard at the conclusion of each Congress, as it has for more than a quarter-century.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-911-15th-anniversary", "Reichert statement of 9/11 15th anniversary", "2016-09-11", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "September 11, 2001. It was supposed to be a celebratory day. On September 10th,\u00a0Detective Tom Jensen handed me test results from DNA samples found on three of the first Green River serial murder victims. All three of them were linked to Gary Ridgway. That day was the first step in closing the largest serial murder case in our country.\nBut on the morning of 9-11 my plans \u2013 and the world \u2013 changed. We were now also working with Washington State law enforcement agencies and the Terrorism Task Force to protect all critical infrastructure in our communities.\nIn a cowardly act driven by evil and ignorance, 19 men took the lives of nearly 3,000 fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, colleagues, and loved ones. \nFor months, our first responders and volunteer civilians would work to remove the debris from the once congested streets and our nation would work to rebuild, while continuing to mourn the lives lost and honor the bravery so many showed that day. \nFifteen years later, the fear and the threat of terrorism on the home front are still real and present. \nOur men and women in the military, intelligence professionals, law enforcement officers, and all first responders have worked tirelessly \u2013 often putting their lives on the line \u2013 to keep Americans safe as extremists continue to wage war on the freedoms this country stands for.\nWe must continue to put our full support behind them and remember that we are strongest when we stand shoulder to shoulder together as one country, as one people. And most of all, we must never forget the faces and the names of the victims whose lives were cut short that day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/members-spearhead-bipartisan-legislation-spur-hiring-foster-youth", "Members Spearhead Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Hiring of Foster Youth", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressmen Dave Reichert (R-WA), Jim McDermott (D-WA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Danny Davis (D-IL), Tom Reed (R-NY) and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced the Improving Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act (H.R. 5947) which provides federal tax incentives to private sector employers who hire youth transitioning from the foster care system to independence.\nThe Improving Employment Outcomes for Foster Youth Act will make transition age foster youth categorically eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), an existing federal credit that provides incentives to businesses to hire employees from certain populations with specific employment challenges.\u00a0 In doing so, this bill will help encourage employers to hire and invest in our nation\u2019s foster youth and starting them on a successful career path.\n\u201cOne of the best gifts you can give someone is hope for a better future \u2013 and that is exactly what this bill does,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cOur foster children have endured hardships most kids never have to face and can be at a disadvantage when entering the job market. By giving them the tools to be independent, this bill helps provide foster youths with the opportunity to live productive and successful lives.\u201d\n\u201cThe outcomes for transition age foster youth in this country is heartbreaking: nearly half are unemployed at age 24; half will spend time in a homeless shelter; and 70% will be reliant on government assistance after emancipating from foster care.\u00a0 The federal government has both an economic and moral interest in improving this grim reality for foster youth. In 2008, Congress passed the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, which recognized the challenges faced by youth transitioning out of foster care by enabling them to continue to receive support services until they turn 21.\u00a0 In authoring that bill my goal was not to extend dependency on the foster care system, but rather to use the additional time spent in extended foster care to help these youth become independent.\u00a0 While extended foster care is providing a critical lifeline for thousands of youth across the country, more needs to be done to help these youth connect with career opportunities and attain self-sufficiency,\u201d said Congressman Jim McDermott. \n\u201cOur proposal seeks to expand opportunities to work for our foster youth who have already overcome so many challenges. Investing in the success of our foster children will not only reduce unemployment, but will also lessen homelessness, incarceration and other negative outcomes that cost society much, much more,\u201d said Congressman Lloyd Doggett.\n\u201cWe care about our foster kids and want to give them every opportunity to reach their highest potential. This bill is part of that process. This proposal provides a simple adjustment that encourages businesses to hire these kids, which breaks a cycle of dependence, and often a lifetime of poverty. It\u2019s only right that we do our part to stand with our foster kids as they mature into adulthood and enter the workforce. As a member of the Congressional Foster Care Caucus, we are proud to support the bill,\u201d said Congressman Tom Reed.\nH.R. 5947 is strongly supported by a number of prominent national organizations, including iFoster, the Food Marketing Institute, the John Burton Foundation, Public Counsel, the Alliance for Children\u2019s Rights, and the County Welfare Directors Association of California. Senator Bob Casey filed companion legislation in the Senate. \n\u00a0\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-lowey-bipartisan-education-all-act-passes-house-representatives", "Reichert-Lowey Bipartisan Education for All Act Passes House of Representatives", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and of the Subcommittee on State Department and Foreign Operations, today praised the House of Representative\u2019s passage of H.R. 4481, the Education for All Act, which they introduced. \n\u201cFor the millions of children living in poverty, especially in conflict-affected regions and sub-Saharan Africa, access to an education is their best chance of growing up to live a healthy, productive, and stable life,\u201d said Reichert. \u201cBy giving children in the most desperate situations the tools to think for themselves, care for their families, and give back to their communities, we are not only doing what is right, we are laying the groundwork for greater peace and stability around the world.\u201d\n\u201cWith millions of children currently out of school, and even more who are not learning despite being in school, we must be tireless in our efforts to expand access and increase quality in classrooms across the globe,\u201d said Lowey. \u201cWithout access to basic education, these children will not have the skills to care for their families, improve their own health outcomes, and contribute positively to their communities. If we fill their hands with books and their heads with knowledge, we can ensure they are less vulnerable to hunger, poverty, disease, abuse, and extremism.\u00a0 That is why helping to educate children in developing nations and conflict-affected countries is not only the right thing to do, it is a critical economic and national security priority.\u201d\nThe Education for All Act, which passed the House today, would:\n Establish as U.S. policy the promotion of quality basic education by working with other countries, multilateral organizations, international and local civil society organizations, and other major donors to assist developing countries in strengthening their educational systems and ensuring all children have access to school;\n  Require a comprehensive U.S. strategy that improves educational opportunities and addresses key barriers to school attendance, retention, and completion for the poorest and most vulnerable children worldwide; and\n  Improve coordination and oversight of the US Agency for International Development\u2019s basic education programs by designating a \u201cSenior Coordinator\u201d within the Agency tasked with developing and monitoring the education strategy; coordinating policy with other agencies, donors, and international organizations; and reporting to Congress on program implementation. \n The 2012 attack on education activist Malala Yousafzai by the Taliban in Pakistan and the kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian girls by the terrorist organization Boko Haram in April 2014 remain painful reminders of the barriers to education so many youth face around the world.\u00a0\u00a0 Here are the startling facts about the state of international basic education today: \n Approximately 59 million primary-school-aged children and 65 million adolescents are out of school. \n  Half of the children in the world do not have access to preschool. \n  250 million children are not learning basic skills in reading, writing, and math or are dropping out before the fourth grade.\n  More than 100 million youth cannot read or write.\u00a0 \n  Nearly two-thirds of the world's 751 million illiterate adults are women. \n  An estimated 98 percent of children with disabilities under the age of 18 do not attend school. \n  Roughly half, or 28.5 million, of the world's out-of-school children live in countries affected by conflict and crisis.\u00a0\n The Reichert-Lowey Education for All Act would ensure the United States continues to lead efforts with international organizations, foreign leaders, and other donors to increase global access to quality education. A Senate version of the Education for All Act was introduced by Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) in July. It has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where it awaits consideration. \n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-announces-september-mobile-office-hours/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers Announces September Mobile Office Hours", "2016-09-09", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Spokane, Washington (September 9, 2016) \u2014 Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today announced staff-led mobile office hours, which will be held across Eastern Washington throughout September. Rep. McMorris Rodgers has offices located in Colville, Spokane, and Walla Walla, and mobile office hours offer people living outside of those areas a chance to connect with the Congresswoman\u2019s staff without having to travel to those three cities. The mobile office times, dates and locations are:\nWednesday, Sept. 14  \nNewport: \u00a0Pend Oreille County Courthouse, Commissioner Chambers, 625 W 4th St, 10:00 AM \u2013 11:30 AM  \nDavenport: Lincoln County Courthouse, Commissioner Chambers, 450 Logan St, 1:30 PM \u2013 3:00 PM\nThursday, Sept.15  \nDayton: Port of Columbia Office, Conference Room, 1 Port Way, 10:00 AM \u2013 11:30 AM  \nPomeroy: Garfield County Courthouse, Commissioner Chambers, 789 Main St, 1:00 PM \u2013 2:30 PM\nWednesday, Sept. 21*  \nColville: Veterans Services Office Hours 555 South Main Street, 9:00 AM \u2013 1:00 PM  \n*Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers\u2019 Veterans Services staff member, John Davis, will be assisting veterans in the Colville Office. This date is subject to change.\nThose who need assistance with a federal agency or would like to voice an opinion on federal issues are encouraged to come by\u2014no appointment necessary. Staff members will be ready and available to discuss resolving issues with federal agencies and federal government resources. All are still welcome to contact the three main offices in Eastern Washington:\nColville office: 555 South Main Street, Colville, WA 99114, Phone: 509-684-3481\nSpokane office: 10 North Post Street, Suite 625, Spokane, WA 99201, Phone: 509-353-2374\nWalla Walla office: 26 E. Main Street, Suite 2, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: 509-529-9358\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-recognizes-itc-100th-anniversary", "Reichert Recognizes ITC on 100th Anniversary", "2016-09-08", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In honor of the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) 100th Anniversary, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, commended the Commission\u2019s work to provide Americans and policymakers with information on how our trade policies impact the American people and economy. Most recently, Congress voted to establish a new process at the ITC for tariff relief for American manufacturers. \u00a0\n\u201cOver the past century, lawmakers have relied on the ITC as a dependable and unbiased source to help guide Congress in building a trade agenda that lifts up American businesses, consumers, and workers,\u201d said Rep. Reichert. \u201cThrough the years, Americans have felt the benefits of trade. We have seen greater opportunities for our small businesses seeking to sell more of their products and for our families working to provide for their loved ones. As the global economy continues to develop and grow, the Commission will continue to be a key source of information that we need to pursue trade policies to strengthen our economy and empower Americans. Congratulations to the ITC and its staff for reaching this milestone and thank you for your century-long commitment to trade.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-receives-guardian-seniors-rights-award-60-plus-association", "Newhouse Receives Guardian of Seniors Rights Award from 60 Plus Association: Seniors can depend on Dan", "2016-09-08", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), was awarded the coveted Guardian of Seniors' Rights award from the 60 Plus Association because of his commitment to the elderly.\n\u201cKeeping the promises we make to our senior citizens is one the highest responsibilities of representing Washington\u2019s Fourth Congressional District in Congress,\u201d said Rep. Newhouse. \u201cPreserving Social Security and Medicare and placing our country back on a fiscally responsible track are critical not only for today\u2019s seniors, but for the generations to come.\u201d\nIn a statement released by 60 Plus Association, spokesman and noted American singer Pat Boone remarked, \u201cI\u2019m still singing at concerts, but today I\u2019m singing the praises of Congressman Dan Newhouse. Seniors can depend on Dan.\u201d Boone, 82, and his wife of 61 years, Shirley, reside in California.\nIn an award ceremony in the Nation\u2019s Capital, 60 Plus Chairman Jim Martin said, \"we seniors felt we should show our gratitude to dedicated lawmakers like Congressman Newhouse who show compassion towards the elderly by pledging to 1) always protect Medicare, 2) always protect Social Security, and 3) just as importantly, to vote against wasteful spending of our tax dollars, excessive spending that has our government now borrowing over 40 cents of every dollar it needs to pay its bills. Seniors have to balance their budgets and so should our government.\n\"While both programs are running deficits, seniors are not to blame,\" Martin emphasized. \"After all, we seniors have paid into both all our working lives.\u00a0We've paid our dues but seniors know why deficits face both Medicare and Social Security. For example, Congress raids the annual surpluses from Social Security to pay for other government programs, leaving nothing but trillions of dollars of IOUs.\n\"On behalf of 7.2 million seniors that 60 Plus looks to for support, seniors know you\u2019re in our corner. You have earned our respect and our appreciation. 60 Plus thanks you.\"\u00a0\nThe 60 Plus Association is a 24-year-old nonpartisan organization working for death tax repeal, saving Social Security and Medicare, affordable prescription drugs, lowering energy costs and other issues featuring a less government, less taxes approach as well as a strict adherence to the Constitution.\u00a060 Plus calls on support from over 7 million activists.\u00a060 Plus has been called, \u201can increasingly influential senior citizen\u2019s group.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398764", "Sen. Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler Announce Investments for Longview and Clark County to Strengthen Public Transportation Systems", "2016-09-07", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R- Southwest WA) announced three major Federal Transit Administration investments in Longview and Clark County\u2019s public transportation systems made possible by Senator Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler\u2019s work to restore and fund the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program in last year\u2019s transportation bill.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R- Southwest WA) announced three major Federal Transit Administration investments in Longview and Clark County\u2019s public transportation systems made possible by Senator Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler\u2019s work to restore and fund the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program in last year\u2019s transportation bill. RiverCities Transit, which serves Longview and Kelso, will receive grants to purchase two new biodiesel buses and to expand the Downtown Longview Transit Center. The other will go to C-Tran in Clark County for ten new hybrid buses, which will provide more efficient public transportation and support increased ridership.\r\nBoth Murray and Herrera Beutler strongly supported the applications to expand transportation options in Southwest Washington. Senator Murray wrote letters in support of RiverCities Transit\u2019s application for two new biodiesel buses, and its application for the Downtown Longview Transit Center Expansion Project. In the House, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler led the effort to restore the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program when she successfully championed an amendment to the transportation bill in November 2015. Herrera Beutler\u2019s efforts influenced the final House-Senate transportation bill agreement which included an additional $1.5 billion for which Southwest Washington transit agencies competed to improve bus services for Washington transit commuters.\r\n\u201cOur communities rely upon safe, reliable public transportation systems, and as ridership continues to increase and technology improves our transportation options, it is critical we fight to invest in aging transit systems,\u201d Senator Murray said. \u201cI am so glad to see the City of Longview and Clark County receive recognition for their strong transit plans and receive these federal investments to lessen the environmental impact, ease congestion, and support Southwest Washington\u2019s continued growth.\u201d\r\n\u201cIt is great to see Clark County and the City of Longview receive grant funds to improve service for bus riders in Longview and throughout Clark County,\u201d said Congresswoman Herrera Beutler. \u201cSo many folks here depend on efficient and convenient bus services, which is why I fought so hard to return hardworking taxpayer dollars back to Southwest Washington for these bus improvement grants.\u201d\r\n\"Washington State's Congressional delegation was instrumental in passing new transportation funding this year and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler and Senator Patty Murray\u2019s leadership to increase funding for the bus and bus facilities program certainly aided further in making this grant award possible,\" said Jeff Hamm, Executive Director/CEO of C-Tran.\r\n\u201cThe City of Longview continues to take significant strides to improve RiverCities Transit service throughout the community and revitalize our downtown,\u201d said Longview Mayor Don Jensen. \u201cWe are thrilled that FTA has recognized our vision and awarded the City over $3.6 million to improve our Downtown Transit Center and purchase two biodiesel buses. The help and support from Sen. Murray and Rep. Herrera Beutler was instrumental in getting this award for a couple reasons. First, they both championed restoration of the bus grant program in the 2015 FAST Act which allows small and mid-sized communities like Longview to compete for federal funds. Second, they strongly supported our grant request in Washington, DC and wrote letters to FTA endorsing the projects. We are grateful for the support and look forward to bringing these critical transportation and economic development resources to our community.\u201d\r\nMore information on the three investments are below:\r\nGrant Recipient: City of Longview (RiverCities Transit)  \r\nTitle: Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program  \r\nGrant Amount: $2,784,000.00  \r\n\u2022         Grant will help expand an existing transit center located in the City of Longview\u2019s downtown area, and increase capacity by providing additional space for staff and improving public access to bus facilities.Grant Recipient: City of Longview (RiverCities Transit)  \r\nTitle: Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program  \r\nDisc. Grant Amount: $832,000.00  \r\n\u2022         Grant will replace two of the oldest biodiesel buses in the fleet with two new biodiesel buses, and will help reduce service disruptions.Grant Recipient: Clark County Public Transportation Benefit Area (C-Tran)  \r\nTitle: Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Program  \r\nDisc. Grant Amount: $6,080,000.00  \r\n\u2022         Grant will purchase ten hybrid buses that will help save money in fuel and maintenance costs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-recognizes-embrace-eastern-washington-angels-adoption-2/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers Recognizes Embrace Eastern Washington as Angels in Adoption", "2016-09-01", "2016", "2016-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\n\nContact: Molly Drenkard\n\nPress Secretary, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)\n\nMolly.Drenkard@mail.house.gov\n\nSpokane, Washington (September 1, 2016) \u2013Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today appeared on Good Morning Northwest to present State Representative Kevin Parker (R-Spokane) and Alene Alexander, the co-founder and executive director of Embrace Eastern Washington, respectively, with the Angels in Adoption Award. Embrace Eastern Washington is a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of the needs of foster families and local foster care systems in Washington and addresses the shortage of licensed foster care homes in the state.\n\n\u201cEvery American should have the opportunity to seek his or her unique version of the American Dream, and that starts with the solid foundation of family,\u201d said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the work Rep. Parker, Alene, and the team at Embrace Eastern Washington are doing to protect, advocate for, and empower our community\u2019s vulnerable youth. There are no unwanted children, just unfound families, and their work is making a real difference in opening hearts and minds across Eastern Washington.\u201d\n\n\u201cEmbrace Eastern Washington believes that when foster parents feel valued, social workers feel blessed, and all children feel wanted, a long-term impact will be made on the foster care system in Eastern Washington,\u201d said Alene Alexander, executive director of Embrace Eastern Washington.\n\nThe Angels in Adoption program is the signature awareness program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. The program works to honor the work of individuals in communities across the country who work to enrich the lives of our nation\u2019s orphans and foster youth. On September 21, the Congressional Coalition will host its annual Angels in Adoption awards gala, at which Embrace Eastern Washington will be recognized.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://mcmorris.house.gov/rep-mcmorris-rodgers-pomeroy-walla-walla-sept-2-3/", "Rep. McMorris Rodgers to be in Pomeroy and Walla Walla Sept. 2-3", "2016-08-29", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Cathy McMorris Rodgers", "M001159", "mcmorris.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Media Advisory\nContact: Molly Drenkard  \nPress Secretary, Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)  \nMolly.Drenkard@mail.house.gov\nSpokane, Washington (August 29, 2016) \u2013 Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will be in Pomeroy and Walla Walla Sept. 2-3 for meetings with local community members. She will also attend Walla Walla Frontier Days for its 150th anniversary celebration.\nOn March 21, 2016, Rep. McMorris Rodgers commemorated the fair\u2019s 150th anniversary by reading a tribute to it into the Congressional Record, which she later presented to fair board members, Walla Walla County commissioners, Frontier Days royalty and the manager of the fairgrounds.\nMedia and the public are invited to attend the events listed below. Schedule of events:\nFriday, Sept. 2:\nEvent: \u201cConversation with Cathy\u201d town hall  \nTime: 11:00 AM \u2013 12:00 PM  \nLocation: Pioneer Plaza, 730 Main Street, Pomeroy, WA 99347\nEvent: Walla Walla Frontier Days  \nTime: 5:00 PM \u2013 7:30 PM  \nLocation: Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, 363 Orchard St, Walla Walla, WA 99362\nSaturday, Sept. 3:\nEvent: Walla Walla VFW Cowboy Breakfast  \nTime: 8:35 AM \u2013 9:15 AM  \nLocation: VFW Post 992, 102 N. Colville, Walla Walla, WA 99362\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-roll-columbia-river-treaty-negotiations", "COLUMN: Roll On, Columbia River Treaty Negotiations", "2016-08-29", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Anyone who has spent time in Central Washington knows the Columbia River is the defining natural feature of our region. As the largest river in the Western Hemisphere that flows into the Pacific Ocean, it has long guided the way of life for people living in the Pacific Northwest. From water storage and transportation to recreation, flood control, energy production, and wildlife habitat, our management of the Columbia River will continue to determine the economic future of our region. We share this magnificent resource with our neighbor to the north, which is why updating the treaty between the U.S. and Canada to govern the Columbia should be a top priority for the federal government. Unfortunately, instead of expediting this important matter, this Administration has been dragging its feet on the necessary review process for commencing Columbia River Treaty (CRT) negotiations.\nThe CRT was implemented in 1964 to manage electricity generation and flood control, and it has not been updated since then, despite significant developments in the intervening five decades. One example of the many major provisions that require modernization is the \u201cCanadian Entitlement.\u201d The original treaty now requires U.S. ratepayers in the Pacific Northwest to provide an entitlement of $250 to $350 million for hydroelectric power to Canada. The purpose of the Entitlement was to compensate Canada for flood control and storage measures, though it is based on severely outdated Treaty assumptions. The Canadian Entitlement needs to be revisited and rebalanced in a way that is fair for ratepayers and electricity consumers in the U.S.\nRenegotiating the CRT is important for the Northwest, but why the rush? The bipartisan, bicameral congressional effort to nudge the Administration into action began in 2014 because that is when the clock started ticking on the life of this treaty. On September 16, 2024, with ten years notice, either Canada or the U.S. can terminate most of the treaty\u2019s provisions. We are already well into the ten-year timeframe when proposed modifications must be legally noticed. Since I have been in Congress, I have joined my congressional colleagues in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana on numerous occasions to urge the Administration and the lead agency for negotiations, the U.S. Department of State, to complete the necessary review process and begin treaty negotiations immediately. While a new lead U.S. negotiator was finally appointed last fall, there has still been very little progress.\nTime is running out to modernize the\u00a0outdated treaty that governs the 1,200-mile long Columbia and impacts millions of Americans in the Pacific Northwest. There is much at stake, and this is a complex matter, but I will continue to apply pressure on this Administration to make modernization a priority this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/find-your-park-rep-dan-newhouse-commemorates-100th-anniversary-national", "Find Your Park: Rep. Dan Newhouse Commemorates 100th Anniversary of National Park Service, Manhattan Project National Historical Park", "2016-08-22", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) marked the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service by releasing a video message inviting families to \u201cFind Your Park,\u201d highlighting the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Washington\u2019s Fourth Congressional District:\nREP. NEWHOUSE INVITES WASHINGTONIANS TO MANHATTAN PROJECT NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column", "COLUMN: Preserve Dams to Produce Clean Energy", "2016-08-22", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Throughout the August district work period, I have traveled throughout all eight counties of Washington\u2019s 4th District. I always get diverse questions from constituents on a range of topics, and I enjoy these conversations. I have heard from several constituents who shared their support for the dams on the Columbia and lower Snake rivers. I would like to take this opportunity to express my strong support for maintaining dams, which are so important for a host of reasons, including power generation, flood control, transportation, recreation, and water storage in Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.\nAbundant and affordable energy is key to a thriving economy both nationally and in our state. In the summertime especially, when the only thing keeping American homes and businesses cool during high temperatures is their air conditioners, families are faced with the higher cost of energy prices. Central Washington is blessed with abundant clean and renewable energy resources such as wind, biomass, and our largest energy generator \u2013 hydropower. We need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes nuclear power, fossil fuels, and renewable sources, such as hydropower, to keep the price of energy down.\nI have visited Ice Harbor Dam on the Snake River multiple times: combined with Lower Monumental Dam, Little Goose Dam, and Lower Granite Dam, these dams have an average capacity of about 1,022 megawatts of electricity, which the Bonneville Power Administration estimates is enough to power a city the size of Seattle. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration calculates that the entire Columbia River Basin generates 40% of total U.S. hydroelectric capacity. According to Todd Myers at the Washington Policy Center, replacing the Snake River dams would increase energy costs by more than $200 million a year. Preserving these dams is critical for reliable and affordable electricity generation.\nIt is important that federal policies recognize the important role hydropower plays. I am proud to cosponsor H. Res. 351 with my colleague Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, which would express the sense of Congress that \u201chydroelectric power is the most abundant source of clean, renewable energy in the United States and should be fully utilized in the pursuit of energy independence and affordable energy for the people of the United States.\u201d\nIn addition to this legislation, I introduced an amendment to push the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize all hydropower as a renewable energy source under the EPA's regulations. The amendment would address the unfair carbon reduction targets placed on states with hydropower generation. It makes no sense for sources of hydroelectricity to be left off of this list, which effectively penalizes Washington for utilizing a renewable power source.\nWe must protect our dams. Dams help promote American energy independence, preserve the environment, and keep energy reliable and affordable.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognize-dignity-work", "COLUMN: Recognize the Dignity of Work", "2016-08-15", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Watching the Olympics has been exciting for millions of Americans who root on their fellow citizens to see if years of grueling training will pay off on the world stage. For the athletes who worked to earn gold, silver, and bronze medals, we can imagine a wave of personal fulfillment and pride from representing our country. For the less physically-gifted of us, personal accomplishment will likely not come from an Olympic medal. What makes America unique is not that every one of us can vault or run or swim at impressive speeds, but we hold to the belief that all people are created equal despite the difference in our gifts and talents. Ours is the land of opportunity where every person has the freedom to run their race in pursuit of happiness. We also realize that as Americans, it should not matter where you start. We strive to lift up our neighbors so that every person can know the satisfaction of providing for their family.\nIn our country today, there are many people who feel left behind. There is a feeling that the American Dream has escaped the reach of too many. Despite government promises that more spending could address economic struggles, no government program has accomplished the goal of ending poverty or giving people a renewed sense of pride, self-worth and dignity. We know that dignity comes from the pride of accomplishment, when individuals are given the opportunity to succeed and prove something to themselves.\nCurrently, almost 15 percent of Americans live in poverty. That means about 46 million people are struggling to provide for their families. Since the mid-20th century, the war on poverty and the $22 trillion in government spending spent on welfare programs has not succeeded because economic mobility does not come from dependence on a central government.\nHouse Republicans have proposed a \u201cBetter Way\u201d to fight poverty and to end the cycle of dependency and hopelessness. We must secure safety nets for the most vulnerable. To ensure the safety net is solvent to the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens, it is fair to expect our work-capable adults (particularly those with no dependents) receiving welfare to work or be preparing for work. By expanding work and work training requirements for those receiving benefits, we give individuals the tools to achieve new opportunities and break the cycle of poverty. We must reward work instead of penalizing it. We must improve education and tailor benefits to people\u2019s needs at the state level instead of through a federal-government-knows-best approach.\nMy grandmother used to repeat a homespun saying that has stuck with me all these years: \u201cGood, better, best\u2014never let it rest. \u2018Til your good is better and your better is best.\u201d Americans not only do our best, but we do not leave each other behind. We push ourselves and create opportunity for everyone to do the best with what God has given us, and that way we can all run our race.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-pacific-northwest-representatives-prod-state-department", "Newhouse, Pacific Northwest Representatives prod State Department on Columbia River Treaty as agency drags its feet", "2016-08-11", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "SUNNYSIDE, WA \u00a0\u2013 Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined five U.S. Senators and 16 U.S. House members from the Pacific Northwest to send a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry today, urging the U.S. Department of State to hasten its progress towards negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty.\nThe State Department has stated that it intended to start negotiations in 2016. However, despite multiple letters from Congress urging it to move forward immediately, and despite receiving Regional Recommendations almost three years ago, the State Department has failed to take necessary steps to begin the long overdue process in the first seven months of 2016.\n\u201cTreaty modernization and negotiations with Canada directly affect the economy, environment, and flood control needs of communities we represent,\u201d the members wrote. \u201cThe U.S. Department of state [must] conclude the review process, approve the Circular 175 immediately, and press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator and engage in negotiations.\u201d\nThe legislators have again called on the State Department to finalize its negotiating parameters and to press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator.\u00a0 Both actions are required for talks to begin. The agency has insisted for months that its negotiating parameters document, known as Circular 175, was nearly complete. There have been no indications, however, that the State Department is close to approving the document.\u00a0\nUpdating the treaty, which has not been revised since it was ratified in 1964, will allow the U.S. and Canada to find new win-win solutions for management of the river that could provide new opportunities for cooperation on critical clean energy solutions such as smart grids with intermittent power, grid-scale storage, and clean infrastructure solutions. Such projects would drive new economic growth in both the U.S. and Canada. The members of Congress support the U.S. negotiating position based on regional recommendations to modernize the Treaty, balancing ecosystem function including salmon recovery, flood control, and hydropower generation.\nMembers of Congress signing the letter included Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Jon Tester (D-MT), and Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Denny Heck (WA-10), Jim McDermott (WA-07), Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (WA-05), Jaime Herrera-Beutler (WA-03), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Peter De Fazio (OR-04), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Walden (OR-02), Ryan Zinke (MT-At Large), and Mike Simpson (ID-02).\nFull text of the letter can be found here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398760", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler To Host Guide to Grants Seminar  August 16 at WSU-Vancouver", "2016-08-10", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Jaime Herrera Beutler", "H001056", "herrerabeutler.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hosting a \u201cGuide to Grants\u201d Seminar on August 16 at WSU-Vancouver.\r\n          share:\r\n          f \r\n          t \r\n        \r\n      \r\n      Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hosting a \u201cGuide to Grants\u201d Seminar on August 16 at WSU-Vancouver. This event will bring together a variety of experts and successful grantees to provide best practices and strategies on how to produce more competitive proposals and applications for federal grants.\r\n\u00a0\r\nOrganizations and government entities that compete for federal grants are encouraged to send someone to the event. Due to space limitations, RSVP\u2019s are required. Please click here to RSVP. \u00a0\r\nWHAT:  \r\nCongresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler is offering this Guide to Grants seminar that will include a panel of grant recipients sharing the steps they took to successfully compete for federal grant funding.\u00a0 After the panel, federal grant program representatives will host various breakout sessions based on topics of interest. \r\nWHY: \r\n \r\n    Help organizations be more competitive in pursuing grants through increased collaboration and partnerships with federal granting agencies.\r\n \r\n \r\n    Expand knowledge of federal grant options available to Southwest Washington applicants.\r\n \r\nWHEN:  \r\nJaime Herrera Beutler will make opening remarks to kick off the event on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 9:00am.\r\nThe event will last from 9am to 12pm.\r\nWHERE:  \r\nWashington State University Vancouver (Dengerink Administration Building)  \r\n14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686.\u00a0 The cost for parking is $3. Please park in the Blue lot.\u00a0   \r\nMap and parking information \r\nIf you have any questions about the event, please contact Jordan Meade at Jordan.Meade@mail.house.gov or call (360) 695-6292.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-make-public-lands-work-local-communities", "COLUMN: Make Public Lands Work for Local Communities", "2016-08-09", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Theodore Roosevelt, who championed the cause of conservation during his presidency, once said, \u201cConservation means development as much as it does protection. I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful means, the generations that come after us.\u201d We have a responsibility, not simply to preserve the natural world around us, but to improve the economic condition of the communities that depend on natural resources and access to public lands. Balancing the needs of preserving the environment with the needs of the people whose livelihoods depend on it should not be opposing goals. \nFederal regulations have an outsized impact on the ability of ranchers, recreationists, farmers and local governments who live near federal lands to thrive. One of the most critical economic issues facing our rural communities in the West today is the fact that the federal government owns and manages an enormous amount of property - 640 million acres. In fact, about one third, or 29 percent, of the State of Washington is owned by the federal government. That comes to more than 12,176,000 acres of federally-owned lands in our state. \nHow does the massive scale of federal land ownership impact the ability of a rural community\u2019s economy to grow? The key ingredients for local communities are healthy forests, a focus on economic growth, and local input in land management decisions. Unfortunately, many of our rural communities are struggling and know that their voices are not being heard by federal agencies. We have already tried the top-down approach of federal control, and it has resulted in catastrophic wildfires and frustrated our rural communities.\nI am proud to be a cosponsor of the Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act, introduced by my colleague Rep. Raul Labrador.\u00a0 This legislation is a pilot project for restoring responsibility for federal lands to local communities. This legislation would create \u201ccommunity forest demonstration areas\u201d on up to two percent of lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service in order to generate dependable economic activity for counties and local governments containing National Forest System land. These pilot projects for sustainable forest management would allow state governors to form advisory committees comprised of members of the local communities with the most at stake: locally-elected officials, representatives of those with grazing or other permits, the timber industry, and recreational users. The advisory committee would put the focus of public lands where it belongs: squarely on our rural communities and their economic growth. \nWe all want the environment and the communities sustained by the environment to flourish. Increasing accessibility and local input in federal land management can improve the economic outlook of our rural communities for generations to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/civil-rights-leader-and-veteran-sheriff-form-unlikely-partnership", "Civil rights leader and veteran sheriff form unlikely partnership", "2016-08-04", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dave Reichert", "R000578", "reichert.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC - In the wake of the tragedies in Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights, and Dallas, Rep. Dave Reichert and Rep. John Lewis decided we need a new approach to ease police-community tensions and formed an unlikely partnership: African American Democrat civil rights leader and Caucasian Republican 33-year law enforcement veteran. Please find the below joint OpEd by Reps. Reichert and Lewis published in The Hill newspaper about the importance of reminding ourselves that we are on the same team and focusing on our common goal of keeping our neighborhoods safe.\n Civil rights leader and veteran sheriff form unlikely partnership \nBy Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) and Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.)\nThis August, over 500 of America's most capable and accomplished athletes will march into the Maracana Stadium together during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics opening ceremony under the banner of the American flag.\u00a0 On the playing field, the backgrounds of these athletes do not matter.\u00a0 They are each other's support, friends, and teammates.\u00a0 They are all Americans.\nThe camaraderie, love, and unity we celebrate during the Olympics is America at its best and is the America we hope to experience in cities, neighborhoods, and households around our country.\u00a0 However, nothing can obscure the suffering caused by the recent deaths in Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights, and Dallas--as well as the anxiety produced by the protests that surrounded them.\u00a0 All of the turmoil leads us to wonder about the future of our country.\nAs elected leaders, the burden is on us to set an example that looks past politics and considers above all what is best for our nation as a whole.\u00a0 That is why two unlikely partners -- a Democratic African American civil rights leader and a Republican Caucasian law enforcement veteran -- have come together to say enough is enough.\nThe stakes are too high:\u00a0 the inestimable cost of human life and the intricate, interwoven fabric of our society.\u00a0 To ensure our struggle does not lead our nation to tear apart at the seams, we are left with only one viable choice:\u00a0We must find a way to build a bridge toward dialogue, civility, transformation and ultimate peace.\nTraveling this path together begins with the recognition that we all share the same goal.\u00a0 Everyone wants to live securely, knowing that their loved ones are safe in their own communities. It is the only way we can achieve the mutual respect and understanding that is central to any beloved community and is the foundation of a civil society.\u00a0\u00a0 We need to walk in each other\u2019s shoes. \u00a0\u00a0\nIn many neighborhoods across America, the wounds are deep and the fault lines are wide.\u00a0 It will take time and hard work to regain the trust and civility that has been lost or to build these attributes where they never existed before.\u00a0 But it must begin and end by realizing we are one people, one family, the human family.\u00a0 We all live in one house, the American house, the world house.\u00a0 But if a veteran law enforcement officer and a veteran activist, a Democrat and a Republican, a Southerner from the Southeast and a Northerner from the Northwest\u00a0 can commit to work together for the common good, you can too.\u00a0 We must all learn to live together as brothers and sisters, as Dr. Martin Luther King said, or we will all perish together as fools.\u00a0We can do it. We must do it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/supporting-our-law-enforcement", "COLUMN: Supporting Our Law Enforcement", "2016-08-01", "2016", "2016-08", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Dallas. Baton Rouge. In those two cities, eight police officers lost their lives after being targeted and ambushed in two separate attacks. Our nation has been stunned as law enforcement has also been targeted in shootings in Philadelphia, in St. Joseph, Michigan, in Tennessee, in Missouri, and in Georgia. Two officers were shot in San Diego just last week. We honor those in blue who lost their lives or were wounded while serving their communities. Wearing the badge is a risk they take every day to keep our families and loved ones safe. They work to protect us, and attacks against them are attacks against all of us. As a nation, we owe a restoration of respect for our brave men and women who keep the peace in our neighborhoods.\nOur nation has seen an alarming spike in the targeting of law enforcement officers in the past year, and especially the past few months. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the number of police officers shot and killed this year is up 78 percent compared to the same time last year. Nothing justifies the targeting and murder of law enforcement. The officers shot in Dallas were protecting protesters demonstrating their First Amendment rights. As the shooting in Dallas started, officers ran toward the sounds of gunfire and directed protesters to safety. These shootings were acts of hatred, pure and simple, and the response of officers demonstrated their solemn sense of duty to protect and to serve everyone in their community.\nIn light of the series of targeted incidents against law enforcement, I have joined as a cosponsor of H.R.4760, the Blue Lives Matter Act of 2016, which would classify any targeted attack on law enforcement as a federal hate crime. This legislation would rightly increase penalties against perpetrators in order to protect the police and first responders in our communities. Our laws must protect those whose job is to protect us.\nAll Americans should have confidence that they are treated as equals under the law. Every officer-related fatality\u2014such as the 2015 shooting in Pasco\u2014must be thoroughly investigated. At the same time, we as a nation must foster and encourage respect for the rule of law and for those who enforce it to keep communities safe. A mother of two in Dallas, a demonstrator who saw the police acting to keep everyone safe as the shooting there started, said of police officers, \u201cThese people who came out to protect us, we\u2019re going to be out there for them.\u201d\nWe support public servants in law enforcement. We pray for their safety, and we pray for restoration of peace in our communities.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-protect-conscience-rights-and-human-life", "COLUMN: Protect Conscience Rights and Human Life", "2016-07-25", "2016", "2016-07", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Freedom of conscience and religious liberty have been bedrock principles of our republic since our founding. In 1809, Thomas Jefferson wrote, \u201cNo provision in our Constitution ought to be dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience against the enterprises of the civil authority.\u201d Clearly, this freedom goes beyond simply protecting holding a belief in one\u2019s own heart or merely thinking about a concept. It protects acting as well. If we are to continue to hold these constitutional freedoms, then we must act to safeguard them. As a firm supporter of conscience rights as well as protecting the lives of the unborn, I take protecting these constitutional rights from government intrusion very seriously.\nProtecting conscience has long been a bipartisan effort. The Hyde Amendment is a provision of law that has barred the use of federal funds for abortions since 1976, gaining support from both sides of the political aisle. The Hyde Amendment requires annual reauthorization by Congress, and I supported it and will continue to do so. Because taxpayers should not be forced to fund abortions.\u00a0\nIn his address at Notre Dame in 2009, President Obama said, \u201cLet\u2019s honor the conscience of those who disagree with abortion.\u201d I, like many Americans, agree with the president on this point. To put actions to those words, I recently supported passage of the Conscience Protection Act to protect pro-life health care providers from forced complicity in abortion.\nThis legislation is needed as conscience rights are threatened today. Since 1977, a bipartisan provision in law called the Weldon Amendment has provided protection for pro-life entities from discrimination when federal, state, or local governments withhold funds. Like the Hyde Amendment, it must be reauthorized annually, which I have supported. This protection is under attack because the Obama Administration is refusing to enforce it. The Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is currently responsible for ruling on violations of the Weldon Amendment, but OCR recently interpreted the it to allow a California mandate that requires insurance and health providers to provide for abortions with no exceptions for conscience. The Conscience Protection Act would address this clear government coercion, in violation of conscience rights, by opening access to the courts when there is discrimination against individuals or entities who refuse to participate in abortions.\nIf the federal government can coerce or discriminate against those who act in a way that violates their conscience, then how can we be said to be free? For individuals and entities to act in compliance with their beliefs is the definition of freedom. James Madison went as far as to say that the property of an individual\u2019s conscience is even \u201cmore sacred than his castle.\u201d Just as the Hyde and Weldon amendments are necessary to protect unborn lives, the Conscience Protection Act is needed to safeguard the same rights of conscience that Americans have held dear for our history.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 232, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "WA", "p2": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 232, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 232, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "WA", "label": "WA", "count": 232, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 232, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-07-25,https~3A~2F~2Fnewhouse~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns-and-op-eds~2Fcolumn-protect-conscience-rights-and-human-life", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=WA&year=2016&_next=2016-07-25%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fnewhouse~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns-and-op-eds~2Fcolumn-protect-conscience-rights-and-human-life&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 226.79368406534195, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}