{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"WA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-introduces-legislation-to-support-veterans-right-to-build-their-own-homes", "Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Support Veterans\u2019 Right to Build Their Own Homes", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 This week, Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders\u2019 Rights Act to expand VA home loans and provide rural veterans with the ability to use a VA home loan to build their own homes. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes.\n\nAs the U.S. continues to face a shortage of starter homes, giving veterans the flexibility to build a home creates a new path to home ownership. In rural communities especially, housing demand frequently outpaces construction. Many veterans already have the skills and knowledge to build a home, but without benefits that give them the freedom to use those skills, they don\u2019t have an opportunity to build. This means veterans are forced into a narrow band of options for how to use VA home loans. As a result, only about 30% of veterans use VA home loans. Owner-builder opportunities, like the ones this bill creates, simultaneously build wealth for veterans and their families, while adding to the overall housing supply.\n\nSpecifically, this legislation would:\n\nCreate a new direct home loan program at VA for rural veterans who want to build their own homes, utilizing the framework and eligibility requirements of an existing VA direct home loan program;\n\nProvide blueprints with American wood sourcing and manufacturing requirements to stimulate domestic timber economies;\n\nStreamline the permitting application process by requiring permit furnishment within 45 days of submission and covering all associated fees;\n\nProvide technical assistance for veterans through the VA or a contracted third party related to the skills necessary to construct or repair a home, as well as for the permit application process; and\n\nSafeguard against home-flippers by requiring the veteran to live in the home for at least two years, or otherwise accelerate repayment of their loan.\n\nMarie Gluesenkamp Perez meets with the Raymond American Legion to discuss Veterans housing options.\n\n\u201cBuilding our own home was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I\u2019ve ever done. While many vets have the relevant skills, they functionally can\u2019t use their VA home loans and leverage their skills to build a home. In fact, only 30% of vets use their VA home loans at all.\u201d Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cMy bill creates a pilot program for rural vets to use provided blueprints and expedited permitting to start building wealth and community-while increasing the housing supply for all of us.\u201d\n\n\u201cStable, reliable housing directly contributes to the health and well-being of our veterans. Unfortunately, high construction costs and interest rates keep many from investing in their future as homeowners.\u201d Said Rep. Westerman, \u201cBy working directly with the VA to expand construction loan access and investing in the domestic building materials we have in our own backyard, this bill initiates an innovative pilot program that lowers housing costs and provides more access for our veterans in addition to supporting rural America and bolstering our domestic wood supply chain. I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my colleague from Washington to deliver real, bipartisan solutions that address the needs of our veteran community.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt HEVIN, we work directly with veterans and their families, and we know how important safe, stable housing is to building long-term stability. For veterans living in rural communities, the path to homeownership can come with additional barriers and fewer options. This bipartisan legislation creates another practical pathway by giving eligible veterans the opportunity to use a VA loan to build a home, while also providing the technical assistance and permitting support they may need along the way. We believe removing barriers to homeownership and giving veterans more opportunities to build a stable future for themselves and their families is an important investment in those who have served our country.\u201d \u2013 HEVIN, Helping Every Veteran in Need, Longview, WA\n\nCurrently, eligible veterans can get a VA-backed Home Loan to access the funds they need to buy, build, or improve a home. Yet in practice, the program remains underutilized for owner-builders. The Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act creates a pilot program to prescriptively bypass these barriers and allow veterans the flexibility to build their own homes and start on a pathway to durable wealth.\n\nIn developing this legislation, the Congresswoman discovered there is not consistent process for Members to introduce legislation with images included in the bill text, such as blueprints or maps. As a result, the Congresswoman fought to include language in the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act and recently sent a letter to House leadership requesting clarification of best practices for adding images to bill text.\n\nIn addition to the Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has worked from day one to ensure veterans have access to services and housing, especially in rural communities. This Congress, she passed the Rural Veterans\u2019 Improved Access to Benefits Act, aimed at expanding access to disability exams to veterans living in rural areas, and introduced the Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act to expand eligibility for rural veterans to get transportation to VA health facilities.\n\nShe also included report language in the FY27 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies appropriations bill to permit the use of the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program for the purchase of land on which an RV, manufactured, or mobile home could be permanently sited as a primary residence, as well as report language to encourage the development of Safe Parking programs that provide allow veterans to park at VA facilities overnight to make it easier for them to access medical services.\n\nThis Veterans Owner-Builders Rights Act is supported by HEVIN and is budget neutral.\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bill-bolster-clean-affordable-hydropower-energy-and", "Congresswoman Schrier\u2019s Bill to Bolster Clean, Affordable Hydropower Energy and Enhance River Health Signed Into Law", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that her Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law. The bipartisan legislation supports Washington\u2019s clean, affordable hydropower and the healthy management of rivers by enhancing efficiency and transparency for parties involved in the hydropower dam licensing process. Congresswoman Schrier introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01).\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to announce that my bipartisan Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cThis law will bring transparency and clarity to the licensing process, better informing our communities and dam operators on license status and providing Congress with tools to further streamline the licensing process. I look forward to continuing this work to reduce energy costs, manage river resources, and cut red tape.\"\n\nThe legislation is supported by the National Hydropower Association, American Whitewater, and American Rivers.\n\n\"I am proud to see the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act signed into law. This is an important piece of legislation that will effectively cut federal red tape around hydropower relicensing applications. With nearly 600 water storage dams across Idaho, we must focus on efficient licensing processes to keep our dams running and support clean energy growth,\" said Congressman Fulcher.\n\n\u201cHydropower provides 30 million Americans clean, reliable power; it's the shock absorber of the grid, delivering 24/7 power when other resources can't. It also provides other public benefits like flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act shines an important light on our broken permitting process. I commend Representatives Schrier and Fulcher and Senators Cortez Masto and Daines for leading the charge,\u201d said National Hydropower Association President and CEO Malcom Woolf.\n\n\u201cWe thank Representatives Schrier and Fulcher for their leadership in advancing greater transparency in the hydropower licensing process,\" said Kelly Catlett, Senior Advisor at American Rivers Action Fund. \"Greater transparency into the status of licensing proceedings can help identify opportunities to improve efficiency and bring greater clarity and accountability to the process. A more efficient licensing process can help move projects toward resolution while creating better opportunities to protect and restore healthy rivers.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: Hydropower dams must relicense their dams with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in order to continue operating a facility every 30 to 50 years. On average, relicensing a hydropower facility takes between seven and ten years to complete. According to a recent DOE report, FERC relicensing activity is expected to more than double in the coming decade, threatening resource adequacy. In addition, applicants seeking licenses for new hydropower dams are the most sensitive to licensing costs and delays. Existing projects have existing revenue streams to finance relicensing costs, but new project costs are covered by the project developer.\n\nThis new law will streamline and enhance the efficiency of this process by requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) provide an annual report to Congress on the status of each hydropower dam license or relicense application. This will increase transparency for project stakeholders and give Congress a tool to improve the FERC process.\n\nYou can watch Congresswoman Schrier\u2019s full remarks on the legislation HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-nationwide-protecting-voters_election-workers", "Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers\n\nIn early 2026, 32% percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment; 52% concerned for staff safety\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places.\n\n\u201cIt is deeply troubling that now more than half of local elections officials worry about the safety of their colleagues, and a third have experienced threats or abuse. The officials and volunteers who run our free and fair elections deserve to be and feel safe at work \u2013 and voters need to be able to visit their elections office without worrying about their safety,\u201d Sen. Cantwell said.\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter has the right to cast their ballot and every election worker can conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would strengthen existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections.\n\nIn Washington state, firearms are already prohibited at ballot counting centers, voting centers, student engagement hubs, and county elections and voter registration offices, as well as any facility being temporarily used for those reasons.\n\nThe right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32% of local election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to patrol polling places in recent elections. While intimidation is illegal under existing law, this new legislation is important to provide a clearer standard and further ensure safety at election offices and polling locations.\n\nSpecifically, the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would:\n\nAmend Section 11(b) of the Voting Rights Act to establish a rebuttable presumption that a person carrying a visible firearm while engaging in election-related activities is engaging in voter intimidation;\n\nProvide civil remedies for individuals who experience this type of intimidation, including an emergency injunction that would allow the voter or election official to carry out their duties in peace; and\n\nRecognize an exemption for law enforcement officers acting within their official duties and establish that this exemption does not apply to National Guard.\n\nThe bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA). In addition to Sen. Cantwell, the bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nThe House version of the bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17).\n\nThe Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is endorsed by organizations including the Brennan Center for Justice, Defend the Vote Action Fund, and the Fair Elections Center.\n\n\u201cCongress must pass the Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act. We are grateful to Representative Deluzio, Senator Padilla, and other members of Congress for their work to keep our elections safe for everyone involved in the process. This legislation would bolster federal protections that empower voters, election officials, and election workers to seek legal recourse if they are intimidated. The bill would help protect our democracy by keeping intimidation and violence out of voting,\u201d said Sean Morales-Doyle, Senior Director of the voting rights program, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law.\n\n\u201cOur ability to hold elected leaders accountable to the people depends on ensuring every voter can access the ballot free from intimidation or harassment, and that election workers can run those elections without interference. Defend The Vote Action Fund applauds Rep. Deluzio for his leadership on this critical bill that protects voters' rights to cast their ballots free from interference, while ensuring that poll workers and election officials can safely oversee and administer our elections,\u201d said Defend the Vote Action Fund Executive Director Brian Lemek.\n\n\u201cTo fully realize our civil rights, we need stronger protections against intimidation to make sure that election officials can do their jobs without fear, and that no American is stopped from exercising their right to vote. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act is one way we can defend our voting rights in the face of those who want to take power away from the people,\u201d said Fair Elections Center's President and CEO, Rebekah Caruthers.\n\nSen. Cantwell remains a stalwart defender of our free and fair elections:\n\nOn Sep. 8, Sen. Cantwell joined 260 of her colleagues \u2013 including all Senate Democrats and current and former members of the House of Representatives \u2013 in filing a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief with the Supreme Court in a case challenging the U.S. Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) attempt to impose new requirements that would have interfered with vote-by-mail in Washington state and nationwide. On Sep. 15, the Supreme Court agreed with the lawmakers\u2019 position and refused to reverse a lower-court ruling that blocked the USPS from implementing the onerous new requirements. In denying the stay, the Supreme Court let stand a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court in two related cases \u2013 one brought by Washington along with other states \u2013 against the USPS rule for the upcoming election. In a statement on the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling, Sen. Cantwell highlighted that the district court had found \u201con one side, that immediate implementation of the Final Rule issued less than seventy days before the November 2026 election threatens disenfranchisement of millions of United States citizens who seek to vote by mail and, on the other side, that the record includes no evidence relating to fraudulent mail voting to support the rushed implementation of the Final Rule\u201d and granted the preliminary injunction.\u201d\n\nOn Sep. 2, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle to warn Washington voters about Administration efforts to undermine their right to vote. That same day Sen. Cantwell and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs released a snapshot report showing that late-postmark rejection rates have more than doubled in 19 counties compared to the 2024 primaries \u2013 with rural counties worst affected -- following a new Trump Administration policy that can delay postmarking of mail-in ballots by several days.\n\nOn August 5, she sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding the Trump Administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act\u2019s (NVRA) \u201cquiet period\u201d that prohibits systematic voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Administration\u2019s ongoing voter suppression efforts.\n\nOn July 29, she wrote to Blanche, Mullin, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding to know whether the Trump administration plans to illegally deploy armed federal law enforcement officers at polling sites during the November 2026 elections.\n\nOn July 28, Sen. Cantwell sharply criticized the Trump administration\u2019s request that the Supreme Court allow him to seize control of state-run elections and implement an anti-vote-by-mail executive order. Lower courts have repeatedly rejected the president\u2019s arguments and stated that his executive order is unconstitutional.\n\nOn July 2, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to the Postmaster General about the U.S. Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) proposed illegal rule to implement President Trump\u2019s March 31 executive order to interfere with vote-by-mail. Sen. Cantwell\u2019s letter specifically noted the recent decisions of multiple federal courts that found Trump\u2019s executive order unconstitutional and enjoined the USPS from implementing the proposed rule \u2013 including in separate cases brought by the State of Washington with other states and the NAACP \u2013 and demanded the USPS comply with those court orders.\n\nOn June 29, she celebrated the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee against an effort to stop states from counting mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, even if they\u2019ve been postmarked in time. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington.\n\nOn June 24, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Right To Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens.\n\nOn June 24, she also denounced President Trump\u2019s announcement that he would not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act \u2013 an overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan bill that passed both the House and Senate earlier in the week and would have increased housing supply and brought down housing costs \u2013 until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. That legislation, which Trump has repeatedly demanded, would eliminate vote-by-mail and impose onerous new restrictions on voting and registering to vote. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans in the name of a voter fraud \u201ccrisis\u201d that, even by the standards of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, straightforwardly does not exist. President Trump again demanded Congress pass the restrictive bill following the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee. Despite President Trump\u2019s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill, it became law on July 11, since he failed to act on the bill within the time period prescribed by the Constitution after Congress sent him the legislation.\n\nOn June 23, she joined the entire Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to the USPS demanding the USPS abandon attempts to restrict voting by mail called for by President Trump in an illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn June 23, she also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out the Trump Administration\u2019s war on mail-in voting as the latest frontier in a long history of voter disenfranchisement in the United States.\n\nOn June 17, she joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues for a spotlight forum highlighting President Trump\u2019s illegal overreach into our free and fair elections.\n\nOn June 8, she joined 23 of her Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from DOJ\u2019s website without explanation.\n\nOn April 29, she was tapped by Minority Leader Schumer to join a task force of senators defending our elections from interference.\n\nOn April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to protect the right to vote by mail and block President Trump\u2019s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn April 22, she sent a letter to the USPS warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting.\n\nOn April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.\n\nOn March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE.\n\nOn March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act \u2013 the voter suppression bill President Trump has continued to demand Congress pass \u2013 would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.\n\nOn Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.\n\nOn Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters.\n\nAlso on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations \u2013 including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved \u2013 would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.\n\nOn Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW\u2019s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration\u2019s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOn Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters\u2019 personally identifiable information.\n\nOn Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which the Senators warned could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state \u2013 including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot.\n\nOn Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in the case Watson v. Republican National Committee.\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-new-amtrak-trains-for-the-pacific-northwest", "Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest\n\nCantwell championed a record-high Amtrak investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is funding new Airo trains\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, celebrated the debut of new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades ahead of the first passenger service on September 30.\n\n\u201cThe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps paying dividends,\u201d said Sen. Cantwell. \u201cThe state-of-the-art Airo trainsets replace much older cars, making travel on Amtrak\u2019s Cascades route more convenient, accessible, and reliable for riders across the Pacific Northwest. The Airos also have nearly twice as many seats, helping to meet growing demand on this routinely sold-out route.\u201d\n\nSen. Cantwell led passage of the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history, including $22 billion for Amtrak, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak\u2019s newest trains.\n\nAmtrak\u2019s Airo trains produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. Redesigned interiors will offer improved accessibility and comfort in state-of-the art train interiors.\n\nIn October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced that Amtrak would invest nearly $300 million in major upgrades to Seattle\u2019s King Street Station rail yard. The upgraded railyard supported the introduction of the new Airo trains and operates without the use of fossil fuels for heating.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-wa-servicemember-killed-in-operation-epic-fury", "Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury\n\nCantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) in introducing bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission.\n\nMaj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.\n\n\u201cCaptain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,\u201d Sen. Cantwell said.\n\n\u201cCaptain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,\u201d said Sen. Murray. \u201cCapt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe\u2014they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident\u2014Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind\u2014making sure the federal government is there for our military families will continue to be a top priority for me. To the families, friends, and fellow Airmen who loved the Zeus 95 crew, you have my most sincere condolences.\u201d\n\n\u201cCurtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval are true American heroes who gave their lives in service to our great Nation and the cause of freedom,\u201d said Sen. Moreno. \u201cMy colleagues and I are humbled to join together in establishing a permanent memorial so that their enduring legacy, their unmatched courage, and the selfless sacrifice they made during Operation Epic Fury will stand as a shining beacon of American valor.\u201d\n\n\u201cI remain heartbroken that the crew of Zeus 95, including Captain Savino of Covington, died last spring in flight operations over Iraq. I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice, and am profoundly grateful that these crewmembers chose a life of service to our nation,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cCaptain Savino\u2019s passion, leadership, and bravery will be forever remembered by the people of Washington state and all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Captain Savino and the entire Zeus 95 crew. I send my deepest condolences to them, and pray for the safety and health of all of our servicemembers.\u201d\n\nUnder federal law, monuments that do not contain or mark interred remains generally may not be placed on ANC grounds unless they meet certain statutory requirements. Among other criteria, the monument must commemorate the service of an individual or group of Armed Forces members or a particular military event, and it may not be placed until 25 years after the event being commemorated.\n\nA Zeus 95 monument would not currently meet the 25-year requirement, so the lawmakers are pushing to honor the families\u2019 wishes by seeking to waive the 25-year waiting period and allow for a monument at ANC.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-her-vote-directing-trump-to-end-his-war-in-iran", "Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 49-50 against a concurrent resolution directing President Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran, after nearly seven months of war. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) voted for the resolution and gave the following statement:\n\n\u201cThe costs of President Trump\u2019s unnecessary war with Iran continue to mount, and the American people want it to end. We have lost valuable lives, and the conflict is compounding the burden of high gas and grocery prices at home.\u201d\n\nLast week, Sen. Cantwell joined 45 Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the war with Iran. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the senators criticized the Department of Defense for withholding information from Congress and the American public, even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to rise. This week, partial information provided to Congress showed that the war cost at least $43.6 billion by September 3 \u2013 three weeks ago \u2013 as the Trump Administration has requested $67 billion more for the war. Moreover, as the senators\u2019 letter notes, the war has also cost American consumers an extra $100 billion just in higher gas and diesel costs, and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets, among others.\n\nOn June 23, she issued a statement after voting for a War Powers Resolution measure to end the war. Congress passed the resolution \u2013 rejecting President Trump\u2019s war with Iran \u2013 in a bipartisan vote.\n\nOn June 18, she issued a statement on President Trump\u2019s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran, saying, \u201cThe President\u2019s war with Iran was a mistake. The MOU is the price the President must pay to get us out of this unauthorized war before it further damages our economy and costs more lives.\u201d\n\nOn March 15, she issued a statement after six U.S. service members \u2013 including Captain Ariana G. Savino from Covington, Washington \u2013 died when their KC-135 aircraft crashed in Iraq during an Operation Epic Fury mission. Today, Sen. Cantwell (D-WA) joined Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery honoring the six crewmates who perished in the crash.\n\nOn March 11, Sen. Cantwell and 45 Senate Democrats sent a letter to Sec. Hegseth pressing the Department of Defense to provide answers to the American people about the airstrikes on a school in Minab, Iran, and civilian casualties in the Trump Administration\u2019s war on Iran, as well as accountability for those responsible.\n\nOn March 2, she cosponsored a resolution led by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) to direct the removal of U.S. armed forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress. A subsequent vote to advance that measure failed on a 47-53 vote.\n\nOn March 1, she issued a statement in response to the news that three U.S. service members had been killed and five others injured in the conflict: \u201cMy heart goes out to the families of the servicemembers killed and injured. Our troops valiantly put their lives on the line for the nation, every one of them a hero. The Trump Administration must come before Congress.\u201d\n\nOn February 28, soon after the Trump Administration ordered strikes on Iran, Sen. Cantwell issued a statement criticizing the Administration and demanding that it seek congressional approval, as the Constitution requires.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell/randall-bill-to-restore-lower-elwha-klallam-tribal-lands-unanimously-passes-senate-heads-to-president-for-signature", "Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature\n\nThe Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is one of the last steps of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dam removal project & will help restore fisheries; Bill now heads to President\u2019s desk to become law\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), former chair and longest-serving member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06), who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, to transfer federal land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe after decades of work to restore the Elwha River. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, having previously passed the House, now goes to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cToday, Congress took a historic step to strengthen salmon and habitat recovery and help fulfill a decades-old vision to restore the Elwha River and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe\u2019s connection to lands that have sustained them since time immemorial. I\u2019m thrilled we got this bill across the finish line and look forward to the President signing it into law,\u201d Sen. Cantwell said.\n\n\"Today, we took an important step in upholding our treaty obligations by passing legislation to transfer land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. As a freshman member of Congress who represents \u2014 alongside their elected Tribal leaders \u2014 over 15,000 Tribal members, this significance is not lost on me,\u201d said Rep. Randall. \u201cNow signed into law, this bill will help ensure we meet our trust responsibilities to restore Tribal lands.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is a great honor to be trusted to steward these lands again, it continues to be a great part of our healing from the dam removal projects. We continue to see slow but persistent growth in our river and the return of the salmon. This has been a long process, and we appreciate the Federal partners for all the hard work in making this a priority. A special thanks to Councilwoman Frances Charles (Former Chairwoman of 22 years) for her years of persistence to see this land come back to the tribe!\u201d said Melissa A. Gilman, Tribal Chairwoman of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.\n\n\u201cThe Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is very significant to the Elwha Klallam people. The return of these lands is an important final action to the dam removal project that rewilded the Elwha River and made possible the recovery of the salmon populations,\u201d said Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Council Member and former Chair Frances Charles. \u201cThe return of these sacred and culturally significant lands to the Tribe\u2019s stewardship protects the federal investment in the restoration of the river and upholds the federal government\u2019s treaty and trust obligations to the Tribe. The Tribe is grateful to Senator Cantwell and Representative Randall for their efforts to keep this legislation moving toward the return of the lands to the Tribe.\u201d\n\nThe Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act represents another important step in the decades-long effort to restore the Elwha River and address the impacts of the dams on the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Congress authorized the historic removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams in 1992 to restore the river and its once-abundant salmon runs. While both dams were successfully removed by 2014, restoration of the Elwha watershed has continued.\n\nThe legislation builds on that work by returning more than 1,082 acres of federal project lands to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Placing these lands into trust will allow the Tribe to continue its stewardship of the Elwha River, protect cultural and natural resources, and support the long-term recovery of salmon and other native fish.\n\nSpecifically, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act would:\n\nTransfer three parcels of land totaling 1,082 acres to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to be held in trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.\n\nThe land is just outside the boundaries of the Olympic National Park and includes 1,061 acres originally acquired by the National Park Service to demolish two dams along the Elwha River.\n\nThe two remaining parcels were acquired by the U.S. Department of the Interior to construct a pipeline to transfer surface water to the Tribe\u2019s new fish hatchery \u2013 the House of Salmon.\n\nBoost habitat restoration efforts led by the Lower Elwha Tribe and federal agencies, aiding in the recovery of all five species of Pacific salmon and other native fish, including Chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye salmon, along with steelhead and bull trout.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-protect-college-sports-act-77-22", "Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22\n\nLandmark bill enshrines into federal law rights and health and safety protections for college athletes, protects athletes from predatory agents, & secures the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports; Legislation moves to House for consideration\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, celebrated the overwhelming, bipartisan Senate vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act.\n\n\"There are several things in this bill that are really important to enshrine into federal law at this time. First and foremost, the federal right to NIL [Name, Image, and Likeness],\" Sen. Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor ahead of the vote.\n\n\"But compensation on revenue sharing is probably the most important thing we could possibly enshrine in federal law today. This is [Congress] saying, for the first time, that an athlete gets a percentage of the media rights, the ticket sales, and the sponsorship.\"\n\nShe continued: \"We also believe in a health and safety standard in federal law, one that protects the athletes beyond the way the law works today and gives them the right to sue and hold these people accountable for any kind of health and safety violations [...] And then medical coverage for five years post eligibility, and capping agents\u2019 [fees] at 5%.\"\n\n\"We need to stop stealing money out of college [and] university institutions for education, for tuition, for professors, and putting it into an arms race on sports,\" Sen. Cantwell said. \"It is putting a pin in the problems to stabilize the loss of women\u2019s and Olympic [sports] and to create the opportunity to discuss the larger structure moving forward. That is why I think we have so much support.\"\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s floor speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nThe final vote was 77-22. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. The next scheduled House legislative session begins Monday, November 9.\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026, which she introduced alongside Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), sets new rules and provides new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes\u2019 rights to earn compensation for their NIL, enshrining scholarship and health and safety protections in federal law, reining in predatory agents, expanding revenue for all schools, and preserving and protecting the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports.\n\nOn September 15, Sen. Cantwell\u2019s office released a snapshot report detailing how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying financial pressures on colleges and universities. That report can be read in full HERE.\n\nOn September 14, Sen. Cantwell joined current college athletes, coaches, and senators from both parties for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act. That press conference, which also included Gonzaga University head men\u2019s basketball coach Mark Few, can be watched in full HERE.\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act\u2019s new guaranteed protections for student athletes include:\n\nGranting student athletes a new federal right to earn compensation for their NIL and replacing the patchwork of state laws with a strong national law.\n\nCapping agent fees at 5% to clamp down on predatory agents.\n\nGuaranteeing scholarships for ten years after eligibility, so athletes can complete their degrees, and ensuring student athletes cannot lose their scholarship because of injury or a bad game.\n\nRequiring Division I schools to cover out-of-pocket medical costs for athletic injuries or illness for current student athletes and five years post-eligibility.\n\nPreventing women\u2019s and Olympic sports from being cut by requiring schools to maintain a minimum number of sports.\n\nGiving athletes a private right of action to enforce provisions of the bill, including their NIL rights, agent protections, health and safety standards, scholarship protections, and medical coverage requirements.\n\nFor more details, see a summary of the bill HERE.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-delegation-in-supporting-governors-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-individual-assistance-for-devastating-wildfires-in-washington-state/", "Murray Leads WA Delegation in Supporting Governor\u2019s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Devastating Wildfires in Washington State", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray Vows to Get Spokane and WA Federal Resources for Wildfire Response and Recovery\n\n***LETTER HERE***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state\u2019s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson\u2019s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to help families recover and repair damage due to the devastating wildfires that swept through Central and Eastern Washington from July 23 through August 31.\n\nFor the first time, on August 1, the National Weather Service upgraded a Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Three massive fires broke out and tore through neighborhoods across Spokane, the Old Trails Fire burned in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burned near Nine-Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burned in Mead. The Spokane Complex Fires forced 67,000 people to evacuate, burned nearly 10,000 acres, with damages predicted to exceed $1 billion.\n\nThis was one of Washington state\u2019s worst wildfire seasons on record, with fires causing severe damage and threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock. In Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, and Sinlahekin fires burned over 350,000 acres total.\n\n\u201cAs members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state\u2019s September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 23 through August 31. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible,\u201d Senator Murray and other members of the delegation wrote. \u201cA record-setting drought and an unusually small snowpack contributed to numerous large and fast-moving wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington, devastating communities in Benton, Spokane, Stevens, and Okanogan Counties, as well as on the Spokane Indian Reservation. These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry.\u201d\n\nJoining Senator Murray in the letter to President Trump were Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cLocal, state, and federal resources responded quickly to the wildfires. Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces and the National Guard, deployed to Washington state to assist local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. While their heroic efforts helped to contain these devastating fires, federal assistance is required to support communities as they begin to rebuild. The fires destroyed over 2,500 structures, including entire neighborhoods, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Ultimately, over 650 primary residences were destroyed by these fast-moving wildfires, leaving hundreds of Washingtonians displaced.\u201d\n\n\u201cThroughout this crisis, state, local, Tribal, and federal first responders have stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities secure. We are incredibly grateful for their diligent work and careful coordination to keep Washingtonians safe and informed throughout this disaster, as well as for your prompt approval of the state\u2019s Emergency Declaration request submitted on August 2nd, which allowed for critical federal assistance that supported fire suppression, emergency shelter operations, and other vital needs. We reiterate our full support for the September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance,\u201d Senator Murray and the delegation concluded.\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nAs members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state\u2019s September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 23 through August 31. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible. A record-setting drought and an unusually small snowpack contributed to numerous large and fast-moving wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington, devastating communities in Benton, Spokane, Stevens, and Okanogan Counties, as well as on the Spokane Indian Reservation. These fires spread rapidly, jumping roads and rivers, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate quickly, with many escaping with little more than they could carry.\n\nLocal, state, and federal resources responded quickly to the wildfires. Firefighting crews from around the country, as well as international firefighting forces and the National Guard, deployed to Washington state to assist local first responders with evacuations and firefighting. While their heroic efforts helped to contain these devastating fires, federal assistance is required to support communities as they begin to rebuild. The fires destroyed over 2,500 structures, including entire neighborhoods, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate their homes. Ultimately, over 650 primary residences were destroyed by these fast-moving wildfires, leaving hundreds of Washingtonians displaced.\n\nThroughout this crisis, state, local, Tribal, and federal first responders have stepped up and worked tirelessly to keep our communities secure. We are incredibly grateful for their diligent work and careful coordination to keep Washingtonians safe and informed throughout this disaster, as well as for your prompt approval of the state\u2019s Emergency Declaration request submitted on August 2nd, which allowed for critical federal assistance that supported fire suppression, emergency shelter operations, and other vital needs. We reiterate our full support for the September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/26/ranking-member-jayapal-statement-on-trumps-pocket-rescissions/", "Ranking Member Jayapal Statement on Trump\u2019s Pocket Rescissions", "2026-09-26", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "SEATTLE, W.A. \u2014 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released the following statement regarding Trump\u2019s pocket rescissions, targeted primarily at immigration services.\n\n\u201cCongress has the power of the purse, the constitutional authority to appropriate funding. Trump\u2019s pocket rescissions are illegal and further proof that he has no regard for the Constitution of the United States.\n\n\u201cThis illegal rescission is a continuation of Trump\u2019s cruel mass deportation and anti-DEI efforts that whitewash American history and make certain communities targets of hate. He has illegally refused to carry out Congress\u2019s authorizations for critical essential services for immigrants, including assistance for unaccompanied children, legal services for people working to obtain citizenship, and assistance in integration efforts, as well as essential education programs that help us ensure equity and inclusion of all our communities. Meanwhile, even as he cuts these essential programs for working people across our country, he has continued to enrich himself and his family to the tune of billions of dollars \u2014 all while driving up gas prices and grocery prices, slashing healthcare and mocking the idea that life under Trump is completely unaffordable.\n\n\u201cCongress must reclaim our constitutional authorities from this out-of-control administration. I will do everything in my power to prevent these illegal recissions and stand up for Congress\u2019s sole Article 1 powers to appropriate funds.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/25/reps-jayapal-larsen-and-sen-markey-announce-legislation-to-expand-workforce-opportunities-for-communities-impacted-by-substance-use/", "Reps. Jayapal, Larsen and Sen. Markey Announce Legislation to Expand Workforce Opportunities for Communities Impacted by Substance Use", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (September 25, 2026) \u2013 In recognition of National Recovery Month, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the reintroduction of the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, legislation that would strengthen and expand grants for community partnerships that promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and support communities affected by widespread substance use. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) lead the legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAddiction and substance use are deeply tied to economic instability and the shortage of behavioral health professionals,\u201d said Congresswoman Jayapal. \u201cOur bill takes these issues head on by investing in local organizations that help those affected by substance use gain employment and empower more people to pursue the behavioral health field. By promoting economic stability and increasing the number of healthcare specialists, we can get to the root of the substance abuse crisis and help communities across the country.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor National Recovery Month, we celebrate those working to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction, and everyone who helped them along the way. Especially as families struggle to get ahead, it\u2019s more important than ever that we help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThis legislation will strengthen community partnerships that connect people with good jobs, peer support, and mentorship, supporting lasting recovery and helping communities heal.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Northwest Washington,\u201d said Rep. Larsen. \u201cThis legislation would break down barriers to employment for people in recovery and fund local organizations to address the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage. I will keep working to get this bill over the finish line and to regain momentum in the fight against the opioid crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cSubstance use disorder has become a far too common barrier to employment,\u201d said Cole Angley, Massachusetts Workforce Association\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cThe Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act filed by Sen. Markey builds upon a successful model and puts the necessary tools in the hands of workforce development professionals to help address these barriers with impacted job-seekers across Massachusetts and the nation.\u201d\n\nThe legislation would reauthorize, strengthen, and expand a pilot grant program first authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and later extended through the 2018 SUPPORT Act. The pilot grants have funded community partnerships that promote employment for individuals affected by substance use and those interested in professions that address the impacts of substance use across the country. The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act would authorize $187.5 million to continue this lifesaving and community-strengthening work.\n\nThe legislation was first introduced by Senator Markey and Representatives Jayapal and Larsen in July 2024.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4271", "Larsen Reintroduces Bill to Expand Workforce Opportunities for Communities Facing Substance Use Disorders", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act to promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and provide support to communities impacted by widespread substance use.\n\n\u201cThe opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Northwest Washington,\u201d said Rep. Larsen. \u201cThis legislation would break down barriers to employment for people in recovery and fund local organizations to address the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage. I will keep working to get this bill over the finish line and to regain momentum in the fight against the opioid crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor National Recovery Month, we celebrate those working to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction, and everyone who helped them along the way. Especially as families struggle to get ahead, it\u2019s more important than ever that we help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment,\u201d said Senator Markey. \u201cThis legislation will strengthen community partnerships that connect people with good jobs, peer support, and mentorship, supporting lasting recovery and helping communities heal.\u201d\n\n\u201cAddiction and substance use are deeply tied to economic instability and the shortage of behavioral health professionals,\u201d said Rep. Jayapal. \u201cOur bill takes these issues head on by investing in local organizations that help those affected by substance use gain employment and empower more people to pursue the behavioral health field. By promoting economic stability and increasing the number of healthcare specialists, we can get to the root of the substance abuse crisis and help communities across the country.\u201d\n\nThe Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act would reauthorize and expand a pilot grant program first authorized in the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and later extended by the 2018 SUPPORT Act. The bill would authorize a total of $187.5 million over six years to continue this lifesaving and community-strengthening work and award grants to state and local workforce development boards to partner with treatment providers, employers, education providers, Tribal organizations, legal services organizations, or other designated community-based organizations to support individuals impacted by substance use. These partnerships would leverage grant funding to implement innovative approaches to support workers and to provide wraparound services to its participants.\n\nThe full text of the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act is available here.\n\nA one-pager on the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act is available here.\n\nLarsen Focused on Combating Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis\n\nLarsen continues to focus on supporting local efforts to fight the opioid epidemic and save lives. In 2024, he published a districtwide opioid report outlining a four-pillar framework to combat the crisis. In addition to the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, Larsen leads three bills aimed at combating the opioid epidemic:\n\nIn May 2026, Larsen reintroduced the bipartisan End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.\n\nIn June 2025, Larsen reintroduced the bipartisan Protection for Reservation Occupants against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act to give Tribal courts and law enforcement more tools and resources to combat the opioid epidemic.\n\nLarsen also leads the Closing the Substance Use Care Gap Act to expand access to lifesaving, community-based harm reduction initiatives and services and enhance the federal response to the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-improve-life-saving-newborn", "Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Life-Saving Newborn Health Screenings", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "September 25, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Surge to Save Newborns Act alongside Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23). This legislation would provide states with federal resources to implement newborn screening for conditions included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), ensuring more newborns benefit from early detection and timely care.\n\n\u201cAs a pediatrician, I\u2019ve taken care of patients whose conditions were discovered early on their newborn screen. Because we had the resources to screen for these diseases, we were able to help babies right away and save lives. However, states often lack the resources to screen for each condition listed on the recommended panel, which puts our children at risk,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cI am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that newborns in Washington state and across the country are screened for all of these treatable conditions at birth.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: Newborn screening helps identify certain serious health conditions shortly after birth so that affected children can receive appropriate follow-up care. The federal government maintains a Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), which identifies conditions recommended for inclusion in state newborn screening programs. However, adding a condition to the federal recommended panel does not necessarily mean that every state immediately implements screening for that condition.\n\nThe Surge to Save Newborns Act would provide states with dedicated federal resources to help implement newborn screening for conditions included on the RUSP. However, it can still be a challenge for children to access primary care. This legislation would address this issue by bolstering the pediatric vaccine delivery system and supporting primary care physicians who participate in the program.\n\nThe Surge to Save Newborns Act would:\n\nHelp states move recommended newborn screening conditions from federal recommendation to implementation.\n\nProvide dedicated resources to address state implementation needs while preserving state responsibility for operating newborn screening programs.\n\nCreate annual visibility into which recommended conditions each state has and has not yet implemented.\n\nPair federal funding with accountability by requiring HHS to assess grant effectiveness and report back to Congress.\n\n\u201cOne of our most sacred duties as a society is to protect our newborn babies,\u201d said Congressman Langworthy. \u201cWe already have the technological advancements to detect serious conditions\u2014now we must do everything in our power to ensure that every single newborn has access to them. Adding a condition to the federal recommended panel is a good first step, but we need to make sure that states have the resources to put the screenings into practice. This bill will literally save lives and help get these precious babies into treatment before it\u2019s too late. We have to get this done.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is supported by a broad coalition of rare-disease patient advocacy organizations, family foundations and children\u2019s health organizations representing families affected by conditions that can be detected through newborn screening, including the Children\u2019s Hospital Association, ALD Alliance, ALD Connect, Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome Advocacy Association, Association for Creatine Deficiencies, Believing for Bryleigh Foundation, Conner's Crusade, CTX Alliance, Cure ALD, HCU Network America, Hunter\u2019s Hope Foundation, Judson's Legacy, Katelynn\u2019s Butterfly Kisses, Krabbe Connect, Little Hercules Foundation, MLD Foundation, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Project Alive, the RARE Foundation, Remember The Girls, The Global Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders, United Leukodystrophy Foundation, United MSD Foundation for Peroxisomal Disorders , and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).\n\n###\n\nIssues:CongressHealth", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-vought-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/", "Murray, Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH\u2019s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump\u2019s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research\n\nICYMI: Murray on Trump Admin Scrapping Plans for Executive Order to Empower Russ Vought to Kill NIH Research\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, led 29 of their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health\u2019s (NIH) grant-making process. The Trump administration considering an executive order to establish an external committee of unqualified political appointees empowered to veto any awards selected by NIH and panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown time and again it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas, at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans.\n\n\u201cDecisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient\u2019s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH\u2019s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research,\u201d the lawmakers write. \u201cInjecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America\u2019s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers note that reports that the Trump administration has paused plans for an executive order to scrutinize NIH grants are little relief given the president\u2019s long string of attacks on the agency: \u201cThat such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB\u2019s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world.\u201d\n\nThe senators explained that given the administration\u2019s attacks, it\u2019s critical Congress take additional steps to put guardrails in place\u2014something Senate Democrats have been pushing to do over the last 18 months: \u201cCongress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers conclude: \u201cWe write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH\u2019s grant-making decisions \u2014 whether that\u2019s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means\u2014that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration\u2019s nonstop attacks on the NIH\u2014the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Senators Murray and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Angus King Jr. (I-ME), Jeffrey Merkley (D-OR), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Adam Schiff (D-CA).\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDirector Vought:\n\nDecisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient\u2019s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH\u2019s grant-making by establishing a commission empowered to veto NIH research awards represents just its latest attack on biomedical research. If established, such an entity would radically alter a nearly 140-year-old evaluation system built upon a rigorous peer-review process where subject matter experts assess applications based on scientific merit. Injecting political interference into the NIH grantmaking process will irreparably harm America\u2019s biomedical research enterprise, override scientific expertise, and potentially set back lifesaving medical breakthroughs by decades.\n\nReports that the Trump administration is backtracking on such an Executive Order is of little relief. This scheme comes on the heels of the Office of Management Budget\u2019s (OMB) proposal to rewrite rules governing the administration of federal grants government-wide, which centers on the same aims\u2014to put politics over scientific rigor. These efforts violate longstanding practice and interpretation of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) statutory duties and are clearly counter to what Congress intended when funding NIH. That such an Executive Order was considered at all makes clear that despite Congress acting to temporarily block OMB\u2019s proposed rule, this administration intends to continue to pursue efforts to undermine NIH and its grantmaking process. If not by Executive Order or a new government-wide rule, the Trump administration will simply pursue alternative administrative means that put politics over science and undermine the biomedical research enterprise we have built in this country over more than a century that is the envy of the world. The Trump administration will continue to have political appointees review Notices of Funding Opportunities and grant applications. It will continue to terminate scientifically meritorious grants for political reasons. And it will sideline expert peer review and empower political appointees to decide what research to fund or to not fund. Congress must step in to establish guardrails to protect American biomedical science. We urge our Republican colleagues to work with us on legislation to do much more to protect NIH from the Trump administration, which has proven over and over again to be dead set on picking political fights at the expense of advancing lifesaving treatments and cures for millions of Americans.\n\nAs the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH supports research across virtually every area of human health. NIH research has led to countless groundbreaking discoveries, including mapping the human genome, isolating the AIDS virus, and the development of new drugs and treatments for cystic fibrosis, childhood leukemia, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, cancer, and rare diseases, among so many others. The NIH peer-review system is the backbone of each one of those discoveries. It is a process established to ensure that taxpayer-funded research is evaluated according to scientific standards and to insulate funding decisions from political considerations. NIH funding has, for example, supported basic scientific research on lizard venom and sea snails that you or another political appointee without any scientific expertise may well have vetoed as a waste of taxpayer resources, but that very research led to the development of GLP-1 medications and non-addictive opioid alternatives. NIH\u2019s scientific and peer review process that you are actively working to tear down is the foundation on which the United States stands as the world leader in biomedical innovation. OMB and unqualified political appointees have no business being involved in individual grant funding decisions and determining which specific cancer or Alzheimer\u2019s disease research grants get funded.\n\nPutting political decree above scientific peer review will mean research proposals are rejected not because of deficiencies in scientific quality, methodology, or relevance to statutory NIH missions, but because the subject matter, populations studied, institutions involved, or anticipated policy implications of the research do not align with the President\u2019s political agenda. Breast cancer patients should not be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because you and the President think women\u2019s health research is \u201cwoke\u201d. Each year, NIH awards more than 50,000 grants and reviews tens of thousands more, each containing dozens of pages of dense scientific material. Whether through Executive Order, a new OMB rule, or other means, this administration seeks the ability to cut funding for specific research institutions it doesn\u2019t like, or to cut funding for specific research projects because it doesn\u2019t like how they sound. This would mean overruling decisions made by panels of scientific experts that have already determined which research is meritorious of federal funding and is our nation\u2019s best bet at advancing new treatments and cures. Congress appropriated more than $48 billion to NIH in fiscal year 2026 for biomedical research pursuant to statute and congressionally directed programs, to be awarded according to a multi-step peer review process mandated by law. Congress does not delegate, or in any way intend to delegate, authority to the White House or your office to determine which individual scientific proposals may receive federal support. It similarly does not intend for unqualified political appointees to override the scientific peer review process in determining which specific grants to fund. But that is exactly what this administration continues to pursue.\n\nThese efforts are just the latest in a series of actions elevating politics and undermining science in biomedical research. Under your leadership, OMB has focused its efforts on destroying NIH and, with it, the nation\u2019s biomedical research enterprise. To date, the Trump administration has terminated or disrupted 5,780 NIH grants worth an estimated $15 billion. Today, 1,231 of those grants still have not been restored. In fiscal year 2025, the agency issued 6,478 fewer awards compared to the year before \u2013 fewer than any year since 2018. The overall success rate for grant applicants fell to 17 percent, marking a 30-year low. The Trump administration has delayed NIH notices of funding opportunities and grant awards by months, setting back research and clinical trials on Alzheimer\u2019s disease, cancer research, opioid addiction, rare diseases, and others by a year or more. These disruptions are causing young scientists and researchers to abandon their careers altogether or leave to pursue them in other countries. Meanwhile, uncertainties about federal funding have led to a 15 percent decline in doctoral admissions at major research universities in the United States. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Trump administration plans to transfer up to $1.9 billion per year from NIH to the Department of Defense. Taken together, the Trump administration\u2019s actions have systematically weakened the biomedical workforce and upended the very system designed to select the most scientifically promising research that delivers hope for millions of American patients and families who are praying for new treatments and cures.\n\nWe write to call on you to abandon any plan to exert political control over NIH\u2019s grant-making decisions \u2014 whether that\u2019s through your proposed rule, a new Executive Order, or any other means\u2014that would empower political appointees to deny funding for grant applications that have already been deemed meritorious by the NIH peer-review and Advisory Council process. Patients and families are already paying an enormous price because of this administration\u2019s nonstop attacks on the NIH\u2014the last thing they need is for their hopes for new treatments and cures to be pushed farther out of view because you want to put politics ahead of saving lives.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-slams-trump-for-illegal-impoundment/", "Murray Slams Trump for Illegal Impoundment", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s illegal attempt to do an end run around Congress with a \u201cpocket rescission.\u201d While the president has called out over $800 million in federal funding that he intends to impound, Senate Appropriations Committee Democrats have identified additional funding that the Trump administration is on track to either illegally impound or spend in defiance of Congress. That includes additional funding for critical health research, funds to combat the international illicit narcotics trade, and more.\n\n\u201cThis is theft from the American people, plain and simple. These are funds Congress has delivered on a bipartisan basis and should be helping people\u2014not cut off by a president more focused on building a ballroom than investing in families. Every Republican who voted for these bills should be furious because Vought is saying their votes don\u2019t count.\n\n\u201cIn negotiations over the recently enacted CR, Democrats fought to include language to prevent the Trump administration from once again usurping Congress\u2019 power\u2014but for the second time in a year, Republicans refused to take common sense action and prevent this from happening. While Trump spends tax dollars on ads promoting himself, Congress needs to reassert its powers to help people, and it\u2019s past time Republicans join us in that fight. Russ Vought\u2019s message to Congress is that your votes don\u2019t count, and your laws are optional. It is now time for my Republican colleagues who said they would never let this happen to stand up and join us to stop this, and remind this administration this is not how this works.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/25/reps-jayapal-tlaib-pressley-and-sens-markey-merkley-reintroduce-legislation-to-halt-government-use-of-facial-recognition-and-other-biometric-technology/", "Reps. Jayapal, Tlaib, Pressley and Sens. Markey, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Halt Government Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technology", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Bill Text (PDF)\n\nWashington (September 25, 2026) \u2013 Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced the reintroduction of the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, legislation to prohibit the government from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies.\n\nThe legislation responds to the federal government\u2019s growing use of biometric recognition technology, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection\u2019s (CBP) mobile facial recognition app, which has been used to target immigrants and intimidate communities across the country. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults\u2019 faces are already stored in facial recognition databases, and that Black, Brown, and Asian individuals are up to 100 times more likely to be misidentified by a facial recognition algorithm than white men.\n\n\u201cWe have to stop the constant, nonconsensual state of surveillance that we live in, and that starts with placing a moratorium on our government\u2019s use of facial recognition technology,\u201d said Congresswoman Jayapal. \u201cBlack and Brown people are more likely to be misidentified and wrongfully put in jail because of this unregulated technology, and our government has used it to unjustly target protestors and immigrants. Putting the brakes on this technology is necessary to protect civil rights and ensure public safety.\u201d\n\n\u201cFacial recognition technology is racist, misidentifying Black, Brown, and Asian residents and pinning them as suspects in crimes they did not commit,\u201d said Representative Tlaib. \u201cWhen such flawed and biased technology is used to invade our privacy, we are all less safe. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this bill that will ban facial recognition technology and protect all our civil liberties.\u201d\n\n\u201cFacial recognition and other biometric technologies in the hands of government agencies have become tools of authoritarianism. Agencies such as ICE and CBP are using this technology to track, target, intimidate and surveil communities across the country,\u201dsaid Senator Markey. \u201cBlack and Brown communities \u2014 already subject to the most aggressive policing and immigration enforcement \u2014 are disproportionately affected and more likely to be wrongly flagged, detained, or targeted by a faulty facial recognition match. We must stop the Trump administration\u2019s growing web of surveillance technology, and that starts with a moratorium on dangerous, discriminatory biometric recognition.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery American who values their right to privacy, stands against discrimination, and believes people are innocent until proven guilty should be concerned about facial recognition technology fueling a national surveillance state,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cEnacting a federal moratorium on this technology is critical to ensuring we can rein in inappropriate surveillance and protect our communities\u2019 fundamental right to privacy.\u201d\n\nThe Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act would:\n\nPlace a prohibition on the use of facial recognition technology by federal entities, which can only be lifted with an act of Congress;\n\nPlace a prohibition on the use of other biometric technologies, including voice recognition, gate recognition, and recognition of other immutable physical characteristics, by federal entities, which can only be lifted with an act of Congress;\n\nCondition federal grant funding to state and local entities, including law enforcement, on those entities enacting their own moratoria on the use of facial recognition and biometric technology;\n\nProhibit the use of federal dollars for biometric surveillance systems;\n\nProhibit the use of information collected via biometric technology in violation of the Act in any judicial proceedings;\n\nProvide a private right of action for individuals whose biometric data is used in violation of the Act and allow for enforcement by state Attorneys General; and\n\nAllow states and localities to enact their own laws regarding the use of facial recognition and biometric technologies.\n\n\u201cFace surveillance is one of the most intrusive surveillance technologies. It\u2019s past time for the federal government to end its use. Face surveillance in the hands of the government is a fundamentally harmful technology, even under strict regulations or if the technology was 100% accurate. We thank the authors of this bill for their leadership in ending the federal government\u2019s use of this dangerous and invasive technology,\u201d said India McKinney, Director of Federal Affairs at Electronic Frontier Foundation.\n\n\u201cWe can no longer afford to ignore the very real harms of AI surveillance technologies, including facial recognition. We have seen how ICE and other federal agencies utilize facial recognition to abuse immigrants, Black and Brown communities, and people participating in protests and other First Amendment protected actions. There is no more excuse for inaction or justification for allowing the continued use of this surveillance technology \u2013 the time to pass this legislation is now,\u201d said Caitlin Seeley George (she/her), Campaigns and Managing Director at Fight for the Future.\n\n\u201cFacial recognition poses a significant threat to our privacy and our democracy. The technology has been shown to be biased, inaccurate, and disproportionally harmful to people of color. Even 100% accurate facial recognition poses considerable threats to our privacy and civil liberties. The Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act takes the right approach on this urgent issue, effectively banning its current use and ensuring Congress will give careful consideration to if and how the technology can be used in the future. EPIC is proud to support it,\u201d said Jeramie D. Scott, Director of Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)\u2019s Surveillance Oversight Program.\n\n\u201cThe rapid adoption of powerful surveillance tech by our federal government benefits companies that amass billions in profits through contracts with law enforcement agencies, at the expense of our civil rights. This bill by Senator Markey couldn\u2019t be more timely. Not only does this bill disrupt the money flow for surveillance profiteers; it prevents the use of one of the most invasive forms of surveillance and grants users a private right of action, urgently needed as we still lack federal data privacy protections and a prohibition on law enforcement purchases of sensitive data. We\u2019ve seen how dangerous these tools can be and how easily bad actors can weaponize them against any person or community. Without proper guardrails or consideration for how our privacy will be protected, surveillance tech becomes a tool of oppression, not safety. We are proud to endorse this bill and appreciate Senator Markey\u2019s continued leadership in this area,\u201d said Amanda Beckham, Government Relations Director at Free Press.\n\n\u201cRight now, just walking down the street could allow you to be detected by AI-powered cameras and put into a database. Sen. Markey\u2019s Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act is a critically needed safeguard against a surveillance apocalypse where the government and unaccountable corporations can collect and store your face and voice,\u201d said Hajar Hammado, Senior Policy Advisor at Demand Progress.\u201cFacial recognition technology threatens the privacy and security of all Americans. Every member of Congress who cares about invasive surveillance must support this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe should all be free to move freely in our communities \u2014 drive to work, walk our neighborhoods, travel to see family \u2014 without constant monitoring. ICE officers and other federal agents are out in our neighborhoods targeting Black and Brown people because of the color of our skin and scanning our faces without consent to fuel a cruel mass deportation machine. They\u2019re using the very same facial recognition technologies that regularly misidentify people of color, leading to unjust arrests and detainment. Senator Markey\u2019s Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act would put a stop to this racist invasion of privacy,\u201d said Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, Vice President of The Leadership Conference\u2019s Center for Civil Rights and Technology.\n\nThe Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act is cosponsored in the Senate by Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and in the House of Representatives by Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Judy Chu (CA-28), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09).\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Fight for the Future, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Color of Change, Access Now, Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), Free Press, Demand Progress, and UnidosUS.", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-announces-2026-bigleaf-maple-big-leaf-contest", "Gluesenkamp Perez Announces 2026 Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest\u00a0", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced her fourth annual Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest to encourage residents of Washington\u2019s Third District to get out in the woods and find the biggest Bigleaf Maple leaf they can.\n\nLast year\u2019s winner, James Owen, shows off his 21in leaf found in east Lewis County\n\nPrevious winners have included Maynard M. with an 18.5in leaf found in Curtis in 2024, and Dirk and Dixie H. who found a 23.5in leaf in Randle in 2023. Last year brought in an impressive 21in leaf, found by James Owen from Raintree Nursery.\n\n\u201cThis competition started when I found out the largest maple leaf on record in the congressional library was tiny and from Kentucky. And I was like \u2018We can\u2019t have that. There are bigger leaves than that in the woods by my house.\u2019 We\u2019re so lucky here in Southwest Washington to have some of the most beautiful trees in the country\u2013and this competition is about bringing that pride of place to the U.S. Capitol,\u201d said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. \u201cSo go, get out in the woods, enjoy a fall day with your family, find some really big honking leaves and just have fun! I promise you\u2019ll learn so much about the woods we\u2019re so lucky to share.\u201d\n\nBigleaf Maple trees are found all over the Pacific Northwest, and the showcase spurs folks to get outside, enjoy our woods, and learn about the challenges facing the Bigleaf Maple.\n\nThe biggest leaf will be displayed for visitors to see in the Congresswoman\u2019s office and showcased online.\n\nConstituents can learn how to enter here, and they should submit an image of their leaf by October 23rd, while preserving the original.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-introduces-the-students-not-profits-act/", "Jayapal Introduces the Students Not Profits Act", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "SEATTLE, W.A. \u2013 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Students Not Profits Act to protect students and taxpayers from corporations and private-equity firms abusing our federal student aid system.\n\n\u201cHigher education is inaccessible to Americans in every corner of this country as astronomical student loan debt weighs on millions. Congress must act to protect students from the exploitative practices of for-profit corporate universities that prey on vulnerable students,\u201d said Rep. Jayapal.\u201cThe Students Not Profits Act is a major step toward putting an end to the exploitative habits of these institutions that prey on disadvantaged students working to earn their degree.\u201d\n\nResearch has shown that the for-profit higher education industry continues to fail students. On average, students attending for-profit programs earn no more than if they had not attended college at all, while incurring costs at four times the rate of a public college. For-profit colleges account for only about 13 percent of enrollment but nearly 50 percent of all loan defaults, as well as the vast majority of college closures from 2014-2019.\n\nTo protect students from this harmful, predatory sector, the Students Not Profits Act would:\n\nEnsure taxpayer dollars are going towards providing quality, affordable education for students, not into the coffers of private companies by ending taxpayer subsidies to for-profit colleges;\n\nEstablish a transparent process for approving the conversion of a for-profit school to a nonprofit school, including requiring institutions to certify that:\n\nThe institution is a nonprofit, and maintains 501(c)(3) status with the IRS;\n\nAssets and services acquired from previous owners of the institution were not acquired for more than their fair value, demonstrated by a third-party appraisal, independent financing of the acquisition or full and open competition in the acquisition process;\n\nNo member of the board or person with the power to appoint board members receives any economic benefit from the institution; and\n\nNone of the core functions of the institution are controlled by a for-profit entity.\n\nThe Students Not Profits Act is sponsored by Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Rashida Tlaib (MI-13).\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the American Federation of Teachers, Americans for Financial Reform, The Century Foundation, Debt Collective, and Protect Borrowers.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-statement-on-senate-blocking-war-powers-resolution/", "Jayapal Statement on Senate Blocking War Powers Resolution", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "SEATTLE, W.A. \u2014 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 49-50 to block her War Powers Resolution, which passed the House of Representatives in July by a bipartisan vote of 214-208.\n\n\u201cThe Senate\u2019s failure to pass my War Powers Resolution is a slap in the face to the millions of American people who want this war to end. The Senate had the opportunity to send a clear message to this administration that they would not stand for another day of his war of choice. Instead, a majority of Senate Republicans acted as a cult party and stood by Trump\u2019s unpopular and devastating war.\n\n\u201cIn the House, we will continue to pass these resolutions and demand an end to the war. It is time to reassert Congress\u2019s constitutional authority to declare war.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-warren-lawmakers-announce-reintroduction-of-comprehensive-stop-wall-street-looting-act/", "Jayapal, Warren, Lawmakers Announce Reintroduction of Comprehensive Stop Wall Street Looting Act", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Text of bill can be found here.\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), , Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (D-Ill.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), reintroduced the Stop Wall Street Looting Act, comprehensive legislation to fundamentally reform the private equity industry and level the playing field by forcing private investment firms to take responsibility for the outcomes of companies they take over, and by empowering workers and protecting investors.\n\nThe legislation would make private equity firms responsible for the debts of the companies they control, while cracking down on practices that allow private equity firms to load companies with debt, extract profits from them, and walk away scot-free when those companies fail. The bill would also strengthen protections for workers and consumers, require private equity firms to disclose more information about the management and advisory fees they charge, and place guardrails on firms that receive taxpayer funds. Finally, it would limit the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) in health care and eliminate certain tax benefits for REIT investors.\n\nThis re-introduction follows the landmark bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act\u2019s becoming law this summer \u2013 the first-ever legislation to rein in private equity. The law stops private equity and other corporate landlords from buying up single-family homes.\n\n\u201cToo many companies that people love and depend on, including nursing homes and grocery stores, have fallen victim to private equity,\u201d said Representative Jayapal. \u201cWall Street private equity firms claim to improve efficiency, but often they rip apart brands, wrack up debt, and abandon workers, communities, and investors. We have to stop this multitrillion-dollar industry from getting away with this, and our bill does that by making private equity firms responsible for the outcomes of their takeovers and protecting workers from corporate greed. We must stop Wall Street looting and put people over profits.\u201d\n\n\u201cFar too often, private equity firms will buy these companies, load them up with debt, and then lay off a ton of workers \u2013 all to produce huge returns for their super-wealthy investors,\u201d Representative Landsman said. \u201cOur bill will hold these firms accountable so we can protect jobs and businesses for hardworking Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s long past time for billionaires and big corporations to stop gambling with hardworking Americans\u2019 and their communities\u2019 assets in service of corporate greed,\u201d said Representative Pocan. \u201cIn Wisconsin, we\u2019ve seen what happens when private equity firms like Sun Capital raid companies for their wealth and leave workers and communities to pick up the pieces. When Sun Capital took over Shopko \u2013 a Wisconsin-based retail chain that had stood strong for more than 50 years \u2013 they drained it dry, buried it in debt, pushed it into bankruptcy, and abandoned roughly 14,000 workers. This bill will finally hold these predatory firms accountable and protect workers from being plundered by corporate greed.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis year, Congress proved with our bipartisan housing law that we can stop private equity from rolling through industry after industry, jacking up prices and leaving businesses and workers in the dust,\u201d said Senator Warren. \u201cTheStop Wall Street Looting Act takes a stand against private equity\u2019s legal looting and puts power back in the hands of workers and consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn places like Janesville, Waukesha, and Green Bay, we have seen out-of-state investors buy Wisconsin businesses, raid them, and then shutter their doors\u2014leaving Wisconsin workers and communities to suffer,\u201d said Senator Baldwin. \u201cOur legislation takes on private equity and Wall Street\u2019s greed and better protects our Wisconsin workers from these predatory practices.\u201d\n\n\u201cMore and more, private equity is taking over various aspects of American life, bringing its harmful playbook to essential industries\u2014including housing, health care, child care, and local newspapers,\u201d said Senator Merkley. \u201cCorporations need to be responsible when private equity prioritizes shareholders\u2019 profits at the expense of service, quality, and good-paying jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cPrivate equity companies often come into communities promising to revitalize businesses or turn around struggling hospitals. But we routinely see them extract maximum value for themselves at the expense of workers and ordinary people, \u201d said Senator Smith. \u201cThis legislation will hold private equity companies accountable and put an end some of their most egregious practices.\u201d\n\nSince 2020, private equity fund assets have grown exponentially, reaching over $9 trillion in 2025 compared to $4.5 trillion in 2020. Private equity funds have purchased companies in nearly every sector of the economy \u2014 from nursing homes, to newspapers, to grocery stores \u2014 laying off hundreds of thousands of workers and ruining thousands of companies in the process.\n\nThe private equity industry claims to invest in companies while also earning high returns for investors by using their management expertise to make the companies\u2019 operations more efficient, and then selling the companies at a profit. In reality, private equity funds often load mountains of debt on the companies they buy, strip them of their assets, and extract exorbitant fees and dividends, guaranteeing payouts for themselves regardless of how the investment performs. When their debt-ridden investments go belly-up, private equity funds walk away with no responsibility for the mess they create, leaving workers in the lurch and forcing communities to clean up their mess.\n\nThe Stop Wall Street Looting Act will:\n\nRequire Private Investment Funds to Have Skin in the Game. Private equity firms, the firm\u2019s general partners, and their insiders will all be on the hook for the liabilities of companies under their control\u2014including debt, legal judgments, and pension-related obligations\u2014to better align the incentives of private equity firms and the companies they own. Liability would not extend to the fund\u2019s limited partners, ensuring that only those that control portfolio firms are on the hook. In order to encourage more responsible use of debt, the bill ends the tax subsidy for excessive leverage and closes the carried interest loophole.\n\nEnd Looting of Portfolio Companies. To give portfolio companies a shot at success, the bill limits how much money private equity firms can extract from companies and closes the loophole that private equity firms have used to hide certain assets from bankruptcy courts. Every transaction since Steward Health Care was bought by private equity would be subject to review as part of Steward\u2019s bankruptcy to determine whether it can be clawed back as a fraudulent transfer.\n\nProtect Workers, Customers and Communities. This proposal prevents private equity firms from walking away when a company fails and protects workers and communities by:\n\nPrioritizing workers\u2019 pay in the bankruptcy process and amending the laws to increase the priority claims for unpaid earnings and other benefits from $10,000 to $20,000 per worker.\n\nCreating incentives for job retention so that workers can benefit from a company\u2019s second chance.\n\nEnding the immunity of private equity firms from legal liability when their portfolio companies break the law, including the WARN Act. When workers at a plant are shortchanged or residents at a nursing home are hurt because private equity firms force portfolio companies to cut corners, the firm should be liable.\n\nExpanding protections for striking workers by clarifying unfair labor practices and the employer duty to bargain.\n\nEmpower Investors by Increasing Transparency. Private equity managers will be required to disclose fees, returns, and other information about their funds and the corporate loans they make so that investors can monitor their investments. This would have required Cerberus to disclose the terms of its investments in Steward Health Care, which Cerberus continues to withhold from Congress.\n\nPut Guardrails Around Accessing Public Funds. Firms receiving any funds from a federal or state agency must publicly disclose how the funds are used and will be prohibited from acquiring any company or making a distribution to investors for two years after receipt.\n\nDrive REITS out of Health Care. Prohibits payments from federal health programs to entities that sell assets or use assets for a loan collateral made to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) d; repeals a rule in the Tax Code that allows taxable REIT subsidiaries to exert influence on the operations of health care entities; and removes the 20 percent pass-through deduction, passed in the 2017 Trump tax cuts, for all REIT investors. Ralph de la Torre executed a sale-leaseback transaction of the Steward properties in exchange for a $1.25B payout from a REIT; this would have banned the hospitals from continuing to receive federal dollars upon executing the property sale\u2014thus likely preventing the sale.\n\nThe bill is supported by ACRE-BCG, AFL-CIO, Americans for Financial Reform, American Center for Economic and Policy Research, Communication Workers of America, Demand Progress, Economic Liberties Project, American Federation of Teachers, Center for Popular Democracy, Community Catalyst, Community Change Action, Economic Policy Institute, Future of Music, Indivisible, National Nurses United, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, National Women\u2019s Law Center Action Fund, Open Markets Institute, People\u2019s Action Institute, Players Alliance HQ, Private Equity Stakeholder Project, Public Citizen, SEIU, Strong For All Coalition, Student Borrower Protection Center, Take on Wall Street, UNITE HERE, and United for Respect.\n\n\u201cThe Stop Wall Street Looting Act would put workers and their communities first \u2014 above private equity companies that make it a sport to buy and sell companies, raise prices and sell off what remains for parts. We deserve better and holding Wall Street accountable is a critical step toward correcting its unchecked power over our lives, homes and jobs,\u201d said Saqib Bhatti, Executive Director of the Action Center on Race & the Economy and the Bargaining for the Common Good Network (ACRE-BCG)\n\n\u201cPrivate equity has gotten away with a heads-I-win, tails-you-lose business model for far too long. They take control of businesses, bury them in debt, strip out assets, fees, and dividends, and walk away richer, while workers lose their jobs, consumers pay more, and communities lose essential businesses and services. Families are already struggling to afford basic needs\u2014the last thing they need is more of the economy organized around Wall Street extraction,\u201d saidOscar Vald\u00e9s Viera, Americans for Financial Reform Senior Policy Analyst. \u201cThe Stop Wall Street Looting Act would break this business model and make private equity firms answer for the risks they create and the damage they leave behind. That accountability is especially urgent as the Trump administration moves to include private equity in workers\u2019 401(k) retirement accounts. Workers should not be forced to risk their jobs, their communities, and now their retirement savings to subsidize Wall Street\u2019s destructive business model.\u201d\n\n\u201cHere at Economic Liberties we\u2019ve documented what happens when private equity takes over the institutions people depend on. Hospitals are gutted, physician practices are squeezed for fees and forced to cut corners and patients wait longer for worse care. The firms engineering this destruction have been legally insulated from the consequences. The Stop Wall Street Looting Act ends this arrangement,\u201d said Morgan Harper, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the American Economic Liberties Project. \u201cIf you control a company, you\u2019re responsible for what it does. That principle is essential to breaking up Big Medicine, but really to protecting workers and communities in every sector private equity has strip-mined.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis is exactly the type of leadership that our legislators need to exhibit right now! We all must stand up to Wall Street and private equity\u2019s attack on our economy and democracy,\u201d said DaMareo Cooper, Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy. \u201cIt is the role and responsibility of those who have taken the oath of office to stand up against predatory corporations and protect the life and liberty of workers and consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen entities prioritize revenue over the health and economic well-being of the communities they serve, healthcare rapidly becomes out of reach; both geographically when healthcare facilities in neighborhoods close, and economically when people get squeezed for every cent,\u201d said Shaina Goodman, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Community Catalyst. \u201cWe are grateful to the bloc of legislators sponsoring the Stop Wall Street Looting Act to start addressing the pernicious effects private equity control of healthcare facilities is having on communities nationwide.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe private equity lobby claims to \u2018build better businesses\u2019 and deliver strong returns for workers\u2019 retirements. Don\u2019t believe it. The private equity model isn\u2019t about efficiency gains \u2014 it\u2019s about exploiting tax loopholes and regulatory gaps, saddling businesses with debt, and stripping their assets,\u201d said Economic Policy Institute President Heidi Shierholz. \u201cIt\u2019s a \u2018heads I win, tails you lose\u2019 bet, and workers, suppliers and communities are left holding the wreckage when it fails. And the risks are growing as private equity expands and these high-cost, risky, opaque investments get pushed onto 401(k) savers. The Stop Wall Street Looting Act is essential legislation to address a looming threat to workers\u2019 retirements and to our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cMusicians have seen extractive private equity creep into every corner of our industry, propping up predatory ticket resale business models, gobbling up recordings and publishing rights, squeezing the life out of local radio, print and web journalism, and asset stripping crucial businesses like instrument retailers and gear manufacturers all the way into bankruptcy. Congress can put an end to this extraction, so executives bear responsibility rather than shifting the harm onto workers and music fans,\u201d said Executive Director of the Future of Music Coalition, Kevin Erickson.\n\n\u201cWe are facing a crisis in this country of companies being starved by their private fund owners of the capital they need to protect the safety and wellbeing of their workers and customers,\u201d said Audrey Stienon, Industrial Policy Program Manager at Open Markets Institute. \u201cIt is imperative that those with the ultimate power to influence companies\u2019 actions also be held accountable for the impacts of those actions on American people and communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe gaming industry isn\u2019t dying, it\u2019s being drained for all it\u2019s worth. Private equity buys studios with no intention of making a good product. To private equity firms, these companies are just another way to squeeze money out of other people\u2019s work while hanging workers and consumers out to dry,\u201d said Chris Nunn, Member Leader, Players Alliance HQ. We just watched this with the EA buyout. This cannot become the new norm. Games should belong to the people who make them and the gamers who play them, not private equity. This is why we gamers support the Stop Wall Street Looting Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Stop Wall Street Looting Act\u2019s reintroduction comes at a critical time in our nation\u2019s history. As most of the country struggles with affordability, private equity firms continue to extract wealth from our families and communities,\u201d said Chris Noble, Policy Director for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project. \u201cWall Street\u2019s never-ending pursuit of profits and lack of accountability has not only bankrupted companies, it has also harmed our democracy. By passing SWSLA, Congress can establish the type of oversight of private markets that befits a democratic society.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe all pay the price when private equity\u2019s predatory practices go unchecked in our communities. Companies prioritizing profits over people have decimated nursing homes, closed the doors to community hospitals and other facilities and made it harder for healthcare workers to advocate for their patients through unions,\u201d said SEIU Executive Vice President Leslie Frane. Working people are fed up, and we\u2019re putting that anger to work to unrig a system that has allowed private equity to put profits ahead of working families and our communities. That is why SEIU members are urging Congress to pass the Stop Wall Street Looting Act so we can hold private equity accountable.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn one side of our country, families are being crushed by the rising cost of food, healthcare, utilities, and everyday needs. Hundreds of thousands have been laid off,\u201d said Charles Khan, Deputy Director of the Strong Economy For All Coalition. On the other side, ruthless and greedy Wall Street billionaires and their private equity firms are looting large and small businesses to get rich while everyone else pays the true costs. It\u2019s time for our government to stand up for workers and our families against the billionaires. We need the Stop Wall Street Looting Act ASAP.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Stop Wall Street Looting Act removes the ability of private equity funds to extract cash from companies they acquire via sale-leaseback deals, dividend recapitalizations, and monitoring fees,\u201d said Eileen Appelbaum, Co-Director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. \u201cThese legal but unscrupulous practices enrich PE firms and their investors. But they undermine the financial stability of the companies they acquire g, squeeze their workers, and reduce the quality of their products and services, hurting employees, customers, and communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cPrivate equity roll-ups are a proven source of anticompetitive behavior throughout the American economy,\u201d said Carter Dougherty, Senior Fellow for Antimonopoly and Finance at Demand Progress. \u201cThis predatory strategy results in less competition and choice \u2014 and higher costs \u2014 for consumers and the economy as a whole.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsumer Voice strongly supports the Stop Wall Street Looting Act. Too often, private equity firms have bought nursing homes, sold off the buildings, loaded the operators with debt, and taken fees and dividends while residents lived with too few staff and worse care. When the facility fails, the residents and workers pay for it, and the investors walk away. This bill would make the funds that control these facilities answerable for what happens in them. Residents deserve owners with a real stake in their care,\u201d said the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-senators-murray-and-cantwell-introduce-bill-honor", "Congresswoman Schrier, Senators Murray and Cantwell Introduce Bill to Honor Captain Ariana Savino, Zeus 95 Crew", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Zeus 95 Memorial Act alongside Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15). The bill honors the crew of Zeus 95, who died on March 12, 2026, while supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran, including Captain Ariana Savino of Covington, Washington.\n\nThe bill honors six servicemembers: Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, AL; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, WA; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, KY; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, IN; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, OH; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, OH.\n\nThe Zeus 95 Memorial Act would establish a monument in or near Arlington National Cemetery in honor of the fallen crewmembers.\n\n\u201cI remain heartbroken that the crew of Zeus 95, including Captain Savino of Covington, died last spring in flight operations over Iraq. I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice, and am profoundly grateful that these crewmembers chose a life of service to our nation,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cCaptain Savino\u2019s passion, leadership, and bravery will be forever remembered by the people of Washington state and all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Captain Savino and the entire Zeus 95 crew. I send my deepest condolences to them, and pray for the safety and health of all of our servicemembers.\u201d\n\n\u201cCaptain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cCapt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe\u2014they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident\u2014Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind\u2014making sure the federal government is there for our military families will continue to be a top priority for me. To the families, friends, and fellow Airmen who loved the Zeus 95 crew, you have my most sincere condolences.\u201d\n\n\u201cCaptain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,\u201d said Senator Cantwell.\n\nCaptain Ariana Savino, 31, was a graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Central Washington University. Captain Savino earned her active-duty commission in 2017 and was promoted to captain in 2021. She served at bases in Georgia and Mississippi, logging over 300 combat flight hours.\n\nCaptain Savino sought to inspire others, particularly women and young people pursuing aviation careers, and is remembered as a passionate captain, advocate, and community member.\n\nThe bill is also cosponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05).\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi-jinping", "Cantwell & Colleagues Push Trump To Negotiate AI Guardrails With Xi Jinping", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell & Colleagues Push Trump To Negotiate AI Guardrails With Xi Jinping\n\nSenators\u2019 letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control; Cantwell-led bill established the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee; Last year, Cantwell halted an effort to impose a 10-year moratorium on states establishing AI regulations\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 16 of her colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping.\n\n\u201cWe write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI\u2019s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThey continued: \u201cThe conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries, but it must start with serious engagement by your administration and China at this summit.\u201d\n\n\u201cAI technology is too powerful, and its risks too many, for the U.S. and China to forgo discussions on parameters around its development and use. What our two countries develop as guardrails will serve as a standard for how the technology is used worldwide. Given how quickly AI technology is developing and how transformative it may be, we cannot delay our pursuit of diplomatic efforts to mitigate its risks. Those efforts must start with direct engagement with China to ensure the safety and well-being of all people as AI innovation continues,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nThe letter can be read in full HERE.\n\nAs Commerce Committee Chair in 2024, Sen. Cantwell assembled and advanced a bipartisan package of bills designed to build that federal infrastructure and establish an AI safety and security framework before the most dangerous AI threats would appear. These bills included the Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act, the TEST AI Act, the Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy (VET) Artificial Intelligence Act, the CREATE AI Act and the Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2024. Taken together, these bills would have built out a robust Standards, Testing, and Evaluation ecosystem capable of mitigating to help mitigate the most dangerous uses of AI, including harmful AI swarms and AI-enabled cyberattacks. Senate Republicans blocked this bipartisan solution from ever coming up for a vote by the full Senate.\n\nIn August 2023, Sen. Cantwell hosted a Future of AI Forum in Seattle with a panel of AI experts.", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-cantwell-moreno-schrier-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-fallen-zeus-95-servicemembers/", "Murray, Cantwell, Moreno, Schrier, Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor Fallen Zeus 95 Servicemembers", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA 08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH 03), and Mike Carey (R-OH 15), introduced bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission.\n\nMaj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.\n\nIn the House, the bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA 01), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA 05), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA 10).\n\n\u201cCaptain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cCapt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe\u2014they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident\u2014Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind\u2014making sure the federal government is there for our military families will continue to be a top priority for me. To the families, friends, and fellow Airmen who loved the Zeus 95 crew, you have my most sincere condolences.\u201d\n\n\u201cCaptain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,\u201d said Senator Cantwell.\n\n\u201cCurtis Angst, Tyler Simmons, and Seth Koval are true American heroes who gave their lives in service to our great Nation and the cause of freedom,\u201d said Senator Moreno. \u201cMy colleagues and I are humbled to join together in establishing a permanent memorial so that their enduring legacy, their unmatched courage, and the selfless sacrifice they made during Operation Epic Fury will stand as a shining beacon of American valor.\u201d\n\n\u201cI remain heartbroken that the crew of Zeus 95, including Captain Savino of Covington, died last spring in flight operations over Iraq. I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice, and am profoundly grateful that these crewmembers chose a life of service to our nation,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cCaptain Savino\u2019s passion, leadership, and bravery will be forever remembered by the people of Washington state and all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Captain Savino and the entire Zeus 95 crew. I send my deepest condolences to them, and pray for the safety and health of all of our servicemembers.\u201d\n\nUnder federal law, monuments that do not contain or mark interred remains generally may not be placed on ANC grounds unless they meet certain statutory requirements. Among other criteria, the monument must commemorate the service of an individual or group of Armed Forces members or a particular military event, and it may not be placed until 25 years after the event being commemorated.\n\nA Zeus 95 monument would not currently meet the 25-year requirement, so the lawmakers are pushing to honor the families\u2019 wishes by seeking to waive the 25-year waiting period and allow for a monument at ANC.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-presses-fda-nominee-heidi-overton-on-her-anti-abortion-extremism-and-fdas-failures-to-keep-food-safe/", "Murray Presses FDA Nominee Heidi Overton on Her Anti-Abortion Extremism and FDA\u2019s Failures to Keep Food Safe", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Overton refuses to say whether mifepristone is safe and effective; Overton refuses to say that IUDs and contraception are NOT abortion\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today\u2014at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)\u2014U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, grilled Overton on the FDA approval of mifepristone and the safety of medication abortion, the mass foodborne illness outbreaks over the summer, and extreme claims that birth control is abortion.\n\n[MEDICATION ABORTION]\n\nSenator Murray began by questioning whether Overton agreed that mifepristone was safe and effective, something decades of research has consistently affirmed.\n\nMURRAY: Dr. Overton, do you do agree with the FDA approval of mifepristone, which means the agency deems it safe and effective?\n\nOVERTON: Thank you for the question. I look forward to getting to meet with you next week and talk in more detail. Mifepristone was approved by the FDA, as having met its safety and efficacy standards.\n\nMURRAY: I know what the FDA has done. I asked if you agree with the FDA, that it is safe and effective?\n\nOVERTON: Senator, as the nominee for the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, my job would be to abide by the statutory standards set out for safety and efficacy. And when a product is before the agency and has met those standards, I would agree with the statutory standards of safety and efficacy.\n\nMURRAY: So, you do believe it\u2019s safe?\n\nOVERTON: I know that it has met the safety and efficacy standard according to the FDA review.\n\nMURRAY: Well, despite what FDA says, and what decades of science says, you actually published an article three years ago that incorrectly described medication abortion as \u201cdangerous to women.\u201d The fact that you would blatantly contradict decades of high-quality scientific evidence, and millions of patients use it, is alarming to me. So, that\u2019s why I asked you that question.\n\nYou have stated in an article that you believe it is dangerous. So, I asked you, do you believe it is safe today and you are not answering the question.\n\nOVERTON: Senator, thank you for the opportunity to discuss this directly. I have always been driven by data and information and use the clinical training and the research training that I have in everything that I have written. Specific to that publication in 2023 was a time after a change was made at the FDA in how that medication was accessed. And I think it\u2019s very important for the FDA in its post-market review, like with every medication, especially those medications that have a risk evaluation mitigation strategy\u2014\n\nMURRAY: I hear you changing your answer now saying you don\u2019t think it is safe. The FDA agreed that this was safe and effective 26 years ago. Where I come from, I really believe that our FDA needs people who will put science first. The FDA has said this is safe and we need somebody in FDA who is going to be there to make sure that this is done by\u2014is science based. So that\u2019s where I come from. Let me change really quickly, I\u2019m almost out of time.\n\n[FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS]\n\nSenator Murray then asked about the massive foodborne illness outbreaks from this past summer, that led Americans to no longer trust what foods were safe to eat or not\u2014asking Overton simple questions about the human foods program at FDA.\n\nMURRAY: As you know, this summer Americans have had to deal with lettuce that causes explosive diarrhea. There\u2019s been an outbreak recalling millions of eggs; frozen blueberries were contaminated with E.coli; multiple recalls of infant formula\u2014and the list goes on.\n\nWhat happened this summer just it cannot happen again. And coincidentally, this all happened after Trump and DOGE pushed out and fired more than 4,600 people at the FDA\u2014and now the agency I hear is trying to scramble to rehire at least 3,500 people. That is a nearly 17 percent reduction in just a year and a half for a workforce whose job it is to keep our food and our medicines safe.\n\nCan you tell us how many people currently work at the Human Foods Program at FDA right now?\n\nOVERTON: Senator, thank you for the question. Having not been at the agency right now, I don\u2019t know the exact staffing numbers of that center. I know there are about 16,000 employees currently. And I know that the FDA, as publicly reported, is hiring to have the best people in the best positions to be able to deliver on the core mission. Food safety is one of those. There are a lot of things that we can do and work together on.\n\nMURRAY: Let me just tell you because this is really important. The office has approximately 1,700 employees which is still 13% fewer than they had at the start of 2025. So, that is deeply disturbing. I want you to be aware of that and I want you to focus on that.\n\nAnd I wanted to ask you are you currently aware of which part of the FDA\u2019s Human Foods Program monitors those kind of outbreaks and foodborne illness? Do you know what it\u2019s called?\n\nOVERTON: Within the center of Human Foods? Food Safety and Inspection center I believe.\n\nMURRAY: Well I\u2019ll tell you, it\u2019s the Coordinated Outbreak Risk and Evaluation Network\u2014it\u2019s called the CORE Network. I think it\u2019s really important that you focus on that and know that. And make sure that it is fully staffed. It is absolutely, incredibly important to people\u2019s safety and I think everyone right now is very concerned about what has been happening and I see a direct correlation to the reduction of staff that has been there.\n\n[LIES ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL]\n\nSenator Murray concluded by asking about the Trump administration\u2019s lies about birth control being abortion.\n\nMURRAY: Finally, and I just have a minute, a few seconds left. Last year, the Trump administration falsely labeled birth control as \u201cabortion.\u201d\n\nDo you agree that, say, an IUD is an \u201cabortifacient\u201d?\n\nOVERTON: Senator, if I have the privilege of being confirmed, first off, I commit to working with you on the food safety pillars that are critically important. We did ask in the congressional justification for more foreign facility user fees to be able to have more of those inspections to specifically address the problems we were raised this summer.\n\nMURRAY: I appreciate that, but I wanted to know if you agree that an IUD is an \u201cabortifacient\u201d?\n\nOVERTON: Senator, thank you for the question. If I\u2019m confirmed as FDA Commissioner, I\u2019ll be briefed on all their prior decisions, and I will make determinations according to the standards of safety and efficacy.\n\nMURRAY: Well, I don\u2019t think you answered the question. Look, I think it is outrageous and should be deeply alarming to all Americans right now that the prospect of an FDA commissioner who doesn\u2019t know that birth control is not an abortion is deeply concerning to me.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senators-murray-hirono-cortez-masto-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-coverage-of-birth-control-in-america-and-sound-the-alarm-on-trumps-relentless-attacks-on-contraception-family-planning/", "Senators Murray, Hirono, Cortez Masto, Reintroduce Bill to Expand Coverage of Birth Control in America and Sound the Alarm on Trump\u2019s Relentless Attacks on Contraception & Family Planning", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray: \u201cTrump administration officials literally asserted birth control caused abortion, and wanted to set it on fire\u2014seriously!\u201d\n\nICYMI: Murray Leads Colleagues in Calling on RFK Jr. to Reinstate 50+ Recently Cancelled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s remarks and the full press conference***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a press conference with Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) on the reintroduction of their bicameral Affordability is Access Act. Senator Murray was also joined by Dr. Serina Floyd, Chief Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Daria Neal, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, Audrey Ann Ross, Senior Manager of Communications and Policy at AccessMatters, and Dana Singiser, Co-Founder of Contraceptive Access Initiative. The legislation is also led by Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA-06), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) in the House of Representatives.\n\nThe Affordability is Access Act would require insurers to fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs, once it\u2019s FDA-approved. The legislation also includes a new provision to require health insurance to cover every FDA-approved contraceptive drug or drug-led combination product without cost sharing unless the health plan also covers a therapeutically equivalent generic without cost sharing\u2014this would significantly eliminate barriers that some patients face in accessing contraceptives prescribed by their provider.\n\nThis reintroduction comes as the Trump administration continues their senseless attacks on reproductive care, family planning, and contraception. Throughout the press conference, speakers discussed the administration\u2019s moves to cancel teen pregnancy prevention grants, their attempts to decimate Title X, and their attacks on contraception\u2014including the State Department\u2019s extremist decision to falsely label birth control products as abortifacients.\n\n\u201cWhen it comes to birth control, the challenge we face isn\u2019t just to stop Trump from setting up new barriers. We have to tear down the barriers that have been standing for far too long\u2014like cost,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cWe have to put forward our own vision for the future\u2014not just reject Trump\u2019s far-right dystopia. That\u2019s why we are re-introducing the Affordability is Access Act. This bill would require insurance to fully cover safe, over-the-counter birth control for patients. And this year we made a big update: our bill will also make sure all other FDA-approved forms of contraception are covered for patients. No fees. No hurdles. No out-of-pocket costs. This is especially important because, as of March 2024, there is an over-the counter birth control pill that women can buy at pharmacies and grocery stores. Trump has made his vision painfully clear, he wants to take women\u2019s rights away, he wants to set birth control on fire. Well, this bill is our vision as Democrats. We want to protect women\u2019s rights. And we want to protect your birth control.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the Trump regime continues to attack reproductive freedom, fighting for contraception access has never been more important,\u201d said Senator Hirono. \u201cFDA approval of over-the-counter birth control is a major step forward, but approval alone does not guarantee access. By requiring insurance companies to cover over-the-counter contraception at no cost and without a prescription, this legislation will help to ensure women nationwide have the power to control their bodies and their lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress must pass the Affordability is Access Act to expand Americans\u2019 reproductive freedoms even as this Administration tries to shrink them,\u201d said Senator Cortez Masto. \u201cBirth control has helped thousands of Nevadans and millions of Americans live healthy lives. It\u2019s past time we made sure every woman who wants it has an affordable over-the-counter option they can buy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile Trump and his Republican co-conspirators attack our bodily autonomy and make life less affordable, we\u2019re fighting hard to protect reproductive freedom, lower costs, and ensure contraceptives are affordable nationwide,\u201d said Rep. Pressley. \u201cOur bill would make over-the-counter birth control accessible to all who need it, without the burden of prescriptions or out-of-pocket costs. Reproductive justice means protecting and expanding reproductive healthcare, and I\u2019m proud to partner with Senators Murray, Cortez Masto, and Hirono, alongside Reps. Bera and Ocasio-Cortez, and our colleagues to make that a reality for all.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to reintroduce the Affordability is Access Act alongside Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senator Patty Murray, which will make birth control widely accessible and affordable without a prescription,\u201d said Rep Ocasio-Cortez. \u201cAs this administration continues to attack bodily autonomy, we will continue to fight to ensure that people everywhere have access to reproductive care.\u201d\n\n\u201cBirth control is essential healthcare that everyone, no matter their insurance or income, should be able to get when they need it,\u201d said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. \u201cThis act is a crucial first step in removing cost barriers and expanding access to contraception. As anti-reproductive health lawmakers continue to do everything in their power to restrict access to care, we\u2019re grateful to Sen. Murray for reintroducing this bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cContraception is a fundamental part of reproductive health care and autonomy\u2014 it gives people the power to shape their own futures,\u201d said Daria Neal, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights. \u201cEveryone who needs contraception should be able to access and afford it. Yet the Trump Administration has repeatedly put that access at risk, from subverting the federal family planning program and ending teen pregnancy prevention grants, to letting millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded contraceptives go to waste overseas. We\u2019re grateful to Senator Murray and her colleagues for standing up for reproductive rights and supporting this critically important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWith the sudden termination of AccessMatters\u2019 teen pregnancy prevention initiative, over 2,500 adolescents in Philadelphia immediately lost access to everything this program provided over the last three years \u2013 including evidence-based education programming, parent workshops, connections to local healthcare providers, assistance setting up medical appointments and accessing contraceptives, and leadership opportunities for the Youth Advisory Board,\u201d said Audrey Ann Ross, Senior Manager of Communications and Policy at AccessMatters. \u201cThis loss of access coupled with the shifts in Title X program priorities further underscore the need for policies that support access to contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health care and information. We urge Congress to pass policies like the Affordability in Access Act and to also demand that HHS immediately restore this funding so that adolescents nationwide can continue benefitting from these programs.\u201d\n\nUnder the Affordable Care Act, all private health insurance plans are required to fully cover \u2014 without copays or out-of-pocket costs \u2014 prescribed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, granted, or cleared methods of contraception. The Affordability is Access Act would change this to apply to over-the-counter birth control that women can get without a prescription. The Affordability is Access Act would also maintain the FDA\u2019s sole authority to determine the safety and efficacy of drugs and make them available over the counter without a prescription, and ensure retailers provide contraception without a prescription. The legislation states that any retailer that stocks contraception that the FDA has approved, granted, or cleared without a prescription may not interfere with a consumer\u2019s access to or purchase of such contraception.\n\nThe Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Murray (D-WA), Cortez Masto (D-NV), Hirono (D-HI), Baldwin (D-WI), Bennet (D-CO), Blumenthal (D-CT), Booker (D-NJ), Cantwell (D-WA), Duckworth (D-IL), Fetterman (D-PA), Gallego (D-AZ), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hassan (D-NH), Heinrich (D-NM), Hickenlooper (D-CO), Kaine (D-VA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Markey (D-MA), Merkley (D-OR), Padilla (D-CA), Reed (D-RI), Rosen (D-NV), Sanders (D-VT), Schatz (D-HI), Schiff (D-CA), Shaheen (D-NH), Smith (D-MN), Van Hollen (D-MD), Warner (D-VA), Warren (D-MA), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by: Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI), National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Upstream USA, Reproductive Health Access Project, Physicians for Reproductive Health, National Partnership for Women & Families, Healthy Teen Network, Jacobs Institute of Women\u2019s Health, Reproductive Freedom for All, Power to Decide, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The Center for Biological Diversity, National Council of Jewish Women, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, National Women\u2019s Law Center Action Fund, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, Advocates for Youth, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women\u2019s Reproductive Justice Agenda, AIDS United, National Asian Pacific American Women\u2019s Forum, National Network of Abortion Funds, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Organization for Women (NOW), Religious Community for Reproductive Choice, The Guttmacher Institute, Population Connection Action Fund, American College of Nurse Mid-Wives, and Ibis Reproductive Health.\n\nSenator Murray is a longtime leader in the fight to protect and expand access to reproductive health care and abortion rights, and she has led Congressional efforts to fight back after the Supreme Court\u2019s disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Murray has introduced more than a dozen pieces of legislation to protect reproductive rights from further attacks, protect providers, and help ensure women get the care they need; Murray has led efforts to push for passage of these bills on the Senate floor multiple times over the last four years.\n\nOver the course of her career, Senator Murray has always fought to ensure widespread access to affordable birth control. In the aftermath of the Dobbs leak, Senator Murray introduced and sought unanimous consent to pass the Right to Contraception Act to protect every American\u2019s right to use contraception\u2014Republicans blocked the bill. Senator Murray pushed to ensure birth control was covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), led the fight against the Supreme Court\u2019s Hobby Lobby ruling, and has persistently pressed the administration to enforce the ACA\u2019s coverage for contraceptive services since then. Senator Murray has long held that FDA must make its decisions based on sound science and public health needs, not politics\u2014and she is widely credited with leading the fight to make Plan B available over the counter.\n\nRead the full text of the Affordability is Access Act HERE.\n\nA transcript of Senator Murray\u2019s remarks as delivered are below:\n\n\u201cTwo years ago\u2014the Biden Administration set forward a proposed rule to strengthen requirements that insurance cover birth control. Not even one year later\u2014Trump administration officials literally asserted birth control caused abortion, and wanted to set it on fire\u2014seriously!\n\n\u201cI mean it does not get clearer than that. While Democrats have always fought to expand access to birth control, the Trump Administration has put up barrier after barrier. Make no mistake\u2014Trump has given far right radicals the green light to go after birth control in just about any way they can think of.\n\n\u201cTheir record is plain as day. Trump took the Title X family planning program\u2014and is twisting it into pretzels trying to redirect funds away from organizations that help people get birth control. He took the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program canceled grants, and is now trying to distort the very purpose of that program too.\n\n\u201cAnd the attacks on reproductive rights don\u2019t stop at family planning and contraception. At the FDA Trump fired his own Commissioner for not moving fast enough to throw out the science and rip medication abortion away from patients.\n\n\u201cAt the EPA Trump has them checking drinking water for traces of medication abortion.\n\n\u201cAnd don\u2019t forget the birth control example I led with, at Trump\u2019s State Department they are spending thousands of dollars each month to withhold contraceptives meant for foreign aid and they incorrectly claimed that these birth control supplies cause \u2018abortion.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd yet some Republicans still have the gall to act like they have no idea why we say birth control is under attack! Just like how they had no idea abortion was under attack\u2014right up until they ripped it away.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s please not pretend that the administration which is weaponizing environmental laws to attack medication abortion and has falsely labeled contraception as abortion is not coming for birth control.\n\n\u201cWell Democrats are not standing by. We have been fighting back against each and every one of these attacks on birth control.\n\n\u201cBut more than fighting back\u2014we are going to keep pushing forward.\n\n\u201cBecause when it comes to birth control, the challenge we face isn\u2019t just to stop Trump from setting up new barriers\u2014we have to tear down the barriers that have been standing in the way for far too long, like the cost. We have to put forward our own vision for the future\u2014not just reject Trump\u2019s far-right dystopia.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why we are re-introducing the Affordability is Access Act. This bill would require insurance to fully cover safe, over-the-counter birth control for patients.\n\n\u201cAnd this year we made a big update: our bill will also make sure all other FDA-approved forms of contraception are covered for patients. No fees. No hurdles. No out-of-pocket costs.\n\n\u201cThis is especially important because, as of March 2024, there is an over-the-counter birth control pill that women can buy at pharmacies and grocery stores!\n\n\u201cTrump has made his vision painfully clear: He wants to take away women\u2019s rights. He wants to set birth control on fire.\n\n\u201cWell this bill is our vision as Democrats: We want to protect women\u2019s rights and we want to protect your birth control.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4269", "Larsen Fights for Guardrails on Data Centers", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined 110 House Democrats in a letter to tech industry leaders last Friday demanding that all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes.\n\n\u201cData center projects and the energy systems and infrastructure that support them must be built and operated responsibly with a commitment to high-quality construction, good jobs, strong environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with the communities they serve,\u201d wrote the Members.\n\nThe lawmakers stated that they would oppose new data center construction projects that failed to incorporate strong labor standards, negotiate community benefits agreements with local leaders, and mitigate impacts on local air quality, drinking water and utilities costs for residents.\n\n\u201cAt a time when the nation's power grid, roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure require significant investment, data center development must strengthen rather than strain, these systems,\u201d the Members continued. \u201cDevelopers must also invest responsibly in grid infrastructure, including new generation and grid upgrades, to protect ratepayers from bearing the costs of data center projects' energy needs.\u201d\n\nThe full text of the letter to tech industry leaders can be read here.\n\nLarsen Holds Data Centers Accountable\n\nLast week, Rep. Larsen voted for legislation to protect families from higher electricity bills because of data centers in their communities (the Ratepayers Protection Act). Rep. Larsen also cosponsors the Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act to roll back tax breaks for large AI data centers in Republicans\u2019 Big Ugly Law.\n\nRep. Larsen supports tough, upfront restrictions on data centers:\n\nNo high electric bills for local families and small businesses;\n\nNo federal tax breaks;\n\nNo construction without community approval and union labor;\n\nData centers must pay their fair share to connect to and use the grid; and\n\nData centers must use closed loop water systems.\n\nA one-pager on Rep. Larsen\u2019s work to hold data centers accountable can be found here.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-on-trump-admin-scrapping-plans-for-executive-order-to-empower-russ-vought-to-kill-nih-research/", "Murray on Trump Admin Scrapping Plans for Executive Order to Empower Russ Vought to Kill NIH Research", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump\u2019s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on news breaking today that plans to issue an executive order to establish an external review committee empowered to veto National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards are being scrapped.\n\n\u201cIt shouldn\u2019t take public outcry to prevent President Trump and Russ Vought from laying waste to the NIH and defunding lifesaving research because they think it\u2019s \u2018woke\u2019 or want to extort a university. This president is on a mission to shred patients and families\u2019 hopes for new treatments and cures.\n\n\u201cWhile this specific scheme may now be on ice, make no mistake: President Trump and Russ Vought are already playing politics with lifesaving NIH funding and will continue to do so, with or without a new Executive Order. What\u2019s sorely needed are more protections in law to actually put an end to that\u2014to stop funding and staffing cuts, prevent political appointees from meddling in decisions about lifesaving research, and ensure grantmaking is guided only by what gives us the best chance at the next medical breakthrough. I\u2019ve been pushing to do much more in our spending laws, but we need Republicans to finally agree to put real checks on President Trump and Russ Vought.\u201d\n\nSenator Murray has raised alarms and fought back against this administration\u2019s nonstop efforts to politicize, cut, and defund all manner of lifesaving medical research\u2014including by pushing for new guardrails in the HHS spending law. She and her Democratic colleagues in Congress also successfully fought to secure language in the recently enacted continuing resolution (CR) to block the Office of Management and Budget\u2019s (OMB) attempt to politicize every aspect of the federal grantmaking process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/09/22/baumgartner-announces-2-23-million-grant-to-spokane-county-to-support-fairchild-air-force-base-transportation-access/", "Baumgartner Announces $2.23 Million Grant to Spokane County to Support Fairchild Air Force Base Transportation Access", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Michael Baumgartner", "B001322", "baumgartner.house.gov", "baumgartner", "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "September 21, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) announced that the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has approved a federal grant for $2,236,500 to Spokane County to undertake a $3,195,000 project for the reconstruction of Thorpe Road. This directly supports Fairchild Air Force Base by constructing better transportation access.\n\n\u201cThis is a major win for the operational resilience of Fairchild Air Force Base (FAFB), the beating heart of the Spokane community,\u201d said Congressman Baumgartner. \u201cThis is a crucial investment in national security that will enhance timely response and grant Air Force personnel easier access to one of the most strategic military installations in the US Air Forces\u2019s inventory \u2013 Fairchild Air Force Base \u2013 home to the largest US air refueling wing in the world.\u201d\n\nCurrently, Fairchild relies on a single access gate to manage the flow of personnel, goods, and vehicles. This bottleneck not only creates significant congestion and delay, but undermines core principles of military readiness, emergency responsiveness, and base security. This project will reconstruct and modernize Thorpe Road to fully enable the operation of a secondary access gate. The resulting benefits are substantial: improving response times during recalls and emergencies, enhancing quality of life for service members and families, reducing base-related congestion, and strengthening disaster resiliency.\n\n\u201cI also want to recognize the incredible work of Commissioner Al French and Spokane County Director of Public Works Kyle Twohig in securing this funding,\u201d said Congressman Baumgartner. \u201cThey saw the need for this project and worked to get it across the finish line. This is exactly the kind of partnership we need between local leaders and the federal government to strengthen Fairchild, improve access for our service members, and make our community more resilient.\u201d\n\nGetting through the main gate at Fairchild can be a challenge, even outside of rush hour. The current gate is only two travel lanes wide, creating unnecessary congestion and delays. By comparison, installations on the west side of the state, including McChord Field and Fort Lewis, have entry points that are four lanes wide or more. Building the Thorpe Road access and secondary gate to accommodate greater traffic capacity will significantly improve the speed and ease of entry while reducing congestion at the main gate.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/09/22/baumgartner-bill-holds-foreign-officials-accountable-for-discriminating-against-washington-state-businesses/", "Baumgartner Bill Holds Foreign Officials Accountable for Discriminating Against Washington State Businesses", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Michael Baumgartner", "B001322", "baumgartner.house.gov", "baumgartner", "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "September 16, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner\u2019s (WA-05) No Racketeers on Our Shores Act (H.R. 9834) was approved by the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 15 to 8. This clears the bill to be considered by the full House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAmerican companies should not be unfairly targeted or subjected to discriminatory treatment by foreign governments, and that is especially important for companies from Washington state like Coupang, Microsoft and Amazon,\u201d said Congressman Baumgartner. \u201cThe No Racketeers on Our Shores Act gives our diplomats another targeted tool to hold foreign officials accountable without immediately escalating to the use of tariffs to address trade disputes.\u201d\n\nThe legislation responds to a growing pattern uncovered by the House Judiciary Committee: foreign governments using coercive powers to target successful Washington state companies while protecting their favored domestic competitors:\n\nBackground:\n\nMicrosoft is one of the companies singled out under Europe\u2019s Digital Markets Act. Its Windows operating system and its LinkedIn service have been designated as one of seven \u201cgate keepers,\u201d placing them under special EU mandates backed by fines up to 10 percent of the company\u2019s worldwide revenues\u201320 percent for repeat violations. Six of the seven companies initially targeted by the EU for this discriminatory treatment were US firms;\n\nCoupang, a Washington state headquartered company, is facing a whole of government assault by the South Korean government. South Korean agencies launched 40 investigations after a data breach that culminated in a $410 million fine, harming American investors and the U.S. business that sell goods through Coupang to the South Korean market.\n\nWhat the bill does:", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-daines-lead-wa-mt-and-ak-lawmakers-in-letter-to-rfk-jr-defending-top-nw-organ-donation-group", "Cantwell, Daines Lead WA, MT, & AK Lawmakers in Letter to RFK Jr. Defending Top NW Organ Donation Group", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell, Daines Lead WA, MT, & AK Lawmakers in Letter to RFK Jr. Defending Top NW Organ Donation Group\n\nLifeCenter Northwest, the primary organ procurement organization in Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, threatened with decertification due to CMS criteria that disadvantages geographically large and sparsely populated service areas; \u201cDecertification would create unnecessary risk for our region - jeopardizing timely access to organ transplants and undermining support for donor families\u201d\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) led 17 House and Senate members from western states in sending a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz expressing support for recertification of the regional organ donation group, LifeCenter Northwest \u2013 as well as concern that the HHS and CMS criteria used to evaluate the organization\u2019s performance may undervalue organizations that serve large, rural areas.\n\nOrgan procurement organizations, or OPOs, are responsible for helping recover organs from deceased donors and getting those organs to patients who need transplants. Under the framework established by CMS in 2020, OPOs are assessed on two measures: How many potential donors become actual donors, and how many organs from those donors are ultimately transplanted. But in January, the Trump administration proposed major oversight and accountability changes that will determine whether OPOs may continue operating during the 2026 recertification cycle. If these changes are finalized, it is estimated that approximately 75% of OPOs could be at risk of decertification.\n\n\u201cLifeCenter Northwest plays a vital role in sustaining organ donation and transplantation across a uniquely large and complex donation service area. We are deeply concerned that their decertification would create unnecessary risk for our region \u2013 jeopardizing timely access to organ transplants and undermining support for donor families,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nIn their letter, the lawmakers emphasized that LifeCenter Northwest serves an unusually large and difficult-to-reach region, where long distances, few transplant centers, remote communities, and transportation challenges make its work especially difficult. The letter also argues that CMS\u2019s current evaluation system may not fully account for the unique challenges of the region and that replacing LifeCenter Northwest could disrupt lifesaving services.\n\n\u201cThe organization serves more than 10 million people across approximately 808,000 square miles and coordinates donation services for more than 200 hospitals. Despite serving this expansive region and large population, there are only five transplant centers in the entire service area, all located in Washington state,\u201d the lawmakers continued. \u201cWe support performance evaluation frameworks grounded in sound, evidence-based measures. However, we are concerned that CMS\u2019s current OPO evaluation methodology does not adequately account for the unique circumstances and operational challenges inherent in serving a large, rural, geographically dispersed service area, like our region.\u201d\n\nWhen considering LifeCenter Northwest\u2019s performance, the lawmakers asked HHS and CMS to:\n\nConsider the regional and operational circumstances beyond LifeCenter Northwest\u2019s control, including the availability and proximity of transplant centers, variation in acceptance practices for medically complex organs, transportation and logistical challenges, and the unique demands of serving remote and geographically dispersed communities.\n\nRefrain from automatic decertification based solely on the current outcome-only, single-year tiering methodology.\n\nProvide LifeCenter Northwest with a clear pathway to demonstrate sustained, measurable improvement over time before taking any certification action that would disrupt the donation service area.\n\nThe letter was led by Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Daines. They were joined by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and U.S. Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Troy Downing (R, MT-02), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Ryan Zinke (R, MT-01), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03).", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-senate-floor-murray-ticks-through-trumps-most-wildly-out-of-touch-economic-quotes/", "On Senate Floor, Murray Ticks Through Trumps Most Wildly Out-of-Touch Economic Quotes", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray: \u201cIt is everything. It is health care costs\u2014which Trump has sent higher. It is child care\u2014which is out of control. It is goods across the board\u2014which are up due to Trump\u2019s insane trade wars. It is gas\u2014which Trump launched to new heights with his Iran war. Trump just does not get it. He has no idea what Americans are going through.\u201d\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s full speech***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor slamming Trump for the many wildly out-of-touch statements he\u2019s made about the economy and working families. In addition to ticking through ten of Trump\u2019s most out-of-touch takes, she discussed how Trump and Republicans\u2019 policies are making gas, groceries, health care, and child care more expensive for working families while pouring trillions into illegal wars.\n\nSenator Murray focused her discussion on Trump quotes below:\n\n\u201cI love the inflation.\u201d\n\n\u201c\u2019Groceries,\u2019 it\u2019s a very simple word. \u2018Groceries.\u2019 Like almost\u2014you know, who uses the word?\u201d\n\n\u201cAffordability is a hoax\u2026\u201d\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t think that a beautiful baby girl needs\u2026to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls\u2026\u201d\n\n\u201cI always say tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary.\u201d\n\n\u201cI found health care sort of like not of tremendous interest\u2026\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t take care of day care. We\u2019re a big country. We have 50 states. We have all these other people. We\u2019re fighting wars. We can\u2019t take care of day care.\u201d\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes.\u201d\n\n\u201cWars can be fought \u2018forever\u2019\u2026\u201d\n\nReporter: \u201cI wonder what grade would you give your economy?\u201d Trump: \u201cA plus. A plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.\u201d\n\nSenator Murray\u2019s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n\u201cAs President Trump himself has admitted: \u2018I\u2019m not so careful with what I say.\u2019 And: \u2018Americans\u2019 financial situation? I don\u2019t think about anybody.\u2019\n\n\u201cNo kidding\u2014we noticed!\n\n\u201cAnd when it comes to the economy, President Trump\u2019s statements could not be more divorced from reality\u2014let alone the experience of everyday Americans. Yes\u2014in a shock to no one, the billionaire who gets advice from a trillionaire is way out of touch today with everyday people.\n\n\u201cTrump said last year he never even knew the word affordability until recently. He said that \u2018tariffs\u2019\u2014the taxes that he raised on working families\u2014is his favorite word. Trump said we can\u2019t afford child care. He said no one cares about affordable housing. He said health care is not of tremendous interest.\n\n\u201cOr\u2014get a load of this\u2014Trump said he loves inflation. And that $4 for a gallon of gas is \u2018Okay.\u2019 And then when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money.\n\n\u201cWell, that may be true for his buddies\u2014the billionaires and oil robber barons\u2014but it sure isn\u2019t true for working families!\n\n\u201cOf course, I know it is hard to keep track of all of Trump\u2019s whack-a-doodle claims about the economy\u2014especially with the constant stream of new nonsense spewing out of this President\u2019s brain.\n\n\u201cSo today, I want to take a trip down memory lane and discuss what I consider Trump\u2019s craziest quotes about the economy and working families.\n\n[INFLATION]\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no secret Americans are fed up with inflation\u2014at least all Americans except for one.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has said: \u2018I love it, the numbers were great. You know what I really love? I love the inflation.\u2019\n\n\u201cDo my Republican colleagues agree? Do they love inflation? Because I will say, they have not lifted a finger to help us stop the Trump policies driving inflation through the roof.\n\n\u201cRepublicans have not helped rein in Trump\u2019s absurd trade wars. Republicans have not stood up against Trump\u2019s war with Iran. They have not helped reject Trump cuts to programs that lower energy costs. They did not stop the MAGA health care hike that caused insurance premiums to skyrocket.\n\n\u201cI know Trump is out of touch with everyday Americans when he says he loves inflation. I know it because I hear directly from people back in Washington state about this all the time.\n\n\u201cBut what about Republicans here in Congress? They may not be as blunt about it as Trump, but their actions\u2014or rather, their inaction to lower prices\u2014speaks pretty darn loudly.\n\n[GROCERY COSTS]\n\n\u201cNow, if you are not a billionaire like Trump, you are probably very familiar with groceries, and the fact that costs have been going up, up, and up.\n\n\u201cIf you are Trump, well then: you are saying things like: \u2018It\u2019s a very simple word, \u2018groceries,\u2019 like, almost, you know, who uses the word?\u2019 That\u2019s a quote. Or: \u2018It\u2019s such an old-fashioned term but a beautiful term: groceries\u2026 It sort of says a bag with different things in it.\u2019 That is a quote.\n\n\u201cFor most of us, the grocery trip is a weekly errand\u2014it\u2019s everyday life. But the way Trump talks about groceries\u2014he may as well be from another planet.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s very clear Trump has no idea what it\u2019s like to clip coupons for discounts on milk and bread. He doesn\u2019t know what it\u2019s like to compare cereal boxes to see what size has the best value, or check the clearance aisle in hopes of finding a deal. And I would bet my bottom dollar he\u2019s never in his life bought the generic brand to save a few bucks. He probably doesn\u2019t even know they exist!\n\n\u201cNow, groceries may seem old-fashioned to Trump, but for everyone else\u2014whether or not we can afford groceries is the difference between being able to put a healthy dinner on the table, scraping by on the cheapest junk, or just going hungry.\n\n[AFFORDABILITY]\n\n\u201cNow, if you were wondering why President Trump doesn\u2019t seem to care at all about rising prices\u2014well, it may just be that a billionaire like Trump literally doesn\u2019t understand the idea of struggling to pay for something. The word \u2018affordability\u2019 is practically a new concept for him. He doesn\u2019t believe in it! He thinks it was made up!\n\n\u201cIn his own words: \u2018First time I heard it, was a word, you know, made up by the Democrats: affordability.\u2019\n\n\u201cHe said, \u2018Affordability is a Democrat scam.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018They made up a phony word that they used. They said, \u2018affordability.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd he said, \u2018Look, affordability is a hoax.\u2019\n\n\u201cA scam, a hoax, a phony, made up word\u2014that is what Trump thinks affordability is.\n\n\u201cBut for families across the country, affordability is a very real problem\u2014one that they are having to deal with every day, and one that is being made worse by this President\u2019s own policies.\n\n[FAMILIES STRETCHING BUDGETS]\n\n\u201cIn case anybody thinks Trump doesn\u2019t have any solutions on affordability, don\u2019t forget this little pearl of wisdom from Trump: \u2018I don\u2019t think that a beautiful baby girl needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls\u2026 They don\u2019t need to have 250 pencils. They can have five.\u2019\n\n\u201cSeriously? I talk to moms and dads all the time who are struggling to get by. Families are already stretching their budgets and pinching their pennies. People are not struggling because they are blowing their savings on dolls. The problem is not their pencil budget. Good lord!\n\n\u201cIt is everything. It is health care costs\u2014which Trump has sent higher. It is child care\u2014which is out of control. It is goods across the board\u2014which are up due to Trump\u2019s insane trade wars. It is gas\u2014which Trump launched to new heights with his Iran war.\n\n\u201cTrump just does not get it. He has no idea what Americans are going through.\n\n[TARIFFS]\n\n\u201cTrump has already told us that he views \u2018groceries\u2019 as an old-fashioned word. He has already said he thinks the word \u2018affordability\u2019 is made up. But what has he said about \u2018tariffs?\u2019 You almost have to hear it to believe it.\n\n\u201cTrump has said: \u2018I always say tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary.\u2019\n\n\u201cNow, as a reminder\u2014since Republicans keep trying to put their heads in the sand on this\u2014tariffs are taxes. A Republican president is saying his favorite thing is a tax increase!\n\n\u201cReagan must be spinning in his grave.\n\n\u201cAnd not only are tariffs taxes\u2014they are taxes that hurt working families especially hard. We have seen that time after time.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s tariffs have rocketed grocery prices through the roof. Trump\u2019s tariffs have made baby items\u2014strollers, car seats, toys more expensive. Trump\u2019s tariffs have put a strain on back-to-school shopping. They\u2019ve squeezed our local coffee shops.\n\n\u201cAnd Trump\u2019s favorite word is crushing small businesses too! I\u2019ve talked to local restaurants, and sporting goods stores, and farmers, and a lot more, they are all facing serious hardship because of Trump\u2019s tariffs. They are losing customers for produce that they ship abroad. They are having to raise prices in their stores. They are having to pay employees less, let people go, or even just shut their doors entirely.\n\n\u201cAll because Trump chose to pursue some of the biggest tax hikes in American history, while Republicans cheered him on.\n\n[HEALTH CARE]\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s not forget, Trump is also totally out of touch on health care. As Trump put it: \u2018I\u2019ve found health care sort of like\u2026not of tremendous interest.\u201d\n\n\u201cThat explains why he has done absolutely nothing to lower health care costs. And worse than that\u2014Trump and Republicans passed the largest cuts to health care in our nation\u2019s history, and then stood by and cheered as patients faced some of the largest health care price hikes in history.\n\n\u201cIn their Big Ugly Bill, Republicans gutted Medicaid, with changes that are\u2014right now\u2014kicking families off their health care coverage.\n\n\u201cAnd while Trump and Republicans are plenty interested in tax cuts for billionaires, while they will bend over backwards to help keep the private jets fueled\u2014they didn\u2019t lift a finger to save families from exploding [health] insurance premiums.\n\n\u201cThey stood by as tax credits for working families expired, and people saw their monthly premiums double, triple, or even worse. We know millions of people lost their coverage because of Trump and Republicans.\n\n\u201cAnd don\u2019t forget\u2014Trump put tariffs on pharmaceuticals, of all things!\n\n\u201cNow maybe a billionaire like Trump doesn\u2019t find health care interesting because Trump has never had to. He\u2019s never had to ration his prescription and hope it would be okay, he\u2019s never had to delay a needed check-up until the next paycheck. He\u2019s never debated whether to go get urgent care or not because he was worried about the bill, or wondered how on earth he could afford a lifesaving cancer treatment.\n\n\u201cBut that is the reality millions of patients face every day, and they deserve leaders in Washington who are interested in the challenges they face, and focused on solutions so that everyone can get the care they need without worrying about the cost.\n\n[CHILD CARE]\n\n\u201cNow, M. President, I of course have to talk about child care. I got into politics fighting for child care, and it\u2019s something I push hard on every day.\n\n\u201cSo I was floored when I heard Trump say: \u2018The United States can\u2019t take care of day care. That has to be up to a state. We can\u2019t take care of day care. It\u2019s not possible for us to take care of day care, Medicaid, Medicare, all these individual things.\u2019\n\n\u201cTalk about out of touch\u2014this is exactly backwards. We have a child care crisis in this country. It is holding our country back!\n\n\u201cA billionaire like Trump may not understand\u2014but working parents are the backbone of our economy. And if mom and dad can\u2019t find child care, then mom and dad can\u2019t go to work.\n\n\u201cThat is a big problem\u2014for parents who are trying to make ends meet, and small businesses who are trying to find workers.\n\n\u201cTrump says we can\u2019t afford child care? The truth is\u2014we cannot afford to ignore child care.\n\n[HOUSING]\n\n\u201cOne of the most outrageous things Trump has said about the economy was something he actually said behind closed doors. According to Punchbowl News, earlier this year, Trump told Republican leaders: \u2018No one gives a \u2018BLEEP\u2019 about housing.\u2019\n\n\u201cHow ridiculous. We have an enormous housing shortage in this country\u2014especially when it comes to affordable housing.\n\n\u201cThe rising costs from Trump\u2019s tariffs and the Iran war have made it harder for people to make rent. And because Trump has done so much damage to the economy\u2014federal interest rates are on the rise, meaning mortgage rates are going higher and higher, and millions of families are watching as Trump pulls the rug out from under them\u2014putting their dream of owning a home farther and farther out of reach.\n\n\u201cBut Trump doesn\u2019t care. And worse than that\u2014Trump sees high housing costs as a good thing. He literally said: \u2018I don\u2019t wanna drive housing prices down, I wanna drive housing prices up.\u2019\n\n\u201cSpoken like a true slum-lord.\n\n[TRUMP\u2019S WAR]\n\n\u201cAnd let\u2019s not forget that while Trump doesn\u2019t know words like \u2018affordability\u2019 and \u2018groceries,\u2019 while he loves \u2018inflation\u2019 and \u2018tariffs,\u2019 and while he doesn\u2019t care about health care, or housing, and doesn\u2019t think we need money for child care, there is one issue Trump is ready to throw trillions of dollars at\u2014war.\n\n\u201cHe started a pointless war with Iran\u2014with no plan, and no concern for how it would explode gas prices. Even now, he is saying $4 gas is okay.\n\n\u201cHe doubled down recently, saying: \u2018You have a higher gas\u2014it\u2019s a very inexpensive price to pay for what we\u2019ve done. Remember that. It\u2019s a little more. Frankly, even if it was a lot more.\u2019\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, he has put forward a completely war-bloated budget calling for $1.5 trillion for war spending. That\u2019s trillion, with T\u2014we are talking twelve zeroes here.\n\n\u201cAnd I know what you\u2019re thinking\u2014it\u2019s the same thing most Americans are thinking\u2014we cannot afford another \u2018forever\u2019 war. We have investments right here we need to be making\u2014child care, health care, energy, roads, housing, and more.\n\n\u201cBut Trump\u2014who once promised \u2018no more forever wars\u2019\u2014has actually done a complete one-eighty. Not only did he launch a new war\u2014he wrote online about his belief that \u2018wars can be fought forever and very successfully.\u2019\n\n\u201cSo to recap: Trump thinks wars can be fought forever, but we can\u2019t afford child care at all. He wants to spend trillions on bombs and weapons, but doesn\u2019t care about housing and health care.\n\n\u201cIt simply does not get more wrong or out of touch than that.\n\n[TRUMP OUT-OF-TOUCH WITH AMERICANS]\n\n\u201cThere are so many insane things Trump has said about the economy. But a lot of it comes down to one basic fact: he is in complete denial. Maybe it\u2019s because he has let AI videos melt his brain. Maybe it is because he is hopelessly an out-of-touch billionaire. Maybe it\u2019s just because he is exactly what he has always been\u2014a liar.\n\n\u201cThey say the first step is admitting you have a problem. When it comes to the economy, Trump cannot even do that.\n\n\u201cDespite the painful inflation, despite the sluggish job growth, despite the red flashing lights\u2014like rising bond rates, and slowing GDP growth, and plummeting consumer confidence\u2014despite all of that: when Trump was asked to give himself a grade on the economy, he gave himself an: \u2018A plus\u2026 A plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.\u2019 That was a quote.\n\n\u201cA Plus? That\u2019s more like: BS.\n\n\u201cMaybe the high prices and chaos are working great for corrupt billionaires like Trump. After all, he has made more stock trades as President than all of congress combined, he\u2019s raking in billions through crypto scams, and his family is cashing in through highly conflicted foreign business deals.\n\n\u201cHowever, Trump\u2019s rigged economy is not working for working families.\n\n\u201cBut here\u2019s the thing\u2014we live in a democracy. And at the end of the day, Trump\u2019s final grade on the economy won\u2019t come from himself. The American people\u2014the ones who are paying the prices of Trump\u2019s tariffs, the ones who are paying the price of his war with Iran, the moms and dads who are struggling to find child care, the patients struggling to afford health care, the families struggling to pay rent\u2014they are the ones who will pass final judgement later on this year on Trump\u2019s economy.\n\n\u201cI have no doubt that in the meantime Trump will continue making out of touch statements and bizarre AI videos.\n\n\u201cBut here\u2019s a reminder to all of my colleagues who are afraid to stand up to this President: even if Trump has lost touch with reality, he is still going to have to face all of that this fall.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made/", "Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray, Schatz respond as President Trump and Secretary Rubio refuse to follow the law and deploy resources Congress provided to combat international fentanyl and narcotics trafficking, counter Russia, protect against global health threats, and more\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration\u2019s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30.\n\n\u201cCracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats\u2014these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives.\n\n\u201cFar from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye.\n\n\u201cCongress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.\u201d\n\nWhen Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long that funding is available to be expended. Most foreign assistance funding is available to be spent down for two fiscal years, and as the end of the fiscal year nears on September 30, the Trump administration plans to:\n\nRaid $2.5 billion provided in fiscal year 2025 for global health programs ($1.3 billion) and development assistance ($1.2 billion) to pay for \u201cUSAID closeout costs.\u201d While provided for USAID, these funds remain available through FY26 for the State Department to spend down on the same priorities that Congress provided them for: to advance U.S. interests, combat global health threats, and save lives. In fact, the State Department has already tapped some of the funds to belatedly invest in the Ebola response after it previously cancelled related global health work. But instead of expending the remainder of the $2.5 billion in funding, the Trump administration is raiding these funds and obligating them to cover costs incurred when dismantling USAID\u2014despite the fact that other balances already exist that could cover these costs.\n\nPermanently impound $725 million provided in fiscal year 2025 to: combat the international illicit narcotics trade, human trafficking, and other international crimes ($115 million); counter Russia with U.S. assistance in Europe and Eurasia ($310 million); and invest in secure supply chains and American competitiveness through economic growth programs ($300 million). These investments were provided by Congress to spend through September 30, 2026, but President Trump has, at Russ Vought\u2019s urging, illegally refused to spend them.\n\nSenators Murray and Schatz have been pushing the administration to get every appropriated dollar out as Congress intended. In June, Senator Murray called out the administration\u2019s withholding of these funds, and Senator Schatz pressed Secretary Rubio on the matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4460", "New K-12 Education Package Would Better Support Students, Families, Teachers", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) cosponsored the introduction of the Transforming Education for the Future Act, a comprehensive legislative package authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to modernize and strengthen K-12 education to help our kids have a brighter future.\n\nThe American education system has experienced significant turbulence during the past decade, including the Trump administration\u2019s mismanagement and dismantling of the Department of Education, learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased use of technology and social media, the rise of generative AI, increased teacher burnout, and the reduction of federal support for public schools. The Transforming Education for the Future Act will help address these critical issues and more.\n\n\u201cWe have a fundamental responsibility to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cFrom funding rollbacks to learning setbacks, our public schools are facing tighter budgets and increased challenges. This bill contains several meaningful reforms to strengthen public education, including restoring and increasing funding, expanding school meal programs, and implementing universal preschool. I thank Rep. Bonamici for her leadership in modernizing public education and making a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor decades, public schools have been asked to do more with less. Add to that the fact that we have seen many new and complicated challenges over the past ten years,\u201d said Bonamici. \u201cCircumstances have changed, but the American system of public education has not yet adapted. We need a public education system that meets the moment for today\u2019s students and tomorrow\u2019s. We need an education system that prepares students not to pass a test, but to think critically and build a future. We need to support the educators who make that possible. And we need to remove those barriers that stand between children and opportunity. The Transforming Education for the Future Act is a blueprint for doing just that.\u201d\n\nThe Transforming Education for the Future Act will:\n\nProvide a Well-Rounded Education for All Students\n\nMake school breakfasts and lunches free for all children, provide summer meals and summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), and streamline and expand the Child and Adult Care Food Program.\n\nEstablish free, universal preschool for all three- and four-year-old children.\n\nExpand access to career and technical education, arts, civics, humanities, and more.\n\nReduce state and federal reliance on standardized test scores and expand the use of multiple high-quality measures to capture a more accurate picture of student achievement.\n\nRepeal the federal school voucher program.\n\nRestore funding and staff to the Department of Education.\n\nSupport Educators\n\nStrengthen the educator pipeline through historic investments in educator pay, improved working conditions, and ample resources for educators and staff.\n\nFund high-quality education research and promote transformational, evidence-based practices for student success and well-being.\n\nAddress Socioeconomic Barriers to Learning\n\nFully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so children with disabilities get the free and appropriate public education and services they need.\n\nTriple funding for Title I to better serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds and the schools that educate them.\n\nAddress discrimination and bias in K-12 schools, uphold civil rights, and address racial segregation.\n\nThis legislation is endorsed by: American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Psychological Association (APA), Glisten, National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Principals Association, National PTA, and the School Social Work Association of America.\n\nA summary of the legislation can be found here.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-bilirakis-degette-announce-rep-schriers-appointment-co-chair", "Reps Bilirakis, DeGette Announce Rep. Schrier\u2019s Appointment to Co-Chair the Congressional Diabetes Caucus", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) \u2013 Co-Chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus \u2013 announced that Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), the first pediatrician elected to Congress, will serve as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Caucus in the 120th Congress. Representative Schrier will join Co-Chair Bilirakis in leading the 246-member Diabetes Caucus, one of the largest and most influential bipartisan member organizations in Congress.\n\n\u201cAs a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, it is a priority of mine in Congress to help patients with diabetes manage their condition and afford their medications,\u201d said Rep. Schrier. \u201cI am extremely excited to co-chair the Congressional Diabetes Caucus alongside Congressman Bilirakis. Congresswoman DeGette has championed the Diabetes Caucus for over twenty years, and I am honored to continue her work to bolster diabetes research, lower costs for patients, and ensure quality care for all Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to announce my friend, Rep. Kim Schrier, as the incoming Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus,\u201d said Rep. DeGette. \u201cDiabetes impacts millions of Americans across every district in this country, crossing all political lines. Those who live with diabetes in this nation need strong advocates on their behalf in the years to come. Rep. Schrier brings her expertise as a pediatrician and as someone with direct personal experience with diabetes to her work every day. She is a tough, practical legislator and will drive bipartisan work to expand access to life-saving treatments, bring down insulin costs, and fund the biomedical research that will ultimately lead to a cure.\u201d\n\n\u201cDiana is a dear friend and one of the fiercest advocates I have ever had the privilege of working alongside,\u201d said Rep. Bilirakis. \u201cFor years, we have put politics aside and worked together toward a shared goal: improving the lives of Americans living with diabetes and, ultimately, finding a cure. Her leadership, tenacity and compassion have helped drive tremendous progress in diabetes research, treatment and prevention. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and partnership, and for the lasting legacy she has built through her leadership of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. I am also pleased that Dr. Kim Schrier will join me in leading the Caucus in the 120th Congress, should voters place their continued trust in us to serve. As a pediatrician who also lives with Type 1 diabetes, she brings firsthand experience to the issues facing patients and families. I look forward to continuing the Caucus\u2019s bipartisan work to improve diabetes care, lower costs, advance lifesaving research and pursue our ultimate goal of finding a cure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe American Diabetes Association is thrilled that Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D., will be the next co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus,\u201d saidAmerican Diabetes Association Chief Advocacy Officer Lisa Murdock. \u201cCongresswoman Schrier has demonstrated her leadership on behalf of those with diabetes, including commitment to ensuring access to medicines and technology. Her experience living with diabetes and as a pediatrician enable her to have valuable insight into the needs of the diabetes community and the policies necessary to support them. We look forward to working in partnership with Congresswoman Schrier as she takes on this new role. As we welcome Congresswoman Schrier, we want to express our gratitude to Congresswoman Diana DeGette for her leadership of the Diabetes Caucus who has tirelessly advocated for legislation to improve diabetes research, education, and treatment, as well as contributed to efforts that resulted in growing the Diabetes Caucus into the largest caucus in Congress. Her many years of service to those living with diabetes cannot be overstated.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) are thrilled that Congresswoman Kim Schrier is becoming a House Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus,\u201d saidGeorge Huntley, CEO of the Diabetes Leadership Council & Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. \u201cThis is a natural extension of the critical work she is doing on behalf of the diabetes community, including introducing the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Congresswoman Schrier in her new role. We also want to thank Congresswoman Diana DeGette for her many years of service leading the Caucus and for all that she has done for people with diabetes.\u201d\n\n\u201cRep. Kim Schrier's leadership, clinical perspective and personal experience will be a tremendous asset to the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. The Endocrine Society is grateful to Rep. Diana DeGette for her tireless efforts to elevate diabetes as a national priority and improve care for people living with the disease,\u201d said Endocrine Society President Nanette Santoro, MD, E. Stewart Taylor Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, Colorado. \u201cDiabetes affects tens of millions of Americans and places an enormous burden on individuals, families, and our healthcare system. As an organization dedicated to improving hormone health, the Endocrine Society prioritizes diabetes prevention, treatment and research, and we look forward to partnering with Reps. Schrier and Bilirakis to advance policies that help people living with diabetes.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to work with Congresswoman DeGette,\u201d saidBreakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr. \u201cHer legacy for the T1D community is unparalleled. From the Special Diabetes Program to the 21st Century Cures Act, stem cell research, and the INSULIN Act, her vision and determination have saved lives, transformed care, and significantly advanced the pursuit of cures. She has truly been a steadfast champion for everyone affected by T1D, and even now in her final months in Congress, she is working tirelessly to accomplish as much as possible for the community she has served for so long. She is an inspiration, and we will deeply miss her and her powerful voice in Congress. Congresswoman Schrier is a worthy successor who has her own legacy as a leader for the T1D community on Capitol Hill. As a pediatrician and the only sitting member of Congress living with type 1 diabetes herself, she understands the stakes and the day-to-day realities of managing this disease. She knows firsthand the needs of the community. We are grateful to her for taking on this new role and responsibility and look forward to working alongside her and her fellow caucus members to accelerate cures and improve the lives of all those affected by T1D.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: The mission of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus is to educate members of Congress and their staff about diabetes and support legislative activities that improve diabetes research, education and treatment. The Diabetes Caucus, under the leadership of Reps DeGette and Bilirakis, has been the driving force behind some of the most significant advancements in diabetes care, prevention, and research in modern history, including:\n\nHistoric Funding Increases for Dedicated Programs: Led the successful, multi-year push to increase funding for the Special Statutory Funding Program for Type 1 Diabetes (SDP) and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) from $30 million a year to $200 million a year.\n\nSignificant Investments in National Research: Championed the expansion of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) budget, increasing its appropriations from under $1 billion to over $2.3 billion to accelerate the search for a cure.\n\nExpanded Access to Lifesaving Technology: Successfully pushed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve coverage and access for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), revolutionizing daily care for seniors with diabetes.\n\nGroundbreaking Prevention Initiatives: Led the effort to establish the National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) and successfully put the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program into statute, focusing federal efforts on stopping the disease before it starts.\n\nTackling the Root Causes of High Insulin Costs: Spearheaded some of the earliest Congressional investigations into how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) drive up the cost of insulin. These early efforts laid the crucial groundwork for major PBM reforms and advanced policies to make it easier to bring lower-cost biosimilar insulins to the market.\n\nAs the Caucus enters this new chapter, its leadership will remain committed to passing legislation that improves the lives of the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes and over 115 million living with prediabetes. For more information on the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and its ongoing initiatives, please visit diabetescaucus-degette.house.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-final-approval-of-25m-federal-grant-for-new-lummi-island-ferry-and-dock-upgrades", "Cantwell Hails Final Approval of $25M Federal Grant for New Lummi Island Ferry and Dock Upgrades", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Hails Final Approval of $25M Federal Grant for New Lummi Island Ferry and Dock Upgrades\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Whatcom County and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have announced they have finalized a $25 million federal grant that will allow Whatcom County to replace the 64-year-old Lummi Island ferry with a state-of-the-art vessel and rebuild the aging ferry terminal.\n\nThe grant came from DOT\u2019s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, which was championed by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee.\n\n\u201cThis federal investment will allow construction to begin to replace a 64-year-old ferry used by over 175,000 passengers each year as the only link between Lummi Island and mainland Whatcom County,\u201d said Sen. Cantwell. \u201cNow and for decades to come, residents will have a reliable way to get to the mainland for vital services like jobs, groceries, education, and health care.\u201d\n\nSen. Cantwell visited Lummi Island and rode the existing ferry when the grant was first announced back in summer of 2022. Photos of her visit are available HERE, b-roll of Sen. Cantwell stepping off the Lummi Island Ferry is available HERE, and a transcript of her remarks is available HERE.\n\nLummi Island is a rural community, with the ferry producing the only connection between the island and the mainland of Whatcom County. The Lummi Island Ferry is located on Lummi Nation land.\n\nThe Lummi Island Ferry is one of the state\u2019s oldest vessels and is well past the end of its useful life. The RAISE grant for the Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project will help replace the ferry with a battery-hybrid vessel that would reduce emissions and increase ridership capacity to meet future growth.\n\nThis funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray to then-Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in March 2022.\n\nRAISE grants, which were originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants, can be used for a wide variety of infrastructure projects with local or regional impact. As then-chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Technology Committee, Sen. Cantwell worked to authorize the RAISE grant program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided the program with $7.5 billion over five years, a 50 percent increase in funding.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-demand-answers-on-trump-admins-rapid-sweeping-changes-to-nuclear-safety-measures-putting-workers-and-the-public-at-risk/", "Murray, Kaptur Demand Answers on Trump Admin\u2019s Rapid & Sweeping Changes to Nuclear Safety Measures, Putting Workers and the Public at Risk", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Ho K. Nieh about the broad changes being made at the NRC to regulations, security, organizational structure, and more, which could threaten worker safety at nuclear facilities and impair independent oversight. The NRC has been quickly making these changes and rehauling the organization without providing time for public input or transparency.\n\nNRC, a statutorily independent agency, has been undertaking wholesale revision of its regulations, guidance, oversight processes, and organizational structure pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14300, \u201cOrdering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,\u201d that President Trump signed on May 23, 2025. These sweeping changes encompass 47 regulations, 27 rulemakings, and 71 guidance documents.\n\n\u201cThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission is undertaking wholesale revision of its regulations, guidance, oversight processes, and organizational structure,\u201d write Murray and Kaptur. \u201cWe support efforts to ensure that the NRC\u2019s regulatory framework is efficient, risk-informed, and capable of supporting the safe and secure deployment of nuclear energy. However, the breadth of the changes currently underway raises significant questions about whether the NRC has adequately evaluated the cumulative effects of these reforms on nuclear safety, security, independent oversight, and public confidence.\u201d\n\nMurray and Kaptur express deep concern for NRC plans to remove \u201cas low as reasonably achievable\u201d (ALARA) radiation safety requirements, endangering workers\u2019 safety: \u201cWe are particularly concerned about the proposed revisions to the NRC\u2019s radiation protection framework. The NRC proposes to remove regulatory requirements implementing the \u2018as low as reasonably achievable\u2019 (ALARA) principle and replace them with a determinate, graded approach to dose management based on defined thresholds. The proposal would also establish a new planned occupational dose limit extension permitting multi-year averaging of doses, revise monitoring and reporting requirements, and allow licensees in certain circumstances to request higher public dose limits for controlled areas and restricted situations.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe scale of this regulatory revision effort also warrants greater transparency regarding its costs, benefits, and resource implications. Given the scope of these changes, Congress needs to understand the analytical basis for the NRC\u2019s determination that the proposed reforms will improve efficiency without compromising safety, security, or regulatory effectiveness. In particular, the NRC should be able to identify the specific requirements being eliminated or modified, explain the basis for each change, and demonstrate how the revised framework will continue to provide adequate protection,\u201d Murray and Kaptur continue.\n\nMurray and Kaptur conclude by demanding more information about the NRC\u2019s extensive changes to its regulations, guidance, oversight process, security programs, and organizational structure, and by urging caution and sorely needed transparency: \u201cWe therefore urge the NRC to proceed with appropriate caution and transparency as it implements these sweeping changes. Congress has a responsibility to understand how and why the Nation\u2019s nuclear safety regulator is changing its regulatory framework, and to ensure that those changes do not inadvertently weaken the protections that are required to maintain the safety of the U.S. nuclear fleet.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Chairman Nieh:\n\nThe Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the \u201cNRC\u201d or \u201cAgency\u201d) is undertaking wholesale revision of its regulations, guidance, oversight processes, and organizational structure pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14300, encompassing 47 regulations, 27 rulemakings, and 71 guidance documents. The NRC has also updated and \u201crebaselined\u201d its Reactor Oversight Process and security programs, completed a reorganization, and is proceeding with broader efforts to reform the Agency\u2019s culture. We support efforts to ensure that the NRC\u2019s regulatory framework is efficient, risk-informed, and capable of supporting the safe and secure deployment of nuclear energy. However, the breadth of the changes currently underway raises significant questions about whether the NRC has adequately evaluated the cumulative effects of these reforms on nuclear safety, security, independent oversight, and public confidence.\n\nOn July 15, 2026, the NRC published a proposed rule revising its radiation protection framework (91 Fed. Reg. 43456). We are particularly concerned about the proposed revisions to the NRC\u2019s radiation protection framework. The NRC proposes to remove regulatory requirements implementing the \u201cas low as reasonably achievable\u201d (ALARA) principle and replace them with a determinate, graded approach to dose management based on defined thresholds. The proposal would also establish a new planned occupational dose limit extension permitting multi-year averaging of doses, revise monitoring and reporting requirements, and allow licensees in certain circumstances to request higher public dose limits for controlled areas and restricted situations.\n\nThe scale of this regulatory revision effort also warrants greater transparency regarding its costs, benefits, and resource implications. Given the scope of these changes, Congress needs to understand the analytical basis for the NRC\u2019s determination that the proposed reforms will improve efficiency without compromising safety, security, or regulatory effectiveness. In particular, the NRC should be able to identify the specific requirements being eliminated or modified, explain the basis for each change, and demonstrate how the revised framework will continue to provide adequate protection.\n\nAccordingly, please provide the following information within 15 days of the date of this letter:\n\nA complete list of all NRC regulations, guidance documents, oversight processes, security programs, and other regulatory requirements that have been or are expected to be modified, eliminated, consolidated, or otherwise affected as part of the NRC\u2019s implementation of E.O. 14300.\n\nFor each regulation, guidance document, or other requirement that has been materially modified or eliminated, the NRC\u2019s justification for the change, including the statutory, regulatory, technical, scientific, or operational basis relied upon.\n\nA complete description of the process used to identify, develop, review, and approve the 27 E.O. 14300 rulemakings to date, including the roles of the NRC\u2019s leadership, program offices, and the Office of the General Counsel; the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards; and other independent or advisory bodies.\n\nFor each of the rulemakings, the staff hours and full-time equivalents expended to date and projected through completion, by office, and the associated dollar cost by fiscal year.\n\nFor those costs, an identification of what portion is recovered as a service fee under 10 C.F.R. Part 170, what portion is recovered through annual fees under 10 C.F.R. Part 171, and what portion is excluded from fee recovery under 42 U.S.C. 2215, together with the resulting effect on annual fees assessed to materials and medical licensees.\n\nAll non-concurrences filed under the NRC\u2019s Non-Concurrence Process and all differing professional opinions submitted under the Differing Professional Opinions Program relating to any rulemaking, guidance revision, oversight process change, or reorganization undertaken pursuant to E.O. 14300 to date, together with the management responses to each; all letters from the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards addressing those actions and the staff\u2019s responses; and, for each action the NRC has voted on, the vote sheets and any additional views of individual Commissioners.\n\nFor each completed or proposed rulemaking, the analyses conducted to determine whether the changes could affect nuclear safety, radiation protection, physical security, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, or the NRC\u2019s ability to conduct effective oversight.\n\nA description of the criteria the NRC is using to determine that revised or eliminated requirements will provide protection equivalent to or greater than the requirements they replace.\n\nWith respect to the proposed radiation protection framework, a detailed explanation of the scientific and technical basis for replacing ALARA requirements with determinate dose thresholds, including the analyses used to evaluate the potential effects on workers and members of the public.\n\nWith respect to the proposed changes to occupational dose limits and monitoring requirements, an explanation of the basis for allowing multi-year averaging of occupational doses and establishing a reporting threshold tied to a five-year assessment.\n\nA description of the NRC\u2019s engagement with radiation workers and the organizations representing them on the proposed changes to occupational dose limits and monitoring requirements, including the dates, participants, and subject of any such engagement; any analysis of the effects of the proposed planned occupational dose limit extension on the health of the affected workforce, including any evaluation of collective dose; and occupational exposure data for the past 10 years sufficient to establish a baseline against which the effects of the revised framework can be measured.\n\nWith respect to the proposed changes to public dose limits, identify the circumstances under which a licensee could receive authorization for a higher dose limit, the maximum limits contemplated, and the controls and review criteria that would apply to such requests.\n\nAll regulatory analyses, cost-benefit analyses, safety evaluations, scientific assessments, risk assessments, technical reports, legal analyses, decision memoranda, and other documents used to support the changes being undertaken pursuant to E.O. 14300.\n\nA description of the NRC\u2019s process for identifying and monitoring unintended consequences resulting from the regulatory changes, including deterioration in safety performance, reduced regulatory visibility, increased radiation exposure, or other adverse outcomes.\n\nThe specific, outcome-oriented goals and performance measures the NRC will use to evaluate the implementation of E.O. 14300, including baseline data against which changes in safety performance, occupational exposure, public exposure, inspection findings, enforcement actions, licensing timelines, and other relevant outcomes will be measured.\n\nA description of the circumstances or performance thresholds that would cause the NRC to reconsider, modify, or restore a requirement that has been eliminated or substantially revised pursuant to E.O. 14300.\n\nAn identification of any licensing review, inspection, or oversight activity that has been deferred, narrowed, or reprioritized to absorb this workload, by office and fiscal year, and the fiscal year 2026 appropriation and the fiscal year 2027 President\u2019s Budget Request amounts that supports implementation of E.O. 14300.\n\nThe NRC plays a unique and important role in protecting the American public from the risks associated with nuclear technology. We recognize the importance of maintaining a regulatory framework that is efficient, predictable, risk-informed, and capable of supporting the continued operation of the existing nuclear fleet and the deployment of new nuclear technologies. The NRC\u2019s own materials identify these objectives as central to its implementation of E.O. 14300.\n\nWe therefore urge the NRC to proceed with appropriate caution and transparency as it implements these sweeping changes. Congress has a responsibility to understand how and why the Nation\u2019s nuclear safety regulator is changing its regulatory framework, and to ensure that those changes do not inadvertently weaken the protections that are required to maintain the safety of the U.S. nuclear fleet.\n\nWe look forward to your response within 15 days.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-trumps-latest-plan-to-politicize-lifesaving-nih-research/", "Senator Murray on Trump\u2019s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump\u2019s latest reported plans to issue an executive order to establish an external review committee empowered to veto any awards selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to receive funding.\n\n\u201cWhether lifesaving medical research gets funded or not should be determined by experts at the NIH\u2014not a panel of lackeys chosen by Donald Trump and Russ Vought. Under this scheme, a single political appointee could kill a cancer study or an Alzheimer\u2019s trial with no scientific reason at all.\n\n\u201cOnly one question should decide which research gets funded: is this good science that could save lives? Trump wants to answer a different question: does this help me settle a score? NIH funding doesn\u2019t belong to Donald Trump\u2014it belongs to the patients and families waiting on the next medical breakthrough.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump will stop at nothing to defund medical research that fundamentally changes the lives of patients and families across the country, and Republicans need to join us to put a stop to any effort by this administration to politicize what groundbreaking new treatments and cures we decide as a country to invest in\u2014whether that\u2019s an OMB rule or a new executive order.\n\n\u201cBreast cancer patients shouldn\u2019t be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because Russ Vought thinks women\u2019s health research is woke. Researchers at UW, Fred Hutch, and labs across Washington state and the country are working on cures that families are counting on; I\u2019m going to fight this corrupt heist every step of the way.\u201d\n\nSenator Murray has raised alarms and fought back against this administration\u2019s nonstop efforts to politicize, cut, and defund all manner of lifesaving medical research. She and her Democratic colleagues in Congress also successfully fought to secure language in the recently enacted continuing resolution (CR) to block the Office of Management and Budget\u2019s (OMB) attempt to politicize every aspect of the federal grantmaking process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-merkley-lead-bicameral-resolution-honor-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and", "Randall, Merkley Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America\u2019s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers", "2026-09-20", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Emily Randall", "R000621", "randall.house.gov", "randall", "https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last week, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day.\n\nNational LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the repeal of \u2018Don\u2019t Ask, Don\u2019t Tell\u2019 in 2011 and recognizes the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans who have served our nation. It is estimated that more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity between World War II and 2011.\n\n\u201cService members and Veterans who\u2019ve proudly served our country deserve respect and care no matter who they are or who they love. But this Administration continues to push out trans and queer service members using discriminatory policies that don\u2019t make our military more prepared or our nation more secure. Unacceptable,\u201d said Rep. Randall. \u201cToday, on the 15-year anniversary of the repeal of \u2018Don\u2019t Ask, Don\u2019t Tell,\u2019 \u2013 the long-standing policy that kept LGBTQ+ service members in the closet \u2013 we honor all LGBTQ+ Americans who have bravely served our country. Today we recommit to fighting for every veteran to receive the dignity, support, and benefits they\u2019ve earned.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation,\u201d said Sen. Merkley. \u201cThese heroes put on their uniform knowing their country would likely ask them to hide who they are, deny who they love, or punish them simply for living openly. For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have answered the call to serve, and we should honor their service and acknowledge the discrimination they endured.\u201d\n\nThe resolution calls for greater awareness of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discriminatory military policies, unjust discharges, and bans on transgender military service and health care. It also urges the federal government to support LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans and ensure they receive the recognition and benefits they have earned through their service.\n\nThe Trump Administration continues to pursue policies restricting transgender Americans\u2019 ability to serve openly in the military. The ban on transgender military service and additional restrictions on gender-affirming care continue to be litigated in federal court, with the Trump Administration asking the Supreme Court to uphold the ban on transgender troops, threatening the careers of thousands of servicemembers who serve in critical national security roles.\n\nRandall and Merkley have led the charge in Congress to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against our servicemembers. Previously, Merkley wrote the No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act, which would ensure that Trump\u2019s hateful anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders, including the ban on transgender servicemembers, have no force or effect, and that no federal funds are used to implement, administer, enforce, or carry out those executive orders.\n\nIn addition to Randall and Merkley, this resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representatives Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08).\n\nThis resolution is endorsed by the Human Rights Campaign, Minority Veterans of America, Modern Military Association of America, Advocates for Transgender Equality, Out in National Security, National Women\u2019s Law Center Action Fund, Black Veterans Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), and SPARTA Pride.\n\n\u201cFor generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have felt called to service in the U.S. Armed Forces, even as they were prevented from serving openly until recent years. The dire predictions \u2013 lately resurrected by anti-equality figures \u2013 that claimed that recognizing LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans would somehow harm military readiness or effectiveness, have been conclusively and forever debunked. At a time when transgender servicemembers are seeing their service cut short for no good reason, it\u2019s good to remember we all owe a debt of gratitude to our LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, and we thank Sen. Merkley and Rep. Randall for this resolution to honor them,\u201d said Jennifer Pike Bailey, Human Rights Campaign Senior Director of Government Affairs.\n\n\u201cLGBTQ+ Americans have answered the call to serve this country for generations, often at extraordinary cost to themselves, their families, and their futures,\u201d said Lindsay Church, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America. \u201cThey put on the uniform knowing their country would likely ask them to hide who they were, deny who they loved, or punish them simply for living openly. LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day is our declaration that our service will not be erased and our sacrifices will not be forgotten. We honor those who served, we reckon with what has been done to them in the name of national defense, and we demand a country worthy of the people who have always been willing to defend it.\u201d\n\n\u201cModern Military Association of America (MMAA) is proud to endorse the National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day Resolution. LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans have defended our nation with courage and distinction in every generation, often while confronting discrimination and barriers simply because of who they are. Even when our nation did not always afford them the dignity or recognition they deserved, they continued to serve and sacrifice. Their service, sacrifice, and stories are an essential part of American military history. We also recognize the families who have supported them and the importance of ensuring servicemembers, veterans, and their families have access to the care they need, including gender-affirming care. This resolution provides an important opportunity to recognize their contributions, acknowledge the harm caused by discriminatory policies, and honor and preserve their legacy for generations to come. MMAA is proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ military and veteran community in honoring their service, sacrifice, and enduring contributions to our nation,\u201d said Hale Allegretti, Modern Military Chair of the Board of Directors, U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. (ret.).\n\n\u201cLGBTQ+ Americans have served our country from the founding of the Republic, including during decades when their government asked for their service while denying them equal treatment. National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day honors that service and sacrifice, recognizes the costs of exclusion, and affirms that everyone who raises their hand to serve deserves dignity, respect, and the benefits they have earned. We are grateful to Senator Merkley and Representative Randall for recognizing the generations of LGBTQ+ Americans who have worn the uniform,\u201d said Lucas F. Schleusener, CEO of Out in National Security.\n\n\u201cAt a time of immense national security challenges, tens of thousands of LGBTQIA+ people are answering the call and proudly serving our nation through military service,\u201d said Brian Dittmeier, Director of LGBTQI+ Equality at the National Women\u2019s Law Center Action Fund. \u201cTheir selfless service is undermined by the ongoing attacks by the Trump administration, which is forcing trans people out of military careers and ripping away the benefits they\u2019ve earned through their service. LGBTQIA+ service members and veterans have had to overcome a long legacy of discrimination and exclusion in the military, but despite these challenges, they have continued to excel and rise through the ranks. Now, more than ever, we need leaders in Congress who are willing to stand with our service members and veterans as the administration senselessly undermines our military\u2019s recruitment and readiness. This resolution, led by Sen. Merkley and Rep. Randall, is an important step in ensuring that anyone can put themselves forth to serve this country, regardless of who they are or who they love.\u201d\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-21T10:25:24Z", "2026-09-21T10:26:54Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-celebrated-by-southwest-washington-ukrainian-community-upon-returning-home", "Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Celebrated by Southwest Washington Ukrainian Community Upon Returning Home", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "VANCOUVER, WA \u2014 Upon her return to PDX International Airport late in the evening on a school night, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was welcomed by a large crowd of local Ukrainian American families to celebrate her recent vote to pass additional harsh sanctions targeting Russia\u2019s ability to finance its war against Ukraine and to thank her for being one of only two Democrats to vote to ensure this sanctions package reached the House floor.\n\nOn Tuesday, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez cast the deciding vote on the motion that brought the Russia sanctions package to the House floor. In recent months, Russia has targeted Ukrainian population centers with relentless waves of drone attacks. This sanction package targets Russia\u2019s ability to finance its war against Ukraine by penalizing the biggest buyers of Russian oil.\n\nOn Wednesday, the sanctions bill passed in the House 262-159, with 58 Democrats supporting. The legislation previously passed the United States Senate on a bipartisan basis 86-11 on August 7, 2026, including support of both U.S. Senators from Washington, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law soon.\n\nVideo of her arrival can be watched HERE.\n\nMembers of the Southwest Washington Ukrainian community thank Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez for her vote of support.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez is greeted by Mikhail Pavenko, a volunteer Chaplain serving alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez hands out sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, gifted to her by the delegation.\n\nRep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is greeted by Ihor Levkiv, President of the Ukrainian-American Cultural Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez greets local constituents of Ukrainian heritage.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez is welcomed by constituents thanking her for her support of the Ukrainian community.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez discusses support for Ukraine with a constituent at PDX.\n\nA folder with the above images for download can be found HERE.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez is a proud supporter of Ukraine\u2019s fight to stop Russia\u2019s invasion and has worked continuously to aid Ukrainian refugees displaced by the conflict. In 2024, she introduced the Defending Borders, Defending Democracies Act and voted to pass HR 813, allocating over $60 billion in funding for Ukrainian defense. More recently in the FY27 Defense Appropriations markup, she spoke in support of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a provision to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability to support Ukrainian defense.\n\nAdditionally, Rep Gluesenkamp Perez supports Ukrainians living in Southwest Washington through her casework operation, helping constituents facing issues with federal agencies. To get in touch or learn about how her office can help with federal agencies, please visit her casework page or Ukrainian Language casework page.\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/18/jayapal-wilson-booker-introduce-legislation-to-combat-high-rate-of-heart-disease-in-south-asian-americans/", "Jayapal, Wilson, Booker Introduce Legislation to Combat High Rate of Heart Disease in South Asian Americans", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) are reintroducing the bipartisan South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, landmark legislation to both raise awareness about the alarming rate of heart disease for South Asians across the United States and put resources and strategies toward reversing this deadly trend for all communities.\n\n\u201cAs the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, I\u2019m fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factors in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those living with it get the resources, treatment, and support they need,\u201d said Rep. Jayapal. \u201cHeart disease has been the leading cause of death for over a century, and it is even more dire in the South Asian community. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is essential legislation that ensures that we have the research, resources, and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in the South Asian community and beyond.\u201d\n\n\u201cHeart disease disproportionately affects certain populations such as the South Asian community, and this bill will expand research and education to benefit those communities. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill passed the House in multiple previous Congresses, and I look forward to its final passage into law,\u201d said Rep. Joe Wilson.\n\n\u201cHeart disease is taking South Asian Americans from their families at rates the medical community still doesn\u2019t fully understand,\u201d said Senator Booker. \u201d This bill puts real research dollars behind the risk factors hiding in plain sight, so doctors can catch what they\u2019ve been missing. Every community deserves to have its heart health taken seriously, not treated as an afterthought.\u201d\n\nStudies show that South Asians in the United States \u2013 people who immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal \u2013 are experiencing a dramatic rise in heart disease and face four times the risk of heart disease compared to the general population. Despite making up 25 percent of the world\u2019s population, South Asians account for a disproportionate 60 percent of the world\u2019s heart disease cases and over 50 percent of the world\u2019s cardiovascular deaths. Almost two-thirds of middle-aged South Asian Americans are at intermediate or high risk for heart failure within the next 10 years, and because research agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not disaggregate medical data for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, it is nearly impossible to examine data on South Asian Americans.\n\nHeart disease is widely prevalent in the United States, but is not well understood. One person in America dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease, and costs associated with heart disease in the United States \u2014 including indirect costs \u2014 exceed $500 billion annually and is projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2035.\n\nThe South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act would authorize the HHS Secretary to make grants available to states to promote awareness of the increasing prevalence of heart disease in South Asian communities. These grants can be used to:\n\nDevelop culturally appropriate materials on topics such as nutrition education, optimal diet plans, and programs for regular exercise.\n\nSupport heart health promotion activities of community organizations that work with or serve communities disproportionately affected by heart disease.\n\nSupport conferences or workshops on research practices, methodology, and design to include more members of communities disproportionately affected by heart disease in scientific studies.\n\nThe legislation also directs the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the grant activities and any data gathered related to heart disease in disproportionately impacted communities and authorizes funding for these programs through 2028.\n\n\u201cSouth Asian Americans have faced a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease for far too long, while gaps in data, research, and culturally responsive prevention continue to limit our ability to address it. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is an important commitment to changing that by investing in the evidence and community-based public health efforts needed to prevent disease and improve outcomes. SAPHA has supported this legislation for years, and we urge lawmakers to support the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act and its efforts to expand culturally appropriate heart health education and prevention, strengthen community-based outreach, and improve research on cardiovascular disease in South Asian communities,\u201d said Samira Khan, MPH, CHES President, South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA)\n\nThe South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is sponsored by representatives Nanette Barrag\u00e1n (CA-44), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Henry Johnson (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Adam Smith (WA-09), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Shri Thanedar (MI-13).\n\nThe legislation has been endorsed by the American Heart Association, the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), El Camino Health, Indian American Impact, MASALA Study, the National Asian Pacific American Women\u2019s Forum, the South Asian Health Initiative (SAHELI) and the South Asian Public Health Association (SAPHA).", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-schrier-led-patients-first-act-and-five-other-healthcare-bills-featured", "ICYMI: Schrier-Led Patients First Act and Five Other Healthcare Bills Featured During Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined her colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for a health subcommittee hearing titled \u201cExamining Legislative Proposals to Reform Medicare Provider Payment and Bolster Health Care Cybersecurity.\u201d During the hearing, Congresswoman Schrier advocated for six of her bills \u2013 including her bipartisan Patients First Act that aims to establish comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform.\n\nDuring the hearing, Congresswoman Schrier said: \u201cIt\u2019s time for Congress to right the ship and to enact long-term reform to physician payment. We can\u2019t pass another short term fix, and leave everyone on edge until the end of the year like we\u2019ve done for so many years. Without Patients First, physician practices will continue to close or be bought out by large hospital systems, private equity, or insurance companies, and that just raises the cost of care for everyone.\u201d\n\n\u201cAnd without support for primary care, we can expect to see fewer and fewer medical students pursue that path. I urge this committee to move this legislation to straight markup. We need to pass the Patients First Act immediately,\" Schrier continued.\n\nMore information on Schrier\u2019s six bills that were featured in today\u2019s hearing can be found below:\n\nH.R. 9693, The Patients First Act of 2026 (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03))\n\nH.R. 8163, The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) and Brad Schneider (IL-10))\n\nH.R. 4331, The Access to Claims Data Act(Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13))\n\nH.R. 9908, The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Erin Houchin (IN-09))\n\nH.R. 1254, The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (Led by Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Young Kim (CA-40), and Dan Meuser (PA-09))\n\nH.R. 7905, The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Diana DeGette (CO-01))\n\nWatch Congresswoman Schrier\u2019 remarks HERE.\n\nWatch the full hearing HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schatz-shaheen-reed-warner-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike/", "Murray, Schatz, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cReports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration\u2019s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon\u2019s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4461", "DelBene, LaHood Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage Prepared Meal Donations", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene and Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act. This legislation would encourage restaurants and retail food establishments to donate prepared meals to charitable organizations serving communities across the country by creating new tax incentives for donations.\n\nCurrently, businesses and individuals can receive tax deductions for bulk food donations. However, no deduction or credit exists for prepared meals donated to nonprofit organizations that takes into consideration the added costs of food preparation.\n\nThe Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act establishes a new nonrefundable credit for eligible businesses that donate prepared meals to charitable organizations. Specifically, the bill would:\n\nProvide a 50% tax credit for the fair market value of qualified prepared meal donations, with a maximum credit of $7 per meal, adjusted to inflation;\n\nCap the credit at $50,000 per year;\n\nInclude guardrails to prevent businesses from double dipping by claiming both the prepared meal credit and the existing charitable deduction for any food donation; and\n\nRetain the same health and food safety standards for kitchens and donated meals as already required for commercial restaurant service.\n\n\u201cMillions of families across the country are struggling to reliably put food on the table because of rising grocery bills and a more expensive economy. Our food pantries and local nonprofits are stretched thin and cannot meet the demand in their communities. Meanwhile, restaurants are also contending with higher overhead costs and fewer customers,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cThis legislation helps address both problems by providing restaurants with incentives to donate prepared meals directly to nonprofits serving hungry families. It will support restaurants, their workers, and families who don\u2019t have enough to eat.\u201d\n\n\u201cRestaurants and food retailers in Illinois and throughout the country have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by donating prepared meals to organizations that can put them directly into the hands of people in need,\u201d said LaHood. \u201cThe Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act provides a commonsense incentive for businesses to be charitable and turn surplus prepared food into meals for families and individuals who need them. By encouraging these donations, we can help strengthen our communities and make sure good food reaches the people who need it most.\u201d\n\n\"Restaurants are more than places where people eat \u2013 they are a vital part of our community infrastructure, with the kitchens, talent, and local relationships to help address food insecurity at scale,\u201d said Matt Jozwiak, Founder and CEO of Rethink Food. \u201cThe Meals for Communities Tax Credit creates a practical way to unlock that capacity, helping local restaurants stay strong while providing nutritious, chef-prepared meals to neighbors who need them. We\u2019re grateful to Representatives LaHood and DelBene for recognizing that supporting small businesses and strengthening food access can, and should, go hand in hand.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) also joined the legislation as an original cosponsor.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/17/jayapal-hosts-hearing-on-big-tech-and-surveillance-ai/", "Jayapal Hosts Hearing on Big Tech and Surveillance AI", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "The full hearing can be watched HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), co-chair of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, hosted a hearing on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy as Big Tech monopolists aim to take over the industry and find new ways to profit off the surveillance of Americans. Surveillance AI is rapidly becoming more dangerous, with whistleblowers sounding the alarm that it could pose a serious threat to human life. Yet the powerful companies building AI are being left to write their own rules.\n\nThis hearing examined the harms of surveillance AI and Members heard testimony from Dr. Jason Sattizahn, a former Meta employee and whistleblower; Leila Turner-Scott, a mother whose son died after following so-called safety guidance from ChatGPT; Amba Kak, the Co-Executive Director of the AI Now Institute and former Senior Advisor on AI at the Federal Trade Commission and; and Eliza Pan, the co-founder of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice.\n\n\u201cThis hearing could not be more timely. After months of communities speaking out and organizing across the country against data centers and threats of artificial intelligence, now top researchers and even CEOs from those AI companies are also beginning to speak out about their own concerns that artificial intelligence is advancing so rapidly and recklessly that even they believe it could lead to the extinction of humanity. These companies do not exist in a vacuum. They come from a world in which Big Tech corporations and large AI companies backed by those same corporations wield enormous power over the entire AI stack, whether it is the advanced chips, cloud computing, or the models themselves. This has created a closed loop of a few interdependent giants. Before we let this industry lock in its current shape for good, we need real structural solutions to break this oligopoly control and surveillance regime. That\u2019s why I will soon be releasing a bill that would establish a national federal charter for AI companies, just like we do with banks. These companies would need a charter to operate, and the charter would be conditioned on structural reforms to ensure that the American people\u2019s interest comes first,\u201d said Jayapal.\n\n\u201cAI surveillance is already inescapable in the technology we use everyday. Grandiose doomsday claims about AI only benefit Meta and other tech companies, because it distracts from this fact and attempts to convince Americans that AI capabilities are beyond their understanding. This is not true. Unfortunately, it is up to all of us to understand how these companies have already siphoned our data without our true consent and push back. We would be foolish to even consider allowing tech companies to regulate themselves, and we should not assume that they will approach policy conversations in good faith. Profit margins drive these companies\u2019 decisions around AI and the use of your data. Period,\u201d said Dr. Jason Sattizahn.\n\n\u201cSince Sam\u2019s death, I\u2019ve learned that one of the most dangerous ways that OpenAI kept him engaged is from the way it programmed ChatGPT\u2019s short and long-term memory. These features are on by default and let the chatbot save the data Sam gave it to create a profile of him. OpenAI collected and stored information about every aspect of my child\u2019s life, drawing him further in by \u2018remembering\u2019 personal things about him. Sam thought he was being safe. He thought he was \u2018researching\u2019 substances with this invention that, in his mind, had all of the information on the internet to generate accurate outputs and help keep him safe. But the goal of ChatGPT was not to keep Sam safe; It was only to keep him using the product. Just hours before Sam died, ChatGPT had advised him that it was safe to mix Kratom and Xanax. It is not. This technology is unsafe and our elected officials have a responsibility to use their power to hold AI companies accountable and keep this from happening to anyone else\u2019s child,\u201d said Leila Turner-Scott.\n\n\u201cAt the FTC. I saw firsthand what it meant to go up against power in the tech industry after a decade of consolidation on the backs of unregulated commercial surveillance and a permissive competition regime. We do need new rules, and we don\u2019t have to invent them from scratch. We have a long history of governing banks, utilities, critical infrastructure, with tools like structural separation, nondiscrimination, and supervision. In all of these, we have leverage over market interests, and the ability to gate access to the market on the condition that the public interest is protected,\u201d said Amba Kak, Co-Executive Director of the AI Now Institute and former Senior Advisor on AI at the Federal Trade Commission.\n\n\u201cThe Amazon tech and corporate employees I represent want Congress and the public to know that if we don\u2019t act now to rein them in, Amazon and its execs will build a world in which all working people are surveilled, pushed out of high quality jobs, and terrified to step out of line. There\u2019s a lot of focus on frontier labs, but we need to realize Amazon is the one spending over $200 billion dollars just this year alone to force data centers into communities, and its own employees are sounding the alarm bells,\u201d said Eliza Pan, co-founder of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice.\n\nEach of the witnesses\u2019 full opening statements can be found here:\n\nDr. Jason Sattizahn\n\nLeila Turner-Scott\n\nAmba Kak\n\nEliza Pan\n\nJayapal was joined by Monopoly Busters co-chair, Representative Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Representatives Greg Casar (TX-35), Jes\u00fas G. \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), and Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03).", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-resolution-honoring-gold-star-families", "Newhouse Introduces Resolution Honoring Gold Star Families", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Dan Newhouse", "N000189", "newhouse.house.gov", "newhouse", "https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases", "scraper", "Press Release\n\nFor Immediate Release: September 17, 2026\n\nContact: Max Willens, (202) 738-7716\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives designating the week of September 20-26, 2026, as Gold Star Families Remembrance Week.\n\n\u201cGold Star Families are living reminders that there is a price for the freedom we enjoy every day. The families of these brave men and women have suffered and paid the ultimate price so that others will not.\u201d said Rep. Newhouse.\n\nNewhouse added, \u201cTo honor those lost and those still here, we dedicate Gold Star Remembrance week. My colleagues and I send our gratitude to the thousands of families who keep the memories of their loved ones alive through sharing stories and continue to honor the bravery of those who lost their lives in service to our great Nation.\u201d\n\nA Gold Star Family is a family who has lost an immediate family member while serving on active duty in the armed services of the United States.\n\nRep. Newhouse was joined by 52 of his colleagues in introducing the resolution to honor these families across the country. Original cosponsors include:\n\nReps. Tim Moore (NC-14), Wesley Hunt (TX- 38), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Michael Lawler (NY-17), John Moolenaar (MI-02), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Michael Simpson (ID-02), Brian K. Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Glenn Thompson (PA-15), Andy Barr (KY-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Rick Larsen (WA-02), David P. Joyce (OH-14),Tim Walberg (MI-05), Tom Barrett (MI-07), Tracey Mann (KS-01), John W. Rose (TN-06), Zachary Nunn (IA-03), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Young Kim (CA-40), David G. Valadao (CA-22), Robert J. Wittman (VA-01), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Mike Carey (OH-15), Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Cory Mills (FL-07), Clay Fuller (GA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), John J. McGuire III (VA-05), August Pfluger (TX-11), Michael A. Rulli (OH-06), Christopher H. Smith (NJ-04), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Mark B. Messmer (IN-08), Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Stephanie I. Bice (OK-05), Neal P. Dunn (FL-02), Brian J. Mast (FL-21), Robert P. Bresnahan Jr. (PA-08), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Mark Alford (MO-04), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Michael Guest (MS-03), Addison P. McDowell (NC-06), Mike Kelly (PA-16), and Randy Feenstra (IA-04).\n\nThe full text of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-historic-opportunity-to-codify-athletes-rights-in-protect-college-sports-act", "Cantwell Hails Historic Opportunity to Codify Athletes\u2019 Rights in Protect College Sports Act", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Hails Historic Opportunity to Codify Athletes\u2019 Rights in Protect College Sports Act\n\n\u201cWe can recognize [these rights], enshrine them today, and make sure that these athletes are protected forever.\u201d; Protect College Sports Act creates historic federal rights and protections for student athletes and secures the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports; aims to rein in runaway spending on athletics that\u2019s harming colleges & students; Today, the Senate advanced the bill 77-22, picking up 4 votes -- 3 Democrats and 1 Republican\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, urged her colleagues to support her bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, a historic opportunity to enshrine athletes\u2019 rights to name, image, and likeness (NIL) revenue \u2013 as well as important health and safety protections \u2013 into federal law.\n\n\u201cWe can recognize [these rights], enshrine them today, and make sure that these athletes are protected forever, including the rights to not have their contracts screwed with, their rights to not have their school override them, the rights to have any amount of money that some business wants to pay them, as long as it is for a valid business purpose,\u201d said Sen. Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor.\n\nSen. Cantwell also outlined the importance of stabilizing college sports. \u201cI want these rules put in place because sports is about any given Saturday,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is not about whether you have a billionaire in your backyard. It is about whether you can coach and recruit and develop and maintain and have academic performance and have fairness \u2026 and have everybody compete and keep the ecosystem in place. But that fairness does not exist today without this bill.\u201d\n\nSen. Cantwell noted that the runaway spending on athletics threatens opportunities in women\u2019s and Olympic sports. \u201cI am not going to have women's and Olympic sports undermined by this system. In fact, there is a poll that shows that 87% of the public ... agree, women's and Olympic sports need to be preserved,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are not going to let runaway boosters who basically want no rules and runaway agents who want to prey on high school kids decide what's going to happen here.\u201d\n\nThe United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has written in support of the bill.\n\nStudent Athlete Advisory Committee Chairs from Divisions I, II, and III, representing the 500,000 student-athletes in the college sports ecosystem, have sent letters of support in favor of passing the Protect College Sports Act.\n\nTeam USA Athletes\u2019 Commission sent a letter of support signed by over a hundred athletes.\n\n19 student-athlete commissions from conferences and individual schools have sent letters supporting the passage of the Protect College Sports Act.\n\nSen. Cantwell spoke ahead of a procedural vote. The Senate advanced the bill 77-22, moving it closer to final passage.\n\nVideo of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s floor speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports and ensure tomorrow\u2019s athletes have the same opportunities as today\u2019s competitors. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026, which she introduced alongside Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chair Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), sets new rules and provides new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes\u2019 rights to earn compensation for their NIL, enshrining scholarship and healthcare protections in law, reining in predatory agents, expanding revenue for all schools, and preserving and protecting the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports. On Tuesday, the Senate voted 74-24 to begin debate on the bill.\n\nOn Tuesday, Sen. Cantwell\u2019s office also released a snapshot report detailing how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying financial pressures on colleges and universities. That report can be read in full HERE.\n\nMonday, Sen. Cantwell joined current college athletes, coaches, and senators from both parties for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act. That press conference, which also included Gonzaga University head men\u2019s basketball coach Mark Few, can be watched in full HERE.\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act\u2019s new guaranteed protections for student athletes include:", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war", "Cantwell Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War\n\nPentagon greatly underestimates cost of Iran war to taxpayers & families, senators write in letter to SecDef Hegseth\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 45 of her colleagues in the Democratic Senate caucus in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran.\n\nThe letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cNow you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.\u201d\n\nThe United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the senators note that deployments, including for the USS Abraham Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. The aircraft carrier \u2013 which the Navy recently indicated is likely coming to Bremerton \u2013 was at sea for 286 days, a modern record, and concerns were raised by the crew and their families.\n\nIn their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon\u2019s transparency record with past wartime practice, noting that Hegseth has briefed Congress only seven times in six months and held just eight Pentagon press briefings or interviews since the war began, compared to more than 70 press briefings in the first month of the Iraq War alone. The senators also criticized the administration\u2019s public supplemental funding request as a seven-page document offering only vague line items, in contrast to the detailed, hundred-page supplemental requests provided to Congress during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.\n\nSenators are requesting that the Department of Defense provide:\n\nA detailed breakdown of all direct and indirect costs of military operations against Iran to date, including damage to installations, aircraft, and equipment.\n\nA full accounting of the $67 billion supplemental request, specifying what covers past costs versus future operations.\n\nA detailed plan for how the Pentagon intends to spend the remaining $34 billion from the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act.\n\n\u201cDespite asking for tens of billions of additional taxpayer dollars, you have so far failed to provide basic information on how this money has and will be spent,\u201d continued the senators. \u201cCongress must have access to this information to carry out our oversight responsibilities. It is the bare minimum that any American would expect in balancing their own household budget.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4462", "DelBene\u2019s Bill to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Passes House, Heads to Senate", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Suzan DelBene\u2019s (WA-01) Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA). This bipartisan legislation, led with Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), authorizes the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to file amicus briefs in federal tax cases on issues that may broadly affect taxpayer rights. The NTA is currently barred from submitting amicus briefs in federal tax litigation, even in major precedent-setting cases.\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve to have an independent voice represent them in court, especially in cases that could impact them and their tax bill. This bipartisan bill will allow the National Taxpayer Advocate to weigh in on behalf of millions of Americans in these vital cases,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cI thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts to get this through the Ways and Means Committee and now the House so we can better advocate for taxpayers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican taxpayers deserve someone in their corner when their rights are at stake in federal court,\u201d said Steube. \u201cThe National Taxpayer Advocate already fights for taxpayers across the country, but current law does not authorize the Advocate to weigh in on court cases that could impact millions of Americans. My bill closes that gap and makes sure the taxpayer\u2019s voice is heard. I\u2019m pleased to see the House pass TAPA, and I urge the Senate to get it to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nThe bill does not authorize the NTA to represent individual taxpayers, but ensures the Advocate\u2019s systemic expertise can inform judicial proceedings.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-missed-votes", "Congressman Smith Statement on Missed Votes", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 16, 2026) \u2013 Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement\"\n\n\"Over the past few weeks, I have been dealing with some medical issues and was scheduled to have a procedure. Unfortunately, this procedure was postponed, causing me to miss several votes in the House over the past few days in session.\n\n\"My top priority is representing my constituents back in Washington. To do so, I also need to take care of my health and recovery to best serve those in the Ninth District. Thank you for your support and I look forward to getting back to work.\"", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/09/16/baumgartner-applauds-passage-of-the-am-radio-for-every-vehicle-act-of-2025/", "Baumgartner Applauds\u00a0Passage of\u00a0The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Michael Baumgartner", "B001322", "baumgartner.house.gov", "baumgartner", "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "September 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) celebrates passage of The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025. This bipartisan bill would require that AM broadcast stations be accessible in all passenger motor vehicles imported into, shipped within, or manufactured and sold within the United States. \u201cAM radio remains a critical tool for keeping Americans informed, especially when severe weather, wildfires, or other emergencies disrupt our normal communications,\u201d said Congressman Baumgartner. \u201cThe AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 will help ensure drivers can continue to access the important source of emergency information wherever they are.\u201d\n\nThe AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 Background:\n\nAM radio remains an important part of the nation\u2019s emergency alert system, providing a way for communities to receive critical information during emergencies and disasters;\n\nThe legislation directs the DOT to establish rules in consultation with FEMA and the FCC to ensure AM radio is accessible to drivers;\n\nFor vehicles sold before the new requirement takes effect, manufacturers would have to clearly disclose if the vehicle does not include AM radio access and could not charge an additional fee for AM access during that period;\n\nRequires the Government Accountability Office to study how AM radio and other technologies can deliver emergency alerts to people in vehicles.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4454", "Ways & Means Republicans Continue Covering Up Harms of Trump\u2019s Medicare AI Experiment", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) forced a vote on an amendment during a Ways & Means Committee markup that would require the Trump administration to release yet-unseen information about the WISeR program. The program pays private companies to use AI to delay and deny care to seniors in Washington and five other states.\n\nSince the program began in January, patients have been left in severe pain and unable to access the care prescribed by their doctors. In June, DelBene announced that Virtix, the company administering WISeR in Washington, was ordered to submit a corrective action plan for delays in reviewing claims after a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) audit of its performance. Neither document has been released to Congress or the public.\n\nThe amendment would force CMS to release any audits or corrective action plans for WISeR-participating companies within 3 months. It would also direct the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to analyze the impacts of Medicare Advantage plans\u2019 red tape on patients and providers. Ways & Means Republicans rejected the amendment by an 18-19 vote.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s clear why the administration is doing everything they can to conceal these documents. The more that Americans learn about WISeR, the more outraged they get at the Trump administration for jeopardizing their care and trying to privatize Medicare,\u201d said DelBene.\n\nThis effort was informed by a bombshell report released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation that revealed widespread delays and denials of care, operational chaos, and reports of patient harm. The report contains nearly 1,000 pages of documentation, including contracts with participating companies, internal reports, and health care providers\u2019 complaints about the program, that were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and lawsuit. It also sheds light on the CMS\u2019 plan to expand WISeR to cancer treatments and other types of care.\n\nDelBene introduced legislation last November to repeal WISeR and has led multiple other legislative efforts to stop the program.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-votes-to-support-ukrainian-defense-and-sanction-russia", "Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes to Support Ukrainian Defense and Sanction Russia", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Today, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez reaffirmed her commitment to the Ukrainian community in Southwest Washington by voting for a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting Russia and anyone who facilitates sanctions evasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is a critical effort to cripple funding for Russia\u2019s War in Ukraine by penalizing countries that buy Russian oil. The bill was voted on in the Senate earlier this year, where it passed 86-11. The bill went on to pass in the House 262-159.\n\nThis package includes a number of sanctions, specifically it would:\n\nImposes blocking and entry (visa) sanctions on specified Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin and senior political and military leaders, oligarchs who haven\u2019t opposed the war or continue to benefit from ties with the Russian government, executives/controlling owners of major Russian energy projects, foreign companies supporting Russia\u2019s defense industrial base or military, and persons engaged in corruption, money laundering, or sanctions evasion for the Russian government.\n\nImposes sanctions on Russia\u2019s \u201cshadow fleet,\u201d a network of vessels and supporting entities used to transport Russian oil and other goods while concealing ownership or transactions to circumvent sanctions.\n\nImposes sanctions on the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Gazprombank, and other covered Russian financial institutions. Foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned Russian institutions shall also be sanctioned.\n\nImposes sanctions on entities in which the Russian government holds a controlling/majority interest or that are otherwise government-affiliated, and restricts U.S. financial institutions from processing specified transactions involving the Russian government, government-owned entities, or Russian officials.\n\nRestricts certain Russian securities from U.S. exchanges; prohibits new U.S. investment in Russia and its energy sector and transfer of U.S.-produced energy or energy products; prohibits purchases of Russian sovereign debt; authorizes restrictions on certain services to Russia; and sanctions certain financial-messaging providers used to circumvent sanctions.\n\nDirects implementation of existing restrictions on Russian uranium imports under 42 U.S.C. \u00a72297h-10a(d), including covered uranium associated with Rosatom or its subsidiaries or successors, and requires sanctions against specified officials and shareholders.\n\nExtends the deadline of the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act from 2026 to 2031.\n\nIn addition to steep sanctions the bill would introduce aggressive secondary measures, including up to 500% duties on Russian goods and up to 100% duties on third-party countries that purchase Russian oil/gas or facilitate sanctions evasion.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to represent one of the largest Ukrainian communities in America\u2013people who have lost fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in the fight to defeat fascism.,\u201d said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cI urge the President to move quickly to implement these critical sanctions to ensure that Putin and his people know there is a steep price for their continued disregard for the sanctity of life.\u201d\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez has continuously worked to support Ukraine in its fight to end the Russian invasion and to support Ukrainian refugees displaced by the conflict. In 2024, she voted to pass HR 813, allocating over $60 billion in funding for Ukrainian defense. More recently in the FY27 Defense Appropriations markup, she spoke in support of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a provision to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability to support Ukrainian defense. Additionally, Rep Gluesenkamp Perez supports Ukrainians living in Southwest Washington through her casework channels, helping constituents facing issues with federal agencies. To get in touch or learn about how her office can help with federal agencies, please visit her casework page or Ukrainian Language casework page.\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4261", "Larsen\u2019s Water Resources Bill Passes House", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)\u2019s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415 to 9. The bipartisan, biennial bill protects Northwest Washington\u2019s environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington ports, inland waterways, flood management systems and other water resources infrastructure.\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s House passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 is great news for ports, harbors and inland waterways in the Pacific Northwest and across the country,\u201d said Rep. Larsen, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. \u201cFrom expanding funding opportunities to restore ecosystems on Spencer Island to authorizing a study to mitigate Nooksack River flooding, WRDA 2026 continues bipartisan efforts to improve water resources infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and protect communities from natural disasters. I look forward to working with the Senate to pass a final WRDA 2026 into law.\u201d\n\nSince 2014, Congress has enacted a water resources development bill every two years to help improve the nation\u2019s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, aquatic ecosystems and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. WRDA 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and included many of Rep. Larsen\u2019s local priorities, including funding environmental infrastructure assistance to Western Washington state communities and expanding the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) to make it easier for the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with Northwest Tribes on projects.\n\nWashington State Wins in WRDA 2026\n\nWRDA 2026 invests in Washington state priorities, including restoring the Puget Sound, addressing Nooksack River flooding and ensuring that critical Corps projects across the state can continue.\n\nWins for Washington in WRDA 2026 include:\n\nNooksack River Flooding: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood risk reduction in the Nooksack River, which Whatcom County can use for long-term planning to address flooding concerns. Rep. Larsen has been working with local leaders to develop a plan to address Nooksack River flooding. Earlier this year, he advocated for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster relief funds to help communities recover from December 2025\u2019s devastating floods, and he has championed FEMA flood mitigation grant funding so that local communities can prepare for future floods.\n\nDisaster Debris Removal: Reforms how the Corps writes emergency debris removal contracts after floods to minimize harmful impacts to property and wildlife, and directs the Secretary of the Corps to ensure protection of healthy vegetation, important habitats, and vulnerable wildlife when setting standard contract terms. This provision will protect local ecosystems while cleaning flood debris in the Skagit River and other local rivers from December 2025\u2019s floods.\n\nPuget Sound and Adjacent Waters (PSAW): Increases the per project funding cap to $20 million, ensuring projects like Spencer Island restoration in Snohomish County continue to move forward. In 2018, Rep. Larsen successfully included an amendment in WRDA 2018 to increase the per project cap for PSAW to $10 million.\n\nPuget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project (PSNERP): Allows the Corps to cost-share the relocation of related infrastructure for PNSERP projects at Lilliwaup Estuary, Tahuya Estuary, Snow Creek and Salmon Creek and Nooksack Estuary. Rep. Larsen previously worked to authorize $451 million for PSNERP in WRDA 2016. The Puget Sound is the largest estuary by water volume in the United States. Rep. Larsen's bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the National Estuary Program through 2031 and protect estuaries around the country passed the House last December.\n\nColumbia River Treaty: Extends temporary authority for the United States to pay for pre-planned storage of water in Canada while United States and Canada continue to negotiate a new Columbia River Treaty. The United States\u2019 current authority expires in 2027. The hydropower that the Columbia River Treaty provides benefits towns and cities across Northwest Washington, and Rep. Larsen has advocated for the Columbia River Treaty\u2019s renewal for over a decade. Rep. Larsen supports efforts to negotiate a modern Columbia River treaty that manages flood risks and ensures a reliable clean energy supply, and he is working with local stakeholders to gather input ahead of negotiations.\n\nPreventing Invasive Aquatic Species: Clarifies that indirect costs incurred by non-federal partners remain eligible for credit or reimbursement under the Corps\u2019 Watercraft Inspection authority, which funds state efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species. Invasive golden, quagga and zebra mussels continue to expand their footprint in the Pacific Northwest. Early detection monitoring, watercraft inspection and decontamination and eradication efforts are critical to preventing further spread.\n\nLower Columbia River Channel Maintenance: Clarifies that the cost of constructing a dredged material disposal facility for operation and maintenance of the Lower Willamette and Lower Columbia River is a federal responsibility that can be drawn from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). These facilities are necessary for dredging operations to maintain the Columbia River waterway, which moves over $31 billion in cargo annually and supports 40,000 local jobs.\n\nLower Columbia River Turning Basin: Authorizes the Chief\u2019s Report for Lower Columbia Turning Basin improvements. Traffic has continued to grow in the Lower Columbia River, with an increase in larger vessels that need room to safely turn and park. These improvements will allow for the better positioning of vessels, increase opportunities to use nearby tug service and improve efficient movement of vessels transporting goods.\n\nHMTF Allocations for Donor and Energy Transfer Ports: Removes discretion for the Administration to ensure it fully utilizes a provision in WRDA 2020 requiring specific funding allocations from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund to donor and energy transfer ports. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are donor ports.\n\nOffice of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach: Creates an Office of Technical Assistance and Community Outreach within the Corps to help communities that may have difficulty navigating the Corps\u2019 planning and construction processes. This office will serve as a one-stop-shop for directing communities to existing programs that assist with affordability concerns, address unique needs, and provide support for any stage of a Corps project.\n\nCorps Study Process: Requires the Corps and the non-federal sponsor to establish an agreed-to timeframe (with milestones) for studies, and to allow the non-federal sponsor to request time extensions based on project complexity and sponsor\u2019s goals.\n\nFor the legislative text of WRDA 2026, click here.\n\nFor a summary of WRDA 2026, click here.\n\n###\n\nRelated News\n\nLarsen Votes to Protect Families from Data Centers Raising Costs\n\nSeptember 16, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Statement on Joint U.S.-Canada Oil Spill Response Exercise\n\nSeptember 15, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nLarsen Applauds $4.2 Million for Local Salmon Passage Restoration\n\nSeptember 15, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases\n\nEverett\u2019s Maritime Institute Recognized as Leader in Maritime Workforce Education\n\nSeptember 8, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4263", "Larsen Votes to Protect Families from Data Centers Raising Costs", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Ratepayers Protection Act 417 to 3.\n\n\u201cI voted for the Ratepayers Protection Act to protect families from higher electric bills,\u201d said Rep. Larsen. \u201cThis legislation is only a start, and there is a lot more work to do. I support tough, upfront restrictions on large data centers: no high electric bills for local families and small businesses, no federal tax breaks, and no construction without community approval and union labor. Data centers must pay their fair share to connect to and use the grid, and they should be required to use closed loop water systems. I support the ability of local jurisdictions to enact temporary moratoriums to give themselves time to decide how they want to manage large data centers.\u201d\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act requires state regulators to consider directing data centers to pay the full cost of connection to the grid, protecting ratepayers from footing the bill for data centers\u2019 power consumption. In 2024, the Department of Energy projected that the percentage of U.S. electricity demand from data centers could grow from 4.4 percent in 2023 to 12 percent by 2028.\n\nRep. Larsen also cosponsors the Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act to roll back tax breaks for large AI data centers in Republicans\u2019 Big Ugly Law.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4264", "Larsen Votes No on More Trump Tariff Powers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cI support Ukraine. I always have, and I always will. But this sanctions bill isn\u2019t necessary.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump already has authority to impose sanctions on the Russian officials and companies that are fueling the brutal war in Ukraine. And yet he has chosen to sanction only two Russian officials with that authority.\n\n\u201cCongress has already allocated $400 million for assistance to Ukraine. Instead of using these existing powers and dollars, the Trump Pentagon has refused to release that money to help the Ukraine military.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is going easy on Putin and blaming Ukraine for surging diesel prices. This sanctions bill doesn\u2019t do anything to help Ukraine that this President can\u2019t already do.\u201d\n\nThe House of Representatives today voted to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by a vote of 262 to 159.\n\nRep. Larsen is a strong advocate for a free and independent Ukraine. In June, he helped pass the Ukraine Support Act, which would impose tough sanctions on Russia and provide additional security assistance to Ukraine. Rep. Larsen is a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), an organization made up of delegates from all 32 NATO member countries with a mission to engage in dialogue over transatlantic security issues.\n\nRep. Larsen is also a leader in opposing the Trump administration\u2019s tariffs and a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force. In February, the House passed with bipartisan support a resolution that Larsen co-led to terminate President Trump\u2019s abuse of \u201cemergency\u201d authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-murray-grills-trump-nominees-on-ai-denying-seniors-health-care-abortion-bans-killing-women/", "At HELP Hearing, Murray Grills Trump Nominees on AI Denying Seniors\u2019 Health Care & Abortion Bans Killing Women", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s full questioning***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today\u2014at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider Trump\u2019s latest slate of nominees for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\u2014U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, grilled Trump\u2019s nominees on the harmful WISeR model that is denying seniors doctor recommended care and on how Republican abortion bans are putting women with ectopic pregnancies at life threatening risk.\n\n[AI DENYING SENIORS\u2019 CRITICAL HEALTH CARE]\n\nSenator Murray began by questioning Chris Klomp, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of HHS, on the WISeR model\u2014which uses artificial intelligence to deny seniors\u2019 health care\u2014and the private companies doing the prior authorization assessments profiting from the denials.\n\nMURRAY: Mr. Klomp, I\u2019ll start with you and I want to start with the WISeR model, that as you know is a program CMS is using to implement AI prior authorization in Traditional Medicare in several states, including in my home state of Washington.\n\nDo the contractors in the model\u2014who are the private companies conducting the prior authorization assessments\u2014make more money if they deny care? Just yes or no?\n\nKLOMP: My understanding is no.\n\nMURRAY: Well, the answer actually is yes. We already know these companies are paid based on the number of claims they deny.\n\nAnd we also know that the CMS Office of the Actuary literally said in a memo, \u201cmodel participants will have an incentive to deny as many claims as possible.\u201d And what do you know? In the first three months of this year, the Washington state contractor denied more requests than they approved.\n\nSo, Mr. Klomp, you\u2019ve said prior authorization was one of the first things you wanted to focus on at HHS, saying it needs to be fixed so it\u2019s \u201cinvisible to the patient.\u201d\n\nKLOMP: Yes ma\u2019am.\n\nMURRAY: I\u2019m telling you, it is not invisible for the seniors in my state who\u2019ve had to wait weeks in pain as their doctors battled with these contractors for approval. In fact, I just met with a large number of hospitals, rural hospitals in particular, from my state, and they said it has not gotten better.\n\nSo, will you commit today to revoking the WISeR model and allowing our Medicare beneficiaries in Washington state to receive the timely care that they need?\n\nKLOMP: Senator, I\u2019d like to, I want to comment on a couple of those points. First, you know that you and I very strongly agree about prior authorization being used appropriately and it has in fact largely not been used appropriately in this country. And that undermines trust between providers and patients. In fact, one of my family members who\u2019s here today recently went through a six-week prior authorization stall that was incredibly frustrating at a time of great uncertainty. That is the very thing that must be eliminated. At the same time, it is an appropriate utilization management tool if it is used precisely, and surgically, and appropriately. You asked me earlier if they were paid based on the volume. My understanding\u2014and it is not my center that was responsible for developing the WISeR model, so I\u2019m happy to bring more experts in, but\u2014\n\nMURRAY: Okay, but they do deny care. They\u2019re paid to deny care.\n\nKLOMP: My understanding is when they deny care, and if they do so inappropriately, there are significant financial penalties and that CMMI is carefully watching their performance and has the ability to terminate. My understanding as well is that they will be producing a report or a report card, something shortly that will show an accounting by vendor in these trial markets\u2014\n\nMURRAY: Who is the \u201cthey\u201d?\n\nKLOMP: CMMI\u2014to drive an accountability. You have my very strong commitment that if this program is not working, if it is not improving patient care, and prior authorization has an important point here, it\u2019s not just about cost control. It is about making sure, and WISeR is targeting elected procedures, that patients get the right care.\n\nMURRAY: Well, let me just say, I only have a few minutes here. I already know CMS is planning to expand this to oncology. I am going to do everything I can to stop this. It is really hurting patients.\n\nKLOMP: You and I are on common ground on this topic Senator Murray. It must be done appropriately, or it should not expand. And you have my commitment, that that will not change. I believe you have my cell phone as well. I\u2019m happy to stay closely engaged with you on this.\n\nMURRAY: Thank you.\n\n[REPUBLICANS\u2019 ABORTION BANS KILLING WOMEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY]\n\nSenator Murray then questioned Nicole Saphier, nominee to be Surgeon General of the Public Health Services, about her commitment to help women get abortion care who are in life threatening situations and advocate against abortion bans that are rolling out across the country.\n\nMURRAY: Dr. Saphier, I wanted to turn to you, in July of 2022, you claimed on Fox News that Democrats were spreading false information about what would happen to women experiencing ectopic pregnancies under abortion bans. You said, \u201cI will be the first person, if any of the states stand up and say there will no longer be access to treatment, you will hear me. I will start advocating against that because that would be wrong.\u201d\n\nWell, I have news for you: that is what is happening. CDC data shows that the number of women who died after an ectopic pregnancy has doubled in recent years, with women dying at even higher rates in states that have banned abortion.\n\nSo, it\u2019s clear, that these Republican abortion bans are killing women.\n\nSo, will you stick to your word? Will you advocate against abortion bans that are harming women?\n\nSAPHIER: Thank you, Senator, for this question. Obviously as a woman, it is very personal to us. I have been in media for a very long time. It is my understanding that the FDA is currently undergoing a review on the safety of mifepristone, as there were some safeguards\u2014\n\nMURRAY: I\u2019m not asking you about that. I\u2019m asking you about ectopic pregnancies. I\u2019ll just tell you the facts. The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality among wealthy nations, and these bans are killing women, permanently damaging their fertility, and traumatizing them. It just seems to me that this was never about protecting women, it was about controlling them. And I\u2019m happy to share the data with you.\n\nSAPHIER: I appreciate that, Senator. And I always welcome reading more data. I think the maternal mortality rate in the United States is something that we should be judged upon and if confirmed I desperately want to do work with other people at HHS to see what we can to ensure the lives of our mothers, because they deserve better than we are giving them right now.\n\nMURRAY: For the record, from 2020 to 2025, [almost] 200 women experiencing ectopic pregnancies died, that is compared with 100 in the previous six years. So, this is something we all have to\u2014I expect you to speak out about it.\n\nSAPHIER: I diagnose ectopic pregnancies and I understand the severity and importance of them.\n\nMURRAY: Okay, and I expect you to speak out too if you\u2019re confirmed. Thank you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-sound-alarm-on-trump-admins-plans-to-siphon-away-likely-impound-healthcare-research-funds/", "Murray, Baldwin Sound Alarm on Trump Admin\u2019s Plans to Siphon Away & Likely Impound Healthcare Research Funds", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Lawmakers demand immediate information about plans to award tens of millions in AHRQ funding set to expire September 30, after HHS informed them it plans to transfer some funding to other agencies\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, demanded Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. release information about HHS\u2019 plans to spend down tens of millions of dollars in funding Congress approved for lifesaving and cost-cutting healthcare research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)\u2014all of which is set to expire come September 30 if it is not awarded.\n\nPresident Trump and Secretary Kennedy have worked to systematically dismantle AHRQ since taking office and are on track to impound\u2014or transfer away to other agencies\u2014a significant portion of the agency\u2019s budget for the current fiscal year. This comes after AHRQ terminated approximately 150 grants totaling $94 million earlier this year and impounded $80 million in fiscal year 2025 funding after failing to award grants last year.\n\n\u201cIt is increasingly clear that once again, your Department intends to ignore the law and\u2014through a combination of gross negligence and intentional sabotage\u2014will refuse to spend millions of taxpayer dollars that should be funding research to lower costs in the health care system and protect patients\u2019 safety,\u201d write Murray and Baldwin.\n\n\u201cResearch funded by AHRQ grants has saved tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care costs, but once again, instead of getting these funds provided by Congress out the door as is required by law, this administration is on track to impound these resources and kill lifesaving research,\u201d they continue.\n\nIn the letter, Senators Murray and Baldwin state that HHS recently informed them that it plans to award just 90 grants this year\u2014hundreds fewer than in prior years\u2014and is seeking to transfer funding specifically appropriated for AHRQ to other agencies. \u201cAHRQ leadership informed the Committee of its \u2018plans\u2019 to spend $100 million on inter-agency agreements (IAAs), which would enable the Department to siphon dollars away from AHRQ to support other initiatives, instead of funding the health care quality and delivery research that Congress specifically set aside resources for. But to date, AHRQ has provided very limited information on how this funding would actually be spent\u2014let alone how it could be spent effectively between now and September 30th.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers also make clear that beyond seeking to steer AHRQ funding elsewhere without regard for the law, it is apparent the Trump administration may well simply illegally impound funding set aside for this lifesaving research: \u201cEven more alarming is the fact that AHRQ has provided exactly no information on how the remaining $65 million provided to it will be spent, again raising the likelihood that funding provided by Congress will simply be wasted.\u201d\n\nMurray and Baldwin ask HHS to furnish copies of all inter-agency agreements AHRQ has entered into and more information about exactly how Secretary Kennedy intends to get this funding out the door to support cost-cutting and lifesaving research.\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Kennedy,\n\nFor months, we have directly raised our concerns about the unacceptable and intentional chaos at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with you, with Director Roger Klein, and most recently with Deputy Secretary Nominee Chris Klomp. As health care costs continue to rise and patient safety concerns persist, your Department has chosen to dismantle the very agency whose mission is to solve these problems.\n\nIt is increasingly clear that once again, your Department intends to ignore the law and\u2014through a combination of gross negligence and intentional sabotage\u2014will refuse to spend millions of taxpayer dollars that should be funding research to lower costs in the health care system and protect patients\u2019 safety.\n\nResearch funded by AHRQ grants has saved tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care costs, but once again, instead of getting these funds provided by Congress out the door as is required by law, this administration is on track to impound these resources and kill lifesaving research.\n\nAt Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, AHRQ research helped reduce the percentage of preventable blood clots after surgery. A critical access hospital in New Mexico used AHRQ research to greatly reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by more than 90 percent. The Dayton, Ohio VA used AHRQ research to help veterans manage high-risk diabetes more effectively. AHRQ\u2019s work is evidence-based first and foremost\u2014it saves lives and money. Sabotaging this agency is a direct attack on both the patients and providers who rely on AHRQ to make our health care system work better.\n\nIn fiscal year 2025, under your leadership, AHRQ allowed over $80 million in federal funding provided by Congress to be wasted. Instead of awarding grants to promote patient safety, support families with children in the hospital, improve autism screening and diagnosis, and provide support for those suffering from chronic pain, the Trump administration intentionally withheld federal funding that Congress provided on a bipartisan basis, disrupting 200 different research programs across nearly 30 states. Over the past year, you have also managed to push out 80 percent of all AHRQ staff, including the majority of those who had previously vetted grants and worked directly with researchers. From 2020-2024, AHRQ awarded an average of 127 new grants and 306 continuation grants. In 2025, AHRQ awarded only one new grant and 206 continuation awards.\n\nYour Department recently informed us that it intends to award only 90 grants this year. That is unacceptable.\n\nIn July, AHRQ terminated over 150 grants via a generic form letter. These grants included research that was clearly focused on addressing the agency\u2019s stated priorities, such as patient safety, the use of digital tools to improve health, artificial intelligence, and training future health services researchers. AHRQ discontinued research in Wisconsin testing the use of artificial intelligence to improve the experience of hospitalized children and their families, research that the agency had highlighted in a webinar in May. AHRQ also discontinued the health services research training program at the University of Washington. For reasons we cannot comprehend, these two grants, among many others, were cited as \u201cinconsistent with agency priorities.\u201d\n\nIt is now abundantly clear that AHRQ terminated those grants, that were clearly consistent with AHRQ\u2019s mission and stated priorities, with no plan on how it would otherwise spend its funding for this year.\n\nOn September 4th, AHRQ leadership informed the Committee of its \u201cplans\u201d to spend $100 million on inter-agency agreements (IAAs), which would enable the Department to siphon dollars away from AHRQ to support other initiatives, instead of funding the health care quality and delivery research that Congress specifically set aside resources for. But to date, AHRQ has provided very limited information on how this funding would actually be spent\u2014let alone how it could be spent effectively between now and September 30th. AHRQ supposedly plans to spend $30 million to support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and help schools develop strategies for improving school meals. We have received no further information on these plans. So far, it appears the only thing the agency has done is issue a press release, and with 15 days left in the fiscal year there aren\u2019t any actual funding opportunities available for schools and school districts to apply for these resources. This continues an alarming pattern by which this administration is seeking to use IAAs to siphon funding away from one agency to fund the administration\u2019s priorities at another, without regard for the law and what Congress provided funding for in the first place.\n\nSimilarly, while Congress set-aside $5 million to accelerate evidence-based research and care delivery models into routine clinical practice so that women can get the menopause care they need, all AHRQ has shared is that the funding will be spent on working with two other agencies on \u201cquality improvement activities\u201d addressing menopause. Yet no actual funding opportunities are available for that work. Even more alarming is the fact that AHRQ has provided exactly no information on how the remaining $65 million provided to it will be spent, again raising the likelihood that funding provided by Congress will simply be wasted.\n\nCongress appropriated funding for AHRQ to improve the health of Americans, and to make health care safer, better, and more affordable. Using accounting gimmicks and supposed IAAs as cover for either intentional sabotage or complete incompetence is inexcusable. It is unfortunately only one of many examples of how this administration is willfully choosing to make Americans less healthy and less safe\u2014and raising costs while it\u2019s at it.\n\nWithin 24 hours, we expect to receive written copies of all IAAs that AHRQ has entered into with other federal agencies, a detailed description of all supported activities, and a list of all grantees that will be supported by such funding in accordance with Public Law 119-75 before the end of the fiscal year.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-demand-energy-department-restore-eliminated-safety-rules-justify-rewrite-of-dozens-of-critical-safety-and-accountability-measures/", "Murray, Kaptur Demand Energy Department Restore Eliminated Safety Rules, Justify Rewrite of Dozens of Critical Safety and Accountability Measures", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling out the dozens of changes being made to operating directives at the Department of Energy (DOE), which is jeopardizing the safety of work being done at DOE labs, plants, and sites, reduces transparency and Federal oversight, and risks wasting taxpayer dollars. DOE made these sweeping changes without meaningful engagement with workers, labor unions, and other stakeholders.\n\nMurray and Kaptur are demanding DOE immediately restore three of the cancelled orders and justify the other forty-six changes. Those orders required DOE to track safety incidents and worker injuries across its labs and sites, and let workers formally challenge technical decisions they believed put safety at risk.\n\n\u201cWe are deeply concerned that the scope and pace of these simultaneous changes will weaken critical safety protections, reduce independent Federal oversight, impair public visibility into departmental operations, and transfer significant responsibility from Federal officials to contractors without adequate safeguards in place,\u201d write Murray and Kaptur. \u201cIn short, we are worried the rollback of these changes could jeopardize the safety of work being conducted across the DOE enterprise and waste taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nMurray and Kaptur further detail the importance of independent oversight, quality assurance, nuclear facility safety reporting, and worker training\u2014and call out the Trump administration for claiming to support \u201cperformance-based accountability\u201d and strong safety and security standards, while also eliminating reporting requirements and rewriting regulations that do just that.\n\nMurray and Kaptur continue by responding to DOE\u2019s decision to flat out cancel several orders, \u201cDepartment-wide reporting requirements\u2026provide Congress, regulators, and the public with standardized information necessary to identify trends and evaluate safety performance across the National Laboratories, plants, and sites\u2026Congress also cannot effectively conduct oversight if the Department no longer collects consistent information about what is occurring across the enterprise. A reduction in reporting burden that results in the loss of accessible information about safety incidents or worker injuries is not simply an administrative change\u2014it is a clear reduction in transparency that places safety at risk.\u201d\n\n\u201cFurthermore, eliminating these standardized safety and health databases at the very moment the Department executes the sweeping deregulatory initiatives of Project Velocity creates a dangerous diagnostic blind spot, making it impossible to empirically measure whether these systemic rollbacks are actively causing an increase in accidents, toxic exposures, or operational failures across the complex,\u201d the lawmakers continue.\n\nMurray and Kaptur are also requesting detailed answers on operational and safety risks of \u201cProject Velocity\u201d and the process used to determine the changes being made while emphasizing: \u201cThe Department cannot execute such sweeping systemic changes across multibillion-dollar facilities without providing the empirical baselines, safety analyses, and governance frameworks that justify them.\u201d\n\nThe full letter is available HERE and below:\n\nDear Secretary Wright:\n\nWe write regarding the Department of Energy\u2019s (the Department or DOE) ongoing efforts to modify operating directives for the Department\u2019s National Laboratories, plants, and sites, an effort you have branded \u201cProject Velocity.\u201d On August 13, 2026, DOE announced it updated operating directives, which included revisions to 46 DOE Directives and cancellation of four DOE Directives. We are deeply concerned that the scope and pace of these simultaneous changes will weaken critical safety protections, reduce independent Federal oversight, impair public visibility into departmental operations, and transfer significant responsibility from Federal officials to contractors without adequate safeguards in place. In short, we are worried the rollback of these changes could jeopardize the safety of work being conducted across the DOE enterprise and waste taxpayer dollars.\n\nWe are particularly concerned about these changes given the Department\u2019s longstanding challenges overseeing its contractors and managing major projects and programs. At our request, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently examined the Department\u2019s earlier effort to streamline project management at the National Laboratories and nuclear security sites (which is just one of the 50 DOE directives that have been revised or cancelled to date through Project Velocity). GAO found that the Department had not established specific goals or performance measures to evaluate the overall effectiveness of implementing the Secretary\u2019s directed revisions. This is concerning given that GAO also concluded that the proposed streamlining could result in less reliable project cost estimates and late identification of cost and schedule overruns\u2014wasting time and taxpayer resources. Without reliable performance metrics and goals, cost increases and schedule slips as a result of the efforts to streamline may be harder to detect and mitigate.\n\nYou are now championing sweeping revisions to Departmental directives with Project Velocity, but GAO\u2019s recent findings are cause for real concern about how these changes will be implemented and evaluated over time. The Department claims the current initiative is a shift from \u201cprescriptive procedural compliance\u201d toward \u201cperformance-based accountability\u201d and that modernization will maintain strong safety and security standards. Yet the Department is simultaneously revising or eliminating important requirements governing independent oversight, project management, quality assurance, conduct of operations, nuclear facility safety, worker training and qualification, occurrence reporting, environmental and occupational safety reporting, and the ability of Federal and contractor employees to formally challenge technical safety decisions. The Department must demonstrate\u2014not merely assert\u2014that these changes will preserve effective Federal oversight and safety mechanisms.\n\nWe are particularly concerned by the Department\u2019s decision to wholesale cancel several DOE orders including DOE Order 231.1B, Environment, Safety and Health Reporting; DOE Order 232.2A, Occurrence Reporting and Processing of Operations Information; and DOE Order 442.2, Differing Professional Opinions for Technical Issues Involving Environmental, Safety, and Health Technical Concerns.\n\nDepartment-wide reporting requirements (such as those in Order 231.1B and Order 232.2A) provide Congress, regulators, and the public with standardized information necessary to identify trends and evaluate safety performance across the National Laboratories, plants, and sites. Fragmenting these reporting requirements or replacing them with locally determined processes risks making it significantly more difficult to identify recurring problems, compare performance across sites, and recognize emerging Department-wide safety concerns. Congress also cannot effectively conduct oversight if the Department no longer collects consistent information about what is occurring across the enterprise. A reduction in reporting burden that results in the loss of accessible information about safety incidents or worker injuries is not simply an administrative change\u2014it is a clear reduction in transparency that places safety at risk. Furthermore, eliminating these standardized safety and health databases at the very moment the Department executes the sweeping deregulatory initiatives of Project Velocity creates a dangerous diagnostic blind spot, making it impossible to empirically measure whether these systemic rollbacks are actively causing an increase in accidents, toxic exposures, or operational failures across the complex.\n\nThe Department\u2019s cancellation of DOE Order 442.2, Differing Professional Opinions for Technical Issues Involving Environmental, Safety, and Health Technical Concerns similarly guts a critical safety process. The formal Differing Professional Opinion process provided a structured mechanism for such disagreements to receive independent technical consideration outside the ordinary management chain. Eliminating that process raises serious questions about whether workers and safety professionals will continue to have an effective mechanism to challenge decisions they believe could jeopardize worker safety or public safety. Other Departmental dispute-resolution or scientific-integrity processes cannot simply be presumed to provide adequate substitutes for a process specifically designed to address technical environmental, safety, and health disagreements.\n\nAccordingly, we request that the Department immediately reinstate DOE Order 231.1B, DOE Order 232.2A, and DOE Order 442.2.\n\nWe also have significant concerns regarding the 46 DOE Directives the Department has chosen to revise governing high-consequence operations, worker safety, project management, and Federal oversight. The Department cannot execute such sweeping systemic changes across multibillion-dollar facilities without providing the empirical baselines, safety analyses, and governance frameworks that justify them.\n\nTo evaluate the cumulative operational and safety risks of Project Velocity, please provide the following information within 30 days of the date of this letter:\n\nA complete list of every requirement modified, eliminated, consolidated, transferred, or otherwise affected by the operational modernization effort, including a redline comparison of each revised directive against its predecessor.\n\nFor each eliminated or materially modified requirement, the Department\u2019s justification for the change, including the statutory, regulatory, technical, scientific, or operational basis relied upon.\n\nA complete description of the process used to develop and approve the 46 directive revisions and four cancellations.\n\nAn explanation of the role of Department officials and offices, the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), the Office of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS), and the Office of Enterprise Assessments in reviewing and approving the changes, including the criteria used to determine that each revision or cancellation would not adversely affect nuclear safety, worker safety, security, environmental protection, project performance, or Federal oversight.\n\nAn explanation of the role of, or consultations undertaken with, National Laboratories, management and operating (M&O) contractors, subject matter experts, worker representatives, labor unions, safety organizations, and other entities, in reviewing and approving the changes, including the criteria used to determine that each revision or cancellation would not adversely affect nuclear safety, worker safety, security, environmental protection, project performance, or Federal oversight.\n\nFor DOE Order 231.1B and DOE Order 232.2A, a crosswalk identifying which reporting requirements, thresholds, and other data within these Orders have been incorporated into other directives, and which have been eliminated or delegated to local contractor discretion.\n\nFor DOE Order 231.1B and DOE Order 232.2A, an explanation of how the Department will conduct complex-wide trend analysis, benchmarking, and early warning detection across National Laboratories and sites without standardized enterprise databases.\n\nFor DOE Order 231.1B and DOE Order 232.2A, the specific contractual and legal mechanisms DOE line management will use to enforce timely incident reporting and data submission in the absence of these orders.\n\nA description of any changes to Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS), Computerized Accident Incident Reporting System (CAIRS), Radiation Exposure Monitoring System (REMS), or other safety and occurrence reporting systems resulting directly or indirectly from Project Velocity, including any changes in reporting thresholds, categories, timeframes, required data elements, public accessibility, or governmental review.\n\nFor DOE Order 442.2, an explanation of what process now permits a Federal or contractor employee to formally challenge an environmental, safety, health, engineering, maintenance, or operational technical decision; how that process ensures independence from the management officials whose decision is being challenged; and what protections exist against retaliation.\n\nA detailed crosswalk identifying which provisions of DOE Order 442.2, if any, the Department believes have been preserved elsewhere, including the authority and process for independent technical review and final disposition of differing professional opinions.\n\nFor each revised directive affecting nuclear safety, worker safety, quality assurance, conduct of operations, training and qualification, readiness, maintenance, emergency management, or independent oversight, an assessment of the safety functions or controls removed or modified and the basis for the Department\u2019s determination that the revised requirements provide equivalent or greater protection.\n\nA list of all Contractor Requirements Documents or other requirements that have been eliminated, reduced, or replaced as part of Project Velocity, together with an explanation of how the Department plans to verify contractor performance in the absence of those requirements.\n\nA description of every new or expanded authority provided to M&O contractors or National Laboratory directors under the revised directives, including any authority previously exercised by Federal officials, and the circumstances under which DOE may revoke or reassume that authority.\n\nFor DOE Order 413.3C, a list of all projects for which critical decision or other project management authority has been, or is expected to be, delegated to M&O contractor personnel, including total project cost, current project status, responsible contractor, and the Federal reviews and approvals that will no longer occur as a result of that delegation.\n\nFor DOE Order 414.1F, an explanation of the basis for reducing the deemed-approved period for Quality Assurance Programs from 90 days to 30 days; the number of Quality Assurance Programs that DOE historically has taken more than 30 days to review; and what safeguards will prevent a deficient program from becoming effective solely because DOE failed to complete its review within the required period.\n\nA description of how the Office of Enterprise Assessments, the DNFSB, and other independent Federal oversight organizations will maintain their ability to conduct independent assessments when warranted, including whether any revised directive limits such reviews because a contractor or another Departmental office or program has previously assessed the same activity.\n\nThe specific, outcome-oriented goals and performance measures that will be used to evaluate Project Velocity department-wide, including baseline data against which changes in cost, schedule, safety performance, worker injuries, project performance, and other outcomes will be measured.\n\nA description of how the Department will identify unintended consequences of the changes, including deterioration in safety performance or loss of visibility into contractor operations, and the thresholds or criteria that would cause the Department to restore a requirement or otherwise modify a revised directive.\n\nAll analyses, risk assessments, business cases, cost-benefit analyses, safety reviews, legal reviews, crosswalks, decision memoranda, and other documents used to support the 46 directive revisions and four cancellations.\n\nWe recognize the importance of ensuring that the Department\u2019s requirements are efficient, current, and appropriately tailored to risk. We share those goals. However, efficiency cannot come at the expense of independent oversight, reliable information, technical rigor, and the worker protections necessary to safely operate the Department\u2019s unique facilities and effectively and responsibly steward billions of taxpayer dollars.\n\nThe Department\u2019s reliance on contractors makes strong Federal oversight more\u2014not less\u2014important. The Department should proceed cautiously before removing systems developed over decades to ensure that Federal officials, Congress, and the workforce can identify problems before they become accidents, project failures, or significant taxpayer liabilities.\n\nWe look forward to your response within 30 days.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-senate-floor-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-end-trumps-trade-war-republicans-ignore-rising-costs-block-bill-to-end-tariffs/", "On Senate Floor, Murray Calls on Republicans to End Trump\u2019s Trade War\u2014Republicans Ignore Rising Costs & Block Bill to End Tariffs", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray: \u201cWe have a bill today that could actually save families thousands of dollars. All we need is for Republicans to join us, stand up to Trump, and pass this bill that will end Trump\u2019s deranged trade wars.\u201d\n\nICYMI: Murray Introduces Bill to End Trump\u2019s Trade War with Canada & Lower Costs, Slams Trump\u2019s Latest Tariffs as \u201cEconomic Arson\u201d\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s full speech***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging Republicans to pass her End Trump\u2019s Tariff Tax Act, legislation that would end Trump\u2019s global tariffs and 50% tariffs on Canada, and stop him from waging his unilateral trade war.\n\nFollowing Murray\u2019s speech, Senate Republicans blocked a request by Democrats to pass the bill through unanimous consent, despite Trump\u2019s tariffs costing the average family nearly $2,000.\n\nSenator Murray\u2019s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n\u201cIn the face of the skyrocketing prices Trump has caused with his own policies, he has been trying to sell voters a new empty promise about $5,000 checks that everyone knows are never coming.\n\n\u201cBut we have a bill today that could actually save families thousands of dollars. All we need is for Republicans to join us, stand up to Trump, and pass this bill that will end Trump\u2019s deranged trade wars. It is quite literally a bill to cut taxes\u2014so Republicans should be all for it.\n\n\u201cAnd it will save families big time. After all, we know Trump\u2019s tariffs cost the average family nearly $2,000 last year. Two thousand dollars! Think about that. That is money families should have in their pockets. It could help with months of groceries, or cover rent. It could help fund home or car repairs in a pinch. It could be a family vacation.\n\n\u201cBut instead\u2014that money got burned up by Trump\u2019s trade war.\n\n\u201cNow, I hear from folks back in Washington state about this about every time I\u2019m home. They have not been shy about saying just how damaging Trump\u2019s trade war has been. Business owners cannot build a long-term plan around a trade policy and tariff rates that change every time the President stays up too late posting online. Families cannot budget for their groceries, when prices keep rising higher every week, or when Trump is outright banning things like milk from Canada.\n\n\u201cTrump\u2019s recent escalation with Canada is especially absurd. This is our ally! This is our neighbor! It is Canada for god\u2019s sake.\n\n\u201cWhy is Trump forcing higher costs on our families, just to stick it to Canadians? How is that worth it?\n\n\u201cCongress needs to put a stop to this and leave this money where it belongs\u2014with our hard working families. So today, we are going to try and pass a bill that will revoke Trump\u2019s latest Canada tariffs and end his ability to continue these trade wars.\n\n\u201cToday we are forcing the question: Do Republicans really think they need to let Trump jack up prices on their constituents just because he is mad at Canada? Do Republicans really think the average family is happy paying $2,000 in new taxes because Trump\u2019s ego is hurt?\n\n\u201cIs Trump\u2019s ego really that important to Republicans?\n\n\u201cWell, we are about to find out.\n\n\u201cAnd you better believe families are watching this debate today, just as they have been watching prices go up all year long, and they are keeping close track of who is putting Trump first, and who is putting our families first.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/16/jayapal-statement-on-vote-for-ratepayer-protection-act/", "Jayapal Statement on Vote for Ratepayer Protection Act", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after voting for the Ratepayer Protection Act.\n\n\u201cI voted for this bill because there is nothing objectionable in it, and at least it makes slight headway in proposing regulatory standards for data centers to operate and not push costs onto consumers. But I want to be clear: this bill has no teeth to it\u2014it does not require states to do anything. It is merely a suggested standard that states are not required to adopt. It does absolutely nothing to address the very real concerns that voters have around AI, data centers, and the safety and accessibility of their water and air. And importantly, it does nothing to actually hold AI companies responsible for the havoc that they are wreaking on communities across the country.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s remember that Donald Trump continues to call the threats of AI a \u2018hoax\u2019 and that this Administration \u2014 right now \u2014 has laws that could be enforced against the AI companies to hold them accountable for the threats they have unleashed in surveillance, scraping knowledge, and creating models that could very seriously cause the extinction of the human race, in the words of their own researchers and CEOs.\n\n\u201cWe need real solutions to rising costs of energy, like the Energy Bills Relief Act, rather than backroom deals that help to shield big polluters and data centers while doing very little to address the affordability crisis that people are facing. I intend to continue doing that work.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://baumgartner.house.gov/2026/09/15/bipartisan-northwest-endangered-salmon-predation-prevention-act-clears-key-committee-hurdle/", "Bipartisan Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act Clears Key Committee Hurdle", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "WA", "Michael Baumgartner", "B001322", "baumgartner.house.gov", "baumgartner", "https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "September 15, 2026\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner\u2019s (WA-05) bipartisan Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026 was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee by a voice vote. This clears the bill to be considered by the full House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cI am pleased the House Natural Resources Committee voted in a bipartisan manner to advance my bill,\u201d said Congressman Baumgartner. \u201cThis bill, born in collaboration with many of the tribes in Washington that have federally recognized treaty fishing rights, is an important step in the right direction to protect salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest. I look forward to continued bipartisanship as we work to get it signed into law before the end of this Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cRecovering Northwest salmon requires granting tribal and local managers the authority to address pinniped predation as they know best,\u201d said House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04). \u201cH.R. 9621 provides greater flexibility to manage pinnipeds in the Columbia River, its tributaries and Washington waters. These local experts understand the ecosystem and need the right tools to support threatened and endangered salmon recovery. I commend Rep. Baumgartner for advancing a science-based solution that empowers regional partners and delivers meaningful results for native fish populations.\u201d\n\nNorthwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026:", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-9-15-rule-vote", "Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on 9/15 Rule Vote", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "I\u2019m proud to represent one of the largest Ukrainian communities in America-people who have lost fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in the fight to defeat fascism.\n\nI\u2019ll always stand with my community\u2019s values, and I am grateful for the 86 senators who voted to send this bill to the house. My vote today gets us one step closer to enacting these sanctions into law and I look forward to voting tomorrow to cut off the flow of Russian oil money fueling this war.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/15/meng-jayapal-and-south-asian-members-of-congress-denounce-racist-post-targeting-ut-austin-students/", "Meng, Jayapal, and South Asian Members of Congress Denounce Racist Post Targeting UT Austin Students", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C \u2013 Today, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Grace Meng (NY-06), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ami Bera (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) issued a joint statement condemning a racist post by Texas Republican Bo French that included a photo of South Asian students celebrating at a University of Texas football game:\n\n\u201cWe are outraged by the blatantly xenophobic social media post made by Bo French, Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, attacking students celebrating at the University of Texas football game. These were young students in a moment of joy and celebration.\n\n\u201cThis is a part of a broader rise of attacks made towards the South Asian American community. In fact, 71 percent of all anti-Asian threats of violence between August 2024 and December 2025 were directed at South Asians, making them the most targeted Asian regional subgroup in online spaces associated with targeted violence. Hateful and racist attacks like this have no place online, or in our communities. We must continue to speak out against this sort of rhetoric, and we must demand better of candidates and elected officials. No one\u2019s Americanness should be judged based on the color of their skin.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4258", "Larsen Statement on Joint U.S.-Canada Oil Spill Response Exercise", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cOn September 2, my staff observed a joint exercise between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard designed to simulate response efforts and coordination between our two countries in the event of an oil spill in shared waters.\n\n\u201cThis type of collaboration across the border between the U.S. and Canada is even more critical because of Canada\u2019s plans to ship more oil in the Salish Sea with the proposed new Alberta to B.C. pipeline.\n\n\u201cI have concerns about the potential impacts of this proposed pipeline, including on tanker traffic in the Salish Sea, and I am glad that my staff could observe the exercise to ensure that there are relationships and procedures in place that benefit both countries in the event of a disastrous spill.\n\n\u201cI will continue to work with federal agencies to ensure their oil spill prevention and response plans account for increased tanker traffic, identify federal actions to reduce the risk of a spill and engage my Canadian Government counterparts on the concerns people I represent have about the pipeline.\u201d\n\nOn September 2, the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard participated in a joint exercise designed to coordinate oil and hazardous spill responses in shared Pacific waters such as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Georgia Straits and Boundary Bay. These exercises occur every other year under the Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan.\n\nOn July 2, the Government of Alberta announced a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean that would transport 1 million barrels per day to an export terminal at Roberts Banks in British Columbia located just north of the Canada-U.S. border. The new pipeline is anticipated to significantly increase tanker traffic in Haro Strait and Boundary Bay in the Salish Sea, and with it the risks for catastrophic oil spills impacting sensitive marine environments.\n\nLarsen Insists Coast Guard Act to Protect Salish Sea\n\nAfter hearing concerns from people who live in his district about this proposed pipeline, Rep. Larsen has been closely tracking developments on plans for pipeline construction and pressing the Coast Guard on its plans to update its prevention planning through the Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan. In late July, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a roundtable with officials from the Coast Guard on maritime safety. A video clip of Rep. Larsen asking Coast Guard officials about their awareness of the new Canadian pipeline and how it would implicate existing oil spill prevention plans can be found here, and the recording of the entire roundtable can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4259", "Larsen Applauds $4.2 Million for Local Salmon Passage Restoration", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration\u2019s (NOAA) is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative (Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) for restoring fish passage to support Similk Estuary Chinook salmon.\n\n\u201cThis is great news for fish!\u201d said Rep. Larsen. \u201cThis funding will give the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community the resources they need to improve fish passage and foster salmon recovery. I will keep working closely with local leaders and Tribes to bring home federal dollars to protect salmon habitats and Northwest Washington\u2019s environment.\u201d\n\nNOAA\u2019s Community-Based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects recover and sustain fisheries in the United States by ensuring that fish have access to high-quality habitats. NOAA selected only 16 projects out of 350 proposals for this round of funding under the program.\n\n\u201cThese funds from NOAA Fisheries provide much needed support for the Similk estuary habitat restoration project,\u201d said Fred Cayou, Board Chair of the Skagit River System Cooperative. \u201cThis high priority project benefits SRSC member Tribes and local communities by helping to recover Chinook salmon populations while also reducing flood risks.\u201d\n\nThe Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group from Washington state also received $7.2 million from NOAA to restore floodplain habitat for Chinook and steelhead in the Mid-Columbia River.\n\nLarsen Continues to Champion Northwest Washington\u2019s Environment\n\nRep. Larsen is a strong advocate for protecting Northwest Washington\u2019s environment. He leads annual efforts to fund Washington\u2019s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). Last year, he joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in leading members of the state\u2019s Congressional delegation in a letter urging the Department of Interior to reverse its decision to eliminate funding for RFEGs, a blow to widely supported salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts and longstanding Tribal partnerships. Larsen also leads bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s National Estuary Program through Fiscal Year 2031 and protect the Puget Sound (the ESTUARIES Act).\n\nLarsen champions annual efforts to support the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), a critical source of investment for salmon habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest. His bill to expand federal protections for marine mammals, including Southern Resident Killer Whales in Puget Sound, was included in the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. In June, Rep. Larsen\u2019s bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission for seven years so the Commission can continue its work to restore the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits region passed the House of Representatives.\n\nAs the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Larsen fought for $1 billion in funding for salmon culvert projects in his Build America 250 Act, a bipartisan, $580 billion surface transportation reauthorization bill. The legislation passed out of committee this May.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-supreme-courts-ruling-that-blocks-us-postal-service-from-interfering-with-vote-by-mail", "Cantwell Statement on the Supreme Court\u2019s Ruling That Blocks U.S. Postal Service From Interfering With Vote-by-Mail", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Statement on the Supreme Court\u2019s Ruling That Blocks U.S. Postal Service From Interfering With Vote-by-Mail\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s refusal to reverse a lower-court ruling that blocked the Postal Service from implementing requirements that would have interfered with vote-by-mail in Washington state and nationwide:\n\n\u201cThis close to the election we need stability, not disenfranchisement and confusion. I\u2019m glad a majority of the Supreme Court Justices rejected Trump\u2019s mail-in ballot scheme that would have created chaos and denied many Americans the right to vote. I still encourage Washingtonians to stay vigilant, vote early, and use drop boxes when possible to avoid delays in the postal system.\u201d\n\nOn September 8, Sen. Cantwell joined 260 of her colleagues \u2013 including all Senate Democrats and current and former members of the House of Representatives \u2013 in filing a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case. Together, the lawmakers argued, \u201cAs current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States \u2014 including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers argued, \u201cThe district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all.\u201d Accordingly, Sen. Cantwell and her colleagues urged the Court, \u201cBecause the Order and Final Rule claim power that the Constitution has assigned to the States and Congress and that Congress has otherwise withheld from the Executive Branch, the district court correctly enjoined the Final Rule\u2019s mandatory implementation, and this Court should deny Applicants\u2019 request.\u201d Today, the Supreme Court agreed.\n\nIn denying the stay, the Supreme Court let stand a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court in two related cases \u2013 one brought by Washington along with other states \u2013 against the USPS rule for the upcoming election. In that ruling, the district court found \u201con one side, that immediate implementation of the Final Rule issued less than seventy days before the November 2026 election threatens disenfranchisement of millions of United States citizens who seek to vote by mail and, on the other side, that the record includes no evidence relating to fraudulent mail voting to support the rushed implementation of the Final Rule\u201d and granted the preliminary injunction.\n\nEarlier this month, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle to warn Washington voters about Administration efforts to undermine their right to vote. That same day Sen. Cantwell and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs released a snapshot report showing that late-postmark rejection rates have more than doubled in 19 counties compared to the 2024 primaries \u2013 with rural counties worst affected -- following a new Trump Administration policy that can delay postmarking of mail-in ballots by several days.\n\nSen. Cantwell remains a stalwart defender against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections:\n\nOn August 5, she sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding the Trump Administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act\u2019s (NVRA) \u201cquiet period\u201d that prohibits systematic voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Administration\u2019s ongoing voter suppression efforts. The quiet period began on August 5, more than a month ago.\n\nOn July 29, she wrote to Blanche, Mullin, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding to know whether the Trump administration plans to illegally deploy armed federal law enforcement officers at polling sites during the November 2026 elections.\n\nOn July 28, Sen. Cantwell sharply criticized the Trump administration\u2019s request that the Supreme Court allow him to seize control of state-run elections and implement an anti-vote-by-mail executive order. Lower courts have repeatedly rejected the president\u2019s arguments and stated that his executive order is unconstitutional.\n\nOn July 2, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to the Postmaster General about the U.S. Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) proposed illegal rule to implement President Trump\u2019s March 31 executive order to interfere with vote-by-mail. Sen. Cantwell\u2019s letter specifically noted the recent decisions of multiple federal courts that found Trump\u2019s executive order unconstitutional and enjoined the USPS from implementing the proposed rule \u2013 including in separate cases brought by the State of Washington with other states and the NAACP \u2013 and demanded the USPS comply with those court orders.\n\nOn June 29, she celebrated the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee against an effort to stop states from counting mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, even if they\u2019ve been postmarked in time. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington.\n\nOn June 24, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Right To Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens.\n\nOn June 24, she also denounced President Trump\u2019s announcement that he would not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act \u2013 an overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan bill that passed both the House and Senate earlier in the week and would have increased housing supply and brought down housing costs \u2013 until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. That legislation, which Trump has repeatedly demanded, would eliminate vote-by-mail and impose onerous new restrictions on voting and registering to vote. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans in the name of a voter fraud \u201ccrisis\u201d that, even by the standards of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, straightforwardly does not exist. President Trump again demanded Congress pass the restrictive bill following the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee. Despite President Trump\u2019s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill, it became law on July 11, since he failed to act on the bill within the time period prescribed by the Constitution after Congress sent him the legislation.\n\nOn June 23, she joined the entire Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to the USPS demanding the USPS abandon attempts to restrict voting by mail called for by President Trump in an illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn June 23, she also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out the Trump Administration\u2019s war on mail-in voting as the latest frontier in a long history of voter disenfranchisement in the United States.\n\nOn June 17, she joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues for a spotlight forum highlighting President Trump\u2019s illegal overreach into our free and fair elections.\n\nOn June 8, she joined 23 of her Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from DOJ\u2019s website without explanation.\n\nOn April 29, she was tapped by Minority Leader Schumer to join a task force of senators defending our elections from interference.\n\nOn April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to protect the right to vote by mail and block President Trump\u2019s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn April 22, she sent a letter to the USPS warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting.\n\nOn April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.\n\nOn March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE.\n\nOn March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act \u2013 the voter suppression bill President Trump has continued to demand Congress pass \u2013 would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.\n\nOn Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.\n\nOn Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters.\n\nAlso on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations \u2013 including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved \u2013 would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.\n\nOn Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW\u2019s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration\u2019s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOn Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters\u2019 personally identifiable information. DOJ has sued 24 states \u2013 including Washington state \u2013 and the District of Columbia demanding the personal information of their voters.\n\nOn Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which the Senators warned could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state \u2013 including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot. The new snapshot report Sen. Cantwell and Sec. Hobbs released today shows the actual impact on voters in Washington state so far.\n\nOn Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in the case Watson v. Republican National Committee. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington that permit mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted when they are received within a certain number of days after Election Day.\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows", "Runaway Athletics Spending Threatens the Financial Health of America\u2019s Colleges, Cantwell Snapshot Report Shows", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Runaway Athletics Spending Threatens the Financial Health of America\u2019s Colleges, Cantwell Snapshot Report Shows\n\n94% of Division I programs are in the red, spending more than they generate; schools faced approx. 300% higher costs for recruiting, equipment, and coaching since 2005; Universities and state governments are footing the bill, boosting spending by $520 million across 53 Power Four athletic programs alone in 2025 vs. 2015; Senate voting today on advancing Cantwell\u2019s bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which would stabilize college sports\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, released a new snapshot report on how runaway athletics spending is harming the financial health and broader missions of U.S. colleges and universities \u2013 and hitting students with record-high fees.\n\n\u201cThis report demonstrates how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying the broader financial pressures on colleges and universities,\u201d said Sen. Cantwell. \u201cWe're seeing universities transfer general fund money to cover athletic department deficits, dip into endowments to sustain their general funds, and beg state legislatures for even more sports dollars. We must rein in runaway athletics spending or face the consequences of a brain drain that threatens our global leadership in science and technology.\u201d\n\nThe report contains a new analysis of the increase in government and institutional support to our leading public universities. According to this analysis, leading universities now contribute a half-billion dollars more towards athletics each year than they did ten years ago. Contributions from general funds to support athletics among Power Four schools have nearly tripled from 2015-2024, increasing from $445 million to $1.2 billion.\n\nOther findings outlined in the report:\n\n94 percent of all Division I athletics programs now spend more than they generate in athletics revenue.\n\nOnly 14 of 53 publicly reported Power 4 athletic departments generated enough revenue to cover expenses in 2024\u201325.\n\nThe percentage of annual operating budgets being funded by endowments reached an all-time high of 15.2% in FY 2025, a significant increase from 10.9% in FY23.\n\nIn the 2023\u201324 academic year, 87 percent of non-power-conference colleges required all students to pay mandatory fees to fund athletics, along with 48 percent of power-conference colleges. At James Madison University \u2013 a public university in Virginia \u2013 74 percent of the athletics budget came from mandatory student fees, which cost students $3,011 per year.\n\nWithin the past two years, legislatures in Connecticut, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida have earmarked state tax dollars, raised taxes, or created significant tax breaks to benefit college athletics.\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports and ensure tomorrow\u2019s athletes have the same opportunities as today\u2019s competitors, without sacrificing the educational and research endeavors of these institutions that are the lifeblood of our economic competitiveness.\n\nIn September 2025, she released a new analysis of college sports TV revenues showing how skyrocketing media rights payments have exacerbated a massive financial gap between traditional power conferences, especially the new Power 2 \u2013 the SEC and Big Ten \u2013 and everyone else.\n\nYesterday, she joined Gonzaga University head men\u2019s basketball coach Mark Few, and current college athletes, coaches and senators rom both parties to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act.\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act of 2026 sets new rules and provides new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes\u2019 rights to earn compensation for their NIL, enshrining scholarship and healthcare protections in law, reining in predatory agents, expanding revenue for all schools and preserving and protecting the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports.\n\nIn June, at a landmark hearing on the bill, the Commerce Committee heard powerful testimony on the worsening crisis facing college athletics, including the future of women's and Olympic sports, athletes\u2019 rights, and the financial sustainability of the entire collegiate sports system.\n\nIn December of last year, she introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE Act) with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) so that college athletes earning NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money can protect more of it for their post-playing lives.\n\nIn October, Sen. Cantwell joined former college and professional athletes and Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in warning that the SCORE Act would roll-back hard fought NIL rights and health protections, leave athletes vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, short-change women\u2019s and Olympic sports, and shut the door on collective bargaining rights.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-votes-74-24-to-advance-cantwells-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act", "Senate Votes 74-24 To Advance Cantwell\u2019s Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Senate Votes 74-24 To Advance Cantwell\u2019s Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act creates federal rights and protections for student athletes and secures the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports; Today, Cantwell\u2019s office published a snapshot report detailing how runaway spending on athletics is harming colleges & students\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate voted 74-24 to invoke cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill authored and introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the committee chair.\n\nFollowing today\u2019s vote, the bill now awaits additional votes in the Senate. If passed by the Senate, the legislation would then be considered by the House of Representatives.\n\nIn a speech on the Senate floor before the vote, Sen. Cantwell said: \"This bill brings order to [college sports]. It helps women and Olympic sports, and it sets up a commission to look at the real future, which I think should include collective bargaining [...] Let's bring some sanity. Recognize that athletes do deserve revenue sharing, and that this bill will put that into law for the first time.\"\n\nVideo of her speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nToday, Sen. Cantwell\u2019s office also released a snapshot report detailing how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying financial pressures on colleges and universities. That report can be read in full HERE.\n\nYesterday, Sen. Cantwell joined current college athletes, coaches, and senators from both parties for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act. That press conference, which also included Gonzaga University head men\u2019s basketball coach Mark Few, can be watched in full HERE.\n\nThe Protect College Sports Act:\n\nPROTECTS ATHLETES:\n\nFirst-ever NIL Right\n\nGrants student athletes a new federal right to earn compensation for their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and replaces the patchwork of state laws with a strong national NIL right.\n\nAdopts the revenue share cap negotiated between plaintiff student-athletes and the NCAA and Power 5 conferences in the Grant House vs. NCAA settlement, but also allows tens of millions of additional dollars to flow directly from schools to student-athletes through a new $22.5 million retention fund (up to $27.5 million if schools pay athletes in non-revenue sports).\n\nThe revenue share cap can be increased or otherwise modified by agreement of the parties, and the provisions of the bill relating to the revenue share cap and retention fund are solely for the duration of the negotiated House settlement, unless Congress votes to retain them.\n\nNew Contract & Agent Rules with Real Teeth to Protect Athletes From Exploitation\n\nNIL contracts must include key terms and cannot bind athletes beyond their eligibility for intercollegiate athletics.\n\nRequires agents to register with a state and certify to the NCAA that they are registered before they can represent a student athlete.\n\nCaps agent fees at 5 percent.\n\nProhibits an agent from misleading a student-athlete about the existence or value of NIL deals to entice the athlete to enroll or transfer.\n\nThese protections can be enforced by athletes through a private right of action or by the FTC or state attorneys general.\n\nAcademic & Scholarship Guarantee\n\nGuarantees scholarships for ten years after eligibility, so athletes can complete their degrees.\n\nEnsures student athletes cannot lose their scholarship because of injury or a bad game.\n\nPrevents athletic staff from pressuring student-athletes regarding their choice of course or major.\n\nStudent Athletes\u2019 Health and Safety Protections While in School\n\nRequires Division I schools to cover out-of-pocket medical costs for athletic injuries or illness for current student-athletes, including covering the cost of a second opinion and providing an end-of-eligibility medical examination.\n\nMandates safety standards for heat exertion, brain injury, sickle cell trait, and asthma; overseen by health and safety officers independent of the athletic department.\n\nPrevents coaches or non-medical athletic personnel from second-guessing the decisions of medical personnel about a student\u2019s ability to play.\n\nRequires schools to prevent, assess, and remediate abuse of athletes, hazing, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment.\n\nHealthcare Protections When the Season is Over\n\nFor Division I schools, mandates they cover out-of-pocket costs for sports-related injuries or illness for 5 years post-eligibility.\n\nCreates a medical trust fund of at least $60 up to $100 million/year to help schools with demonstrated financial need provide post-eligibility medical coverage and to help athletes with the cost of significant, long-term conditions, like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), incurred from playing a sport. Pooled media rights revenue from the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 (SBA) covered entity may be used for this fund.\n\nEqual Treatment in Tournaments\n\nRequires the NCAA and conferences to maintain comparable standards across men\u2019s and women\u2019s teams for medical care, lodging, meals, rest, transportation, publicity and promotion, and athletic facilities at championship events or tournaments.\n\nStrong Enforcement When Athletes\u2019 Rights Are Violated\n\nGives athletes a private right of action to enforce provisions of the bill, including their NIL rights, agent protections, health and safety standards, scholarship protections and medical coverage requirements.\n\nAthletes cannot be forced to give up their right to join a class action with more than seven named plaintiffs or enter arbitration if they seek to enforce their rights.\n\nProtections for Women\u2019s and Olympic Sports\n\nPrevents women\u2019s and Olympic sports from being cut by requiring schools to maintain a minimum number of sports and requiring schools making $80 million or more in athletic department revenue to maintain, at minimum, the same total roster spots and grant-in-aid for non-revenue sports as in 2024-2025. Establishes a waiver process including exemptions for extraordinary circumstances. For mid-sized schools with athletic department revenue between $50 and $80 million, they are subject to the same roster spot and grant-in-aid requirements for non-revenue sports as large schools; however, they have a more lenient exemption process.\n\nMakes clear that nothing in the bill overrides, modifies, or amends the applicability of Title IX. Also provides whistleblower protections for reporting Title IX violations or participating in a Title IX challenge.\n\nProtects para-athletes\u2019 walk-on eligibility so all student-athletes can participate in college sports.\n\nRequires schools that pool their media rights to promote and distribute the media rights for women\u2019s and Olympic sports.\n\nAthlete Ombudsman\n\nCreates an Office of Athlete Ombudsman at the NCAA to provide independent guidance and advice to student athletes, help them resolve disputes with schools and conferences and refer them to available resources.\n\nWhistleblower Protections\n\nProvides whistleblower protection to individuals who report violations of the bill\u2019s provisions or participate in legal challenges brought or about to be brought under the Act.\n\nStudent Athletes Get a Seat at the Table\n\nRequires at least one-third of athletic association governing boards or other committees with rulemaking authority to be comprised of current or recent former student athletes.\n\nCreates a Student Athlete Retention Council within the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to provide recommendations on the future of the retention fund.\n\nExpands Representation and Opportunities\n\nRequires two members of the Commission on the Future of College Athletics to be representatives from HBCUs and two members of the Commission to be representatives from a mid-sized conference.\n\nEligibility\n\nProvides athletes with five years of eligibility with exceptions, including for serious injury or medical condition.\n\nTransfer\n\nAllows athletes to transfer once without having to sit out a year. Athletes may transfer again without sitting out a year to pursue a graduate degree, if their sport is cut, if their head coach leaves, or if they are sexually assaulted or harassed.\n\nProhibits Mid-Season Coaching Transitions\n\nPrevents football coaches and key football staff from leaving mid-season to coach or otherwise effectively take over another FBS program during the same competitive season, including through recruiting, roster management, NIL activity, or game-planning functions.\n\nEXPANDS REVENUE TO BENEFIT SCHOOLS, ATHLETES, FANS\n\nMore Revenue for Every Participating School\n\nSchools join a voluntary collective to pool and jointly negotiate their media rights, just like the NFL, NBA, and NHL. The bill amends the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 to extend this antitrust protection to college sports.\n\nLess Pressure on Endowments and Student Fees\n\nNew pooled revenue under this bill gives schools more financial stability without raiding academics or charging students more.\n\nVoluntary Participation, Existing Contracts Preserved\n\nNo school or conference is forced to join. Existing media rights contracts are not abrogated.\n\nProtections for Women\u2019s and Olympic Sports\n\nSchools must use pooled media revenue to maintain the same number of grant-in-aid opportunities and roster spots for non-revenue generating sports as provided in the 2024-25 academic year. Stops major programs from cutting non-revenue sports to fund football and basketball arms races.\n\nLocal Outlet Option for Football and Basketball\n\nRequires every football and basketball game be made available on a non-exclusive basis to at least one free TV local outlet in the home market of each participating school.\n\nMedia Rights Utilization for Non-Revenue Sports\n\nRequires distributors to reconvey media rights back to schools if those rights are not used, so non-revenue sports like volleyball, soccer, and track can grow through targeted distribution rather than sitting on a shelf.\n\nA Move Back to Regionalism\n\nProtects traditional rivalries on football schedules to ensure fans still get to see their favorite teams play each other.\n\nProhibits Mid-season Coaching Transitions\n\nPrevents football coaches and key football staff from leaving mid-season to coach or otherwise effectively take over another FBS program during the same competitive season, including through recruiting, roster management, NIL activity, or game-planning functions.\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports and ensure tomorrow\u2019s athletes have the same opportunities as today\u2019s competitors. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 sets new rules and provides new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes\u2019 rights to earn compensation for their NIL, enshrining scholarship and healthcare protections in law, reining in predatory agents, expanding revenue for all schools, and preserving and protecting the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports.\n\nIn June, at a landmark hearing on the bill, the Commerce Committee heard powerful testimony on the worsening crisis facing college athletics, including the future of women's and Olympic sports, athletes\u2019 rights, and the financial sustainability of the entire collegiate sports system.\n\nIn December of last year, she introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE Act) with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) so that college athletes earning NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money can protect more of it for their post-playing lives. In October, Sen. Cantwell joined former college and professional athletes and Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in warning that the SCORE Act would roll-back hard fought NIL rights and health protections, leave athletes vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, short-change women\u2019s and Olympic sports, and shut the door on collective bargaining rights.\n\nLast September, Sen. Cantwell, joined by co-sponsors Sens. Booker and Blumenthal, introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act to codify athletes\u2019 rights and protections in law, expand revenue for all schools, support women\u2019s and Olympic sports, and bring much-needed stability to the college sports system.\n\nNext Article Previous Article", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-introduce-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence/", "Murray, Colleagues, Introduce Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "The Senators\u2019 resolution \u2013 introduced Monday night \u2013 would require a report on increasing violence in the West Bank, including deaths of American citizens\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and 19 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years \u2013 and more detained \u2013 and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States governments. The Senators\u2019 resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children.\n\nThey were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).\n\n\u201cThe increasing violence in the West Bank is horrifying and unacceptable. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank since 2022 and their families deserve clarity and accountability. Two constituents from Washington state have been killed by Israeli forces with no answers and no justice\u2014that can\u2019t go unanswered. Additionally, the reports of detained Palestinian children are absolutely heartbreaking\u2014those families deserve answers too. It is crystal clear there needs to be an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank at the very least. That is exactly why I\u2019m standing shoulder to shoulder with my colleagues and introducing this resolution. What the world is seeing happen in the West Bank is unacceptable and only getting worse\u2014this administration must hold the extremist Netanyahu government accountable for its outright endorsement of illegal settler violence,\u201d said Senator Murray.\n\nThe resolution draws upon Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which allows Congress to file a privileged resolution that, if passed, would require the State Department to provide information on any country receiving U.S. security assistance and that country\u2019s observance of internationally-recognized human rights. After introduction, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has ten days to consider it in committee, and if it fails to do so, the resolution can be called up for a vote on the Senate floor. If the resolution passes the Senate, the Trump Administration must submit the report within 30 days or the majority of security assistance authorized to Israel would be prohibited. If the resolution passes, and following the receipt of the State Department report, Congress may consider any necessary changes to U.S. security assistance to that country in light of the information received. If the Administration declines or fails to submit the required report, the Administration\u2019s decision would prompt the termination of certain covered security assistance programs for Israel.\n\nText of the resolution is available HERE.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-rallies-with-bipartisan-members-of-congress-advocates-parents-against-trumps-attacks-on-head-start/", "Senator Murray Rallies with Bipartisan Members of Congress, Advocates, Parents Against Trump\u2019s Attacks on Head Start", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray: \u201cTrump wants to turn Head Start into a Dead End.\u201d\n\nICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Trump\u2019s Latest Attack on Head Start, Calls on Teachers and Parents to Protect the Program\n\nICYMI: Senators Murray, Luj\u00e1n, and Advocates Sound the Alarm on Trump\u2019s Latest Attack on Head Start, Vow to Save Head Start\n\n***WATCH: Senator Murray\u2019s remarks***\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress, child care advocates, and parents, to sound the alarm on the damaging new proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that if finalized could gut Head Start by shredding basic standards that keep kids safe and advances their education. The proposed rule removes most of Head Start\u2019s 133 pages of requirements for class sizes, discipline, medical screenings, home visits, hours of service, staff qualifications, and more.\n\nIn her remarks, Senator Murray highlighted how vital Head Start is for families in Washington state and across the country, and how important it is to preserve the strong, consistent standards and comprehensive services that Head Start provides for communities. In her remarks, she also called on families to make their voices heard and participate in the ongoing public comment period.\n\nSenator Murray\u2019s remarks, as delivered, are below:\n\n\u201cLast month, President Trump, the billionaire who thinks we cannot afford child care but who does thinks we can always find money for war and billionaire tax cuts, well as you know, he launched his latest attack on working families: it is a proposal that will rip the heart out of our Head Start program, by shredding over a hundred and thirty pages of rules that help our kids stay safe and make sure they do get a quality education.\n\n\u201cNo one is falling for Trump\u2019s spin here, no one. Are you? No!\n\nIn just about every way you can think of\u2014this rule would tear Head Start down.\n\n\u201cNow, Trump wants to tear down guardrails that keep kids safe; like requiring background checks on the people we trust with our kids, or banning corporal punishment, or requiring bus monitors so bus drivers can actually focus on traffic without wondering what\u2019s happening to all of the toddlers that are behind him or her.\n\n\u201cNow, Trump also wants to tear down the standards that ensure quality; duration requirements so programs are actually open when parents need them, curriculum requirements so kids aren\u2019t just left watching brain rot television, and requirements for play areas, and food prep spaces, and bathrooms.\n\n\u201cAnd Trump wants to tear down safety nets that keep our kids from falling through the cracks\u2014you know like screenings that are often the first time a kid has their hearing, vision, and teeth checked, trainings on how to recognize and help victims of child abuse, and rules that protect our kids with disabilities from harmful practices.\n\n\u201cBut, of course, when it comes to the one thing he should be tearing down\u2014which is barriers for families\u2014he\u2019s putting up new ones!\n\n\u201cHis rule will end up kicking homeless kids out of Head Start\u2014the proposal even admits to that! His rule will push out families that might not speak English as their first language. And his rule will ultimately shut down Head Start centers as it whittles down threadbare budgets even more and burns out our caregivers who are already overworked and underpaid by pushing them to watch more kids than they can handle.\n\n\u201cThe bottom line for this proposal is pretty simple, Trump wants to turn Head Start into a Dead End. Well not if I have anything to say about it\u2014and not if parents have anything to say about it.\n\n\u201cAnd I will tell you right now, there is a comment period\u2014parents are already raising their voices. You can go and read their stories about how Head Start health care screenings helped their child get a hearing aid or glasses, or what a relief it was to know their kids were safe, and cared for, and how they could not have afforded early education without Head Start. Now, I just checked this morning, and there are already over 12,000 comments on this proposed rule.\n\n\u201cBut I know there are a lot more parents with stories that need to share them. I know there are moms and dads out there watching right now, wondering what they can do and what\u2019s going to happen to this program and what they can do to help save it.\n\n\u201cHere is what you can do, go to regulations.gov right now and leave a comment, make your voice heard.\n\n\u201cAnd here\u2019s what is going to happen, we are going to fight tooth and nail to stop each and every one of Trump\u2019s horrible attacks on Head Start.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-on-new-report-finding-trump-wasted-billions-in-taxpayer-dollars-to-force-out-essential-federal-workers-most-expensive-way-imaginable-to-make-government-worse/", "Murray on New Report Finding Trump Wasted Billions in Taxpayer Dollars to Force Out Essential Federal Workers: \u201cMost expensive way imaginable to make government worse.\u201d", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today finding the Trump administration spent $9.5 billion paying federal workers not to work as part of its sweeping campaign to reduce the federal workforce. In many cases, after pushing out federal workers and paying them not to work, the Trump administration proceeded to rehire for their roles, and those new hires have been less qualified than the staff they replaced.\n\n\u201cAfter promising to cut waste, Trump instead set billions upon billions in taxpayer dollars on fire to quite literally pay people not to do jobs they loved\u2014from researching cancer cures to taking care of our National Parks, and so much else.\n\n\u201cTrump spent billions to push out experienced and badly needed experts across government\u2014this was the most expensive way imaginable to make government worse.\n\n\u201cSeniors, veterans, and families will wait longer for the help they count on for years to come, all thanks to Trump\u2019s reckless mass firing campaign, which was endorsed by Republicans in Congress who cheered these cuts and refused to join Democrats to put a stop to it.\u201d\n\nVice Chair Murray and Senate Democrats have fought to put a stop to President Trump\u2019s sweeping efforts to fire all manner of essential federal workers, including in negotiations over annual spending bills. But Republicans have rejected Democrats\u2019 efforts to put a permanent stop to mass firings and workforce reductions through spending measures and voted against a number of amendments Democrats proposed to protect staffing levels in critical areas.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/15/jayapal-raskin-fletcher-liccardo-durbin-blumenthal-padilla-whitehouse-introduce-cra-resolution-of-disapproval-regarding-regulation-that-changes-how-international-students-journalists-main/", "JAYAPAL, RASKIN, FLETCHER, LICCARDO, DURBIN, BLUMENTHAL, PADILLA, WHITEHOUSE INTRODUCE CRA RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL REGARDING REGULATION THAT CHANGES HOW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & JOURNALISTS MAINTAIN IMMIGRATION STATUS", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding a regulation, entitled \u201cEstablishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,\u201d which changes how international students and journalists maintain their immigration status.\n\nFor more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, a practice known as \u201cduration of status.\u201d However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years; similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule\u2019s impacts on the nation\u2019s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule is scheduled to go into effect on September 15.\n\n\u201cInternational students make our institutions of higher learning better for all students and create pipelines to ensure the best and brightest lend their talents to strengthen our economy and American innovation. We should be welcoming students, not wrapping the processes to obtain visas in layers of red tape. This has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with Trump and Stephen Miller\u2019s plan to prevent all forms of legal immigration. I first came to this country on a student visa and understand deeply just how important these visas are,\u201d said Jayapal.\n\n\u201cAmerica has always benefited from attracting brilliant students, researchers, doctors and journalists from around the world. The Trump Administration wants to obstruct that path with bureaucratic hurdles and quicksand designed to make legal immigration harder. This senseless rule will drive away talented people who come here to study, practice medicine, do research and contribute to our communities. It harms the American economy and American innovation and makes all of us worse off,\u201d said Raskin.\n\n\u201cOur international students, researchers, and journalists in our community and across our country make important contributions to our schools, our communities, and our economy,\u201d said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. \u201cPlacing fixed time limits on their studies ignores how long some study programs actually take and adds red tape to an immigration system that is already overwhelmed. Visiting students should have a stable, welcoming environment to further their education and contribute to our communities\u2014not obstacles that undermine their ability to do so. That is why I am glad to introduce legislation with Congressman Raskin, Congresswoman Jayapal, and Congressman Liccardo to repeal this rule and to help ensure the success of our universities and communities.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica wins when we can continue to attract the best and brightest students from around the world to drive American competitiveness, particularly in STEM fields. Eliminating the Duration of Status framework will push talented students and researchers toward our competitors, undermining our ability to win the global battle for talent, essential to our innovation economy,\u201d said Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16).\n\n\u201cThis proposed rule is just another part of the Donald Trump-Stephen Miller mass deportation agenda. They want to make the immigration process so difficult, so cumbersome, and so onerous that legal immigrants decide to leave the U.S. or never come here at all\u2014which will result in the loss of talented, bright individuals who make America better,\u201d Durbin said. \u201cOur nation is already confronting a serious health workforce shortage. Now is not the time to make it even more difficult for health care professionals to care for our most vulnerable communities. I appreciate my Democratic colleagues in joining me on this important measure and encourage members on both sides of the aisle to support it.\u201d\n\n\u201cInternational students deserve fair opportunities to receive an education in the United States. Students, exchange visitors, and foreign members of the media should never have to live in fear of the Administration\u2019s unprecedented attacks on legal immigration,\u201d said Padilla. \u201cDiversity is our country\u2019s strength, and international students and exchange visitors support American innovation, job growth, higher education, and global competitiveness. We have a responsibility to protect these visa holders, including international students who contribute to the culture of American universities and eventually to our nation\u2019s economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cRhode Island\u2019s institutions of higher education help power the Ocean State\u2019s economic competitiveness. International students and medical residents drive innovation, contribute to cutting-edge research, and spend big not only on tuition, but also at local restaurants and businesses. This Trump administration rule punishes international students, young doctors, and foreign journalists as well as local small businesses and universities as part of their extreme anti-immigration agenda,\u201d said Whitehouse.\n\nBill text is available here.\n\nThis regulation will have adverse impacts on foreign students, international medical school graduates (residents), and foreign members of the media. The federal government last implemented a fixed period of admission for these visa categories in the 1970s, and the changes resulted in significant backlogs. This new regulation will likely yield the same result, as the most recent available data shows the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing backlog at 12 million cases. Universities have predicted significant hardships for PhD students, who can often take as long as seven years to complete their programs. In addition, universities have expressed concerns that the strict regulation will prevent graduate students from changing their educational objective and prevent undergraduate students, including athletes, from transferring to another university in their first year of education or changing their majors. Medical associations have similarly raised concerns about the impacts of the rule on medical residents.\n\nThis rule is the most recent in a series of attempts by the Trump Administration to stop legal immigration to the United States. Last year, Senator Durbin led a group of 35 Senate Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider the decision to revoke student visas without adequate notice. In April, Durbin led Judiciary Democrats in requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct an independent investigation after the Trump Administration summarily halted most immigrant benefits processing for immigration applicants from 39 countries, stopped visa processing for immigrant visa applicants from 75 countries, and ended most refugee and asylum processing. In a separate letter to GAO, Durbin and his colleagues also requested GAO investigate the Trump Administration\u2019s attempts to \u201cre-review\u201d immigration benefits granted to all individuals from 39 countries who were approved under the Biden Administration\u2014including those who have since become U.S. citizens.\n\nThe CRA resolution of disapproval is endorsed by: AAMC \u2013 Association of American Medical Colleges; AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management; Alliance for International Exchange; American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers; American College of Radiology; American Council on Education; American Gastroenterological Association; American Immigration Lawyers Association; American Osteopathic Association; American Psychiatric Association; American Society of Nephrology; American Society of Neuroradiology; Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment; Association of American Universities; Association of Independent California Colleges & Universities; Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities; Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU); Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges; Cornell University; Council of Graduate Schools; Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities; Global Detroit; Illinois State University; Illinois Tech; International Educators of Illinois; Miles for Migraine; NAFSA: Association of International Educators; National Association of Independent Colleges & Universities (NAICU); Northern Illinois University, Presidents\u2019 Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration; Shorelight, LLC; Third Way; UC Berkeley; UCLA; University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources; University of California System; University of California-San Diego; University of California, Davis; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Francisco; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Illinois System; and U.S. For Success Coalition.\n\nDurbin has introduced bipartisan legislation to make long-needed reforms to our legal immigration system, including the Keep STEM Talent Act, the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act, and the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-thurston-and-lewis-counties", "Gluesenkamp Perez Announces Mobile Office Hours in Thurston and Lewis Counties", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "TENINO AND RANDLE, WA \u2013 Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced her office will be holding mobile office hours in Thurston and Lewis Counties. Residents of Washington\u2019s Third District will be able to walk in to get assistance with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and State Department.\n\nThe Congresswoman\u2019s team will be available on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tenino City Hall Meeting Room 149 Hodgden St S, Tenino, WA 98589 and on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Timberland Library Meeting Room 10111 US-12, Randle, WA 98377.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez has held thirty mobile office hours in every county in Washington\u2019s Third District where she doesn\u2019t have an office, as a part of her commitment to ensure every community can access her services.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez has already recovered more than $16.2 million for over 3,800 constituents owed to them by federal agencies.\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan team is working each day to directly assist folks across Southwest Washington with federal agencies \u2013 whether it\u2019s recovering Social Security checks, tax refunds, or veterans benefits you\u2019re owed,\u201d said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. \u201cOur services shouldn\u2019t be any less accessible because of where you live \u2013 so I\u2019ve made it my priority to bring mobile office hours to every county across Southwest Washington. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to stop by, and I\u2019ll keep working to ensure we can reach more of our rural communities.\u201d\n\nConstituents looking to receive updates about future office hours in their communities can follow Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez on Facebook, X, Instagram, or Threads or subscribe to her newsletter.\n\nThose not able to make it can always reach out online, by phone at (360) 695-6292, or in person at the Congresswoman\u2019s Vancouver or Kelso offices.\n\nExamples of how Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has assisted constituents across Southwest Washington can be found here.\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-gonzagas-mark-few-current-college-athletes-and-other-coaches-speaking-in-support-of-protect-college-sports-act", "Cantwell Joins Gonzaga\u2019s Mark Few, Current College Athletes & Other Coaches Speaking in Support of Protect College Sports Act", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Joins Gonzaga\u2019s Mark Few, Current College Athletes & Other Coaches Speaking in Support of Protect College Sports Act\n\nCANTWELL: \u201cI'm asking my colleagues to join us in fixing what's wrong with college sports today.\u201d; FEW: \"We really, really need help, and we need it from Congress.\u201d; Cantwell\u2019s bipartisan Protect College Sports Act ensures federal rights and protections for athletes and secures the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports; vote on legislation expected this week\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Gonzaga University head men\u2019s basketball coach Mark Few, current college athletes, other coaches, and senators from both parties to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act.\n\n\"[The Protect College Sports Act] is a first-time federal statute on the rights of students to earn NIL and revenue sharing. So, a historic recognition of both of those rights,\" said Sen. Cantwell.\n\n\"This is [also] about reining in the bad practices that are happening in college sports today, the runaway costs that are sending people to the state legislature, asking for bailouts from taxpayers to pay for sports ... because of the runaway arms race in sports spending,\" she added. \"I'm asking my colleagues to join us in fixing what's wrong with college sports today.\"\n\n\"We really, really need help, and we need it from Congress,\" said Coach Few. \"This bill might not be perfect, but it's far and far away the best thing we got out there right now.\"\n\n\"I'm so proud of both Senator Cantwell working with her over all these years, but just teaming with Senator Cruz,\" he added, \"it really, really gives you a great feeling and great encouragement of just how Washington does really work for all of us.\"\n\nSpeakers at today\u2019s press conference included current college athletes, current college coaches and bill cosponsors from both parties.\n\nCOLLEGE ATHLETES\n\nDiego Diaz, Fairleigh Dickinson University Men\u2019s Volleyball\n\nSophia Stylianos, University of Michigan Women\u2019s Rowing\n\nKedrick Green, Howard University Football\n\nSydney Wilson, Saint Mary\u2019s College Women\u2019s Tennis\n\nElla Brooks, Clemson University Track & Field\n\nCOLLEGE COACHES\n\nJohn Calipari, Head Coach, University of Arkansas Men\u2019s Basketball\n\nMark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga University Men\u2019s Basketball\n\nCraig Bohl, former Head Coach, North Dakota State University / University of Wyoming Football\n\nKelvin Sampson, Head Coach, University of Houston Men\u2019s Basketball (and former Washington State University head coach)\n\nCraig Robinson, Executive Director, National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and former Head Coach, Brown University / Oregon State University Men\u2019s Basketball\n\nSENATORS\n\nCommerce Committee ranking member Maria Cantwell (D-WA)\n\nCommerce Committee chair Ted Crux (R-TX)\n\nSen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO)\n\nSen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)\n\nSen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO)\n\nSen. John Hoeven (R-ND)\n\nSen. Cantwell is leading the effort to reform college sports and ensure tomorrow\u2019s athletes have the same opportunities as today\u2019s competitors. The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 sets new rules and provides new tools to stabilize college sports, including codifying athletes\u2019 rights to earn compensation for their NIL, enshrining scholarship and healthcare protections in law, reining in predatory agents, expanding revenue for all schools and preserving and protecting the future of women\u2019s and Olympic sports.\n\nIn June, at a landmark hearing on the bill, the Commerce Committee heard powerful testimony on the worsening crisis facing college athletics, including the future of women's and Olympic sports, athletes\u2019 rights, and the financial sustainability of the entire collegiate sports system.\n\nIn December of last year, she introduced the Helping Undergraduate Students Thrive with Long-Term Earnings (HUSTLE Act) with Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) so that college athletes earning NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) money can protect more of it for their post-playing lives. In October, Sen. Cantwell joined former college and professional athletes and Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) in warning that the SCORE Act would roll-back hard fought NIL rights and health protections, leave athletes vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, short-change women\u2019s and Olympic sports, and shut the door on collective bargaining rights.\n\nLast September, Sen. Cantwell, joined by co-sponsors Sens. Booker and Blumenthal, introduced the Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement (SAFE) Act to codify athletes\u2019 rights and protections in law, expand revenue for all schools, support women\u2019s and Olympic sports and bring much-needed stability to the college sports system.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-trump-plan-to-eliminate-epa-limits-on-power-plant-pollution", "Cantwell Statement On Trump Plan To Eliminate EPA Limits on Power Plant Pollution", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Statement On Trump Plan To Eliminate EPA Limits on Power Plant Pollution\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Trump administration officials announced a plan to remove the existing pollution caps placed on power plants in the United States, changing a longtime policy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and threatening to increase the level of greenhouse gases pumped into our atmosphere.\n\nU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, made the following statement:\n\n\u201cRolling back carbon pollution limits from power plants is a step in the wrong direction. Rather than abandoning public health standards and the fight against climate change, the way to keep electricity prices down is to invest in cleaner, more efficient energy technologies.\u201d\n\nIn the United States, the power sector is already the second-largest producer of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, behind only the transportation sector.\n\nAccording to data recently released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July 2026 was the hottest on record for the contiguous U.S., with an average temperature of 76.9*F \u2013 a full 3.3*F hotter than the 20th century average, and the hottest in 132 years of record keeping. Climate change is already costing American consumers, with one study published earlier this year finding U.S. households paying an average of $400 to $900 more per year because of climate change, and more than $1,300 in some parts of the country.\n\nSen. Cantwell has been a strong advocate of polices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors and industries. As then-chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, she secured $297 million for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Low-Emissions Aviation Technology Grant Program, now known as the Fueling Aviation\u2019s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, which was enacted in the Inflation Reduction Act. She also partnered with her Senate colleagues to introduce the Sustainable Skies Act in 2019, a version of which was also incorporated in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide a tax credit to increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel.\n\nIn 2024, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report requested by Sen. Cantwell and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) on the economic impacts of climate change to the federal government. The report identified six key sectors of great financial risk to the federal government due to the projected impacts of climate change: crop insurance, coastal disaster relief, health care expenditures, wildland fire suppression, flood insurance, and sea level rise. The GAO warned that changes in the first four sectors would cost the federal government an estimated $18 billion annually by midcentury and nearly $69 billion annually by late century.\n\nIn 2023, Sen. Cantwell joined Sen. Collins in introducing the bipartisan Carbon Removal and Emissions Storage Technologies (CREST) Act, which would direct the Departments of Energy and Interior to establish new research programs and evaluate the feasibility of carbon removal and storage pathways, quantify the net impact of carbon removal solutions, and establish an innovative pilot reverse auction purchasing program to accelerate carbon removal market commercialization. The CREST Act followed the Cantwell-Collins CLEAR Act, introduced in 2009, which would set up a mechanism for selling carbon shares to fuel producers and would return most of the resulting revenue in checks to every American.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-patty-murray-statement-on-pete-serranos-nomination-for-u-s-attorney-in-the-western-district-of-washington/", "Senator Patty Murray Statement on Pete Serrano\u2019s Nomination for U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 In response to Pete Serrano\u2019s nomination for U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has issued the following statement.\n\n\u201cPete Serrano is not qualified to serve as U.S. Attorney and his extreme right-wing views are completely out of touch with the priorities of Washington state. His record hasn\u2019t changed\u2014he tried to rewrite the history of the violent January 6th insurrection and sides with anti-abortion extremists.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s be clear about what a sham this is: after federal judges declined to appoint Serrano in Eastern Washington, this administration invented a workaround to install him anyway. Now they want to permanently install Serrano in the Western District. When the federal judges in the Western District appointed a highly qualified prosecutor unanimously\u2014this President fired him within an hour for no cause.\n\n\u201cThe people of Washington state deserve a serious U.S. Attorney who will follow the law, not a political loyalist who thinks the law is whatever the President says it is. I will be using every tool I have to block this nomination.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lopez-island-food-center-breaks-ground-with-1m-cantwell-supported-federal-investment", "Lopez Island Food Center Breaks Ground With $1M Cantwell-Supported Federal Investment", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Lopez Island Food Center Breaks Ground With $1M Cantwell-Supported Federal Investment\n\nThe 6,000-square-foot facility will help local farmers connect directly with food-insecure families & workers, & provide needed infrastructure; Cantwell & Larsen helped secure a $1 million federal grant for the project\n\nEDMONDS, WA \u2013 Yesterday, leaders in the San Juan Islands celebrated the groundbreaking of the Lopez Food Center, a 6,000-square-foot facility that once completed will house a food share, job training, storage space and farm stands for local farmers, a commercial kitchen, and more.\n\nThe project was funded in part by a $1 million federal grant secured by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) through an FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request.\n\n\u201cToo many families on Lopez Island struggle with food insecurity while San Juan County farms need access to markets, employees, and infrastructure which are all harder to find on the islands than on the mainland. This 6,000-square-foot community space will connect families in need, local farmers, and community organizations and create new opportunities for workers and businesses,\" Sen. Cantwell said. \"The Lopez Food Center is exactly the kind of grassroots solution we should be investing in, and that\u2019s why Congressman Larsen and I worked to secure $1 million in federal funds toward this groundbreaking.\"\n\nThe project will construct a multi-use building in the \"main square\" of the island focused on two issues: fighting high levels of food insecurity, which impacts approximately 40% of Lopez Island residents, and increasing economic development opportunities for island farms and restauranters.\n\nOnce completed, the center will provide a safe and accessible home for the Lopez Food Share, a food share that currently serves 1,123 low-income adults and children each month. The new space will double the number of people who can be served and allow the food share to create a hot meal program and expand its prepared food offerings.\n\nThe center will also provide a space for business development and job training to help tackle the labor shortage that limits the growth of the local food economy in San Juan County, an issue compounded by a shortage of affordable housing. The Lopez Food Center will also provide business incubation spaces for local entrepreneurs, pop-up restaurants, and a commercial kitchen.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murrays-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/", "Senator Murray\u2019s Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11.\n\n\u201cToday, on the twenty fifth anniversary of September 11th , we remember the innocent lives that were taken from us, and we pause to honor the bravery and selflessness of every single person who stepped up in the face of unthinkable tragedy. We will never forget the loved ones we lost, the courage of our first responders and servicemembers\u2014nor will we forget how our country came together with an outpouring of unity in the aftermath to grieve and heal together. On that terrible day, there were countless individual acts of courage, kindness, and solidarity and unlikely heroes stepped up from all walks of life. These Americans exemplify the very best of our country and a quarter century later, they continue to inspire us. I hope all of us can remember that there will always be more that unites us as Americans than divides us, despite what some would tell us.\u201d\n\nIn 2022, a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Senator Murray helped pass the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act unanimously in the United States Senate which would expand Post-9/11 combat veterans\u2019, including those suffering from conditions caused by toxic exposures, access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care.\n\nSenator Murray also helped pass the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act (PACT Act) as a senior member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. In 2019, Senator Murray voted to reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for the next 73 years, which provides financial support to help pay the health care bills for first responders and survivors of the attack on 9/11.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-testifies-on-her-bills-to-clean-up-congress", "Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Testifies on Her Bills to Clean Up Congress", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Marie Gluesenkamp Perez", "G000600", "gluesenkampperez.house.gov", "gluesenkampperez", "https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC \u2014 Last week, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez attended a hearing held by the House Committee on Rules to advocate for changes to House rules for next Congress. She urged the committee to enact a number of reforms within the U.S. House of Representatives. Among these reforms were an effort to create cognitive standards for members of the House, to form a Select Committee to explore Electoral Reform options, allow for remote committee testimonies, and to expand the code of conduct to ban Members of Congress from sleeping with House staff.\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez testifies in front of the Rules Committee\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez opened her testimony asking committee members to consider the adoption of her BRIDGE to Congress Resolution to allow remote witness testimony at Congressional hearings. The Congresswoman noted that for too long everyday people and people who live far from the Capitol face significant burdens in coming to DC to speak in front of their representatives. This provision hopes to bring local issues into committee spotlights and reduce the influence of lobbyists and paid policy professionals.\n\n\u201cFor a constituent in Southwest Washington, testifying in person can mean taking time off work, finding child or elder care, and paying for a plane ticket and hotel in Washington, D.C. Most working families I know simply can\u2019t afford that,\u201d said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cThe result is a witness pool that lacks geographic, economic, and lived-experience diversity. Instead of hearing directly from a fisherman in Pacific County or a shop teacher in Skamania County, Congress gets a feedback-loop from people paid to discuss policy. That leads to bad policy and erodes public trust.\u201d\n\nThe Congresswoman continued her testimony by urging the adoption of her resolution establishing a bipartisan Select Committee on Electoral Reform. Throughout her time in congress, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has pursued options for making Congress a more representative body to the average American. The Electoral Reform Select Committee Act was the first piece of legislation she introduced in the 119th Congress. If formed, the bipartisan Select Committee would investigate options such as multi-member districts with proportional representation, expanding the House, and independent redistricting commissions to improve the responsibility members of Congress have to their constituents.\n\n\u201cRegardless of party or ideology, more and more Americans feel that our democracy isn\u2019t working for them. Americans feel unrepresented and are losing faith in a government that they view as unreflective of their communities and values.\u201d Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cAs Members of Congress, we need to take a step back, reexamine how we got here, and work toward what we can do to fix it.\u201d\n\nVideo of the Congresswoman\u2019s remarks can be found here:\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez continued her testimony by reminding the committee that accountability and trust in Congress demands they take action on the instances of sexual misconduct that have plagued this Congress.\n\n\u201cThis is about trust, accountability, and not giving powerful people a free pass to continue perpetuating a culture of sexual assault and misconduct. Americans deserve to know that their elected officials are held to high standards\u2013and that their representatives are hellbent on making this institution work better for the American people,\u201d Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cAs members, we are here to work \u2013 not date. The next rules package should include a code of conduct that prohibits Members of Congress from having sexual relationships with House staff, no matter where that staffer works\u2014whether in another Member\u2019s personal office, a committee, or a caucus.\u201d\n\nRep. Gluesenkamp Perez ended her testimony by once again raising her mental acuity standards provision to her colleagues in the House. She has made repeated efforts to urge the Office of Congressional Conduct to create a standard of conduct as it relates to members suffering from significant and irreversible cognitive decline. Recently she offered this provision in the Appropriations Committee as an amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. The amendment failed overwhelmingly, with Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez casting the only yes vote on the entire committee.\n\n\u201cAmericans elect Members of Congress to be their voice in Washington, and that responsibility comes with a clear standard of conduct. Clause 1 of Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House requires Members to \u2018behave at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.\u2019\u201d Said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, \u201cWhen a Member is no longer able to fulfill the responsibilities of the office because of a significant and irreversible cognitive impairment, and unelected staff are effectively running the office on that Member\u2019s behalf, we have to establish a process to evaluate and address it.\u201d\n\n####", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-eve-of-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks", "Cantwell Statement on the Eve of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Statement on the Eve of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made the following statement:\n\n\u201cOur hearts are mourning for all those lost on September 11, 2001. We remember the victims as well as the heroism of first responders, the service members who continue to protect us, and the incredible unity we felt as a nation in the aftermath of the attacks.\n\n\u201cOn that terrible day, America came under attack. The world rallied around us. This anniversary is a call to rededicate ourselves to these shared values that have always defined us as a nation.", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-senator-murray-visits-pnnl-in-sequim-vows-to-protect-federal-funding-for-national-labs/", "ICYMI: Senator Murray Visits PNNL in Sequim, Vows to Protect Federal Funding for National Labs", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "***PHOTOS HERE***\n\nSequim, WA \u2013 U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) Sequim campus, which houses the only marine research facilities in the Department of Energy\u2019s (DOE) national lab complex. The Sequim campus is focused on marine-based research that helps the nation achieve energy innovation and maintain robust, secure coasts. PNNL\u2019s testbed in Sequim Bay is an ideal testing location for a variety of technologies\u2014from new energy systems to AI-enabled maritime technologies\u2014that link Sequim Bay through an energetic tidal channel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Puget Sound.\n\nSenator Murray toured PNNL\u2019s new Bench to Bay Deployment and Applied Sciences Laboratory. This lab allows scientists to engineer lab equipment and deploy it directly into marine environments, a unique capability in the national lab complex. Senator Murray secured $21.3 million in FY24 through DOE\u2019s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) to directly support the construction of this new facility.\n\n\u201cTrump has launched an all-out attack on science and research in this country\u2014and I\u2019m doing everything I can to stop it,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cPNNL does critical work to study marine environments, develop new renewable energy technology, and keep Washington state and the country safe from threats by securing our coasts. This is exactly why investing in research matters. I will continue to push back against the Trump administration\u2019s proposed cuts to research at our national labs.\u201d\n\nPNNL is one of the national lab complex\u2019s top labs for research funding through the DOE\u2019s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). NNSA\u2019s nuclear nonproliferation work and EERE programs have both been targeted for elimination or draconian cuts by both the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. Thanks to Senator Murray\u2019s leadership on the Energy and Water Development (EWD) Appropriations Subcommittee, she has successfully fought to protect significant funding for PNNL.\n\nFor FY26, Senator Murray secured $3.1 billion for EERE, $2.212 billion above Trump\u2019s budget request. While President Trump has worked to eliminate renewable energy research funding, Senator Murray has fought hard to preserve the EERE programs that directly support PNNL-Sequim\u2019s research, including securing $60 million for Marine National Laboratoriesand $24 million for the Powering the Blue Economy Initiative, both under DOE\u2019s WPTO.\n\nIn the FY26 funding bills, Senator Murray also secured $25.40 billion for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Within NNSA, the bill includes $2.415 billion for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN), $130.89 million above the FY26 budget request. Republicans cut DNN by $185 million in their FY25 CR, and Trump requested an even lower funding level for the account for FY27. DNN programs provide 30% of PNNL\u2019s funding from the Department, so Senator Murray prioritized protecting this funding in the FY26 funding bill she negotiated as much as possible to avoid significant layoffs at the lab.\n\nSenator Murray is continuing to work to protect these programs and their funding in the FY27 appropriations bills.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senators-murray-coons-shaheen-klobuchar-slotkin-statement-on-president-trumps-trade-war-with-canada/", "Senators Murray, Coons, Shaheen, Klobuchar, Slotkin Statement on President Trump\u2019s Trade War with Canada", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) released the following statement in response to President Trump\u2019s continued imposition of new tariffs on Canada:\n\n\u201cThe states we represent rely on Canada as a key trading partner and our primary export market. We have deep ties with our neighbors to the north, and we share one of the world\u2019s most enduring defense partnerships. We have built two powerful nations over many decades by working together, growing our economies together, and securing our homelands together. Our countries have achieved great things by working closely together, and we still can.\n\n\u201cInstead of working with our neighbors, President Trump is doubling down on a pointless trade war. His tariffs will squeeze our states\u2019 small businesses and farmers harder and drive costs up for working families. They will raise the cost of the lumber, plywood, and construction equipment we need to build new housing. They will hurt our workers and businesses who manufacture autos, aircraft, and machinery. They will drive up the prices consumers pay for everyday basics like milk, clothing, and paper products.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s tariffs have already cost American families as much as $5,000 in some states, and his senseless trade war with Canada will only grow that number. While American families and businesses suffer from President Trump\u2019s trade wars, partners around the world, including Canada, are increasingly looking to diversify away from the United States and deepen trade ties with other countries including China. Congressional Republicans need to stand up to the president and do their part to give families and businesses on both sides of the border relief from this insanity.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4257", "Larsen Pushes Back Against Trump\u2019s Voter Suppression Efforts", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cPresident Trump\u2019s U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail-in voting rule is an effort to suppress the right to vote. There is no evidence that mail-in ballots result in widespread voter fraud in our elections, no matter what the President claims.\n\n\u201cFor instance, during a recount of ballots mailed in Whatcom County for last month\u2019s primary, election workers confirmed that 100% of the ballots were counted accurately. Local election officials know how to administer free and fair elections.\n\n\u201cI am challenging Trump\u2019s voter suppression efforts. I will keep supporting all efforts to defend Washington\u2019s secure vote-by-mail system and protect the right of every eligible citizen to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted.\u201d\n\nYesterday, Rep. Larsen joined 260 of his House and Senate colleagues in sending an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing against the legality of Trump\u2019s USPS mail-in voting rule. The court case challenges a USPS rule issued because of President Trump\u2019s executive order this past March that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a \u201ccitizenship verification list\u201d and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.\n\nRep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus.\n\nTo read the full amicus brief, click here.", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-22-2-rate-increase-for-washingtons-2027-exchange-health-insurance-market/", "Senator Murray Responds to 22.2% Rate Increase for Washington\u2019s 2027 Exchange Health Insurance Market", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington\u2019s Office of Insurance Commissioner Says Republicans Refusing to Extend ACA Tax Credits is Key Driver of New Premium Hike\n\nICYMI: New Report Shows Health Care Premiums Doubled for Over 200,000 Washingtonians Thanks to Trump and Republicans\u2019 Health Care Cuts\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2014 Today\u2014nearly a year after Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits\u2014the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State announced that a 22.2% average rate increase was approved for insurance providers who will sell individual health plans on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange in 2027.\n\nIn response, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement.\n\n\u201cThis massive rate increase is a direct result of the health care crisis that Republicans have created by prioritizing billionaires over American families. Costs are skyrocketing while patients are losing health coverage\u2014and it didn\u2019t have to be this way. We know exactly how we got here: last year, Republicans passed the single largest cut to health care in our country\u2019s history, and they blocked every Democratic effort to extend the ACA tax credits,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cTrump and Republicans would rather give trillions in tax breaks to billionaires and endlessly fund Trump\u2019s war with Iran than help families afford their doctor appointments and prescriptions. Republicans chose to put billionaires and foreign wars ahead of health care for the American people\u2014but the people can have the last word using their voice and their vote.\u201d\n\nIn August, a new report was released detailing how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)\u2014which cut over $1 trillion from health care to fund tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires\u2014has caused 50,545 Washingtonians to lose their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage they relied on to receive health care. Republicans also refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, which caused premiums to double for 226,813 people across Washington state and which the Washington State Insurance Commissioner cites as a primary reason driving the rate increase for 2027. For 2026, rates for plans on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange increased by 21%, which had direct impacts on families. This year, a family of four in Washington state who makes $130,000 a year saw their average annual premium rise by $12,392\u2014costing them a total of $23,442.\n\nHospitals and clinics in Washington state are facing a $160 million loss in funding, a 5.6% spike in uncompensated care, and are expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion over the next decade due to Republicans\u2019 health care cuts. So far 37 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Washington state are at-risk, have announced cuts to services, are closing, or have closed, including:\n\nAT-RISK: Astria Sunnyside Hospital, Coulee Medical Center, Dayton General Hospital, Forks Community Hospital, Klickitat Valley Health, Lake Chelan Hospital \u2013 Labor & Delivery Ward, Mason General Hospital, Mid-Valley Hospital, Odessa Memorial Hospital, Othello Community Hospital, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington & North Idaho health centers, Prosser Memorial Health, Samaritan Hospital, Summit Pacific Medical Center, Three Rivers Hospital, Toppenish Community Hospital\n\nCUTS ANNOUNCED: East Adams Rural Healthcare \u2013 Ritzville Hospital, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, PeaceHealth, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Providence Swedish, Seattle Children\u2019s Hospital, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health\n\nCLOSED: DominiCare (St. Joseph\u2019s Hospital), Legacy Salmon Creek Pain Clinic, Legacy-GoHealth \u2013 Camas, Legacy-GoHealth \u2013 Cascade Park, Legacy-GoHealth \u2013 Salmon Creek, Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic (Providence Medical Park), Overlake Medical Center \u2013 Lake Hills urgent care clinic, Planned Parenthood \u2013 Port Angeles Health Center, Providence St. Joseph\u2019s Hospital Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinic, St. Michael Medical Center Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic, Swedish Weight Loss Outpatient Clinic, The Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic, ZoomCare Super Bellevue \u2013 Emergency Care\n\nABOUT GOP REFUSAL TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS:\n\nSenator Murray forced the issue of the ACA tax credits at every opportunity before Republicans ultimately refused to take any action, speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the ACA tax credits. She took to the Senate floor in November 2025 with her Democratic colleagues to call for a clean one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, and held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, about the exploding health care premiums that Americans would see due to the expiration of the tax credits. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis during the government shutdown last fall. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year\u2014the Health Care Affordability Act and the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act\u2014that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.\n\nAs then-chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.\n\nABOUT TRUMP\u2019S MEDICAID CUTS:\n\nNationwide, the Republican health care cuts represent a more than $400 billion hit to America\u2019s hospitals\u2014with one estimate finding that over 170 rural hospitals will likely be forced to close or scale back their services, which will force more Americans to travel further for maternity care and emergency room visits, and face longer wait times. Washington state is one of the states most at-risk, with 22 hospitals at-risk of closing or reducing services. An estimated 477,000 health workers will lose their jobs as a result of the Republican cuts to Medicaid. Senator Murray has consistently advocated for rural health care access across the state, hosting numerous events to emphasize the importance of investment into rural communities.\n\nHospitals in Washington state could lose at least $662 million in Medicaid revenue every year under OBBBA\u2014forcing hospitals to lay off staff, cut services, or close their doors entirely. Overall, Washington state is expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next decade. In 2024, Washington had an uninsured rate of 4.8 percent\u2014the lowest in the country\u2014but the Republican bill is expected to balloon that number into the double digits.\n\nIn Washington state, nearly 2 million people\u2014roughly 1 in 5\u2014are enrolled in Apple Health, the state\u2019s Medicaid program. Washington\u2019s 4th Congressional District has the highest Medicaid enrollment in Washington state, with nearly 300,000 people\u201438 percent of all residents\u2014reliant on Apple Health, including 70 percent of all children in the state.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4255", "Everett\u2019s Maritime Institute Recognized as Leader in Maritime Workforce Education", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "Today, the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that the Maritime Institute in Everett was one of sixteen maritime workforce centers designated as a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education in 2026.\n\n\u201cThe maritime economy is alive and well in Washington state,\u201d said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees MARAD. \u201cThe Maritime Institute\u2019s national recognition as a MARAD Center of Excellence is proof positive of that. I will keep working to support the Maritime Institute and expand the local maritime economy and the jobs that come with it in the Pacific Northwest.\u201d\n\nA MARAD CoE designation recognizes that a Center is making a notable contribution to the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of the maritime sector and workforce in the United States. The 48 CoEs across the U.S. are organizations identified as key to building the maritime workforce and providing the necessary infrastructure for the United States to mobilize the required workforce in times of national need. They may be eligible for up to $30 million in federal funding specifically allocated to CoEs in 2027.\n\n\u201cMaritime Institute is incredibly proud to be designated as a Center of Excellence by the U.S. Maritime Administration,\u201d said Dave Abrams, CEO of the Maritime Institute. \u201cThis designation honors the dedication of our team to provide the highest quality training to mariners in the State of Washington and across the U.S. Our mission is to train people to build, repair, and operate vessels safely; we hope that this designation will eventually provide funding for additional resources to support that mission and our continued expansion in Everett, while helping to grow Washington\u2019s maritime workforce.\u201d\n\n\"It\u2019s an honor to hear our partners at Maritime Institute have been recognized as a Center of Excellence by MARAD,\u201d said Lisa Lefeber, Port of Everett CEO/Executive Director. \u201cThis is a testament to the important work they are doing here at the Port of Everett to train up our region\u2019s next generation of maritime workers and create direct pipelines to good paying maritime jobs. We are particularly proud of our joint efforts to expand this critical workforce training for adults to now include options for high school seniors with the launch of the first ever maritime high school program for Snohomish County.\u201d\n\nTwo other organizations in Washington state received CoE designations this year: Washington State Ferries in Seattle and Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4256", "Larsen Joins 167 Lawmakers Demanding the Trump Administration Halt its Roadless Rule Rollback", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Rick Larsen", "L000560", "larsen.house.gov", "larsen", "https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx", "scraper", "U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined a bipartisan coalition of 167 Members of Congress last Friday in urging the Trump administration to abandon its proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule, a longstanding and successful conservation guardrail protecting 44 million acres of iconic landscapes and National Forest System lands. The letter underscores the Rule\u2019s broad, bipartisan support, as well as its critical role in safeguarding clean drinking water, wildlife habitats, carbon storage, and outdoor recreation economies across 37 states.\n\n\u201cSince its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states. These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cThe enduring support for the Roadless Rule is rooted in its clear and measurable benefits. Over the past 25 years, the rule has helped protect watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity by limiting road construction and large-scale logging in undeveloped areas.\u201d\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers criticize their lack of meaningful public engagement, calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the comment period, hold in-person public meetings, and conduct full Tribal consultation. The lawmakers also demanded the Trump administration halt its rescission effort and instead focus on successful implementation of this bedrock policy.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be read here and below.\n\nDear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz,\n\nAs Members of Congress representing a broad range of communities, stakeholders, and outdoor interests, we write in strong support of the U.S. Forest Service\u2019s Roadless Area Conservation Rule (\u201cRoadless Rule\u201d) and in firm opposition to the Department of Agriculture\u2019s proposal for rescission. We urge the Department to halt this effort and instead focus on effective implementation of this longstanding and successful policy.\n\nSince its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states. These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.\n\nThe Roadless Rule was developed through one of the most robust public processes in federal rulemaking history. The Forest Service received 1.6 million public comments - approximately 95 percent in support - and held over 600 public meetings nationwide. In contrast, the current rescission effort has lacked meaningful public engagement. The Department provided just 21 days for public comment on the Notice of Intent in 2025 and has yet to hold any public meetings. Despite these limitations, more than 600,000 comments were submitted, with over 99 percent opposing rescission. This overwhelming and bipartisan public support underscores the continued popularity and importance of the Roadless Rule. Unsurprisingly, at just 30 days, the ongoing comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and proposed rule is equally insufficient, and we encourage the USFS to extend the comment period to 120 days for a fair and transparent process.\n\nGiven the extraordinary public interest in the Roadless Rule and the significant consequences that its repeal would have for communities across the country, the Forest Service should also conduct a robust series of in-person public meetings before finalizing any rescission. Additionally, Tribes are entitled to the opportunity to engage in robust consultation, as the repeal of the Rule will have dramatic consequences on their way of life. When the Roadless Rule was originally developed, the aforementioned 600 public meetings ensured that affected communities, Tribes, local governments, industry, recreation interests, and conservation organizations had the opportunity to engage directly with the agency. The proposal to repeal the Rule warrants the same level of public engagement. Public meetings should be held in regions where National Forest System roadless areas are most affected, providing local communities with a meaningful opportunity to ask questions, provide testimony, and ensure the administrative record reflects the perspectives of those who will experience the greatest impacts. A transparent, accessible, and geographically representative public engagement process is essential to maintaining public confidence in the rulemaking process and ensuring the agency fully considers the consequences of such a consequential policy change.\n\nThe enduring support for the Roadless Rule is rooted in its clear and measurable benefits. Over the past 25 years, the rule has helped protect watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity by limiting road construction and large-scale logging in undeveloped areas. Forest Service data show that watersheds within roadless areas are far more likely to be in \u201cproperly functioning\u201d condition compared to those outside of them, which are more often classified as \u201cat risk\u201d or \u201cimpaired.\u201d\n\nThese healthy ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife. Roadless areas provide habitat for hundreds of species listed or proposed for protection under the Endangered Species Act, including grizzly bears, lynx, and other sensitive species, and disproportionately support species of conservation concern. In addition, these areas play a vital role in climate resilience and carbon storage. For example, the Tongass National Forest alone stores over 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon and sequesters millions more annually.\n\nClaims that the Roadless Rule impedes wildfire management are not supported by the evidence. The rule explicitly allows for wildfire prevention, suppression, and hazardous fuels reduction. In fact, nearly 2 million acres of roadless areas have undergone fuel treatments in recent years. Forest Service data also show that roadless areas account for a significant share of fuel treatment activities relative to their forest coverage. Research further indicates that wildfire risk is comparable inside and outside of roadless areas and that roads are not necessary to maintain forest health.\n\nMoreover, scientific studies demonstrate that wildfire ignitions occur far more frequently in roaded areas due to human activity. By limiting road construction, the Roadless Rule helps reduce ignition risks from sources such as vehicles, campfires, and other human causes.\n\nFinally, the economic benefits of the Roadless Rule are substantial. By avoiding the construction and maintenance of new roads, the rule saves taxpayers billions of dollars. The Forest Service already faces a road maintenance backlog of nearly $6 billion across its existing system. Expanding road networks into remote and often economically unviable areas would only increase these costs. At the same time, protected roadless areas support recreation, tourism, and outdoor economies, while safeguarding clean water and subsistence resources that communities rely on. When it comes to outdoor recreation, roadless areas encompass more than 25,000 miles of trails, 8,500 climbing routes, 1,000 miles of whitewater, and more than 10,000 miles of mountain biking trails across the country, all of which support a $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy. Additionally, hunters and anglers across the nation access these public lands where backcountry provides ample fishing and hunting. The Roadless Rule protects drinking water in 354 municipal watersheds, saving downstream communities millions of dollars in water filtration costs.\n\nAfter 25 years of successful implementation, the conclusion is clear: the Roadless Rule is effective, widely supported, and essential to responsible forest management. Rescinding it would undermine decades of progress and impose unnecessary environmental and fiscal costs.\n\nWe respectfully urge the Department to end its unjustified rescission of the Roadless Rule.", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-seattle-senator-murray-spotlights-bills-to-combat-child-labor-wage-theft-and-strengthen-workers-rights-in-the-face-of-trumps-anti-worker-agenda/", "In Seattle, Senator Murray Spotlights Bills to Combat Child Labor, Wage Theft, and Strengthen Workers Rights in the Face of Trump\u2019s Anti-Worker Agenda", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Senator Murray secured $2 million for MLK Labor\u2019s Union Hiring Hall\n\nICYMI: Murray Introduces Legislation to Protect Kids as Child Labor Violations Surge and Trump Undermines Enforcement\n\nICYMI: Murray Reintroduces Bicameral Legislation to Combat Wage Theft, Strengthen Workers\u2019 Rights\n\n***PHOTOS OF EVENT HERE***\n\nSeattle, WA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), held a roundtablewith labor leaders from across King County to discuss the dangers of Trump\u2019s anti-worker agenda and why it is more important than ever for Congress to focus on a pro-worker agenda. This Congress Murray has introduced a host of labor bills to crack down on child labor violations, wage theft by giant corporations, and to strengthen workers\u2019 rights overall.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re living through a moment in time where AI companies are pretty much all forecasting major disruption\u2014major job loss. Well, I can\u2019t think of a time when a union contract and strong labor laws would matter more! We can\u2019t let a handful of companies redefine the economy on their own terms\u2014this is a moment in history where we have to make sure workers have their say in the future of work,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cThis administration doesn\u2019t care what happens to working people as long as the ultra-rich can get richer. We need to consider what a healthy economy really means\u2014it\u2019s not just the stock market, it\u2019s whether regular people can afford their groceries, a home, retirement\u2014a good life. That\u2019s what I\u2019m fighting for.\u201d\n\nSenator Murray also met with workers who found jobs through MLK Labor\u2019s Union Hiring Hall, a centralized website to find and apply for good-paying union jobs in King County\u2014which Senator Murray secured $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for in FY23. Last year, MLK Labor was unable to receive the CDS funds due to the Trump administration slow walking the award, but Senator Murray stepped in and was able to restore the funding. Since the Union Hiring Hall was launched, it has helped thousands of people secure jobs with good benefits and union protections.\n\nJoining Senator Murray for the roundtable were: Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MLK Labor; Dustin Lambro, President of MLK Labor and Political and Organizing Director at UFCW 3000; Rigoberto Valdez, Jr., Executive Director of the People\u2019s Organizing Center; Shaunie Wheeler, Deputy Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MLK Labor; Corina Yballa, Political Director at MLK Labor; Samantha Grad, Political Director at Teamsters 117; Jennifer Bacon, President of IATSE Local 15; Clementine Trujillo, Hiring Hall Manager at IATSE Local 15; Zenia Javalera, President of SEIU 6 Property Services NW; Greg Ramirez, Deputy Director of SEIU 6 Property Services NW; Pia Rivera-Jones Deputy Executive Director of the People\u2019s Organizing Center; Nick Peter\u2019s, Director of Digital Strategy & Messaging at MLK Labor.\n\n\u201cWhen we launched our first union job board during the COVID-19 shutdowns, the platform was massively influential for local union employers at a time that the workforce was unprecedentedly sparse. Now that our economy has shifted, UnionHiringHall.org is serving as a game-changing avenue for workers across the Greater Seattle Area that are looking for high-road union careers,\u201d said Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of MLK Labor.\n\nSenator Murray also detailed how she is fighting back against Trump\u2019s anti-worker agenda and recently introduced a series of legislation that will strengthen workers\u2019 rights and the economy.\n\nIn June, Senator Murray reintroduced her Children Harmed in Life-threatening or Dangerous (CHILD) Labor Act which strengthens our ability to combat child labor by cracking down on employers who violate child labor laws with stronger penalties and allows children who have been seriously injured to sue their employers. The bill also expands child labor provisions to hold suppliers and subcontractors throughout the supply chain responsible.\n\nSenator Murray also reintroduced her Wage Theft Prevention and Wage Recovery Act, comprehensive legislation that puts hard-earned wages back in workers\u2019 pockets and cracks down on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their employees. The proposed legislation would give workers the right to receive full compensation for the work they perform and receive regular paystubs and final paychecks in a timely manner.\n\nSenator Murray also reintroduced her Restoring Justice for Workers Act, legislation to end forced arbitration clauses, protect workers\u2019 ability to pursue work-related claims in court, and allow workers to band together to vindicate their rights.\n\nMurray is also an original author of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, comprehensive legislation to protect workers\u2019 right to come together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces.\n\nAs Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray also pushed back against the Trump administration\u2019s proposed cuts to funding for workforce training programs and labor enforcement. In FY26 Senator Murray protected investments in key federal workforce training programs that she first authorized when she passed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014 and has funded every year since. She also rejected Trump and House Republicans\u2019 proposal to eliminate the Women\u2019s Bureau and protected $23 million in funding for the agency and included new language requiring that amount to be spent by the Bureau. In FY26 Senator Murray also secured $191 million for the Employee Benefits Security Administration for retirement security legislation and strengthened requirements to ensure private health plans comply with mental health and substance use disorder parity requirements. And she secured $260 million for the Wage and Hour Division to work to combat exploitative child labor and prevent wage theft and worker misclassification.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/its-not-1950-senator-murray-on-trumps-outrageous-and-backwards-move-to-siphon-child-care-funding-away-from-single-parents-and-working-families/", "\u201cIt\u2019s not 1950\u201d: Senator Murray on Trump\u2019s Outrageous and Backwards Move to Siphon Child Care Funding Away from Single Parents and Working Families", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), released the following statement in response to the Trump administration\u2019s reported plans to tap funding provided by Congress to help working families afford child care through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and establish the first federal subsidy to incentivize parents to leave the workforce and raise their own kids. The plan would siphon funding away from an already-underfunded program specifically designed to help working families afford child care as the Trump administration seeks to promote \u201ctraditional family values.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s not the 1950s in America\u2014our government shouldn\u2019t punish people for being single parents or choosing not to marry. There are hundreds of thousands of families stuck on waiting lists who are eligible for very limited federal child care subsidies\u2014you don\u2019t get to skip the line because you have a marriage certificate. I will not allow this President to tell single moms that their kids matter less. This is an illegal and backwards move to deny single parents and unmarried couples federal funding they should be entitled to.\u201d\n\n\u201cThere are hundreds of thousands of working families who qualify for federal child care assistance on waiting lists\u2014I\u2019m ready to pass a bill that delivers enough funding so that every working family in America can afford child care. Instead, Trump is taking money away from those families and pushing for an obscene half trillion increase for his so-called Department of War. Nobody cares what JD Vance thinks constitutes a \u2018real\u2019 family\u2014single parents and parents who aren\u2019t married pay taxes, too. Raiding an underfunded program solely to score culture war points is not pro-family\u2014it\u2019s a wasteful grift that I will fight every step of the way.\u201d\n\nSenator Murray has led the fight in Congress to make affordable child care a reality for every working family in America. She is the author of the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation to address the child care crisis, and she has used her seat on the Appropriations Committee to deliver significant increases to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Over the last 10 years, she has helped more than triple funding for the program. Earlier this year, she announced the launch of a new Child Care for America Working Group alongside Senator Warren, and she has been leading the fight against President Trump\u2019s attempts to weaken the federal child care program. In July, she forced a Senate vote on her Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval of the Trump administration\u2019s May 2026 rule to remove regulations for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-tours-harborview-in-seattle-sounds-alarm-on-republican-health-care-cuts-raising-costs-for-patients-straining-hospitals-across-wa-and-nationwide/", "Senator Murray Tours Harborview in Seattle, Sounds Alarm on Republican Health Care Cuts Raising Costs for Patients, Straining Hospitals Across WA and Nationwide", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nSeattle, WA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), toured Harborview Medical Center and discussed the new challenges health care providers are facing over a year after Republicans passed the largest health care cuts in history in their Big Ugly Bill. Senator Murray also held a roundtable discussion and heard from providers and Medicaid patients about the impact of the Republicans\u2019 cuts to Medicaid and their failure to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits\u2014causing massive premium hikes for families in Washington state and rising uncompensated care for hospitals and clinics.\n\nThe Republican reconciliation bill, which was signed into law in July 2025, cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the ACA over the next 10 years and will make health care more expensive and harder to access. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Republicans\u2019 health care cuts will terminate health insurance for roughly 15 million Americans nationwide.\n\n\u201cHarborview is the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma and burn center across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. When the worst happens anywhere in this region\u2014this is where people come. That safety net runs on Medicaid. And whether or not people realize it: Republicans in Congress have cut almost $1 trillion out of it to pay for tax breaks for billionaires,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cOver 50,000 people in our state have already lost their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage\u2014and Washington hospitals and clinics stand to lose between $31 and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next decade. 37 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes across Washington state are at risk, cutting services, or have already closed. Uncompensated care is up 5.6 percent, and Harborview absorbs more of that than anyone. I will fight to repeal Trump\u2019s Medicaid cuts and make health care the priority it should be in Congress. This is not settled\u2014it is a fight, and I intend to win it.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the agency responsible for administering Apple Health (Medicaid), we are doing everything we can to keep eligible Washingtonians covered as we implement the new federal requirements. When people lose coverage, the impact extends beyond families and individuals. It puts pressure on hospitals like Harborview who will continue to provide lifesaving care, even when a patient can\u2019t pay for it.\u201d said Ryan Moran, director of the Washington State Health Care Authority. \u201cProtecting Apple Health coverage helps protect the health care system we all rely on.\u201d\n\nABOUT TRUMP\u2019S MEDICAID CUTS:\n\nNationwide, the Republican health care cuts represent a more than $400 billion hit to America\u2019s hospitals\u2014with one estimate finding that over 170 rural hospitals will likely be forced to close or scale back their services, which will force more Americans to travel further for maternity care and emergency room visits, and face longer wait times. Washington\n\nABOUT GOP REFUSAL TO EXTEND ACA TAX CREDITS:\n\nSenator Murray forced the issue of the ACA tax credits at every opportunity before Republicans ultimately refused to take any action, speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal to extend the ACA tax credits. She took to the Senate floor in November 2025 with her Democratic colleagues to call for a clean one-year extension of the ACA tax credits, and held numerous virtual press conferences with Washingtonians, as well as residents of neighboring states Idaho and Montana, about the exploding health care premiums that Americans would see due to the expiration of the tax credits. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray led legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would have addressed the health care crisis during the government shutdown last fall. Senator Murray has also cosponsored multiple pieces of legislation over the past year\u2014the Health Care Affordability Act and the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act\u2014that would make the ACA tax credits permanent.\n\nAs then-chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Murray played a critical role in passing the ACA enhanced premium tax credits into law in the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extending them in the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/04/jayapal-demands-answers-on-reports-ice-is-weakening-safety-standards-at-private-for-profit-detention-centers/", "Jayapal Demands Answers on Reports ICE is Weakening Safety Standards at Private, For-Profit Detention Centers", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Pramila Jayapal", "J000298", "jayapal.house.gov", "jayapal", "https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as reporting indicates that ICE is weakening detention safety standards, even as 56 people have died in these facilities under ICE\u2019s watch. Loosening standards will allow for-profit, private prison operators to continue cutting corners on food, medical care, and safety. ICE Acting Director David Venturella is the former Vice President of GEO Group, the largest of these private, for-profit prison corporations. Reporting suggests that these private contractors were consulted in the adoption of these new standards.\n\n\u201cDetention standards are meant to guide the entities operating immigration detention centers \u2013 they should not be written by them. And yet, it appears that that is precisely what occurred here,\u201d wrote the Members. \u201cAt a time when there are numerous documented cases of abuse and neglect within the immigration detention system, when deaths of detained people, including at least one homicide, have more than doubled from previous years, and when the oversight mechanisms within the system have been gutted, we should not be lowering detention standards, especially not to pad the bottom line of companies getting rich off of taxpayer funds and human suffering.\u201d\n\nSince the start of the second Trump administration, over 400,000 people have been arrested and sent to immigration detention facilities. From these facilities, there have been reports of inadequate medical care, spoiled food, overcrowded cells, and physical beatings. Guards beat one teenager so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Pregnant women have miscarried inside detention centers because of the appalling conditions, with some reporting receiving no medical care after miscarrying.\n\nLowering already failing standards will make these facilities less safe and increase profits for the contractors running these facilities, including GEO Group and CoreCivic. These private, for-profit prison corporations have already benefited significantly from the expansion of immigration detention, with both GEO Group and CoreCivic reporting an additional $2 billion in profits in 2025.\n\nJayapal is demanding information regarding the new standards and what they entail, as well as any communications between DHS officials and officials at GEO Group or CoreCivic.\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found here.\n\nThe letter was also signed by Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Becca Balint (VT-At Large), Donald Beyer (VA-08), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Greg Casar (TX-35), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jasmine Crockett (TX-16), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Christopher Deluzio (PA-17), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Laura Friedman (CA-30), John Garamendi (CA-08), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Jes\u00fas \u201cChuy\u201d Garc\u00eda (IL) (IL-04), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Henry \u201cHank\u201d Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-03), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), James P. McGovern (MA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Robert J. Menendez (NJ-08), Grace Meng (NY-06), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Adam Smith (WA-09), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Derek Tran (CA-45), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-senator-murray-meets-seadoc-researchers-and-orca-tracking-dog-eba-in-bellingham/", "ICYMI: Senator Murray Meets SeaDoc Researchers and Orca Tracking Dog, Eba, in Bellingham", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "***PHOTOS HERE***\n\nBellingham, WA \u2013 U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with SeaDoc Society scientists to learn more about their research on Southern Resident Killer Whales. Senator Murray secured $850,000 in FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for SeaDoc to continue their work and support the recovery of endangered orcas. The SeaDoc Society was founded in 2000 to conduct and sponsor scientific research in the inland waters of the Salish Sea. SeaDoc also uses an orca tracking dog named Eba, who stands on the bow of the boat and can detect an orca\u2019s fecal sample by smell up to a mile away. Fecal tracking and collection are crucial to the research team\u2019s mission of understanding and protecting orcas. When Eba successfully tracks down an orca, she gets to play with her rope toy as a reward.\n\n\u201cOrcas are not just whales, they are foundational to the identity and culture of the Pacific Northwest,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cSeaDoc is doing incredible work to study orcas and develop new systems to share data across research institutions and government agencies so we can all do our part to protect this amazing species. So many endangered species, like orcas, are the heartbeat of our native cultures and coastal economies\u2014and I will keep doing all I can to save our orcas, our salmon, and everything that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.\u201d\n\nA large population of Southern Resident Killer Whales once thrived in the Salish Sea, but a sharp decline in Chinook salmon, their primary food source, along with rising toxin levels and disruptive vessel noise, has pushed them to the brink of extinction. Their population has fallen nearly 20 percent since the late 1990s. Many established tracking and research techniques for orcas are highly invasive, but Eba, a scent-detection dog, can detect the scent of fecal matter from a great distance, allowing the research team to work non-invasively and stay away from the whales so as not to trigger a stress response. Whale scat alone can reveal hormone levels, toxin exposure, and other valuable data. The team also operates drones that capture samples from plumes of breath released through the orcas\u2019 blowholes; these drones have a perfect flight record and follow federal guidelines designed to avoid disturbing the whales.\n\nSenator Murray is a strong advocate for protecting endangered species, including our orcas. In FY26, Senator Murray secured critical funding for salmon recovery efforts, including $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), rejecting the Trump administration\u2019s proposed elimination of this critical funding. She also secured $70.75 million for salmon fisheries science and management activities and $75.75 million for protected resources science and management related to Pacific salmon. The funding also includes $27.6 million for the operation and maintenance of Mitchell Act hatcheries and maintains direction for NOAA to continue its genetic stock identification work. Despite Trump\u2019s FY27 budget proposal eliminating all funding for PCSRF, Senator Murray continues to fight to ensure the program is funded at the highest level possible in the FY27 bill.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-988-mental-health-crisis", "Congressman Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster 988 Mental Health Crisis Response", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Adam Smith", "S000510", "adamsmith.house.gov", "adamsmith", "https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) introduced the 988 Crisis Response Act, bipartisan legislation to fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources. Congressman Smith is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and David Valadao (CA-22) as part of the larger 988 Implementation Act.\n\n\u201cWhen someone has a mental health crisis, they deserve timely, comprehensive treatment \u2014 not just a trip to an overcrowded emergency room,\u201d said Congressman Smith. \"I've witnessed the important work of our mobile crisis response teams and broader behavioral health workforce in King County, and I appreciate their dedication to providing critical care to our community's most vulnerable. This bill will provide the reliable funding needed to strengthen these teams and help expand this model of care nationwide. Everyone deserves the right help, in the right setting, at the right time. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this effort.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: The 988 Crisis Response Act provides sustainable funding streams for mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) and other elements of the crisis care continuum. This includes Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers, MCRTs, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) recommendation that insurers cover all three pillars of the crisis care continuum. The bill also provides grant funding to build MCRT capacity.\n\nSpecifically, this bill:\n\nAuthorizes $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers. Teams must respond to people in crisis and provide immediate stabilization and referral to behavioral health services and supports.\n\nMakes permanent the 85% federal matching assistance percentage (FMAP) for mobile crisis response teams and expands the FMAP to crisis call centers and crisis stabilizing and receiving facilities, ensuring unambiguous Medicaid financing for all three pillars of the crisis care continuum.\n\nThe bill text is available [here]. A fact sheet on the legislation is available [here].\n\n\u201cAs a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how severe our youth and adult mental health crisis has become,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cIt is so important that when our family members, loved ones, and neighbors are in crisis, they can get immediate help. Mobile crisis response teams, with licensed counselors, physicians, crisis workers, and paramedics, dispatched by 988 save lives, deescalate dangerous situations, and keep us all safe. We need to make sure these teams are always available for every American as a reliable resource when our community members need help.\u201d\n\n\u201cA mental health crisis does not wait for business hours, and a family asking for help should never be left wondering whether anyone will come,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. \u201cFor years, I have worked with families, first responders, providers, and advocates who understand that the right intervention at the right moment can change the course of a life. The 988 Lifeline gave Americans a number to call; now we must make certain there is a strong system of care ready to answer that call. Our bipartisan 988 Crisis Response Act will help communities put trained professionals on the ground, strengthen crisis stabilization services, and ensure that when someone reaches out in their most vulnerable hour, help is not merely promised\u2014it arrives.\u201d\n\n\u201cAcross the Central Valley, mobile crisis response teams work alongside law enforcement to respond to individuals in crisis, deescalate difficult situations, and connect people with vital mental health services,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI know how deeply personal and impactful this work is for our community, which is why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the 988 Crisis Response Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen federal support for mobile crisis response teams and the broader crisis care continuum, helping ensure these critical services remain available to those who need them most.\u201d\n\nIf you or a loved one needs help, call or text 988.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4449", "New Documentary Highlights Need for Reauthorized Federal Landslide Prevention Programs to Save Lives", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Suzan K. DelBene", "D000617", "delbene.house.gov", "delbene", "https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27", "scraper", "A new WCNC documentary, \u201cLost Ground: The Hidden Danger Beneath Us,\u201d chronicles the aftermath of deadly landslides that have devastated communities across the country. It also highlights the need to close the gaps in science and mapping to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards to protect at-risk communities across the country.\n\nOn March 22, 2014, a massive landslide near Oso, Washington killed 43 people, destroyed 42 homes, and severely damaged public infrastructure and private property. The documentary features stories from Oso, Hurricane Helene, and other landslides.\n\nCongresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) speaks in the documentary about the importance of Congress reauthorizing federal landslide preparedness programs that expired in 2024.\n\nIn 2021, the National Landslide Preparedness Act, authored by DelBene, was passed into law and created the first-of-its-kind federal landslide program.\n\n\u201cThe legislation to reauthorize has passed in the Senate. We\u2019re working to get that through the House, so the program will be reauthorized and can continue going forward,\u201d said DelBene. \u201cWe\u2019ve had strong bipartisan support. Communities across the country are vulnerable. This is about all of us coming together and making sure we're doing everything possible to prevent a national tragedy.\u201d\n\nDelBene is featured in the following portions of the documentary:\n\nFrom 35:38: DelBene discusses the Oso landslide and her legislation to improve landslide preparedness\n\nFrom 40:04: DelBene discusses the importance of mapping landslides and reauthorizing the National Landslides Hazards Reduction Program\n\nFrom 47:41: DelBene discusses the need for proactive policies and how communities can stay alert", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-988-mental-health", "Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster 988 Mental Health Crisis Response", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the 988 Crisis Response Act, bipartisan legislation to fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and David Valadao (CA-22) as part of the larger 988 Implementation Act.\n\n\u201cAs a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how severe our youth and adult mental health crisis has become,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cIt is so important that when our family members, loved ones, and neighbors are in crisis, they can get immediate help. Mobile crisis response teams, with licensed counselors, physicians, crisis workers, and paramedics, dispatched by 988 save lives, deescalate dangerous situations, and keep us all safe. We need to make sure these teams are always available for every American as a reliable resource when our community members need help.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND: The 988 Crisis Response Act provides sustainable funding streams for mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) and other elements of the crisis care continuum. This includes Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers, MCRTs, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) recommendation that insurers cover all three pillars of the crisis care continuum. The bill also provides grant funding to build MCRT capacity.\n\nSpecifically, this bill:\n\nAuthorizes $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers. Teams must respond to people in crisis and provide immediate stabilization and referral to behavioral health services and supports.\n\nMakes permanent the 85% federal matching assistance percentage (FMAP) for mobile crisis response teams and expands the FMAP to crisis call centers and crisis stabilizing and receiving facilities, ensuring unambiguous Medicaid financing for all three pillars of the crisis care continuum.\n\n\u201cWhen someone has a mental health crisis, they deserve timely, comprehensive treatment \u2014 not just a trip to an overcrowded emergency room,\u201d said Congressman Smith. \"I've witnessed the important work of our mobile crisis response teams and broader behavioral health workforce in King County, and I appreciate their dedication to providing critical care to our community's most vulnerable. This bill will provide the reliable funding needed to strengthen these teams and help expand this model of care nationwide. Everyone deserves the right help, in the right setting, at the right time. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this effort.\u201d\n\n\u201cA mental health crisis does not wait for business hours, and a family asking for help should never be left wondering whether anyone will come,\u201d said Congressman Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force. \u201cFor years, I have worked with families, first responders, providers, and advocates who understand that the right intervention at the right moment can change the course of a life. The 988 Lifeline gave Americans a number to call; now we must make certain there is a strong system of care ready to answer that call. Our bipartisan 988 Crisis Response Act will help communities put trained professionals on the ground, strengthen crisis stabilization services, and ensure that when someone reaches out in their most vulnerable hour, help is not merely promised\u2014it arrives.\u201d\n\n\u201cAcross the Central Valley, mobile crisis response teams work alongside law enforcement to respond to individuals in crisis, deescalate difficult situations, and connect people with vital mental health services,\u201d said Congressman Valadao. \u201cI know how deeply personal and impactful this work is for our community, which is why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the 988 Crisis Response Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen federal support for mobile crisis response teams and the broader crisis care continuum, helping ensure these critical services remain available to those who need them most.\u201d\n\nIf you or a loved one needs help, call or text 988.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-cap-cost-insulin-35-all", "Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cap Cost of Insulin at $35 for all Americans", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "House", "WA", "Kim Schrier", "S001216", "schrier.house.gov", "schrier", "https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35, or 25% of the list price per month, for all Americans with diabetes. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Reps. Diana Degette (CO-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Angie Craig (MN-02).\n\n\u201cAs a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin \u2013 especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cI am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.\u201d\n\nBackground: Currently, insulin costs are capped at $35 per month for people on Medicare, and nearly 30 states have separate price caps for state-regulated and private plans. The INSULIN Act would limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form.\n\nThe bipartisan bill would also:\n\nRequire a study report on uninsured Americans who use insulin, including where they live, why they\u2019re uninsured, and demographic and income data.\n\nCreate a new expedited FDA approval pathway to get biosimilar insulin to market more quickly.\n\nEstablish an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs.\n\n\u201cInsulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It\u2019s a life-or-death issue,\u201d said Rep. DeGette. \u201cI have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. No one in America should be forced to choose between their life-saving medication or feeding their families.\u201d\n\n\"As a doctor, I have spent my career fighting for patients, and I've watched too many of them ration a hundred-year-old medicine because the price tag made it impossible to afford. That's not right, and it never should have taken this long to fix. I'm proud to lead this effort in the House, and I won't stop until every American with diabetes can afford the insulin that keeps them alive,\" said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D.\n\n\u201cDiabetes stole the lives of 100,000 Americans last year. Tens of millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and for many, insulin is a matter of life and death,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cNo American should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the insulin they need, or risk their life rationing the doses they have left. This legislation isn\u2019t just a Band-Aid on the problem. It delivers immediate relief for patients and reforms that will increase competition and drive down prices over the long term. Lowering the cost of insulin puts money back where it belongs: in the pockets of working families who need every dollar they earn. Middlemen and big corporations shouldn\u2019t be making extra cash off the backs of working people who rely on insulin to survive.\u201d\n\nThis bill has broad support among diabetes advocates.\n\n\u201cThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates and applauds the House\u2019s bipartisan introduction of the INSULIN Act, which would limit out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month,\u201d said Lisa Murdock, Chief Advocacy Officer of ADA. \u201cA recent survey, commissioned by ADA, showed that 40% of insulin users currently pay $150 each month, and there is widespread bipartisan support across the U.S. for making insulin affordable. The INSULIN Act would ensure no one has to choose between paying for insulin and other necessities. This bill puts people first and is a commonsense way to lower health care costs for Americans depending on insulin to live.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the millions of Americans who rely on insulin every day, no one should have to choose between paying for their medication and meeting other basic needs,\u201d said Dr. Robert Lash, Chief Medical Officer with the Endocrine Society. \u201cThe Endocrine Society applauds Representatives DeGette, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the INSULIN Act, which would help make insulin more affordable for people with private insurance while connecting uninsured patients to resources that can help them access this lifesaving medication. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all people who need insulin can obtain it and stay healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Diabetes Leadership Council (DLC) and Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition (DPAC) applaud and thank Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act of 2026,\u201d said George Huntley, CEO. \u201cThis legislation will greatly improve access to affordable insulins for people living with diabetes, and it is time that the $35 monthly insulin co-pay cap apply to everyone as it does to Medicare beneficiaries today. We look forward to working to get this legislation across the finish line before the end of the 119th Congress.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor the more than 1.5 million Americans with type one diabetes (T1D), insulin access is life-or-death,\u201d said Lynn Starr, Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer. \u201cBy capping out-of-pocket cost at $35, the INSULIN Act ensures that people have dependable, affordable access to the insulin they require to live. We applaud Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, Bresnahan, and Craig for introducing the House INSULIN Act and urge their colleagues to stand with them on the side of all those living with T1D. While there is still more work to be done, we are hopeful that, together with the Senate, we will finally have the access to affordable insulin the entire T1D community deserves and depends on.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-leads-bicameral-letter-urging-trump-administration-not-to-axe-protections-for-americas-remaining-wild-public-forests", "Cantwell Leads Bicameral Letter Urging Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America\u2019s Remaining Wild Public Forests", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Leads Bicameral Letter Urging Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America\u2019s Remaining Wild Public Forests\n\nPopular Roadless Rule conservation measure protects 44 million acres of pristine U.S. Forest Service lands from destructive and expensive roadbuilding, logging, and supports outdoor recreation economy\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, led 39 Senators and dozens of House members in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to end its efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has shielded approximately 44 million acres of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging.\n\n\u201cSince its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states,\u201d wrote the Senators. \u201cThese areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.\u201d\n\nThe letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz goes on to note the habitat protection, wildfire mitigation, and economic benefits of the Roadless Rule.\n\nThe Roadless Rule enjoys strong public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of 2.5 million comments submitted on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule since it has been enacted \u2014 more than 95%\u2014 were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protections, while only 16% opposed it. That level of support changed little between respondents living in rural or non-rural areas and across party affiliation and political views.\n\nFor more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has prevailed over numerous court challenges and administrative and legislative attacks. The first Trump administration weakened the rule, and in October 2020 the administration removed roadless protections for over 9 million acres of pristine forest lands in the Tongass National Forest, threatening old-growth forest and southeast Alaska\u2019s robust tourism and fishing economies. Under the Biden administration, the protections in the Tongass were restored, but they were then removed again by the second Trump administration.\n\nIn August 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a notice in the Federal Register indicating that the Trump Administration intends to start an environmental review process to rescind the rule. The notice started the clock on a three-week public comment period which ended on Sept. 19. Since that comment period ended, USDA has been updating its proposal and developing its accompanying draft environmental impact statement (EIS).\n\nIn April, the Trump administration enacted a sweeping rollback of environmental protections across nearly 60% of U.S. national forests, including about 26 million acres of previously protected Roadless areas. This policy shift was formalized through an emergency directive by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, following a presidential executive order aimed at expediting logging projects by streamlining permitting, removing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements, and exempting affected forests from administrative objection processes that previously allowed for challenges by environmental groups, tribes, and local government.\n\nThen, on August 18, the Trump Administration released its proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement, a significant step toward repealing the 2001 Roadless Rule. Yet the administration has allowed only 30 days for public comment, an inadequate timeframe for communities, Tribes, conservation organizations, and others to fully assess and respond to a proposal with potentially sweeping consequences for our national forests. For more than two decades, the Roadless Rule has protected over 58 million acres of National Forest System lands from new road construction and some of the most damaging forms of logging. The current proposed rollback threatens 44 million acres, the federal Roadless areas in every state except Colorado and Idaho that have enacted state specific Roadless area protections. These protections are particularly important in Alaska\u2019s Tongass National Forest, the nation\u2019s largest remaining temperate rainforest, where intact forestlands provide essential wildlife habitat, help communities adapt to a changing climate, and support local economies.\n\nThe Forest Service\u2019s August notice provides information about how members of the public may submit comments on the proposal in writing during the short 30-day comment period, which ends Monday, September 21. According to the notice, comments may be provided electronically (the preferred method) through the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://www.regulations.gov, by identifying docket number FS-2025-0001 or RIN 0596-AD66 and following the instructions for sending comments. Alternatively, hardcopy letters sent by mail must be submitted to the Director, Ecosystem Management Coordination, 201 14th Street SW, Mailstop 1108, Washington, DC 20250-1124.\n\nThe contrast between the original rulemaking and today\u2019s rushed repeal effort is stark: the 2001 rule was shaped by more than 600 public meetings and an extensive public comment process, while the current administration has held no comparable public meetings to hear directly from the communities that could be affected. In the absence of meaningful federal engagement, communities in Oregon, Montana, North Carolina, and other states have been left to organize their own opportunities for public input. Americans who rely on these lands for clean water, recreation, wildlife, and their livelihoods deserve a genuine opportunity to participate in decisions that will shape the future of our national forests.\n\nCongress should ensure these protections do not disappear with a change in administration. Last year, Sen. Cantwell, along with Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Representatives Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06) and Yassamin Ansari (D, AZ-03), introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act (H.R. 3930/S. 2042) to permanently codify the Roadless Rule.\n\nBy codifying the rule into law\u2014including in the Tongass\u2014the Roadless Area Conservation Act would uphold recreational access to public lands, preserve the habitats of 1,600 at-risk species, reduce the risk of wildfires, aid in the fight against climate change by preserving vast carbon sinks, and safeguard watersheds that provide clean drinking water for more than 60 million Americans in 39 states and more than 350 communities across the United States. The legislation would maintain the flexibility engrained in the Roadless Rule which allows for continued forest management and the construction of roads as needed to address fires, floods, or other catastrophic events, and other circumstances like the need to build new road connections between remote communities.\n\nThe Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 would:\n\nProtect, in perpetuity, 58.5 million acres of roadless national forest in 39 states;\n\nEnsure the more than 240 million people living within 100 miles of a national forest or national grassland retain access to opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing;\n\nSafeguard watersheds in national forests and roadless areas that provide clean drinking water for over 60 million Americans;\n\nSave taxpayers millions of dollars by limiting costly new road building, allow the Forest Service to focus on maintaining its existing 371,581-mile network of National Forest System roads, and reduce its multi-billion dollar backlog of deferred maintenance on its existing road system;\n\nMaintain exemptions for hydropower development, public safety, and firefighting needs; and\n\nUphold the 9th and 10th U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals decisions, as well as a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, in support of the Roadless Rule.\n\nThe full text of the letter is below and HERE.\n\nDear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz,\n\nAs Members of Congress representing a broad range of communities, stakeholders, and outdoor interests, we write in strong support of the U.S. Forest Service\u2019s Roadless Area Conservation Rule (\u201cRoadless Rule\u201d) and in firm opposition to the Department of Agriculture\u2019s proposal for rescission. We urge the Department to halt this effort and instead focus on effective implementation of this longstanding and successful policy.\n\nSince its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states. These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.\n\nThe Roadless Rule was developed through one of the most robust public processes in federal rulemaking history. The Forest Service received 1.6 million public comments - approximately 95 percent in support - and held over 600 public meetings nationwide. In contrast, the current rescission effort has lacked meaningful public engagement. The Department provided just 21 days for public comment on the Notice of Intent in 2025 and has yet to hold any public meetings. Despite these limitations, more than 600,000 comments were submitted, with over 99 percent opposing rescission. This overwhelming and bipartisan public support underscores the continued popularity and importance of the Roadless Rule. Unsurprisingly, at just 30 days, the ongoing comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and proposed rule is equally insufficient, and we encourage the USFS to extend the comment period to 120 days for a fair and transparent process.\n\nGiven the extraordinary public interest in the Roadless Rule and the significant consequences that its repeal would have for communities across the country, the Forest Service should also conduct a robust series of in-person public meetings before finalizing any rescission. Additionally, Tribes are entitled to the opportunity to engage in robust consultation, as the repeal of the Rule will have dramatic consequences on their way of life. When the Roadless Rule was originally developed, the aforementioned 600 public meetings ensured that affected communities, Tribes, local governments, industry, recreation interests, and conservation organizations had the opportunity to engage directly with the agency. The proposal to repeal the Rule warrants the same level of public engagement. Public meetings should be held in regions where National Forest System roadless areas are most affected, providing local communities with a meaningful opportunity to ask questions, provide testimony, and ensure the administrative record reflects the perspectives of those who will experience the greatest impacts. A transparent, accessible, and geographically representative public engagement process is essential to maintaining public confidence in the rulemaking process and ensuring the agency fully considers the consequences of such a consequential policy change.\n\nThe enduring support for the Roadless Rule is rooted in its clear and measurable benefits. Over the past 25 years, the rule has helped protect watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity by limiting road construction and large-scale logging in undeveloped areas. Forest Service data show that watersheds within roadless areas are far more likely to be in \u201cproperly functioning\u201d condition compared to those outside of them, which are more often classified as \u201cat risk\u201d or \u201cimpaired.\u201d1\n\nThese healthy ecosystems support a wide array of wildlife. Roadless areas provide habitat for hundreds of species listed or proposed for protection under the Endangered Species Act, including grizzly bears, lynx, and other sensitive species, and disproportionately support species of conservation concern. In addition, these areas play a vital role in climate resilience and carbon storage. For example, the Tongass National Forest alone stores over 1.5 billion metric tons of carbon and sequesters millions more annually.\n\nClaims that the Roadless Rule impedes wildfire management are not supported by the evidence. The rule explicitly allows for wildfire prevention, suppression, and hazardous fuels reduction. In fact, nearly 2 million acres of roadless areas have undergone fuel treatments in recent years.2 Forest Service data also show that roadless areas account for a significant share of fuel treatment activities relative to their forest coverage. Research further indicates that wildfire risk is comparable inside and outside of roadless areas and that roads are not necessary to maintain forest health.\n\nMoreover, scientific studies demonstrate that wildfire ignitions occur far more frequently in roaded areas due to human activity.3 By limiting road construction, the Roadless Rule helps reduce ignition risks from sources such as vehicles, campfires, and other human causes.\n\nFinally, the economic benefits of the Roadless Rule are substantial. By avoiding the construction and maintenance of new roads, the rule saves taxpayers billions of dollars. The Forest Service already faces a road maintenance backlog of nearly $6 billion across its existing system.4 Expanding road networks into remote and often economically unviable areas would only increase these costs. At the same time, protected roadless areas support recreation, tourism, and outdoor economies, while safeguarding clean water and subsistence resources that communities rely on. When it comes to outdoor recreation, roadless areas encompass more than 25,000 miles of trails, 8,500 climbing routes, 1,000 miles of whitewater, and more than 10,000 miles of mountain biking trails across the country, all of which support a $1.3 trillion outdoor recreation economy. Additionally, hunters and anglers across the nation access these public lands where backcountry provides ample fishing and hunting. The Roadless Rule protects drinking water in 354 municipal watersheds, saving downstream communities millions of dollars in water filtration costs.5\n\nAfter 25 years of successful implementation, the conclusion is clear: the Roadless Rule is effective, widely supported, and essential to responsible forest management. Rescinding it would undermine decades of progress and impose unnecessary environmental and fiscal costs.\n\n1 https://www.wilderness.org/sites/default/files/media/file/Report-WatershedHealthinWildernessEtc_2012.pdf\n\n2 https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2025/09/17/ex-forest-service-chiefs-warn-against-logging-ban-repeal-00569334\n\n3 Aplet G. et al. \u201cThree-decade record of contiguous-U.S. national forest wildfires indicates increased density of ignitions near roads.\u201d Fire Ecology; Balch J.K. et al., \u201cHuman-started wildfires expand the fire niche across the United States.\u201d Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (2017) 11(114): 2946\u20132951.\n\n4 https://www.taxpayer.net/energy-natural-resources/comments-on-noi-to-repeal-the-roadless-rule/\n\n5 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2001/01/12/01-726/special-areas-roadless-area-conservation\n\nWe respectfully urge the Department to end its unjustified rescission of the Roadless Rule.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-after-attending-unveiling-of-mariners-tribute-to-2001-statue", "Cantwell Statement After Attending Unveiling of Mariners\u2019 Tribute to 2001 Statue", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Cantwell Statement After Attending Unveiling of Mariners\u2019 Tribute to 2001 Statue\n\nSEATTLE, WA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) attended a ceremony at T-Mobile Park for the opening of Legacy Plaza, which includes a Tribute to 2001 Statue commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11th. The statue depicts Mariners players Mike Cameron and Mark McLemore raising an American flag after the team\u2019s win and clinch of their division on Sept. 19, 2001, eight days after the terrorist attacks.\n\nSen. Cantwell released this statement:\n\n\u201dIn the wake of the horrific 9/11 attacks, with our region still in shock, Mike Cameron, Mark McLemore and the 2001 Mariners created an iconic moment of healing and unity. The statue unveiled today depicts their unforgettable flag raising, honors the victims of 9/11, and will remind generations of baseball fans of the pervading sense of community that Americans felt in the aftermath of the attacks.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-pentagon-efforts-to-rob-nih-funding-for-its-own-use/", "Senator Murray on Pentagon Efforts to Rob NIH Funding for Its Own Use", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Department of Defense (DOD) inking an inter-agency agreement (IAA) with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which enables DOD to siphon billions of dollars away from NIH to support DOD initiatives instead of funding lifesaving medical research that Congress specifically set aside resources for.\n\n\u201cAs if cancelling lifesaving medical research and clinical trials and firing cancer researchers en masse were not bad enough, the Trump administration is now trying to rob NIH of billions of dollars that Congress provided for medical research so that it can pad the Pentagon\u2019s budget.\n\n\u201cThis outrageous agreement must be terminated immediately, and we need Republicans in Congress to join us in using their power to ensure that happens. We cannot allow this administration to shred patients\u2019 hopes of new, lifesaving cures and treatments so that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth can secretively fund their own priorities in defiance of Congress.\u201d\n\nThe new agreement, which was not proactively shared with Congress, establishes a framework for DOD to potentially tap billions of dollars in funding that Congress provided specifically for NIH\u2019s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in order to fund DOD initiatives instead. The arrangement could mean that a substantial portion of NIAID\u2019s overall budget is not spent on NIAID programs, but Pentagon priorities, which should be considered through the deliberative annual appropriations process.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cast-but-never-counted-cantwell-and-secretary-of-state-hobbs-say-trumps-usps-suppressing-wa-mail-in-voting-by-postmarking-or-delivering-ballots-after-election-day", "\u201cCast, But Never Counted\u201d: Cantwell & Secretary of State Hobbs Say Trump\u2019s USPS Suppressing WA Mail-In Voting by Postmarking or Delivering Ballots After Election Day", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Maria Cantwell", "C000127", "www.cantwell.senate.gov", "cantwell", "https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "\u201cCast, But Never Counted\u201d: Cantwell & Secretary of State Hobbs Say Trump\u2019s USPS Suppressing WA Mail-In Voting by Postmarking or Delivering Ballots After Election Day\n\nNew snapshot report shows rejected primary ballot rates more than doubled in 19 WA counties compared to 2024, and more than quadrupled in 2 counties; Cantwell: \u201cWashingtonians need to know: The Post Office is taking your ballot as a piece of mail but not stamping it that day.\u201d; Cantwell calls on Homeland Security Committee to bring in USPS leadership for questioning\n\nSEATTLE, WA \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs held a press conference in Seattle, together with Seattle King County NAACP President Hayward Evans and League of Women Voters Snohomish County President Brenda Mann Harrison, to warn Washington voters about Administration efforts to undermine their right to vote.\n\nSen. Cantwell and Secretary Hobbs released a new snapshot report showing that late-postmark rejection rates have more than doubled in 19 counties compared to the 2024 primaries \u2013 with rural counties worst affected -- following a new Trump Administration policy that can delay postmarking of mail-in ballots by several days.\n\nAccording to the University of Washington\u2019s April 2026 Vote-By-Mail Research Report Series, more than one-third of voters in the State of Washington returned their ballots through the mail and 95% of general election ballots arrived by Election Day between 2020 and 2024. Nationwide nearly 47 mail ballots were safely and securely cast and counted in the 2024 general election, rather than voting in person at a polling place. That included nearly 4 million Washingtonians.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m calling on my colleagues in the United States Senate to do their oversight job and hold hearings as to why the President of the United States and the Postal Service is disenfranchising voters across the United States with policies that are leaving them with a ballot that was cast, but never counted,\u201d Sen. Cantwell said. \u201cThat\u2019s what Washingtonians need to know: The Post Office is taking your ballot as a piece of mail but not stamping it that day.\u201d\n\n\u201cPlease drop your ballot in a ballot box provided by the local county, if possible,\u201d she continued. \u201cIf you can\u2019t do that, and you\u2019re in a rural community, mail your ballot as soon as you get it. Now, I find a little bit of irony here that the president may be disenfranchising his most stable voters in rural communities by taking the vote away. That is why my colleagues in the United States Senate, if they were going to do their constitutional oversight role instead of trying to promote the SAVE [America] Act, would be holding a hearing of the Homeland Security [and Governmental Affairs] Committee and bringing the U.S. Postal Service in.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Postal Service is trying to do everything they can to ruin vote by mail in the State of Washington,\u201d Secretary Hobbs said. \u201cWe are all used to putting our ballot in the mailbox, knowing that if you put it in there before 8 p.m. on election day, it would be counted. But instead, this postmaster general -- in coordination with the administration -- changes the rule on postmarks so that it\u2019s done at the central processing facility. So what does that mean? That could mean days that your ballot is delayed.\u201d\n\nVideo of the press conference is HERE; photos are HERE; and a transcript is HERE. Images of charts displayed at the press conference are available HERE.\n\nIn December, the United States Postal Service finalized a rule that requires ballots to be postmarked at new regional processing and distribution centers, rather than at a community\u2019s local post office. To compound the delay, under new policy, if your post office is over 50 miles from a distribution center, your mail will be transported to the distribution center only once a day, instead of twice. Depending on where the ballot is mailed from, that transfer can take days or even more than a week \u2013 meaning that voters who mail in their ballots on Election Day, or even several days earlier, run the risk of having their votes rejected for being \u201clate.\u201d\n\nThe result is significant voter disenfranchisement, especially in rural areas. The top five worst increases in ballot rejection rates between the 2024 and 2026 elections took place in:\n\nImpacts have also been felt by Washington voters earlier this year. During the February 2026 special election, Snohomish County conducted a test of their mail service to assess the delivery times in their area. As part of the test, election staff deposited generic return ballot envelopes in USPS blue collection boxes at various points leading up to the election. They found that of the ballots mailed the morning of Election Day, less than half were postmarked in time to be counted.\n\nSen. Cantwell and Secretary Hobbs have together been ringing the alarm on the Trump Administration\u2019s dangerous new policies \u2013 in February, Sen. Cantwell invited Secretary Hobbs to Washington, D.C., as her guest to President Trump\u2019s State of the Union address to draw attention to the administration\u2019s election interference.\n\nSen. Cantwell remains a stalwart defender against overreach of the Trump administration into our elections:\n\nOn August 5, she sent a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin demanding the Trump Administration adhere to the National Voter Registration Act\u2019s (NVRA) \u201cquiet period\u201d that prohibits systematic voter purges within 90 days of an election, pushing back against the Administration\u2019s ongoing voter suppression efforts.\n\nOn July 29, she wrote to Blanche, Mullin, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding to know whether the Trump administration plans to illegally deploy armed federal law enforcement officers at polling sites during the November 2026 elections.\n\nOn July 28, Sen. Cantwell sharply criticized the Trump administration\u2019s request that the Supreme Court allow him to seize control of state-run elections and implement an anti-vote-by-mail executive order. Lower courts have repeatedly rejected the president\u2019s arguments and stated that his executive order is unconstitutional.\n\nOn July 2, Sen. Cantwell sent a letter to the Postmaster General about the U.S. Postal Service\u2019s (USPS) proposed illegal rule to implement President Trump\u2019s March 31 executive order to interfere with vote-by-mail. Sen. Cantwell\u2019s letter specifically noted the recent decisions of multiple federal courts that found Trump\u2019s executive order unconstitutional and enjoined the USPS from implementing the proposed rule \u2013 including in separate cases brought by the State of Washington with other states and the NAACP \u2013 and demanded the USPS comply with those court orders.\n\nOn June 29, she celebrated the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee against an effort to stop states from counting mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, even if they\u2019ve been postmarked in time. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington.\n\nOn June 24, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Right To Vote Act, legislation to create the first-ever affirmative federal voting rights guarantee for all eligible citizens.\n\nOn June 24, she also denounced President Trump\u2019s announcement that he would not sign the 21st Century Road to Housing Act \u2013 an overwhelmingly popular, bipartisan bill that passed both the House and Senate earlier in the week and would have increased housing supply and brought down housing costs \u2013 until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. That legislation, which Trump has repeatedly demanded, would eliminate vote-by-mail and impose onerous new restrictions on voting and registering to vote. It would disenfranchise millions of Americans in the name of a voter fraud \u201ccrisis\u201d that, even by the standards of the right-wing Heritage Foundation, straightforwardly does not exist. President Trump again demanded Congress pass the restrictive bill following the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee. Despite President Trump\u2019s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill, it became law on July 11, since he failed to act on the bill within the time period prescribed by the Constitution after Congress sent him the legislation.\n\nOn June 23, she joined the entire Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to the USPS demanding the USPS abandon attempts to restrict voting by mail called for by President Trump in an illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn June 23, she also delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling out the Trump Administration\u2019s war on mail-in voting as the latest frontier in a long history of voter disenfranchisement in the United States.\n\nOn June 17, she joined several of her Senate Democratic colleagues for a spotlight forum highlighting President Trump\u2019s illegal overreach into our free and fair elections.\n\nOn June 8, she joined 23 of her Senate colleagues in demanding answers over the Trump Administration\u2019s decision to remove the most recent version of the Federal Prosecution of Election Offenses manual from DOJ\u2019s website without explanation.\n\nOn April 29, she was tapped by Minority Leader Schumer to join a task force of senators defending our elections from interference.\n\nOn April 23, she joined colleagues in introducing the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to protect the right to vote by mail and block President Trump\u2019s illegal and unconstitutional March 31 executive order attacking mail and absentee ballots.\n\nOn April 22, she sent a letter to the USPS warning the agency against complying with the executive order, which would undermine mail-in voting.\n\nOn April 1, after the executive order on mail-in voting was announced, she issued a statement in opposition.\n\nOn March 18, she convened a group of current and former elected officials and representatives of nonpartisan voter advocacy groups for a virtual press conference on defending voter access. Video of that entire virtual press conference is HERE; video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE; and a transcript of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s statement is HERE.\n\nOn March 15, she issued a snapshot report showing that the SAVE America Act \u2013 the voter suppression bill President Trump has continued to demand Congress pass \u2013 would cost Washington state taxpayers more than $35 million this year alone.\n\nOn Feb. 20, she convened local leaders in Seattle for a press conference urging Washingtonians to fight back against these proposed new burdens to voting.\n\nOn Feb. 19, she gathered in Vancouver with the Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey and local chapter heads of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP for a press conference on how this bill would disenfranchise voters.\n\nAlso on Feb. 19, she released a snapshot report showing who in Washington would face undue hurdles to voting if the SAVE America Act were signed into law. The report shows that certain populations \u2013 including people who live in rural areas, women who changed their name after marriage, and people who recently moved \u2013 would face additional, cumbersome burdens to prove their citizenship.\n\nOn Feb. 5, she appeared on MSNOW\u2019s Morning Joe to push back against the Trump administration\u2019s heightened efforts to interfere in state-run elections and collect private data on American voters. Video of Sen. Cantwell\u2019s appearance is HERE; a transcript is HERE.\n\nOn Jan. 29, Sen. Cantwell joined Senate colleagues in a letter to then-Attorney General Pam Bondi, pushing DOJ to stop its unlawful pressure campaign to coerce dozens of states into providing the Trump Administration their voter rolls, which include voters\u2019 personally identifiable information. DOJ has sued 24 states \u2013 including Washington state \u2013 and the District of Columbia demanding the personal information of their voters.\n\nOn Jan. 15, she joined Senate colleagues in a letter to USPS Postmaster General David Steiner raising concerns with recent developments affecting postmark practices. Right before the holiday season, USPS changed its postmark practices, which the Senators warned could have significant impacts on voters nationwide and in Washington state \u2013 including rural voters, military and overseas voters, and many others who rely on rely on the mail to safely and securely cast their ballot. The new snapshot report Sen. Cantwell and Sec. Hobbs released today shows the actual impact on voters in Washington state so far.\n\nOn Jan. 9, she joined 13 Senate colleagues in filing an amicus brief before the Supreme Court in the case Watson v. Republican National Committee. The case, brought by the Republican National Committee, threatened the election administration practices of states like Washington that permit mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted when they are received within a certain number of days after Election Day.\n\nPrevious Article", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-bellingham-senator-murray-hears-how-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-and-war-in-iran-are-driving-up-costs-for-the-maritime-industry-murray-pushes-bill-to-end-trade-war-with-canada-continues/", "In Bellingham, Senator Murray Hears How Trump\u2019s Trade War with Canada and War in Iran Are Driving Up Costs for the Maritime Industry; Murray Pushes Bill to End Trade War with Canada, Continues to Press for Votes to End War with Iran", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Democrat", "Senate", "WA", "Patty Murray", "M001111", "www.murray.senate.gov", "murray", "https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/", "scraper", "Murray: \u201cMore fish\u2014fewer tariffs and fewer wars.\u201d\n\nICYMI: Murray Introduces Bill to End Trump\u2019s Trade War with Canada & Lower Costs, Slams Trump\u2019s Latest Tariffs as \u201cEconomic Arson\u201d\n\nMurray has been a longstanding champion of the maritime industry, consistently securing key federal funding increases under tough fiscal conditions; Murray also recently established the first-ever seafood liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\nThanks to Trump\u2019s war with Iran, national average diesel has climbed past $5 a gallon\u2014up nearly $2 from a year ago\u2014and fuel can account for as much as 40 percent of the operating costs of a fishing trip\n\n***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE***\n\nBellingham, WA \u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a maritime roundtable discussion in Bellingham with the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, commercial fishermen, shellfish growers, maritime workforce leaders, and the Port of Bellingham to hear directly about how President Trump\u2019s chaotic trade war, his war in Iran, and his deep cuts to federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service are raising costs and threatening jobs across Washington state\u2019s working waterfronts.\n\n\u201cOur maritime industry and our ports power the economy in Washington state\u2014our fish and shellfish travel far on their own, but our fishermen and our ports are the reason they\u2019re famous worldwide,\u201d said Senator Murray. \u201cAnd this administration\u2019s reckless and unpredictable tariffs have been nothing short of a disaster for them\u2014driving up costs and making it impossible for any small business to plan. Let\u2019s just acknowledge how Trump\u2019s decision to pursue an all-out trade war with Canada\u2014Washington state\u2019s biggest trading partner and our country\u2019s closest ally\u2014is beyond stupid and counterproductive, fraying partnerships north of the border that have spanned lifetimes. Trump\u2019s war in Iran has made fuel far more expensive for fleets already running on razor-thin margins. And that\u2019s to say nothing of pushing federal workers out en masse and making severe cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service\u2014clearly, Trump does not understand that our fishermen rely on a top-notch National Weather Service to do their work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe most urgent thing we can do to bring costs down in a big way is put an end to this trade war and to the actual war against Iran\u2014and Congress can do both,\u201d continued Senator Murray. \u201cHow about instead of funding bombs in the Middle East we invest in our fisheries and habitat recovery here at home? Let me sum it up: more fish\u2014fewer tariffs and fewer wars.\u201d\n\nWashington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce\u2014and no community feels that more directly than Whatcom County, which sits at the Canadian border. In just one year, Trump\u2019s tariff tax has cost the average family nearly $2,000, with hardworking Americans bearing 96% of the cost of the hundreds of billions of dollars in new tariffs. Still, Trump has been undeterred by the chaos and pain his trade war has wrought and continues to double down on the global stage.\n\nYesterday, Murray announced the End Trump\u2019s Tariff Tax Act, legislation that would revoke and refund Trump\u2019s latest barrage of tariffs and repeal the archaic authorities he has used to continue his trade war. This legislation would apply to Trump\u2019s newest global tariffs of 12.5% and 50% tariffs on Canada.\n\nAt the same time, Trump\u2019s war in Iran and the resulting disruption at the Strait of Hormuz have sent fuel costs soaring for Washington state\u2019s fishing fleets and maritime businesses. National average diesel has climbed past $5 a gallon\u2014up nearly $2 from a year ago\u2014and fuel can account for as much as 40 percent of the operating costs of a fishing trip, pushing captains up and down the coast to cut days at sea or tie up their boats altogether.\n\nJoining Senator Murray at the roundtable discussion were: Dan Tucker, Executive Director of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County; Sierra Oliver, Program Director of the NW Maritime Apprenticeship Program with the Working Waterfront Foundation; Steve Seymour, Owner and CEO of Drayton Harbor Oyster Company; Ron Wille, President and COO of All American Marine; Jamie Wurtz, commercial fisherman and owner of Wurtz Fisheries; and Mike Hogan, Public Affairs Administrator at the Port of Bellingham.\n\n\u201cSenator Murray is a tremendous champion for Washington\u2019s working waterfronts,\u201d said Port of Bellingham Public Affairs Administrator Mike Hogan. \u201cOver the past two years, Senator Murray has helped secure over $40 million in federal grants to rebuild Whatcom County\u2019s maritime infrastructure and create new family-wage jobs.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaritime sectors worldwide are underway with the largest shift in technology since the switch from sail to steam,\u201d said Dan Tucker, Executive Director of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County. \u201cWhatcom County and Washington state need steady regulation and policy, protection for American shipbuilding and crews through the Jones Act, federal investment in business and workforce development, and careful consideration of our international partners in order to provide career-track, retirement-potential opportunities to the next generation that will build tomorrow\u2019s blue economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cFirst the price of fish is of greatest concern, if the markets are not buying wild sustainable caught fish at a healthy price our business is unsustainable and crew and captains alike cannot make a living,\u201d said Jamie Wurtz, commercial fisherman and owner of Wurtz Fisheries. \u201cFuel costs have the second biggest impact on small fishing operations. These can normally be the largest expense of any fishing season with this last year\u2019s price of agricultural- off road diesel fuel increasing 22%. For example, last year in WA state fuel rose from $3.59 a gallon to $5.00 a gallon and in Alaska it was even higher, going from $4.68 a gallon to $6.10. That translates to being the largest expense in our operation after the cost of financing a boat. This increase impacts our ability to be profitable. All fishermen need to see some stability in the markets for the price of seafood as well as the price of fuel.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhatcom County businesses are ready to grow, but need investment in industrial waterfront infrastructure, clearer and more predictable environmental regulations, and faster, more accessible workforce-training incentives. These changes would unlock business expansion, create good-paying jobs, and expand workforce development opportunities. Limited infrastructure restricts our ability to create the volume of work and training opportunities needed to bring more women and other underrepresented workers into the marine trades,\u201d said Patrick Schjelderup, co-owner and CEO of Top to Bottom Marine, Inc.\n\nSenator Murray has consistently gone to bat for Washington state\u2019s fishermen and maritime workforce in the federal funding bills she helps to write as Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, securing important funding increases for programs at NOAA that support aquaculture and fisheries. Murray also secured funding to create and establish the first-ever seafood industry liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. President Trump\u2019s FY27 budget request proposes serious cuts that would hit the people in Whatcom County\u2019s maritime community directly\u2014including completely eliminating funding for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) and NOAA\u2019s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. Murray has made clear she plans to rip up President Trump\u2019s budget and write a new one.\n\nSenator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump\u2019s chaotic trade war from the very start and has been lifting up the voices of people in Washington state harmed by this administration\u2019s approach to trade, while calling on Republicans to end Trump\u2019s trade war and take back Congress\u2019s constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Senator Murray has held events in every corner of Washington state to hear directly from constituents, businesses, and workers about how Trump\u2019s tariffs are harming them\u2014including in Tacoma, Yakima, Vancouver, Seattle, Skagit County, and Blaine, just across the border from Canada. Last fall, she held a roundtable with small business owners in Vancouver and slammed Trump for the cost of his tariffs. Last December, she responded to a Joint Economic Committee report showing Trump\u2019s tariffs on Canada have caused a steep decline in Canadian tourism that is harming border communities in Washington state. She also grilled U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing over how the trade war with Canada is hurting Washington state businesses and consumers. Murray has been outspoken in her opposition to Trump\u2019s pointless and counterproductive hostilities toward Canada at every step.\n\nSenator Murray has also repeatedly voted to end President Trump\u2019s unauthorized war in Iran, including voting for war powers resolutions to terminate hostilities absent a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force from Congress, and has demanded answers from the administration on behalf of Washington state constituents who do not want to be dragged into another forever war.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 15145, "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 \"state\" = :p0 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "WA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WA", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 11992, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&party=Democrat", "selected": false}, {"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 3153, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WA", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 14447, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 698, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WA", "results": [{"value": "WA", "label": "WA", "count": 15145, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=WA", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 2009, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2017", "selected": false}, {"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1625, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2018", "selected": false}, {"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 1519, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 1514, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2015", "selected": false}, {"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1374, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2019", "selected": false}, {"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 1353, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2014", "selected": false}, {"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 1007, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 959, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2016", "selected": false}, {"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 937, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 936, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2013", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 626, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2021", "selected": false}, {"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 508, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2022", "selected": false}, {"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 399, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2023", "selected": false}, {"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 379, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&year=2024", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-09-02,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emurray~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fin-bellingham-senator-murray-hears-how-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-and-war-in-iran-are-driving-up-costs-for-the-maritime-industry-murray-pushes-bill-to-end-trade-war-with-canada-continues~2F", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=WA&_next=2026-09-02%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Emurray~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fin-bellingham-senator-murray-hears-how-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-and-war-in-iran-are-driving-up-costs-for-the-maritime-industry-murray-pushes-bill-to-end-trade-war-with-canada-continues~2F&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 1486.5937689319253, "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"}