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1,408 rows where chamber = "House", state = "WA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-cash-act-vote/ McMorris Rodgers Statement on CASH Act Vote 2020-12-31 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after voting on the CASH Act. This year, I have supported trillions in emergency relief and assistance for those hurt by the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic shutdowns. That includes this month's bipartisan agreement with increased unemployment assistance, aid to farmers and ranchers, reimbursements for our health care providers, support for small businesses and their employees, and additional direct payments to Eastern Washington families, said McMorris Rodgers. Unfortunately, the CASH Act would add $464 billion to our national debt. I believe assistance should be more targeted. In addition, this bill failed to include the spending reductions that President Trump called for. As I've repeatedly urged Governor Inslee to do, the best and most effective way to help families and restore our way of life is to reopen our economy and safely get people back to work. That's what I am committed to. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-reduce-methane-emissions-cow-burps Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Reduce Methane Emissions in Cow Burps 2020-12-31 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) has introduced the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act. This bill will provide funds to study innovative methods to reduce methane emissions in livestock, including through feed additives such as seaweed. "We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis and it falls on all of us to find creative solutions to this pressing problem," said Rep. Schrier. "Our farmers are the leading stewards of our land and on the front lines fighting climate change. While they are already innovating with solutions like no-till farming and increased cover crop adoption, we must provide more federal research support and ensure any game-changing products are accessible to our farmers and ranchers. As the only member on the Agriculture Committee from the Pacific Northwest, I will continue to work on common sense solutions that support our farmers while helping to address climate change." According to EPA's 2018 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, enteric fermentation, the digestive process by which cows and other ruminants produce methane, was the largest human-caused source of methane in the United States, representing 28% of domestic methane emissions. Ruminants, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, have the highest methane emissions per unit of body mass among all animal types. The amount of methane from livestock production alone is about the equivalent of the emissions from about 650 million cars. The Reduce Agricultural Methane Act will enable further research in promising methods to reduce agricultural methane emissions including: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-names-senior-staff-for-energy-and-commerce-committee/ McMorris Rodgers Names Senior Staff for Energy and Commerce Committee 2020-12-30 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), incoming Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today announced senior staff for the Committee. Additional staff announcements will be made in the coming days. The Energy and Commerce Committee is at the very center of our mission for America to win the future. I'm excited to announce members of my senior staff who are uniquely qualified to support this mission, said McMorris Rodgers. They are top-notch talents who have invaluable expertise. I'm grateful for their service and commitment to embracing value-based leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee so every member shines and delivers results to restore, rebuild, and renew the American Dream. On the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the following staff will serve under Republican Staff Director Nate Hodson. Sarah Rogers Burke Deputy Staff Director Sarah Rogers Burke is returning to the McMorris Rodgers team after serving as Rep. Jason Smith's Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. She previously served under McMorris Rodgers as the Director of Member Services during her tenure as House Republican Conference Chair. Burke's experience also includes working for multiple Members of Congress, in the private sector, and on the Romney Ryan 2012 Presidential Campaign. Michael Taggart Policy Director Michael Taggart has served as McMorris Rodgers's Legislative Director since 2019. As Policy Director, he will be a senior advisor on policy and strategy, manage the subcommittees, and develop the legislative agenda for Energy and Commerce Republicans. Taggart previously served as Legislative Director to former E&C member Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ). Olivia Hnat Communications Director Olivia Hnat has served as McMorris Rodgers's Deputy Chief of Staff since 2019. Hnat was National Press Secretary for McMorris Rodgers when she chaired the House Republican Conference. She is a former spokesperson for Speaker John Boehner and Communications Director for Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH).… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-provide-automatic-rental-assistance-families-response Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. "When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress," said Congressman Adam Smith. "As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis." Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the bill here and the full bill text here. Statements of Support: "One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster," said Stephen Norman, Executive Director o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C6B2B21-E42D-46EE-A400-F9AF5867FF5B Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress, said Congressman Adam Smith. As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the billhere and the full bill texthere. Statements of Support: One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster, said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2689 DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner f t # e Kirkland, WA, December 29, 2020 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge from Washington's 1st Congressional District. The winning app, called Distancing Camera, was created by Pierce Zhang, Sidharth Ganesh, and Trung Pham of Tesla STEM High School. Their app is designed to make social distancing easier by warning users if others are too close. The app uses a phone's camera to measure the distance between the phone and other people or the distance between two people in its view. The app alerts the user if social distancing is being violated in either case. A demo of Distancing Camera can be found here. As a tech leader before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative entrepreneurs, said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students from Washington's 1st Congressional District for their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work with us. This year's winner designed and created a useful tool with timely application to the current public health crisis. Congratulations on all your hard work. The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges. Distancing Camera will now go on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts. DelBene has been a Co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge since 2018. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law Rep. Schriers VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov     legacy ISSAQUAH, WA CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week, said Rep. Schrier. Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus. In addition to theVACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loansfor businesseswith more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Employee Reten… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law Rep. Schrier’s VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. "I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week," said Rep. Schrier. "Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus." In addition to the VACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loans for businesses with more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Emp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-house-passage-bill-increase-direct-cash-payments-2000 Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. "I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. "Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-successful-veto-override Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. "Today the House reiterated - in a resounding, bipartisan way - that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. "Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful - not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=20B09D74-4F1E-448D-B943-784FA5971061 Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. Today the House reiterated in a resounding, bipartisan way that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7E45B39F-A742-420D-875B-9FEA776E9D69 Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2442 Larsen Votes to Override President Trump’s Veto of the National Defense Authorization Act 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to override President Trump’s veto of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted by proxy after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus last week. “I voted to override the president’s veto to support the women and men of the military and strengthen national security,” said Larsen. “The NDAA increases pay for servicemembers, establishes changes to rename military bases after American heroes instead of Confederate traitors, and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts.” The NDAA includes provisions that benefit Northwest Washington’s military families, installations, communities and veterans. Supporting Servicemembers, Military Families The NDAA gives servicemembers a 3 percent raise. The bill includes Larsen’s solution to ensure sailors are paid Family Separation Allowance while under orders to remain on board a ship while at home port. The NDAA also ensures all federal employees benefit from paid parental leave policies. Last year’s NDAA excluded the women and men who work at the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as other civilian employees. Protecting Communities from PFAS Larsen is committed to ensuring families living on or around Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) and the Outlying Landing Field in Coupeville have access to safe and clean drinking water. The NDAA takes steps to further protect military communities from PFAS, including $1.4 billion for environmental cleanup. Mitigating Jet Noise In communities surrounding military installations like NASWI, aviation noise is a frequent concern. Larsen secured $4 million for jet noise reduction research. Larsen also worked with Senator Maria Cantwell to ensure a 12-month extension of the ongoing real-time sound monitoring study at NASWI. Boosting Impact Aid Impact Aid is important for military students and schools that serve them, including several in Nor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-looking-forward-safe-and-joyous-new-year COLUMN: Looking Forward to a Safe and Joyous New Year 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Throughout the past year, I have written a lot about how I have witnessed Central Washington come together in times of crisis. The challenges of a global pandemic are certainly unprecedented, but individuals, families, healthcare providers, and local businesses have stepped up to the plate to provide support for our communities. The resiliency of our district is inspiring, and while we still have challenges to overcome, I am confident that our nation will defeat this virus. But I hear you: Our government must be responsive to the needs of the people, and I am doing my part. Assisting Central Washingtonians who need help navigating our federal agencies is one of the most important parts of my job as a U.S. Representative. The gravity of this duty is not lost on me, especially during difficult times. This year alone, my staff and I have worked diligently to return nearly $4 million to individuals and families throughout our district and assist hundreds more with small business grants, Social Security claims, and veterans' benefits. In a normal year, I look forward to hosting events to help seniors and veterans identify resources and benefits or to connect job seekers with employers. My staff looks forward to hosting Mobile Office Hours across Central Washington to meet one-on-one and face-to-face with constituents throughout our district. Not surprisingly, the circumstances of the pandemic required us to adjust our way of doing things. While I maintain that nothing can replace in-person interactions, I am grateful for the expansion of technology that allowed us to stay connected. Telephone town halls, conference calls, and virtual meetings provided an opportunity for me to keep in touch and continue learning how I can best represent you in Congress. Stay-at-home orders and economic lockdowns have changed the way we live, work, learn, and even communicate with one another. Local businesses are hanging on by a thread, and individuals are struggling. My office received tens of thousands of letters, phone calls, and em… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwells-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-signed-into-law Cantwell’s Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law 2020-12-28 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.28.20 Cantwell's Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. Comprehensive bipartisan, bicameral aviation safety legislation written and negotiated by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders was signed into law by President Trump last night. The Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes, including strengthening the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implementing new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, requiring aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implementing new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-president-trumps-harmful-ndaa-veto Smith Statement on President Trump's Harmful NDAA Veto 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. "By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. "The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8207C760-DF86-4430-A465-762B4B98AAAE Smith Statement on President Trump’s Harmful NDAA Veto 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-bill-to-rename-bremerton-post-office-after-distinguished-us-navy-sailor-signed-into-law Kilmer’s Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law 2020-12-23 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.23.20 Kilmer's Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. On December 21, Representative Derek Kilmer's legislation to rename the Bremerton Post Office in honor of John Henry Turpin, a distinguished U.S. Navy sailor, was signed into law by the President. The legislation, which passed the House and the Senate unanimously this fall, honors the lifelong resident of Bremerton, who is believed to be the first Black American to qualify as a Master Diver, in a civilian capacity, and was one of the first Black Americans to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. His thirty-year career in the U.S. Navy included service during the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. John Henry Turpin's outstanding legacy of service to our country is made even more significant by the era of prejudice and discrimination during which he served. said Rep. Kilmer. Turpin repeatedly answered the call of duty to his country, served with great distinction, and rose in rank throughout his Navy career. His life-long and selfless commitment to the defense of America, American values, and the American way of life is worthy of our recognition and praise. I'm proud that the bill passed through Congress with the support of Democrats and Republicans and I'm thrilled to see it signed into law. We are proud and incredibly honored to have our historic downtown post office named after John Henry Turpin, said City of Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. His courage and his incredible dedication to our nation and to the U.S. Navy set an example for those that served with him and would follow in his footsteps. We are pleased that we can recognize Turpin's extraordinary life and legacy in his home community of Bremerton. The renaming of the downtown Bremerton post office is an important opportunity to recognize and memorialize a man who was a trailblazer in his field. Bremerton has a very rich history and it's exciting to have this recognition of Mr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-decade-after-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. "Ten years ago, the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security - all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. "The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era ‘trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. "Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=80A5ABE7-283E-49AE-B41D-FD9745BD42D8 Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Ten years ago, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2441 Larsen Statement in Response to Oil Train Derailment in Whatcom County 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement in response to the oil train derailment in Whatcom County: “I am concerned about the oil train derailment in Custer, WA. I worked closely with the Obama administration to create strong rules to make the transport of oil by rail safer. Clearly there may be more work to do. “Thank you to the first responders on scene working to assess the situation and to keep communities safe. My staff are gathering more information from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Governor’s office, Whatcom County Emergency Management, BP, and BNSF Railway. I will continue to monitor the situation and await the findings of NTSB’s investigation.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-congressional-aviation-leaders-applaud-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-passed-as-part-of-omnibus-funding-bill Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders applauded the passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. The legislation will strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implement new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, require aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implement new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress last night and it and now heads to the President's desk. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-call-on-department-of-energy-to-only-consider-qualified-experienced-candidates-for-bpa-administrator- Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator In a break from norms, DOE has not consulted Senators Cantwell and Murray on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries. BPA Administrator is one of the Pacific Northwest's toughest jobs. The position requires a deep knowledge of our unique grid, strong relationships with regional stakeholders, and an understanding of how to balance the needs of hydropower, agriculture, and salmon. Now more than ever we need an Administrator that can hit the ground running and ensure our region continues to receive the affordable and reliable electricity supplies that have powered our economy for decades, Senator Cantwell said. I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest,Senator Murray said.So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-critical-funding-for-washington-small-businesses-in-covid-stimulus-bill-targeted-relief-for-smallest-businesses-in-underserved-communities Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities Bill includes more than $284 billion for PPP, including $35 billion set aside for smallest businesses WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) highlighted the inclusion of key small business priorities she championed and pushed for in the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus bill that passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly last night. The bill provides $284.5 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. The bill extends PPP through March 31, 2021 and enables small businesses and nonprofits to apply for a 2nd PPP loan of up to $2 million if they have 300 or fewer employees and have experienced a revenue loss of at least 25% between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. I'm very glad that we were able to get the PPP program that helps small businesses, so that they can continue to try to make ends meet as we continue to work our way through this pandemic, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor on Monday night. Important Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The bill expands the types of expenses that are allowable and forgivable to include: Payment for any software, cloud computing, and other human resources and accounting needs. Costs related to property damage due to public disturbances that occurred during 2020 that are not covered by insurance. Expenditures to a supplier pursuant to a contract, purchase order, or order for goods in effect prior to taking out the loan that are essential to the recipient's operations at the t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-supported-provisions-in-covid-relief-bill-will-provide-critical-relief-to-hard-hit-music-venues-theaters-museums- Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums Without relief, 63% of independently-owned clubs in the state would have to permanently close WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauded the inclusion in the COVID relief bill of provisions she pushed for that would provide $15 billion in grants to live venues, movie theaters, and museums in Washington state and across the country. The bill also includes a set aside of $2 billion for entities with no more than 50 employees. This achievement builds off of the Save Our Stages Act, legislation Cantwell cosponsored along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to provide desperately needed aid to smaller, independent live venues. Without this relief, 63% of Washington state's independently owned clubs would have to permanently close, according to a survey by the Washington Nightlife Music Association. Cantwell spoke about the urgent need to provide relief for these venues at a Commerce hearing earlier this month, saying in part: You'd think this would just be a slam dunk, that we could just, if nothing else, just go ahead and pass legislation. For us, it's 38,000 Washingtonians, about a $2.4 billion music industry overall. So we don't want to see permanent closure, because it's very hard to start these again We have got to get our colleagues to understand, we need to act now on this legislation. Video from the hearing is HERE. Steven Severin, the President of the Washington Nightlife Music Association (WANMA), said: This is a huge win for us. The fact that nobody knew our names or the phrase Independent Venues' and then you have people like Sen. Cantwell talk about WANMA and Save Our Stages in a D.C. hearing?... I'm ecstatic. I'm in tears. I'm exhausted. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-biggest-advancements-to-nations-energy-policies-in-over-a-decade- Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation’s Energy Policies in Over a Decade 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation's Energy Policies in Over a Decade Cantwell's Grid Modernization Act and Smart Building Acceleration Act incorporated into landmark package WASHINGTON, D.C.Sweeping bipartisan energy legislation was included in the year-end COVID-19 relief and omnibus bill passed by the Senate last night, including many provisions Senator Cantwell authored and introduced while she served as Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 114th and 115th Congresses. The legislation authorizes over $35 billion for research and development over the next decade in critical areas including renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies, all of which will be essential to decarbonizing our nation's energy system and addressing the climate crisis. The legislation also reforms the energy loan guarantee program, extends the weatherization program, and provides new tech transfer tools for Energy Department Laboratories like the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). Modernizing our nation's energy grid will make America's electricity supplies more secure, abundant, and affordable, said Senator Cantwell. Making our nation's buildings smarter and more efficient will lower utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions from a sector that accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. energy use. All told, these energy provisions are the most progress we've made to our nation's energy policies in a decade. Two bills authored by Senator Cantwell were incorporated into the landmark package, including Senate Bill 2332, the Grid Modernization Act of 2019, which authorizes over $2.2 billion over the next decade to fund R&D and programs at the Department of Energy aimed at modernizing our nation's electricity grid. Provisions include a grant program aimed atdemonstratingthe value of modernizing our nation's… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-19-package-includes-cantwell-collins-provision-to-make-medical-expense-deduction-permanent COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.22.20 COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passed Congress and will now be signed into law. Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and David Schweikert (R-AZ). For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act, Senators Cantwell and Collins introduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. The medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment, said Senator Cantwell. The medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills. AARP applauds Congress for making permanent… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-long-overdue-passage-covid-19-relief-package Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: "Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. "First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. "This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed - this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. "Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additiona… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=49A194FD-3583-4475-A84B-AD8BB998DEE3 Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additional fund… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2688 DelBene Shapes Bipartisan COVID-19 Deal, Calls for More Relief 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that several of her priorities were included in the bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal that was reached between House and Senate leaders over the weekend. The House approved the legislation today with DelBene's support. Compromise is difficult but in a time of divided government, it's the only way we get things done. This important deal will provide meaningful relief to Americans during this challenging time and I secured several provisions in the package. It is only a portion of what is needed to help families across the country and for what our economy is facing, said DelBene. This virus will not simply vanish starting next year and additional relief must be Congress' top priority going forward. As the incoming Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I am ready to work with congressional leaders and a new, engaged White House to craft additional relief legislation immediately. DelBene's priorities have been centered around providing relief to workers, families, small businesses, and strengthening our public health response. Provisions she secured in the deal include: Incentivize the hiring and retention of workers through a 70 percent credit on up to $10,000 of wages per employee per quarter by enhancing the Employee Retention Tax Credit and allow the credit to work with Paycheck Protection Program loans. DelBene has been pushing to expand the credit to help keep businesses open and workers off unemployment. Providing more money to families by allowing them to use their 2019 earnings when calculating their 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. DelBene is a lead sponsor of legislation that would also increase the Child Tax Credit amount and provide payments monthly. Creating over 130,000 more affordable homes by making these housing developments more financially secure. DelBene introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase affordable housing production by expanding on the proven success of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-for-critical-covid-19-relief-secures-funding-for-regional-priorities Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support an COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending bill (omnibus) consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package Today's legislation included $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Over the last nine months, I have spoken with folks across our region who have lost jobs, lost their small businesses, and lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People in our region need help. With that in mind, this new bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill is progress, said Rep. Kilmer. This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help beat back this virus and distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local employers. Having said that, we know more is needed to help people who are hurting. People shouldn't have to risk losing their homes, going hungry, or having their utilities shut off, due to something that's not their fault. I'll keep working to make sure that the federal government steps up to have the backs of folks in our neck of the woods. Among its provisions, the bill provided billions in funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines to as many Americans as soon as possible, to implement a national testing and tracing strategy, and to support health care workers and providers on the frontlines. The legislation also included critical support for Washington's small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and nonprofits. The bill includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-committee-to-fix-congress-extended-to-117th-congress Kilmer’s Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Kilmer's Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Praises Kilmer's Integrity & Vision; Calls Him a Leader and Innovator Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (Select Committee), led by Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), will be extended through the 117th Congress. Created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Select Committee (often referred to as the Fix Congress Committee) was tasked with crafting recommendations to make Congress work better. Over the last two years, Democrats and Republicans on the Select Committee have worked together to pass 97 recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient, accessible, and transparent for the American people. Speaker Pelosi's announcement today ensures the committee's bipartisan work can continue. As Speaker of the House, it is a privilege to once again appoint Congressman Derek Kilmer as Chairman of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress where he will continue his respected, effective work For The People, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Chairman Kilmer is a leader and innovator, whose integrity and vision have guided the Select Committee in its efforts to advance bipartisan solutions to make the House more transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of our communities. Strengthened by the historic diversity and dynamism of the 117th Congress, Chairman Kilmer and Members of the Select Committee will continue to champion the best ideas that ensure that the People's House can carry on its vital work now and for years to come. Through bipartisan collaboration and a commitment to reform, I'm proud that this Committee has approved nearly 100 recommendations over the course of the last year and a half to make Congress work better for the American people. But our work is only getting started, said Chair Kilmer. I'm grateful for the Speaker's sup… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2439 Larsen: Pandemic Relief is a Down Payment to Protect Washingtonians’ Health, Economic Security 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to deliver much needed relief to families and small businesses in Northwest Washington who continue to struggle from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, this long-overdue pandemic relief package addresses the continued public health crisis and delivers relief for Washingtonians. While the bill does not include every one of my priorities, it serves as a down payment to protect Washingtonians’ health and economic security.” “The public health response will lead to economic recovery. I will continue to work with community leaders, the incoming administration and Washington state’s congressional delegation to deliver real relief for Washingtonians in the new year.” The bipartisan package addresses several of Larsen’s priorities based on conversations with Second District families, business owners and community leaders. Support for Equitable Vaccine Distribution The arrival of the first vaccines doses in Washington state is a light at the end of the tunnel. More than 26,300 people in the five counties of the Second District tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 800 died since the pandemic began. The virus continues to disproportionately affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. The relief package includes $69 billion for COVID-19 vaccine development and equitable distribution, virus testing, contact tracing and mental health programs. Unemployment Benefits, Direct Payments During the week of December 6, nearly 3,000 people who live in the five counties of the Second District filed an initial claim for unemployment. The relief package includes a $300 per week increase in federal unemployment benefits to help unemployed Washingtonians pay bills and put food on the table. The bill also includes $600 direct economic impact payments for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for married couples making up to $150,000 per year, including checks for mixed-status… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-consolidated-appropriations-act/ McMorris Rodgers Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after voting in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act to fund the government and secure additional resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this agreement, Republicans pushed back against frivolous spending while making sure American families and small business owners are taken care of. To help those hurt by the pandemic, the COVID-19 relief effort will send checks directly to families in Eastern Washington, increase unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs, support farmers and ranchers, and extend the PPP program for small businesses owners all throughout America, said McMorris Rodgers. I was also proud to secure wins for Eastern Washington in this omnibus bill, including extending the Teaching Health Center program for three years, passing my American COMPETE Act to promote American leadership against China in emerging tech, securing a pay raise for our troops, fully funding the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, and extending the Water Resources Development Act to support our ports and river system. This package isn't perfect, but it's important we took action, after months of partisan delays, to provide relief to Eastern Washington families. Read a summary of the COVID Relief package by clicking here. Read a summary of the Omnibus funding bill by clicking here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-celebrating-spirit-christmas COLUMN: Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy As we enter the 10th month of the COVID-19 crisis, I find myself looking forward to this Christmas season. Festivities and celebrations will undoubtedly look different, and some traditions and customary gatherings may not be feasible this year but holiday spirit is just as important as ever. As it is for most Christians, Christmas time is a sacred and special time for my family because it is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and the salvation of humanity. It is a time of hope and faith, community and family, and kindness and generosity. I am reminded of the words that the angel spoke to the shepherds on the night of Jesus' birth: Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Unfortunately, for too many of our neighbors, the good tidings and great joy will be replaced with anxiety and worries about putting food on the table. Food insecurity poses a particularly disheartening challenge for many families, especially at this time of year when budgets are tight and expenses are high. What's more, under the growing strain of the pandemic's economic shutdowns, an estimated one in six Americans are predicted to face hunger at some point this year. Food banks help meet the basic needs of millions of Americans each year, but they are subjected to increased pressures and experience heightened demand and shortages around the holidays. One of many inspiring qualities that Central Washingtonians possess is their sense of community, responsibility, and the willingness to rise to a challenge when presented with one. Our region is home to countless farmers, ranchers, and other producers who are ready and eager to help meet the needs of others by donating their products to food banks and other food distribution services. Frustratingly, current policies create unnecessary barriers between the food our producers grow and distribution to those who need it. To help address this problem, I introdu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-statement-covid-19-relief-package Rep. Schriers Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-statement-covid-19-relief-package Rep. Schrier’s Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: "My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-provision-to-increase-affordable-housing-production-in-covid-relief-bill_ Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill Provision could build more than 130,000 affordable homes in the next decade; more than 6,300 additional units in Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the inclusion of a key provision to increase affordable housing production in the COVID-19 relief bill. The provision establishes a permanent 4 percent floor under the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictability and flexibility in Housing Credit financing. Cantwell's provision could increase affordable housing production by at least 130,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years and build more than 6,300 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington. This would create 170,000 jobs and inject $18.5 billion into the economy. The COVID-19 relief bill also includes a one-month eviction moratorium and $25 billion for rental assistance, of which Washington state will receive $508,706,000. The Affordable Housing Tax Credit (also called the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC) is responsible for funding 90 percent of the federally-funded affordable housing construction in our country, and has financed over 3 million affordable homes, including nearly 75,000 in Washington state, since its creation in 1986. The number of affordable housing units the Affordable Housing Tax Credit has built in each Washington state county can be found here. Establishing the 4% floor for the Affordable Housing Tax Credit could help us build more than 6,000 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington and more than 130,000 affordable homes across the nation in the next decade, said Senator Cantwell. It will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictabil… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-relief-bill-includes-1-billion-for-tribal-broadband-and-250-million-for-fcc-telehealth-program-in-provisions-sought-by-cantwell COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.20 COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell Bill represents first significant package to address Tribal broadband gap WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today hailed the inclusion of key broadband priorities in the bipartisan Senate COVID-19 relief bill. This package provides money for broadband connectivity and is one of the only broadband packages to specifically address the critical connectivity needs of Tribes, including in the State of Washington. This package also provides additional funding to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was first authorized under the CARES Act. This legislation that we're going to be voting on includes $7 billion dollars for more broadband priorities; $1 billion dollars for connectivity issues for Tribal country, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. Indian Country needs a lot of connectivity. So getting more broadband into those communities will be very helpful. The COVID package also contains money for telehealth. Telehealth is a critical path during the COVID crisis to make sure that communities have the ability to get expert advice into our homes, into our communities, to connect people with information. So this telehealth grant is a very important program in the State of Washington. According to a report issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May 2019, less than half of households in Indian Country have access to high-speed broadband service. This represents a nearly 27-point gap compared to non-Tribal rural areas. According to the same report, this gap only widens when compared to the country-wide average; 31 percent of households on Tribal lands lack access to high-speed … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/federal-support-for-former-boeing-intalco-workers-approved-in-covid-19-relief-package Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package Extension of Health Coverage Tax Credit could help thousands of Trade Adjustment Assistance-eligible workers in WA who have been laid off, covers 72.5% of COBRA health care premiums WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) helped secure a provision in the COVID-19 relief bill that provides a one-year extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which helps individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) reduce their health care costs. The credit covers a significant portion of health care premium costs for those enrolled in TAA. Thousands of former Boeing workers who were or could be laid off between May 2019 and May 2021, and more than 700 workers who were laid off from Alcoa's Intalco plant in Ferndale, are eligible for TAA. We've been able to expand the COBRA tax credit program to help people who have been unemployed continue health insurance. This is very important for laid off workers in the State of Washington like the aerospace workers, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that allows individuals and their immediate family members to stay on their employer-sponsored health coverage for up to 18 months after the individual leaves their job or is laid off. Individuals enrolled in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including former Boeing and Intalco workers, are eligible for a Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which covers 72.5% of their COBRA health care premiumsapproximately the amount that would have otherwise been covered by their employer. The HCTC extension in the COVID relief bill will save thousands of formerly employed Boeing and Intalco workers in Washington state from having to pay the majority of their health care premium c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/local-news-outlets-made-eligible-for-relief-funds-to-keep-journalists-on-the-job-report-news_cantwell-ppp-fix-included-in-covid-stimulus-bill Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News – Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.21.20 Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill Cantwell fix would make more than 100 WA newspapers and broadcasting stations eligible for PPP funding, more than 2,000 newspapers, 3,384 TV and radio stations, and hundreds of public broadcasters newly eligible nationwide WASHINGTON, DC A provision authored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and included in the bipartisan COVID stimulus package would make thousands of small local newspapers, radio, and television broadcasters, and hundreds of public broadcasting stations that produce and distribute local news and emergency information, eligible for emergency federal support under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill provides $284.5 billion for the entire Paycheck Protection Program, a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. Cantwell's provision makes over 100 newspapers and broadcasting stations throughout Washington newly eligible for PPP funding, and more than 2,000 newspapers and 3,384 TV and radio stations newly eligible nationwide. During this pandemic, local newspapers and broadcasters must continue to communicate vital COVID health data, including lifesaving information about public health guidance, the vaccines, and vaccine distribution, said Senator Cantwell. Local news is essential. It makes our communities and our country stronger by asking important questions, providing accurate facts, and countering misinformation and disinformation. This bill will make more newspapers, TV and radio stations, and public broadcasters eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program so local reporters can keep us informed. Jon Schleuss, President of the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/op-ed-defense-our-constitution Op-ed: In defense of our Constitution 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Originally published in the Yakima Herald-Republic on December 20, 2020 A December 16 article in the Yakima Herald-Republic states that I am repeating unspecified concerns about the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election. This is simply not true, and frankly I take offense to the allegation that, as a U.S. Representative, I would sign my name to a legal document without legitimate reasoning. These unspecified concerns refer to an amicus brief I joined 125 of my colleagues in filing in support of a Supreme Court case, Texas v. Pennsylvania. The brief described several areas of concern specifically about the processes by which several state election officials administered the balloting process while encouraging the Supreme Court to examine the situation further and provide appropriate remedy where necessary. Here are the specific issues outlined state-by-state: In Pennsylvania, the Secretary of State ignored a statutory requirement for signature verification of ballots without approval by the state legislature. In Georgia, election officials altered a tabulation procedure so that statutory requirements for signature verification of absentee ballots were not followed. In Michigan, the Secretary of State violated statutory requirements that local election officials be the ones to distribute absentee ballots. In Wisconsin, the Elections Commission violated a statutory prohibition against drop boxes, placing hundreds of them around the state. Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution clearly states that state legislatures are responsible for establishing the manner by which presidential electors are selected. In these four states, it was Secretaries of State or election boards, not legislatures, that approved these critical components of the state's election system. While media outlets like the Herald-Republic may label these concerns unfounded, it is clear why this rightfully spurred constitutional concerns. In fact, as I write this, the U.S. Senate is conducting a hearing to discuss elect… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-14th/ My Votes – Week of December 14th 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/16/2020 PASSED 380-0 S. 2216 TEAM Veteran Caregivers Act YES This bill would require the VA to report to Congress on the feasibility and advisability of formally recognizing all veterans' caregivers by identifying them in the electronic health record (EHR) of the veteran. It would also require notifications be sent to certain approved and potential caregivers under the VA's Family Caregivers Program regarding all decisions affecting assistance. 12/17/2020 PASSED 387-5 H.R. 3250 Julius Rosenwald and the Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020 YES This bill directs the Department of the Interior to study the sites associated with the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald, a part owner and President of Sears, Roebuck and Company and a noted philanthropist who helped finance construction of 5,357 schools in 15 southern states between 1912 and 1932. The study shall include a special emphasis on specified sites, including certain Rosenwald Schools. In conducting such study, Interior shall evaluate the national significance of the sites; and determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the sites as a unit of the National Park System, including an interpretive center in or near Chicago, Illinois. 12/18/2020 PASSED 386-1 S. 979 Federal Advance Contracts Enhancement Act YES This legislation amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to incorporate the recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office relating to advance contracts. 12/18/2020 PASSED 320-60 H.J. Res. 107 Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2020, and for other purposes YES This joint resolution provides continuing FY2021 appropriations to federal agencies through December 20, 2020. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevented a government shutdown that would have otherwise occur if the FY2021 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expired on December 18, 2020. 12/18/2020 PASSED 329-65 H.J… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-sponsored-bipartisan-nasa-authorization-bill-unanimously-passes-senate- Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate 2020-12-18 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.18.20 Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Cantwell: With this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA's return to the Moonmaybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step. WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance the nation's space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier. The State of Washington has played a key role in American space exploration since NASA was first founded. The Lunar Roverthe first and only crewed surface transportation system designed to operate on the Moonwas designed and built in Kent, WA. Three of the Kent-built Lunar Rovers remain on the Moon today. And earlier this month, NASA announced that two women from WashingtonKayla Barron and Anne McClainwere among the 18 astronauts chosen for its Artemis mission, which seeks to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. Washington state is home to more than three dozen space-related companies and over 1,400 aerospace companies. The space industry employs more than 6,200 workers in Washington and generates $1.78 billion in economic activity throughout the state. Because of the state's leadership, Forbes in 2016 called Seattle a silicon valley for space. "Congress just took a big step forward in authorizing the Artemis Program, which will send women to lead our next mission to the Moon, Senator Cantwell said. It also includes authorizations for continued space exploration and growing the space economy, including extending the International Space Station and suppo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-selected-serve-powerful-house-energy-and-commerce-committee Rep. Schrier Selected to Serve on Powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee 2020-12-17 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced that she has been selected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 117th Congress. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in the House. It legislates on many issues including health care, climate change, energy policy, environmental protections, medical research, and telecommunications. "I am honored and thrilled to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee next Congress," said Rep. Schrier. "As our country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I am eager to put my two decades of health care experience to work overseeing our public health response. As the only woman doctor and first pediatrician to serve in Congress, I look forward to being a voice for America's 74 million children and to continue my work to lower health costs for families, expand health care access for children and to improve vaccine confidence and coverage. This committee provides the platform to address many of the issues that matter most to my constituents—like rural health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, progress toward a carbon neutral future, closing the digital divide and supporting the innovators and job creators in our state's strong digital, commercial aerospace, and life sciences sectors." Rep. Schrier will be the first Washington Democrat to serve on the committee since Governor Jay Inslee in 2012. Rep. Schrier has been a member of the Education and Labor Committee and the Committee on Agriculture for the last two years. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2685 Congress Passes DelBene, Cantwell’s Landslide Preparedness Bill 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Congress passed the National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in the House of Representatives and Washington Senator Maria Cantwell in the Senate. This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The 2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Act will help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property, said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have, Senator Cantwell said. This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion in damage in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Geological Service and National Research Council. These… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-to-hold-end-of-year-telephone-town-hall Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.16.20 Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall Internationally Renowned Vaccine Expert Dr. Larry Corey to Join Conversation Tacoma, WA On Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall to provide an update on the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer questions from constituents. In addition to a discussion on the legislation passed by Congress to support workers and families,Dr. Larry Corey, an internationally renowned expert in virology, immunology and vaccine development at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the co-leader of the vaccine testing program for the COVID-19 Prevention Network, will join the conversation to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and the road ahead. Even though we can't meet in person right now, it's important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our region, said Rep. Kilmer. I hope folks will be able to join the town hall to learn more about COVID-19 recovery, my ongoing efforts to ensure the federal government steps up to lend a hand to families and local employers, and to get your questions answered. Rep. Kilmer has held town halls so far in the 116th Congress in Port Angeles, Quilcene, Tacoma, Belfair, Poulsbo, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Montesano, Westport, Forks, over the phone, and on Facebook. Press are welcome to join. COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall Tuesday, December 22, 6:00pm PT WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer, Residents of the 6th Congressional District WHAT: Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 WHEN: Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT WHERE: Residents of the 6th District can call to join the town hall using the following information or listen over the internet at www.Facebook.com/Derek.Kilmer Town Hall Telephone Number: 877-229-8493 PIN to Access Live Event: 111435 ### Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-cantwell-delbene-landslide-preparedness-bill Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.20 Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congress passed theNational Landslide Preparedness Act(H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01). This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have,Senator Cantwell said.This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Actwill help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property,said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2684 DelBene, Nadler, Sensenbrenner, & Davis Reintroduce Bill to Bring Email Privacy Into 21st Century 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), and Rodney Davis (IL-13) reintroduced the Email Privacy Act, bipartisan legislation that would create 21st Century protections for personal emails and other digital records. Currently, law enforcement can seize any email older than 180 days without a warrant. The bill would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to access emails and other digital records and allow providers to notify customers when government agencies request their data. Updating our laws to reflect the way the world works in the 21st Century is one of my top priorities in Congress. When laws protect a letter in a filing cabinet more than an email on a server, it's clear our policies are woefully outdated, said DelBene. The Email Privacy Act is a powerful step forward toward enhancing Americans' civil liberties. A broad range of civil liberties and technology industry stakeholders have supported this legislation in the past. DelBene is a champion of personal data privacy and updating antiquated technology laws. She is also the sponsor of the Information Transparency and Personal Data Control Act (H.R. 2013), which would give people control over their most sensitive information. The text of the Email Privacy Act can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-the-presidential-election/ McMorris Rodgers Statement on the Presidential Election 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement after the Electoral College voted to elect Joe Biden as President of the United States: I want to thank President Trump for four years of strong leadership for our country. Even this week, we are seeing the results of his vision with the approval and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine far more quickly than experts said was possible. I also want to congratulate former U.S. Senator and Vice President Joe Biden on his election as President of the United States, said McMorris Rodgers. While we may disagree, particularly on issues like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, my goal is to find common ground when possible to get results for people in Eastern Washington. I will also be committed to holding the Biden administration accountable to protect life and free speech, fight for freedom, and to ensure we renew, rebuild, and restore the American Dream. It takes each one of us doing our part to build a more perfect union. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-push-senate-leadership-to-provide-housing-assistance-to-communities-impacted-by-2020-wildfires Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.14.20 Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West have burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued. The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Developme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-7th/ My Votes – Week of December 7th 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/7/2020 PASSED 386-3-1 H.Res. 512 Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws YES This resolution calls on the President and the Department of State to make the repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws a priority in bilateral relationships between the United States and countries that have such laws; designate countries that enforce such laws as countries of particular concern for religious freedom; and oppose efforts by the United Nations to implement an international anti-blasphemy norm. The resolution also calls on the governments of countries that enforce such laws to amend or repeal them and to release anyone imprisoned pursuant to them. 12/7/2020 PASSED 388-6 S. 461 HBCU PARTNERS Act YES This important legislation addresses the capacity of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to participate in federal programs. Specifically, the bill requires certain agencies to submit annual plans for strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to participate in federal programs. Among other things, the plans must establish how the agencies intend to increase the capacity of HBCUs to compete effectively for grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. 12/8/2020 PASSED 400-1 H.R. 8354 Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 YES Establishes the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. The initiative will serve as legal and policy advisor on DOJ's efforts to enforce criminal and civil laws that impact service members, veterans, and their families; develop policy recommendations for improved enforcement of federal law to support service members, veterans, and their families; serve as the liaison and point of contact between DOJ and the military departments; provide counsel for the Office of Justice Programs to ensure that funding decisions take into account service members, veterans, and their families; and enforce federal laws that pro… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-hosts-congressional-briefing-rapid-inexpensive-covid-19-testing Rep. Schrier Hosts Congressional Briefing on Rapid, Inexpensive COVID-19 Testing Technology 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently hosted a briefing for her colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition with Dr. Michael Mina, of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, on rapid, low-cost COVID-19 tests intended for frequent at-home use. This is a way to catch asymptomatic people before they can spread the virus to others. The test measures whether a person is contagious by testing for the presence of the virus in their nose. "Even with a vaccine on the way, it will be months before we will be able to return to our normal lives," said Rep. Schrier. "Too many people are waiting days or over a week for test results. Not just that … if we don't test people until they are symptomatic, and then get results back 24 – 48 hours later, we have already missed most of the time frame when they are most contagious to others. That is too late to stop the spread and makes contact tracing very challenging. We need more solutions. People need to know, on any given day, whether they are contagious to others. This type of test is a critically important tool that is not yet being deployed at scale in this country." These rapid paper-strip tests are a public health tool that, if scaled properly, can help people make informed choices and prevent outbreaks. "If we could get buy in from 50% of a community or 50% of households to use this test twice a week, we could significantly reduce the spread of the virus in 3-4 weeks. The goal is to meet infectious people where they are at (at home) and provide them with a reliable, quick test so they can know if they are safe to roam the world. If we can get these tests out to enough people in the community then we can achieve herd effects- where the cases stop growing and start falling, with fewer outbreaks," added Dr. Mina. Stopping outbreaks and community spread will put us on a faster path to normalcy, allowing us to quickly and safely keep schools and the rest of our economy open. Rep. Schrier is looking for pathways to get these tests into all of our h… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-statement-removal-electron-dam Rep. Schrier Statement on Removal of Electron Dam 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA -- Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) issued a statement today calling for the removal of the Electron Dam. Following a pollution incident in July, in which vast quantities of discarded athletic turf were used to line a diversion dam in an unprecedented, unpermitted, and haphazard manner, and which resulted in 600 square yards of turf and at least 4-6 cubic yards of crumb rubber pollutants for miles downstream, Rep. Schrier has been meeting regularly with permitting agencies, the Puyallup Tribe, and other involved stakeholders. In October, Congresswoman Schrier visited Electron to receive an update on pollution mitigation efforts. This summer's incident, which threatens already devastated salmon runs, has given Rep. Schrier the opportunity to learn more about this facility, the river, and the unique opportunity at Electron to return a healthy salmon population to the Puyallup River. The DOJ has opened an investigation at the request of the EPA into extensive potential violations over the incidents in July, but that investigation will not address the future of the dam. Rep. Schrier said, "After months of listening and meeting with stakeholders, it is clear to me that this dam should be removed from the Puyallup River. The benefits from this facility are minimal, and the costs have been catastrophic for salmon and the surrounding ecosystem. Regardless of the outcome of the current investigation by the EPA into this summer's pollution incident, the long-term ecological health of the Puyallup River is jeopardized by the continued presence of this dam. After 116 years, it is time to restore the Puyallup River for our salmon and community, for the threatened orca population, and to honor our treaty agreements. Electron Dam has been detrimental to fish for decades, killing an estimated 40% of juvenile chinook salmon, and blocking upstream migration of adults, while providing only a small amount of power. When I visited the site, I was struck by the power and beauty of this river. I also learned that… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-wins-for-washington-environment-coast-guard-as-final-ndaa-bill-passes-the-senate Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.20 Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate Legislation formally authorizes six icebreakers, three of which Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) authored and helped secure a number of provisions to help Washington state, protect the environment, and support Coast Guard members and their families in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed the Senate today by a vote of 84-13. Cantwell's Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee last July and is included in this year's final NDAA, formally authorizes six polar icebreakers (three of which the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle), establishes new protections for Southern resident orcas, strengthens oil spill prevention measures, and enacts provisions to protect the environment and promote the recruitment and retention of women in the Coast Guard. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives earlier this week by a vote of 335-78. Provisions Cantwell helped secure as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act will: Authorize six icebreakers and advance U.S. Arctic leadership The legislation authorizes three heavy icebreakers that the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle. It also formally authorizes three additional icebreakers for the first time, for a total of six icebreakers. Building the icebreaker fleet will help improve American competitiveness in the Arctic. Shipping via the Northern Sea route can decrease shipping transit times by as much as two weeks. Icebreakers in Seattle ensure that the State of Washington continues to play a leadership role in Arctic exploration, trade, security, and environmental protection. The reality is, there is a race on for the Arctic passageway, and we need to be ready, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-discusses-vaccine-distribution-challenges-stresses-importance-of-equitable-delivery-to-hard-to-serve-populations Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.20 Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations Cantwell: You have to have the infrastructure to deliver the vaccine WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, attended today's Transportation and Safety Subcommittee hearing titled The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine and spoke about the need to make sure our transportation infrastructure is up to the task of delivering COVID-19 vaccines safely and effectively around the country. We're really trying to pay attention to what we need to help people dealing with this unbelievable COVID pandemic that's increasing in impact right now at a very critical moment, Cantwell said in her questioning with witnesses. So I wanted to ask a question about what we're doing to help states and municipalities on the delivery system. I've heard from my mayors, I've heard from our health officials, you know, this is a very intense operation on the ground and they're going to need help and resources in the delivery system. Mr. Wesley Wheeler, President of Global Healthcare at UPS, responded to Cantwell's concerns about states and municipalities having adequate support saying, We [UPS] got pretty good at this with the test kits. So when we started testing and moving laboratory samples from patients to lab companies, we got very, very familiar with the state governments, the state jurisdictions, and the health authorities there. And we were helping a lot of the states to do that. And we still are. And that allows us to give you help wherever you need it. Cantwell also stressed the importance of ensuring rural and Native communities get equitable vaccine distribution: I want to make sure that that we're thinking about how you give equitable access. I heard some of the discussion about nursing home… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-attempted-bombing-at-spokane-county-democrats-hq Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.20 Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement in response to the attempted bombing and fire at the Spokane County Democrats headquarters: No one should fear for their safety for participating in our political process. I condemn this attack and call on leaders at every level and from all sides to join me in working to help bring our communities together to end hate. ### Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2682 Defense Authorization Bill Passes with DelBene’s Aluminum Amendment 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 6395) yesterday, a bicameral compromise of Congress' annual defense authorization bill. This bill includes a key amendment sponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to strengthen the domestic aluminum industry. The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how the Defense Production Act could be used to increase the refining, processing, and manufacturing of aluminum. The 2021 NDDA includes an important provision that will support our nation's aluminum industry, which is vital to our national security, said DelBene. This policy will encourage the federal government to propose investments in domestic aluminum production and support good-paying jobs here at home. The House first passed the NDAA in July and this bill reflects a bipartisan compromise with the Senate. More information about the FY 2021 NDAA can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-colleagues-call-for-wildfire-relief-funds-to-be-included-in-next-covid-19-relief-package Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.20 Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll WASHINGTON DC This week, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package. A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres. The members' letter calls for: Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources; Investments in fire risk mitigation… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-house-passage-fy21-national-defense-authorization Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: "Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. "I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. "The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal g… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55F6CB7E-924C-45E3-890E-3250AB8848A3 Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal gover… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-support-servicemembers-and-military-families Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.08.20 Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the conference report on H.R.6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). The bipartisan, bicameral compromise report authorizes funding for national defense for Fiscal Year 2021.The conference report passed the House 335 to 78. If you serve this country, Congress should have your back. This bipartisan legislation makes vital investments in service members and their families, including a number of measures that I championed,said Rep. Kilmer. In addition, in our region, we also have talented civilians doing critical work to keep our country safe, so I'm glad that we were able to include measures that benefit those workers and our region's economy. Supports Servicemembers and Federal Workers The conference agreement retained several key measures championed by Rep. Kilmer in the House passed bill to improve benefits for American service members and their families, including a 3% pay increase for all service members as well as provisions to improve the oversight and management of housing for military personnel and their families and to address the shortage in military child care. The bipartisan agreement also includes numerous provisions to support federal workers. Of importance to Kitsap County, the bill includes a five-year extension of the rate of overtime pay authority for Department of Navy employees performing work aboard or dockside in support of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier forward deployed in Japan. Kilmer said, When our region's shipyard workers work overtime, they should get paid overtime including when they're overseas. It shouldn't take an act of Congress to make that the case and for the next five years, it won't. This year's NDAA conference report also includes a measure championed by Rep. Kilmer to allows federal workers to carry over excess leave accrued during the COVID-19 pande… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-sen-cantwell-sen-murray-secure-vital-support-for-washingtons-maritime-industry Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington’s Maritime Industry 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.08.20 Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington's Maritime Industry Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), along with U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced they secured vital support for Washington's maritime sector through a key provision they championed in the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will provide dedicated financial relief to maritime dependent businesses and communities during a national emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters. The Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (MTSERA) will establish a comprehensive new program under the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to provide financial assistance to eligible entities which includes state and local governments, port authorities, and private vessel operators to maintain the stability and reliability of the U.S. Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the event of a national emergency or disaster, including, the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This emergency funding is critical to supporting businesses like the Black Ball Ferry Lines that have been forced to reduce or suspend operations due to the current public health crisis. Having grown up in Port Angeles, I'm conscious of how critical the Black Ball ferry is to our local economy. It's helped Port Angeles become the gateway for tourists and supported so many local businesses. But, as has been the case for so many things during the COVID-19 public health crisis, it's been really challenged during this difficult time, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I've been working with our partners on the ground and Senators Cantwell and Murray to protect vital regional assets like the Black Ball ferry. I'll keep working to ensure the federal government steps up during this unprecedent crisis. Maritime transportation is a critical part of our way of life in the State of Washington. As we co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-priorities-help-firefighters-military-spouses-pass-house-final Rep. Schriers Priorities to Help Firefighters, Military Spouses Pass House in Final 2020 Defense Bill 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.'s (WA-08) priorities to help local firefighters and military spouses passed the House today as part of the final Defense bill of the year, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is annual legislation to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate later this month. This is the 60th NDAA to pass the House of Representatives. As we saw this fall, Washington state's wildland firefighters are being asked to fight increasingly extreme wildfires with limited budgets, said Rep. Schrier. The Department of Defense has two programs that transfer excess equipment like tools, trucks, and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. My amendment will ensure these programs work better for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue agencies in Washington State by making them more accessible and taking community need and risk into account. The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment to states and other qualified entities. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take community need and risk into account. Rep. Schrier's amendment requires an analysis of the program to ensure equipment is distributed efficiently where it is needed most. It also requires DOD to consult with State Foresters and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rep. Schrier's other amendment makes job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work because of frequent relocations. Rep. Schrier continued, Military spouses continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. My amendment addresses issues and concerns from a series of military and veteran spouse listening sessions held throughout the state in 2019 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington State … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-priorities-help-firefighters-military-spouses-pass-house-final Rep. Schrier’s Priorities to Help Firefighters, Military Spouses Pass House in Final 2020 Defense Bill 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.'s (WA-08) priorities to help local firefighters and military spouses passed the House today as part of the final Defense bill of the year, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is annual legislation to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate later this month. This is the 60th NDAA to pass the House of Representatives. "As we saw this fall, Washington state's wildland firefighters are being asked to fight increasingly extreme wildfires with limited budgets," said Rep. Schrier. "The Department of Defense has two programs that transfer excess equipment like tools, trucks, and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. My amendment will ensure these programs work better for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue agencies in Washington State by making them more accessible and taking community need and risk into account." The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment to states and other qualified entities. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take community need and risk into account. Rep. Schrier's amendment requires an analysis of the program to ensure equipment is distributed efficiently where it is needed most. It also requires DOD to consult with State Foresters and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rep. Schrier's other amendment makes job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work because of frequent relocations. Rep. Schrier continued, "Military spouses continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. My amendment addresses issues and concerns from a series of military and veteran spouse listening sessions held throughout the state in 2019 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washing… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-larsen-provision-to-extend-growler-noise-monitoring-passes-house-as-part-of-final-ndaa Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Extend Growler Noise Monitoring Passes House as Part of Final NDAA 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.08.20 Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Extend Growler Noise Monitoring Passes House as Part of Final NDAA Legislation extends noise monitoring of flights over Whidbey Island, Olympic National Park for 12 months, requires data be made available to the public WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, a provision introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) to extend real-time noise monitoring at two West Coast Navy installations and make the data publicly available passed the House of Representatives as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision extends the program, first created after Cantwell and Larsen secured its passage in last year's NDAA, for an additional 12 months. Real-time noise monitoring of Growler activity over Whidbey Island and Olympic National Park is crucial to ensure local communities have accurate information, Senator Cantwell said. I am pleased this provision has been extended, and I will continue to work to ensure the Navy conducts the monitoring and is fully transparent with the state and local communities on the issue. Having reliable data on aviation noise is essential to keeping communities informed and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of operations, said Representative Larsen, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the conference committee responsible for negotiating a final bill. I am glad the final conference report study will extend the study and I will continue conducting oversight to ensure transparency and proper implementation. Last year, the Navy added 36 Growler aircraft to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The additions increased airfield activity by up to a third. Cantwell and Larsen's provision requires the Secretary of the Navy to conduct real-time monitoring of noise from flights at two West Coast Navy installations, including the field carrier landi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washington-state-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-major-disaster-declaration-after-devastating-wildfires- Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.08.20 Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires Cantwell, Murray lead full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and the entire Washington state congressional delegation in writing a third letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's devastating wildfires. The Governor's request includes Individual and Public Assistance for eligible communities across Eastern Washington, including the town of Malden, where wildfires destroyed 80% of homes and businesses leaving most of its residents unable to return. Other Western states ravaged by wildfires this year, such as Oregon and California, have received essential federal assistance provided under major disaster declarations, but the thousands of Washingtonians forced to evacuate remain without aid as the Governor's request still awaits approval. In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state the lawmakers wrote. In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community. 83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance, the lawmakers added. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-ruling-court-case-restore-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals Rep. Smith Applauds Ruling in Court Case to Restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 2020-12-06 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after a federal court ordered the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to its original form in the Batalla Vidal v. Wolf case. "The ruling is a major victory not just for immigrant youth and their families but for all Americans. By upholding this critical program, we are restoring the values that America should reflect and instilling hope for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and future DACA recipients who call America home. From the first attempt by the Trump administration to end DACA in 2017, immigrants have been subjected to the Trump administration's xenophobic policies. This win was made possible by the tireless efforts of countless DACA recipients and advocates who made their voices heard while their livelihoods were under attack. "The ruling reopens DACA to first-time applicants, restores work authorization and renewals to two years, and makes travel on advance parole more widely available to DACA recipients so they can feel safe and live without fear of being separated from their families and communities. While we celebrate this victory, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the new administration under President-elect Biden to sign into law permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. This is a long overdue step in the fight for a more fair and just immigration system." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E0C6F68C-B0EB-49E3-A642-77AB08985875 Rep. Smith Applauds Ruling in Court Case to Restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 2020-12-06 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after a federal court ordered the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to its original form in the Batalla Vidal v. Wolf case. The ruling is a major victory not just for immigrant youth and their families but for all Americans. By upholding this critical program, we are restoring the values that America should reflect and instilling hope for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and future DACA recipients who call America home. From the first attempt by the Trump administration to end DACA in 2017, immigrants have been subjected to the Trump administration's xenophobic policies. This win was made possible by the tireless efforts of countless DACA recipients and advocates who made their voices heard while their livelihoods were under attack. The ruling reopens DACA to first-time applicants, restores work authorization and renewals to two years, and makes travel on advance parole more widely available to DACA recipients so they can feel safe and live without fear of being separated from their families and communities. While we celebrate this victory, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the new administration under President-elect Biden to sign into law permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. This is a long overdue step in the fight for a more fair and just immigration system. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2676 House Passes Legislation to Decriminalize Marijuana and Expunge Federal Convictions 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3884) with the support of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01).The MORE Act would: Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. Allow federal marijuana-related convictions and criminal records to be expunged, resentenced, and sealed. Invest in communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. This is the first time either house of Congress has voted to decriminalize marijuana. In 2017, police made 659,700 arrests for marijuana-related violations. That is over 21 percent higher than the total number of people arrested for violent crimes (518,617) in the same year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The MORE Act would expunge low-level federal convictions, which have been selectively enforced against people of color, especially Black men. The bill would also grant state governments full jurisdiction over marijuana policy, ensuring that the statewide legalization of marijuana, like Washington did in 2012, no longer conflicts with federal law. States like Washington have been at the forefront of removing antiquated marijuana laws that have historically targeted communities of color. The MORE Act is an opportunity to reinvest in these communities, expunge drug convictions to give people a second chance, and allow states to make the decisions that best serve their residents, said DelBene. DelBene is a cosponsor of H.R. 3884. The full bill text is availablehere. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2678 Reps. DelBene and Schrier Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Kim Schrier (WA-08) led the Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in the state. In a letter, the delegation highlighted that families are being forced to pay back money they no longer have as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests. The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources that could be better used to ensure timely and … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2437 Larsen Outlines Priorities for Next COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Bill 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) urged Congress to address the continued public health crisis and deliver real relief for Washingtonians, families and small businesses. In a letter to House and Senate leadership, Larsen outlined his top priorities for any upcoming pandemic relief legislation. “With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, passing a comprehensive federal relief package grows more urgent by the day,” Larsen wrote. “Limits on gatherings and economic activity are necessary to protect public health and save lives but continue to cause real hardship for families nationwide. A strong public health response will enable a sustainable economic recovery.” You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer: With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, passing a comprehensive federal relief package grows more urgent by the day. Limits on gatherings and economic activity are necessary to protect public health and save lives but continue to cause real hardship for families nationwide. A strong public health response will enable a sustainable economic recovery. Given the breadth of the challenge posed by COVID-19, an effective relief bill will need to be comprehensive, like the two versions of the HEROES Act the House has already passed. Based on my conversations with local families, business owners and community leaders, my priorities for a long-overdue relief bill are: • Increased federal unemployment assistance The $600 increase in federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act was a lifeline for millions of out-of-work Americans. The additional weekly payments helped families afford rent and mortgage payments and keep food on the table. As cases are projected to continue to rise, more Americans will likely face layoffs or reduced hours without knowing when they may be able to return to work. Congress must reinstate increased and expanded federal unemployment ass… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-ndaa-provisions-regarding-ligado/ McMorris Rodgers Statement on NDAA Provisions Regarding Ligado 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 117th Congress, issued the following statement today in response to provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) regarding Ligado: I do not support the provisions in the NDAA that discuss the FCC's decision to grant more flexible use of the L-Band spectrum for Ligado, especially banning contracts with no evidence to support they harm national security. The NDAA shouldn't target an American company that will hurt our ability to beat China in the 5G race. Why single out an American company focused on boosting our country's 5G leadership but leave out protections against Chinese drone manufacturers threatening our national security? This should be made right. I agree with my colleagues on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees that we must protect the Department of Defense's mission and ability to keep America safe. The same should go for the Federal Communications Commission, the expert, independent agency on commercial spectrum issues. By a 5-0 unanimous vote they determined Ligado's proposal would not create problems of harmful interference with commercial users in neighboring bands or other government agencies, like DOD. This came after a decade of exhaustive FCC technical reviews and extensive conditioned safeguards. If we are going to beat the Chinese Communist Party in the race to 5G, we should let the FCC do its job and stop these interagency fights not rooted in facts. As Republican Leader on Energy and Commerce next Congress, I'll aggressively fight to ensure America has the global competitive edge in 5G not just for our economy but for our national security too. To win the future, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee on those shared goals, said McMorris Rodgers. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-november-30th/ My Votes – Week of November 30th 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/2/2020 PASSED 343-41 H.R. 7995 Coin Metal Modification Authorization and Cost Savings Act YES This bill authorizes the United States Mint to modify the metallic composition of coins if a study conducted by the Mint indicates that the modification will reduce the cost to taxpaxers and be implemented seamlessly. 12/3/2020 PASSED 272-114 H.R. 1380 Big Cat Public Safety Act NO Revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats. Current law already prohibits the import, export, purchase, sale, transport, or acquisition of big cats, such as lions and tigers across state lines or the national border. 12/4/2020 PASSED 265-124 S. 2981 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Amendments Act of 2020 YES Revises provisions related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps such as physical fitness, obligated service requirements, and retirement. 12/2/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 4054 U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020 YES Reauthorizes the United States Grain Standards Act. This legislation would extend, through 2025, authorizations for various provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act, which authorizes the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. 12/2/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 945 S. 945 Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act YES This bill will help fight State Owned Enterprises. The legislation requires certain issuers of securities to establish that they are not owned or controlled by a foreign government. Specifically, an issuer must make this certification if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is unable to audit specified reports because the issuer has retained a foreign public accounting firm not subject to inspection by the board. Fu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/reps-cathy-mcmorris-rodgers-peter-defazio-russ-fulcher-and-kurt-schrader-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-reauthorization-of-secure-rural-schools-and-robust-funding-for-payment-in-lieu-of-taxes/ Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Peter DeFazio, Russ Fulcher, and Kurt Schrader Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging Reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools and Robust Funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Russ Fulcher (ID-01) and Kurt Schrader (OR-05) today led a bipartisan letter to Congressional leadership urging reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program and robust funding for the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program in the appropriations process. In the letter, the members write, SRS and PILT serve as a lifeline to rural America's local governments and now, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the budgets of these rural counties have taken a hit. These two programs fund roads, schools, law enforcement, and essential county services, such as public health programs. With additional demands on their resources as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, rural communities and counties are stretched thinner than ever. In order to assist these rural counties' response to the current public health crisis, as well as to invest in infrastructure, schools, and law enforcement, Congress must advance a reauthorization of SRS. Further, we urge you to maintain robust funding for PILT as you continue funding negotiations for the remainder of the fiscal year. SRS has been a critical lifeline to over 775 counties in more than 40 states by helping fund over 4,400 schools, road maintenance, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations on federal lands. Historically, the federal government shared with county governments 25 percent of timber sales from federal forestlands and 50 percent of revenues from certain lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Due to declining timber sales and county revenues, Congress first passed SRS in 2000 to provide a measure of compensation for counties containing federal timberland. A PDF version of the letter can be found HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schrier-and-delbene-lead-wa-delegation-calling-worker-protections Reps. Schrier and DelBene Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper ISSAQUAH, WA – Today, Congresswomen Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led the entire Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in Washington state. In a letter, the delegation noted families are being forced to pay back money they have already spent to make ends meet as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, "This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests." The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, "We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schrier-and-delbene-lead-wa-delegation-calling-worker-protections-overpaid Reps. Schrier and DelBene Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits 2020-12-04 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov     legacy ISSAQUAH, WA Today, Congresswomen Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led the entire Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in Washington state. In a letter, the delegation noted families are being forced to pay back money they have already spent to make ends meet as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests. The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources that co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/washington-members-send-letter-dhs-inspector-general-inhumane-treatment Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Denny Heck (WA-10), and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. "For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC," wrote the members. "Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC." "Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC," the members continued. "With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC." You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to bring your attention to the human rights conditions at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BD07627F-C608-4EE4-BAA0-E3D2F64F81FD Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Denny Heck (WA-10), and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC, wrote the members. Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC. Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC, the members continued. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC. You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to bring your attention to the human rights conditions at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-slams-trump-administrations-lame-duck-rush-to-sell-oil-drilling-rights-in-arctic-refuge- Cantwell Slams Trump Administration’s Lame-Duck Rush to Sell Oil Drilling Rights in Arctic Refuge 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.20 Cantwell Slams Trump Administration's Lame-Duck Rush to Sell Oil Drilling Rights in Arctic Refuge WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration will seek to sell oil drilling rights in the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in an auction on January 6, before President-elect Biden is sworn into office: Six decades after President Eisenhower enacted permanent protections for the irreplaceable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, President Trump is announcing he will sell the rights to drill and destroy this fragile million year-old ecosystem. This lame-duck Interior Department attack on our environment ignores the fact that major oil companies are not interested in spending billions for the chance at extracting expensive Arctic oil a decade from now. Every major U.S. bank has vowed to not finance Arctic Refuge development. And the incoming administration has promised to permanently protect the Arctic Refuge for future generations. Hopefully the courts will overturn this reckless lease sale based on the Interior Department's purposeful suppression of science and procedural shortcuts. Cantwell has been the leading congressional champion of the Arctic Refuge and repeatedly fought back against efforts to drill in the pristine wilderness throughout her time in office. Last month, Cantwell blasted the Trump administration's last-ditch rush to approve drilling leases in the ANWR before President-elect Biden is sworn into office. In September 2019, Cantwell introduced legislation to permanently protect the refuge from oil and gas drilling. She has repeatedly voiced support for protecting the refuge and has cosponsored multiple bills to designate its coastal plain as a wilderness area. In December of 2005, Cantwell led a historic filibuster that reversed a backdoor maneuver in the Senate to allow drilling in the refuge. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-washington-members-send-letter-to-dhs-inspector-general-on-inhumane-treatment-of-immigrants-at-the-northwest-detention-center Cantwell, Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.03.20 Cantwell, Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Denny Heck (D, WA-10), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC, wrote the members.Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC. Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC, the members continued. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC. The full text of the letter is available below andHERE: Dear Inspector Genera… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-selected-as-republican-leader-of-the-energy-and-commerce-committee/ McMorris Rodgers Selected as Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after being selected by her colleagues as the Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee: I'm honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to serve as the Republican Leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. This committee is critical to addressing the issues that matter to people in Eastern Washington, like bridging the digital divide, bringing doctors to rural communities, keeping energy rates low, and protecting free speech online,said McMorris Rodgers.We are in a battle for the heart and soul of America. From blatant assaults on free speech, to Medicare-for-All, to the Green New Deal, Energy and Commerce is at the very center of the battles for freedom to beat socialism and hope to beat fear. My goal is to maximize Energy and Commerce to secure America's and Eastern Washington's future as the best place in the world to innovate, save lives, and raise people's standard of living. NOTE:The House Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction over health care, energy, environment, technology, data, broadband, and much more.Read more here. # # # 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2675 DelBene Elected Chair of Moderate New Democrat Coalition 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy DelBene Elected Chair of Moderate New Democrat Coalition f t # e Washington, DC, December 1, 2020 Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) was unanimously elected Chair of the New Democrat Coalition for the 117th Congress. The coalition is comprised of the moderate members of the U.S. House of Representatives who represent the purple districts that are the key to maintaining the Democratic House majority. New Dems will be essential to moving legislation in the next Congress because of their close alignment with the incoming Biden-Harris administration. The New Democrat Coalition has a unique opportunity to deliver real change in the 117th Congress and I look forward to leading this diverse coalition during this pivotal time. New Dems and its policy ideas are closely aligned to the incoming Biden-Harris administration and we will be a key partner in building the coalitions necessary to address the multiple crises the nation is currently facing,said DelBene. One of the top things I hear from constituents is that they want governance to work again. After years of gridlock and obstructionism, I'm focused on getting to yes' on the biggest issues before us including additional pandemic relief, better health care for all Americans, getting the middle class back to work with living wages, and investing in new, green infrastructure. DelBene has been a member of the New Dems since arriving in Congress in 2012. She is currently the coalition's Vice Chair for Policy Coordination and has served in other leadership roles. She will take over from Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and is the first woman to serve in this role since 2009. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-request-extension-of-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-support-programs Cantwell, Colleagues Request Extension of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Support Programs 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.01.20 Cantwell, Colleagues Request Extension of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Support Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 31 of her colleagues in urging Senate leaders to include an extension of two critical financial lifelines for Americans affected by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in any upcoming relief package. Currently, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program which provides unemployment assistance to domestic workers, freelance workers, contractors, and other workers in alternative work arrangements and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program which temporarily provides a 13-week extension of benefits for those whose regular unemployment benefits have expired but are still struggling to find employment during the pandemic are set to expire on December 26th, just one day after Christmas. However, these programs are still as vital as ever as the country faces more than five times the number of COVID-19 cases as in the spring. Currently more than twice the number of Americans are participating in these programs as in the regular state unemployment system. According to data from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), 464,884 Washingtonians claimed unemployment benefits during the week of November 15-21. As the virus surges going into the winter months, the loss of benefits at this time is particularly cruel. A recent report from The Century Foundation suggests that nearly 12 million workers could lose coverage once these programs expire over the holiday. In other words, roughly 12 million American workers will lose benefits this season for a job they lost through no fault of their own, the senators wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. What's more, the loss of emergency benefits compounds the hardships many families are already facing in this economy. Since May, researchers have found that roughl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pebble-mine-permit-denied_-cantwell-continues-push-for-permanent-protections-for-critical-watershed Pebble Mine Permit Denied - Cantwell Continues Push for Permanent Protections for Critical Watershed 2020-11-25 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 11.25.20 Pebble Mine Permit Denied - Cantwell Continues Push for Permanent Protections for Critical Watershed WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit for the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska: The science is clear: the Pebble Mine could have destroyed the Bristol Bay ecosystem and the millions of wild salmon that depend on it. So I'm pleased but not surprised the Corps finally denied the permit for this ill-conceived megaproject. I look forward to working with the incoming administration and the Alaska delegation to establish permanent protections for Bristol Bay and promote more sustainable economic opportunities for the local communities living around these irreplaceable lands. Healthy salmon runs are the backbone of our fishing and outdoor economy throughout the region, and we must do everything we can to protect it. Today's decision comes after the Army Corps of Engineers decided inAugustthat the Pebble Mine project could not move forward as proposed due to the substantial adverse environmental impacts the project could have on the Bristol Bay watershed. Senator Cantwell has been leading the fight to protect Alaska's Bristol Bayone of the largest salmon fisheries in the worldand the fishermen and industries that rely on these salmon. The seafood sector makes up 60 percent of the 30 billion dollar maritime economy in Washington state, which as a whole supports over 146,000 jobs. Cantwell has been vocal about the devastation that Pebble Mine could bring to the Pacific Northwest, repeatedly criticizing various members of the administration for downplaying the threat of the mine. In September, Cantwell called for a Department of Justice investigation to examine discrepancies between what company executives promoting the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska, said in leaked tapes and how th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-conflict-ethiopia Rep. Smith Statement on the Conflict in Ethiopia 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the ongoing conflict in Tigray. "The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is extremely concerning. It is imperative that Prime Minister Abiy's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front reach a ceasefire in the near term and engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute peacefully. Tens of thousands of people have already been displaced from their homes, at least hundreds have died, and humanitarian access to the region has been nearly impossible. It is critical that all parties involved work with partners to immediately open humanitarian access to ensure food, water, and supplies can reach the region. "Further military action is not the solution to this conflict, and I urge the United States to continue to press Prime Minister Abiy to participate in ongoing negotiation efforts led by the African Union. We must work with regional partners and all parties to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and open up access to humanitarian organizations. Without immediate de-escalation, the livelihoods of millions of people will be further jeopardized, and the conflict threatens to spiral into an even wider regional crisis." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-bidens-key-national-security-and-foreign-policy-appointments Rep. Smith Applauds Biden's Key National Security and Foreign Policy Appointments 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after President-elect Biden announced appointments for key roles in national security and foreign policy. "President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have started to assemble stellar and historic national security and foreign policy teams that are well respected both at home and abroad. These leaders with diverse backgrounds and decades of experience will without a doubt be ready to hit the ground running on day one. "The incoming administration will undertake the monumental task of repairing the damage left behind from the Trump Administration, restoring America's global leadership, and advancing a foreign policy that reflects our values and the interest of the American people. The nominees share the understanding that to address the challenges facing the world today, we must work with our allies and partners. From human rights to climate change and the refugee crisis, I am confident these nominees are prepared to help lead the U.S. on the many complex challenges we face. "Congratulations to nominees Antony Blinken, Secretary of State; Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations; Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence; Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Special Envoy for Climate; and Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor. I look forward to working with these nominees to advance our shared interests here and around the world." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-house-passage-national-apprenticeship-act-reauthorization Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of the National Apprenticeship Act Reauthorization 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement following House passage of the reauthorization of the National Apprenticeship Act which would invest in increasing access to Registered Apprenticeships (RAs), codify and streamline existing standards that are vital to support RAs, and invest and expand the successful RA model to youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. "Our nation is in the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and the economic hardships and inequities impacting jobless workers and families are continuing to worsen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many out of work, now is the time to invest in Registered Apprenticeships - some of the most successful workforce training programs in the country - which provide paid, on-the-job learning opportunities and a pathway to quality, family-sustaining jobs. "The National Apprenticeship Act would invest more than $3.5 billion over five years to create nearly 1 million additional apprenticeship opportunities in existing and emerging industry sectors. Expanding access to apprenticeships ensures more workers have a pathway to stable, lifelong careers and accelerates our nation's economic recovery. Additionally, I successfully included an amendment that would enable pre-apprenticeship programs to offer stipends to pre-apprentices to assist with the financial costs of participating in these programs such as housing, childcare, transportation, and more. This financial assistance will ensure both pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs are more widely accessible for those who may face financial hardship. "While workers and families continue to struggle with economic hardships amidst the pandemic, we must do all we can to help people obtain the education and skills needed to succeed and get through this crisis, and help build an economic recovery for a better future." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2674 Kidney Caucus Welcomes HHS Decision to Improve Organ Procurement Performance and Save Lives 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Congressional Kidney Caucus Co-Chairs, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Larry Bucshon (IN-08), released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule that will increase the number of organ transplants performed each year by holding Organ Procurement Organizations to a higher standard. As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Kidney Caucus, we welcome HHS finalizing changes to organ transplant accountability rules. These necessary changes will force Organ Procurement Organizations to improve their performance and deliver more organs to Americans in need. Today, 91,949 patients are waiting for a kidney transplant but only 32,579 transplants have been performed this year. Actions like the one announced today give those waiting for transplants renewed hope. The announcement follows a letter sent in August in which DelBene, Bucshon, and other members urged the administration to finalize the organ accountability rule. The final rule can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-bipartisan-amendment-to-boost-computer-science-apprenticeships-included-in-house-passed-apprenticeship-bill Kilmer’s Bipartisan Amendment to Boost Computer Science Apprenticeships Included in House-Passed Apprenticeship Bill 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 11.20.20 Kilmer's Bipartisan Amendment to Boost Computer Science Apprenticeships Included in House-Passed Apprenticeship Bill Washington, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020, which invests more than $3.5 billion over 5 years in expanding opportunities and access to Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeships. The legislation included Representative Derek Kilmer's (WA-06) bipartisan amendment to ensure computer science youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs are prioritized for funding through the comprehensive legislation. We know that apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective paths to high quality, work-based learning in America. And in today's changing economy, it's important to continue to find ways to prepare our kids for the jobs of the future - jobs in advanced manufacturing, health care, technology, green jobs, and computer science, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I'm proud that in addition to investing broadly in apprenticeship programs across the board, Congress included my bipartisan amendment to expand access to computer science youth apprenticeship programs. These investments will provide more 21st century job opportunities for our kids, more qualified employees for our local employers, and more economic resiliency for our communities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94 percent of people who complete Registered Apprenticeships are employed upon completion, earning an average starting wage of above $70,000 annually. Yet, according to the most recent data, only 0.3 percent of the overall workforce in America have completed an apprenticeship. During a time of record unemployment, the National Apprenticeships Acts of 2020 would mark the first time the National Apprenticeship system has been comprehensively updated since 1937. The bill also takes the critical first step of codifying into federal law youth and pre-apprenticeship programs, a measure … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-november-16th/ My Votes – Week of November 16th 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Republican House WA Cathy McMorris Rodgers M001159 mcmorris.house.gov     legacy Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 11/16/2020 PASSED 401-0 S. 327 Wounded Veterans Recreation Act YES This legislation would make it so that any veteran with a service-connected disability can get a free lifetime National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. It would also give a free pass to any other US citizen who is permanently disabled. 11/16/2020 PASSED 394-0 S. 3147 Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act YES This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report on the policies and procedures relating to patient safety and quality of care and the steps the VA has taken to improve such care at VA medical centers. After any investigation or trial concludes, the VA must also report on the events involving deaths that occurred at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and the actions the VA has taken to prevent any similar recurrence. 11/17/2020 PASSED 395-4 H.R. 4611 Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II YES This bill modifies permitting requirements regarding the discharge of any pollutant from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant. 11/16/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 1964 Lumbee Recognition Act YES Extends federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and makes its members eligible for the services and benefits provided to members of federally recognized tribes. 11/16/2020 PASSED VOICE H.R. 6327 PRC for Native Veterans Act YES Specifies that the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense must reimburse the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribes, or tribal organizations for health care services provided to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, regardless of whether such services are provided directly by the IHS, tribes, or tribal organizations, or through certain contracts for services. 11/16/2020 PASSED VOICE S. 1069 Digital Coast Act YES Reauthorizes through FY2024 and revises the National Sea Grant College Program, through which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-call-on-trump-gsa-administrator-to-end-unprecedented-delay-and-provide-critical-transition-resources-to-president-elect-biden_ Cantwell, Murray Call On Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 11.20.20 Cantwell, Murray Call On Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden Delay in providing resources to Biden-Harris Transition creates unacceptable risks to pandemic response, national security WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, joined U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and their Democratic colleagues in calling on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to end her unprecedented delay, immediately ascertain Vice President Joe Biden as President-elect and Senator Kamala Harris as Vice President-elect, and make available the transition resources that are provided by law. This delay creates unacceptable risks to national security and pandemic response efforts as the United States passed more than 250,000 deaths, including more than 2,600 in Washington state according the state Department of Health. The United States is in the midst of a pandemic that has now claimed over 250,000 lives, with the number of new cases rising daily. Our country also faces a number of ongoing threats, including physical and cyber attacks from foreign actors, violence from domestic extremists, and natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes, wrote the senators. The GSA Administrator's ascertainment of a President-elect is also critical for agencies' willingness to share information with the transition team, including classified information, as well as for the expeditious processing of security clearances for candidates for high-level national security positions. Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect cou… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-smith-and-langevin-pre-apprenticeship-stipend-amendment-added-national Reps. Smith and Langevin Pre-Apprenticeship Stipend Amendment Added to National Apprenticeship Bill 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Jim Langevin (D-RI) successfully included an amendment to the National Apprenticeship Act of 2020 that would allow pre-apprenticeship programs to use grant funds under the legislation to provide stipends for participants to cover certain out-of-pocket costs such as housing, transportation, and childcare. "With persistent inequities in our society and a struggling economy further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must do more to help people obtain the education and skills they need to succeed," said Rep. Adam Smith. "Rep. Langevin and I have heard from pre-apprenticeship programs in our districts that some of the biggest barriers people face entering and completing these programs are the costs to cover living expenses and fees associated with the programs themselves. This amendment would help pre-apprenticeship programs remove those barriers for students so they can obtain the initial credentials they need to enter an apprenticeship program and put them on a pathway to quality, high-paying jobs." "Pre-apprenticeship programs are valuable training opportunities that serve as the starting point of rewarding careers, and they are even more critical as we wrestle with the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Rep. Langevin, co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. "I'm joining Chairman Smith to advance legislation to provide financial support for out-of-pocket costs for hard-working Americans participating in these programs because it will help them advance and help the nation meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers. This legislation underpins the ‘earn and learn' approach that will prepare workers in areas ranging from advanced manufacturing to healthcare for success in a 21st century economy." This amendment that passed today was based on legislation recently introduced by Smith and Langevin, The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-around Support Services Fund Act of 2020. This legislation would establish a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2673 Trump Administration Issues Artificial Intelligence Guidance Following DelBene, Olson Urging 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Co-Chair of the Women's High-Tech Coalition, and Pete Olson (TX-22), Co-Chair of the House Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, today commended the White House for releasing guidance that outlines a government-wide approach to how federal agencies can implement AI systems to ensure they are safe and trustworthy. In August, DelBene and Olson led a bipartisan letter to the administration demanding the release of this critical information on AI. The guidance is vital to ensuring the United States continues to stay at the leading edge of global competitiveness in emerging technology fields like AI. Countries like China and the European Union are currently developing dominant positions in the AI space and the United States needs to set our own standards to lead on the international stage. Artificial intelligence has broad implications across the federal government, allowing agencies to function better and respond faster. We need a consistent approach so our entire government is playing by the same rules and implementing systems in a responsible and trustworthy manner, said DelBene. The guidance issued by the administration, at our urging, will provide that framework and allow the United States to set a global standard. Artificial intelligence continues to play an essential role in our world's future, Olson stated. I applaud President Trump's work to address the current uncertainty that surrounds AI governance. America's global competitiveness depends on our ability to remain at the forefront of future technology advancements. The introduction of this guidance is a significant step forward in ensuring that the United States continues to be a global leader in artificial intelligence. The Guidance for Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Applications' is critical to ensure U.S. global leadership in artificial intelligence and we commend Representatives Suzan DelBene and Pete Olson for their leadership to help move this guidance across the finish line, said Tom Quaadman, Executi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2434 Larsen Statement on FAA's Decision to Unground the Boeing 737 MAX 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, released the below statement on the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to unground the Boeing 737 MAX: “The FAA’s decision to unground the 737 MAX is good news for us in the Pacific Northwest. The decision provides some certainty to the aerospace jobs in Northwest Washington, despite the downturn in aviation travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The United States is the leader in global aviation, and the FAA’s actions in the U.S. have profound implications for air travel around the world. I am confident safety was the guiding principle in the FAA’s review and decision to unground the Boeing 737 MAX. At my first opportunity, I will fly in a MAX airplane. “For nearly two years, the families of the 346 victims of the two tragic 737 MAX crashes championed necessary reforms to the U.S. aircraft certification process to ensure no other families experience such unthinkable loss. Yesterday, the House passed my bipartisan aircraft certification bill, which uses lessons learned from the Committee’s thorough investigation and the recommendations of the independent Technical Advisory Board (TAB), Joint Authorities Technical Review (JATR) and other entities to restore the integrity of the certification process and make flight safer. “With critical changes in place to ensure the 737 MAX’s safe return to service, it is my hope Boeing employees can get back to work, drive economic recovery and ensure U.S. aviation remains globally competitive. As Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I will continue to work with Chair DeFazio, the Ranking Members and my colleagues to improve aviation safety.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-bill-to-improve-tribal-broadband-bridge-digital-divide-passes-committee Cantwell Bill to Improve Tribal Broadband, Bridge Digital Divide Passes Committee 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.20 Cantwell Bill to Improve Tribal Broadband, Bridge Digital Divide Passes Committee Less than half of households on rural Tribal land have access to high-speed broadband WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to expedite the deployment of affordable broadband service on Tribal lands passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs by voice vote. Cantwell, Udall, the Vice Chair of the committee, and Heinrich introduced the Bridging the Tribal Digital Divide Act of 2020 in February. According to a report issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May 2019, less than half of households in Indian Country have access to high-speed broadband service. This represents a nearly 27-point gap compared to non-Tribal rural areas. According to the same report, this gap only widens when compared to the country-wide average; 31 percent of households on Tribal lands lack access to high-speed broadband service compared to seven percent of Americans in non-Tribal areas. Indian Country has waited long enough for broadband. We need to do better. This legislation will help us do that, Senator Cantwell said at today's hearing. The Bridging the Tribal Digital Divide Act of 2020 will: Establish the Tribal Broadband Interagency Working Group to improve coordination across federal broadband programs and reduce deployment barriers; Require that technical assistance be provided to interested, underserved Native communities to develop a broadband deployment plan; Streamline the application process for federal grants to support the deployment of broadband services on Tribal lands; Establish a Tribal Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee; Set aside FCC and USDA funds for the benefit of broadband deployment on Tribal lands; and Establish the Tribal Broadband Right-of-Way Pilot Program. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/commerce-committee-advances-bipartisan-cantwell-wicker-aircraft-safety-reform-bill Commerce Committee Advances Bipartisan Cantwell-Wicker Aircraft Safety Reform Bill 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 11.18.20 Commerce Committee Advances Bipartisan Cantwell-Wicker Aircraft Safety Reform Bill Legislation implements new safety reforms for both FAA and manufacturers; strengthens FAA direct oversight of manufacturers' safety employees; requires more product disclosure and analysis by manufacturers WASHINGTON, DC Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed bipartisan aviation safety reform legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), the committee's ranking member and chairman, respectively. The Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act of 2020 would require new safety reforms, including strengthening the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of manufacturers' safety employees and requiring more product disclosure and analysis by manufacturers. It would require integrated system analysis even on derivative aircraft and require manufacturers to identify and disclose all technological changes to new and existing aircraft systems at the beginning of the certification process. When it comes to aviation, safety has to be the top priority.This legislation implements new safety reforms that both the FAA and the manufacturersmust follow, said Senator Cantwell.It moves the FAA back to a more direct supervisory role and requires more robust product analysisfrom the manufacturers. It alsorequires the FAA to upgrade andretaintechnical expertise to do proper oversight and protects company engineers and whistleblowers who see flaws early in the design process.I want to thank everyone that took time to work with us on these reforms, especially the victims' families, who have shared their experience and their efforts to protect others. I also thank Chairman Wicker and his team for their work on these critical safety reforms and continuing to work with us to move it forward. The Committee's appro… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-fund-community-based-public-safety-programs-divert Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Fund Community-Based Public Safety Programs, Divert Nonviolent 911 Calls to Specialized Responders 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the 911 Diversion to Unarmed Personnel Act, which would provide funding for unarmed 911 response programs that divert nonviolent 911 calls to specialized service providers instead of law enforcement. "It's abundantly clear that we need to fundamentally reimagine what law enforcement looks like in our country,"said Rep. Smith. "A critical step in this process of addressing systemic racism and restructuring law enforcement is reexamining the hyperactive approach to policing that tasks law enforcement officers with responding to situations they are neither trained nor equipped to handle. "The 911 Diversion to Unarmed Personnel Act would support programs that enable 911 call dispatchers to direct nonviolent calls toward unarmed responders who can connect people with the services and care they need. Community-based public safety programs across the country have shown incredible success in responding to nonviolent 911 calls with specialized service providers, like social workers, medical professionals, and restorative justice practitioners. These programs reduce violent and hostile encounters, help restore trust between law enforcement and community members, and provide for better services and care to community members. "Our communities deserve an emergency response system that recognizes the range of urgent needs that are best addressed without police involvement. Unarmed 911 response programs are a critical component to reimagine public safety in a holistic, equitable way that centers on getting individuals the resources and services they need." 911 receives more than 240 million calls every year. The overwhelming majority of these calls involve nonviolent, non-criminal incidents such as neighbor disputes, nuisance complaints, truancy, reports of "suspicious" activity, requests for wellness checks, and mental health crises. Both the police and policing reform advocates often assert that specialized service providers—such as social workers, paramedi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-afghanistan-troop-drawdown Smith Statement on Afghanistan Troop Drawdown 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after speaking with Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller regarding the White House direction to the Department of Defense to drawdown U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan to 2,500 by January 15, 2021. "After speaking with the Acting Secretary this morning, I believe reducing our forward deployed footprint in Afghanistan down to 2,500 troops is the right policy decision. At the same time, this reduction must be responsibly and carefully executed to ensure stability in the region. "While the history of conflict in the region is complex and predates our direct involvement, after nearly 20 years of armed conflict, Americans and Afghans alike are ready for the violence to end. It is clear that groups like ISIS-K and the Taliban will continue to fight and sow chaos, but ultimately it is up to the Afghans to find a sustainable path to peace. "Our primary goal has been, and continues to be, the prevention of transnational terrorists from launching an attack against the United States from Afghanistan. In order to contain the terrorist threat as we draw down our troop levels, it is critical that we coordinate the drawdown closely with our allies, as well as our partners in the Afghan government, to protect our interests and those of our allies in Afghanistan." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=71883FF9-9A37-4788-8264-4313071BBFD6 Smith Statement on Afghanistan Troop Drawdown 2020-11-17 2020 2020-11 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after speaking with Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller regarding the White House direction to the Department of Defense to drawdown U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan to 2,500 by January 15, 2021. After speaking with the Acting Secretary this morning, I believe reducing our forward deployed footprint in Afghanistan down to 2,500 troops is the right policy decision. At the same time, this reduction must be responsibly and carefully executed to ensure stability in the region. While the history of conflict in the region is complex and predates our direct involvement, after nearly 20 years of armed conflict, Americans and Afghans alike are ready for the violence to end. It is clear that groups like ISIS-K and the Taliban will continue to fight and sow chaos, but ultimately it is up to the Afghans to find a sustainable path to peace. Our primary goal has been, and continues to be, the prevention of transnational terrorists from launching an attack against the United States from Afghanistan. In order to contain the terrorist threat as we draw down our troop levels, it is critical that we coordinate the drawdown closely with our allies, as well as our partners in the Afghan government, to protect our interests and those of our allies in Afghanistan. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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