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111 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "WA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending

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  • 2020 · 111 ✖

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http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402050 Herrera Beutlers Legislation to Strengthen Grid Security and Increase Energy Efficiency Signed into Law 2020-12-30 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy This week, the president signed into law two bipartisan bills led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to strengthen grid security and improve energy efficiency in Southwest Washington. The Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act and Grid Modernization Research and Development Act were included in the funding package approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. These energy solutions I'm leading tackle two important needs: improving security of our energy grid from cyberattacks and natural disasters, and improving the durability of our energy sources, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased that Congress has approved these two critical pieces of bipartisan legislation to increase the security, reliability, and affordability of energy for Southwest Washington residents, which will help lead our region to a more secure energy future. Details on Herrera Beutler's legislation: Grid Modernization Research and Development Act, H.R. 5428. Refines and expands research and development programs aimed at increasing reliability and security of the grid. It also extends the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizes a research, development, and demonstration program focused on: Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; and Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring and visualization tools for the grid BEST Act, H.R. 2986. Authorizes the Department of Energy to establish a grid-scale storage research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) program to advance energy storage technologies and creates specific objectives for energy RD&D projects, and bolsters research with federal agencies and national labs. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402048 Herrera Beutler-Led Measure to Provide Hardship Waivers for Unemployed Workers Signed into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy This week, the president signed into law COVID relief legislation that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler led bipartisan measure to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. With Herrera Beutler's bill now law, states may waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. Folks who are already struggling to make ends meet should not find themselves in debt or have paychecks garnishedbecause of Washington's Employment Security Department's own mistakes in issuing unemployment benefits, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased this legislative effort to give struggling residents relief from this type of financial burden is now law and I will keep working to assist Southwest Washington citizens with unemployment benefits however I can. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402049 Herrera Beutlers Columbia River Infrastructure Projects Signed into Law 2020-12-29 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy This week, the president signed into law the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) that included a Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler-authored provision to construct a turning basin navigation improvement project in the Columbia River. Herrera Beutler's provision will authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the necessary feasibility study of establishing a turning basin on the Lower Martin Bar near Kalama, as well as the improvement of two turning basins near Longview and Vancouver. The addition of the turning basin near the Lower Martin Bar and improvements of the two existing turning basins will increase cargo volume capacity and spur economic development in the region. The Columbia River supports millions of tons of cargo each year and thousands of local jobs, which is why it's important to invest in and upgrade the river's infrastructure. I was pleased to help champion the construction of the Kalama turning basin which is going to support those vital jobs, and I'm pleased this infrastructure bill I helped shape has now been signed into law, said Herrera Beutler. The Port of Kalama appreciates the determined efforts by Congresswoman Herrera Beutler and our Senators to include the Columbia River Turning Basin language in the WRDA legislation.The Lower Martin Turning Basin is an important Columbia River asset to the Port of Kalama as well as all commercial traffic on the river, said Mark Wilson, Executive Director of the Port of Kalama. "Establishing a new federal turning basin near Kalama and improving the existing turning basins near Longview and Vancouver will enable more efficient operations for our lower Columbia River ports and terminals, making them even more productive gateways for U.S. goods headed overseas. We appreciate Congresswoman Herrera Beutler's continued leadership on these projects, which are so important to our trade competitiveness and our regional and national economy, said Kristin Meira, Executive Director of Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA). The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=07DC4A12-79B0-40E6-A14C-F0B9A6E8D6A7 Murray Strengthens Investments in Mental Health Crisis and Opioid Epidemic, Stresses Need for Action Given COVID-19 Crisis 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Appropriations bill includes nearly $4 billion to respond to the opioid epidemic, over $1 billion for mental health care Murray: Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to fight the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. The COVID-19 crisis has been incredibly hard on so many families, but especially people who were already fighting addiction or dealing with mental health issues. Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. I have not, and will not, lose sight of the mental health crisis we are facing as a country. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for this important work, and will be continuing to push for further action as well. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. The bill also includes over $1 billion to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E69D55A-F19D-4A41-A8AC-95375179DC1F Senator Murray Secures Billions to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible, Will Continue Fight to Help Every Family Get Quality Child Care 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $85 million increase in funding to help states make child care more affordable and accessible in the year-end spending package. The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020, to help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $10 billion in emergency relief to support the child care sector during this crisis. While $10 billion marks an historic investment in our child care sector, significantly more funding is needed to stabilize our child sector that has been rocked by COVID-19 and ensure that every single family has access to child care going forward. We have long had a child care crisis in this countryand it has always hit families of color and working families the hardest. And now, as our economy is rocked by the impact of the coronavirus, our child care sector is struggling to even keep its doors open, leaving parents in a totally impossible situation. We absolutely cannot overlook the critical role child care will play in our nation's ability to recover from the current COVID-19 crisis. Frontline workers need access to child care to stay on the job, and families across the country need child care to return to once our economy opens up. This is a step in the right direction, but we've got a lot more to do to make sure parentsespecially women and in particular women of colordon't have to struggle even more to handle both work and family care. We not only need to make sure that we avoid mass closures of child care providers due to COVID, but we need to make access to affordable, quality child care a reality for every family going forward. I will continue to fight to expand access to quality, affordable ch… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=51AA0155-88E9-4ED0-8420-1D048E674B63 Senator Murray Celebrates Senate Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray has long fought for changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which was included in the year-end funding package that the Senate passed today Senator Murray championed the inclusion of provisions that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country and address other Washington state water infrastructure priorities ICYMI: Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the Senate passage of the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The WRDA agreement was included in the year-end appropriations bill that the Senate passed today, and was passed by the House earlier this month. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad we'll be able to finally make these changes, and I look forward to the bill being signed into law. Once signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF will significantly … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7740DC3F-376D-43FB-A9AA-45C10B2B6156 Murray Wins Increased Investments for Medical Research, Public Health, and Global Health Security 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Murray: We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for medical research, public health preparedness, and global health security which she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. This pandemic has underscored just how important it is we make sustained investments to keep our country and the world prepared for whatever public health threats may emerge. We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for programs that are critical to these efforts for the year ahead. However, the work of ensuring we are prepared for public health emergencies is never done. Public health infrastructure saves livesand the better funded and prepared our public health system is before a crisis, the more lives it will be able to save during one. That's why I'm also going to continue pushing to pass a bill that provides dedicated, annual funding to build our public health infrastructure. Senator Murray also continues to push for dedicated, annual funding to build the nation's public health infrastructure, as she outlined earlier this year when she released the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill includes the following: Medical Research: The bill provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8757159E-F74E-4D2E-87A9-9B9FC7023001 Senator Murray Secures Much Needed Assistance for Families and Small Business Owners in Washington State, Pushes for More COVID Relief in New Year 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy The approximately $900 billion COVID-19 relief legislation passed the Senate 91-7 as part of a year-end funding bill In bipartisan package to address coronavirus pandemic, Senator Murray successfully fought to include immediate relief for families and small businesses SMALL BUSINESS: $325 billion in federal grants, loans, and assistance to support struggling small businesses RENTAL ASSISTANCE: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide assistance to those struggling to make rent Senator Murray: My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winter Senator Murray: While these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democratic appropriator and the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on her vote in support of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, long overdue legislation to provide much-needed relief to families, workers, and small business owners in Washington state and across the U.S. My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winterand then to double down in the year ahead on fighting for policies that truly reflect the depth of the crisis we're facing, and help us dig out of this pandemic and come back stronger and fairer. As I've said since the start of the pandemic in Washington state nearly a year ago, we need to be squarely focused on addressing the underlying public health crisis and on helping communities deal with the economic devastation we're seeing. I'm glad that over the next few tough months, workers' unemployment insurance will be extended and more families will be able to stay in their homes and get help putting food… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D48676-D3FA-43B0-A5C3-F86FC8857201 Murray, Cantwell Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Following a call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes on the vacant BPA Administrator position, Senators Murray and Cantwell made clear a candidate with knowledge of the Pacific Northwest and vast experience in utility management is required to successfully run BPA In a break from norms, Department of Energy has not consulted Senators Murray and Cantwell on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (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. 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 nominating Greg Zerzan would be disastrous for the BPA and the millions of families that rely on the affordable energy and power it provides. Unlike in years past, this consideration process has lacked transparency, and I strongly urge the Department of Energy to follow its historic precedent and nominate a candidate with the experience and independence required to successfully lead BPA and ensure it remains a valuable public asset. BPA Administrator is one of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A4CF44FE-70C9-4623-923B-B31308CA9F10 Murray Secures Key Investments For Families In End-of-Year Funding Bill 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more Bill increases funding for public schools, Head Start, child care, and the maximum amount students can receive through Pell grants Agencies charged with securing workers' wages, and ensuring safe workplaces would also get funding boost Deal increases funding for workforce training and program to help struggling families pay their energy bills Full omnibus also includes bipartisan deal to end surprise billing, fund community health centers Murray: Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. Murray: While this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate AppropriationsSubcommitteeon Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement on the LHHS Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill which passed as part of the larger spending and COVID-19 relief omnibus today. Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. As our country fights COVID-19, this bill would increase investments in key global health, public health, and preparedness programs as well as medical research. Funding from this bill won't only bolster our efforts against COVID-19, but against other public health crises, like opioid addiction, the HIV epidemic, and our nation's abysmally high maternal mortality rate. This bill would also increase support to schools, students, and parents across the country after this tumultuous year. It… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D20BE9D2-4E82-449E-A7A6-E5F36A7466EC Senate Murray Secures Washington State Transportation, Housing, and Agriculture Priorities in End-of-Year Package, Emphasizes More Work Ahead in New Year 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy The bipartisan spending deal addresses crucial priorities for Washingtonians, including college affordability, infrastructure funding, and critical agricultural research, among others LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more MORE HERE The package includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief funding, and Senator Murray called for additional funding in the new year MORE HERE Senator Murray: Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that as Congress passed bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state, there is still much work to be done to help those who are struggling in Washington state and across the country make it through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which also included COVID-19 relief legislation, will keep the government funded through the 2021 fiscal year. The bill now heads to the President's desk. Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face. I'm glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement that includes much needed relief for families, workers, and small business owners who are just scraping by and makes critical investments in public health, college affordability, access to quality, affordable child care for our servicemembers and their families, and repairing our aging infrastructure. And I'm pleased we were able to get funding for a number of key Washin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E20601DA-A4C5-41C1-85DD-C5276AB714AA Senator Murray Secures Billions to Improve Educational Opportunities for K-12 Public School Students Across the Country 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray secures over $40 billion in year-end spending deal, and $54.3 billion in COVID emergency funding for public schools Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their harmful privatization agenda (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools, totaling over $40 billion, in the must-pass year-end spending bill. Of the $40 billion, $16.5 billion is for Title I-A grants to local educational agencies to assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement.Thesefunds help provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $54.3 billion in emergency relief for an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. In addition to all of the uses of funds authorized under the CARES Act, this funding can also be used to address learning loss and school facilities improvements necessary for health measures. States will also need to report how they are using funds, including how they are using funds to address the full scope of learning loss due to COVID. Additionally, Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their school privatization agenda and create private school vouchers, by instead providing states with funding to provide services to private school students related to public health protocols, educa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F283A988-C459-4F71-90A1-C2F162161FF6 Murray Increases Investments in Fight Against Maternal Mortality, Will Continue Efforts to Improve Maternal Health 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Appropriations bill includes $62 million for initiative created to address maternal mortality crisis, an increase of $9 million Efforts to include bipartisan maternal mortality provisions first agreed to 18 months ago in the Lower Health Care Costs Act were torpedoed by Republicans at the last minute Murray: It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to address maternal mortality she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. While we were able to push for and win increased investments in stopping this crisis, I'm frustrated that other bipartisan steps were not included in this package and I will keep fighting to get them over the finish line. For example, we need to make sure medical professionals receive bias training in order to combat differences in quality of caresomething we know is important to help Black women and other women of color get quality care, as studies suggest they often aren't trusted about their own levels of pain or their symptoms. We also need to improve maternal care and access in rural communities where it is too often lacking. It's critical we collect more data so we can better understand and tackle this problem across demographics as well. None of these steps are one bit controversialin fact, they've already received strong bipartisan support. I'm frustrated that Republicans once again listened to their far-right special in… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FCC6640B-672D-4750-B5F9-8F981F38BE4C Senator Murray Secures Funding Increases for Workforce Training to Help People Get Back to Work 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Murray: Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for workforce and career training education programs included in the year-end spending package. As we continue navigating the economic consequences of the COVID crisis, millions of workers across the country are facing unemployment and struggling to find new jobs. We owe each of these workers the chance to gain the skills and training they need to get back on their feet. Strengthening investments in our nation's workforce and career training programs is a good first stepbut with an unemployment crisis this devastating, we've got a lot more work to do. Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $9.4 billion, an increase of $100 million, for the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, which includes: $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million, for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers, $185 million, an increase of $10 million, for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, rejecting President Trump's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to low wage, lower quality programs. $45 million, an increase of $5 million, for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program. $316 million, an increase of $5 million, for Veterans Employment and Training programs. $100 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Reentry Employment Opportunity program. $97 mi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-led-effort-modernize-water-supply-infrastructure-included-year Newhouse-Led Effort to Modernize Water Supply Infrastructure Included in Year-End Spending Package 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. The end-of-year spending package passed by both Chambers of Congress on December 21, included ground-breaking provisions Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced to maintain and update critical Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) water supply infrastructure projects across the rural West. The provisions establish a first-of-its-kind Aging Infrastructure Account to provide stability and flexibility for local water managers who maintain and operate federal BOR water infrastructure. Rep. Newhouse released the following statement: I introduced the Water Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act to ensure federal water supply infrastructure, like irrigation canals and dams, remain functional and efficient for the families, communities, and huge sectors of our economy across the West that depend on these critical Bureau of Reclamation projects, said Rep. Newhouse. The creation of an Aging Infrastructure Account demonstrates the federal government's commitment to modernizing and updating our nation's crumbling water supply infrastructure. This is a huge win for communities like ours in rural Central Washington that rely on this infrastructure for our way of life. Rep. Newhouse was recently elected Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress, with modernization of aging water infrastructure in the West serving as a key pillar of his platform. The inclusion of these provisions is a demonstration of his effective advocacy and leadership in securing these substantive improvements for rural communities. "The National Water Resources Association thanks Congress for including water infrastructure legislation in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. We are especially grateful for the inclusion of Representative Newhouse'sWater Supply Infrastructure Rehabilitation and Utilization Act. As the incoming Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, Representative Newhouse successfully advocated for the incorporation of language which will improve western water infrastructure and protect t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-legislation-provide-tax-relief-small-businesses-using-ppp-funds Newhouse Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Small Businesses Using PPP Funds Included in Relief Package 2020-12-22 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included the language of his legislation, H.R. 6884, the FIRST Act: The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline for small businesses throughout Central Washington and across the country, but business owners have expressed unease about the unintended tax consequences of this historic program, said Rep. Newhouse. This relief package includes language of a bill I introduced the FIRST Act that will ease these concerns by allowing businesses to continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. These funds were intended to help business owners, not tie their hands when they go to file their taxes for 2020. I am proud to have worked to include these clarifying provisions in the final bill. In May, Rep. Newhouse introduced the FIRST Act to reiterate congressional intent of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing business owners who utilize PPP funds to continue to take tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. The National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) praised the inclusion of the FIRST Act and Rep. Newhouse's leadership on behalf of small businesses: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided vital financial assistance to 107,660 Washingtonian small businesses. Unfortunately, IRS guidance limited the benefit of the PPP by prohibiting the deductibility of forgiven expenses. Congressman Newhouse stood up for small businesses and pressed for Congressional action to ensure struggling businesses would avoid surprise tax increases as they try to emerge from the pandemic. As a result of this advocacy, today's legislation clarifies that forgiven PPP expenses are deductible saving already-strained small businesses from an unexpected tax bill. NFIB appreciates Congressman Newhouse's continued leadership to protect small businesses. Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, NFIB 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402047 Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Finalize COVID Relief for Southwest Washington Families, Small Businesses 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the final agreement on a COVID relief package. The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to approve the deal later today, and quick Senate passage is also anticipated. With so many Americans out of work, small businesses on the brink of permanent closure, and families struggling to make ends meet, I'm relieved to have helped Congress reach agreement on another COVID relief package that will provide immediate aid to individuals and communities.I've been tirelessly working to get this relief to those who need it, both by developing the framework for the agreement with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and keeping the pressure on Democrat leadership with a discharge petition to circumvent D.C. gridlock and pass a small business relief bill. This relief should have been delivered to the American people months ago. Nevertheless, residents will benefit immensely from additional forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that have been small business lifelines, an unemployment insurance extension, direct cash payments, assistance for our frontline health care providers, and funding for more readily available COVID vaccines and testing. I remain confident that America will get through this crisis and thrive on the other side, and I'm going to continue doing everything I can to maintain the bridge to get us there, Herrera Beutler said. COVID relief legislation highlights: $284.5 billion to reopen and strengthen the Paycheck Protection Program for first-and second-time borrowers Federal unemployment benefits of $300 per week, for up to 10 weeks, for the period of December 26, 2020 March 14, 2021 $600 Economic Impact Payments for adults and dependents $82 billion for schools and universities to assist with reopening for safe in-person learning $10 billion for grants to childcare centers to help providers safely reopen $68 billion for vaccine purchase, distribution, testing, and existing provider relief fund 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reacts-passage-omnibus-spending-bill-and-covid-19-relief Newhouse Reacts to Passage of Omnibus Spending Bill and COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-21 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support the Senate Amendment to H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, to fund the federal government through Fiscal Year 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief to Central Washington communities: This funding package includes a number of priorities for Central Washington from strengthening our world-class agricultural industry and water supply infrastructure to supporting energy innovation at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and ensuring the cleanup efforts at Hanford continue in a timely manner, said Rep. Newhouse. After months of refusing to negotiate, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats stopped withholding critical COVID-19 relief, and I am proud to have finally delivered additional relief to families, workers, and businesses throughout our district. This long overdue package does not address all of our concerns, but it makes significant progress to help our communities recover from this pandemic, reopen our society, and rebuild our way of life. The full text of the funding bill can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D866A29-3F6D-4C29-B95F-17838B5367CC Senator Murray Negotiates Wins To Make College Affordable and Accessible to More Students 2020-12-20 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy 555,000 additional students will be eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, each year Senator Murray: Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal. (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, negotiated wins in a bipartisan, bicameral higher education proposal that will be included in the must-pass year end spending bill to make college more affordable and accessible to more students. Senator Murray successfully fought to significantly expand who is eligible for financial aid, remove barriers students face in accessing financial aid, provide financial relief for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and better support working students, working families, students with low-incomes, and student parentsall of which Senator Murray has long fought for. Each year, an additional 555,000 students will be newly eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be newly eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, as a result of this legislation. Specifically, Senator Murray secured policies that restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, students who have been defrauded, and students with drug-related offenses; significantly expand who is eligible to receive Pell Grants and the maximum award; simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); make the financial aid process easier to navigate for students experiencinghomelessness and students formerly in foster care; forgive outstanding debts of HBCUs that received loans under the federal HBCU Capital Financing Loan Program; increase support for working students and families by reducing the work penalty threshold for financial aid; and takes steps to ensure students with low-incomes and student parents can access programs that support their basic needs. Every single person in this country… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402046 Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Katie Porter Introduce Organ Transplant Legislation 2020-12-16 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act, which will prohibit using an individual's physical or mental disability as the sole basis of determining their eligibility for an organ transplant. The legislation, named after Charlotte Woodward, a vocal advocate against discrimination who has Down syndrome and received a heart transplant in 2012, helps clarify that doctors, hospitals, transplant centers and other health care providers are prohibited from denying access to necessary organ transplants solely on the basis of a qualified individual's disability. There are misconceptions that people with disabilities can't manage the treatment needed after an organ transplant or wouldn't benefit from such an operation and those claims are simply not true, Herrera Beutler said. Charlotte Woodward is a wonderful woman with Down syndrome who is also the namesake for this legislative solution. Charlotte has been sharing her experience of successfully receiving and managing a heart transplant in order to put an end to this discrimination and help more people receive the life-saving gift of organ donation.I'm proud to introduce legislation with my colleague, Rep. Katie Porter, to ensure that people with disabilities aren't turned away when they're in need of life-saving organ transplant. Too often, discrimination stops Americans with disabilities from getting the lifesaving organ transplants they need, Porter said. I'm proud to partner with Congresswoman Herrera Beutler on critical legislation that bars healthcare providers from denying necessary transplants solely because an individual has a disability. These protections for Americans with disabilities and their families will save lives. As one of the very few people in the world with Down syndrome who has had the opportunity to receive a lifesaving heart transplant, I am so very, very grateful that people with disabilities will have the same opportunit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-on-covid-19-exposure Rep. Heck on COVID-19 Exposure 2020-12-15 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement regarding his potential exposure to COVID-19: "I was recently informed that my wife, Paula, and I were exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, Paula tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms. I tested negative. We are quarantining separately in accordance with CDC guidelines. I will continue fulfilling my duties remotely and cast any votes this week via proxy." ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402045 Herrera Beutler Presses for Addition of Commuter Representatives to I-5 Bridge Replacement Process 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today formally called on I-5 bridge replacement project leaders to extend a December 18 deadline for applications to its advisory groups and create commuter representative positions to ensure the project meets the needs of the people who will actually use the bridge on a regular basis. In a letter to Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar and Interstate Bridge Replacement Project Administrator Greg Johnson, Herrera Beutler shares a growing concern from Southwest Washington residents that the current process is repeating fundamental mistakes made by the failed Columbia River Crossing project. bring to the process now citizens who will give blunt and honest feedback about mass transit, tolling, lane capacity, and costs, Herrera Beutler wrote. There is no value to commuter representatives in name only who are polite, quiet, and don't raise objections on these issues. Consider giving a formal role to the engaged critics and citizen watchdogs of the CRC project. Invite the messy and honest conversations now. Highlight their feedback, rather than burying it in the footnotes of a report. Most importantly, listen to and heed what these people have to say. The full text of the letter follows, and a PDF is available here. Dear Secretary Millar and Administrator Johnson, I want to first of all thank you for briefing me on the I-5 bridge replacement process last week. Through our discussions to date, you've demonstrated a sincere commitment to an improved I-5 bridge across the Columbia River. I want to reiterate a point we discussed that I believe would aid this process and alleviate a growing concern being expressed to me by our communities that not enough is being done to ensure that this process will avoid the pitfalls that ultimately doomed the Columbia River Crossing (CRC). I implore you to add a Commuter Representative Advisory Group to your community engagement organization that will provide honest and direct input on behalf of dail… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1BEB80AB-3513-4510-95B5-59A6613D285B Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy FDA granted an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine last Friday Reporting revealed the Trump Administration turned down an option this summer to pre-order additional doses of Pfizer's vaccine Senators: We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. Senators: the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and 16 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, asking about recent reports that earlier this year the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine when given the opportunity. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. In their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines. We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=691B511E-5080-4002-83AB-631C6DDFE3E4 Murray, Cantwell Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy 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 Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (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 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 Development and Rural Housing Service. The letter also included specific program guidance to ensure the funds would put much-needed housing assistance funding in the hands of people significantly impacted by fire; help incentivize and prioritize affordable housing rebui… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6708AB1-9AF3-4062-BD0B-5DA145BF8166 Murray: FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine Good News But Far From Mission Accomplished 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Murray: To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. Murray: The undertaking ahead is enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. Murray: States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. Murray cites work ahead to provide PPE, manage the cold chain, promote vaccine confidence (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. I'm grateful to the researchers and experts who have worked tirelessly to develop this vaccine and evaluate its safety and efficacy. But while this is good news for the world, it is far from mission accomplished. To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. The undertaking aheadrapidly and equitably distributing and administering this vaccine across the nation at no cost to patientsis enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. The fragments of a plan we've seen from them don't come close to the comprehensive national vaccines plan I have called for, and leave far too many unanswered questions about what happens next. Will we be able to get enough PPE? How can we store, transport, and distribute vaccines at super cold temperatures most efficiently? What are we doing to promote vaccine confidence? States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. They've gotten very little of either so farand I'm not going to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-it-time-secure-updated-columbia-river-treaty COLUMN: It is Time to Secure an Updated Columbia River Treaty 2020-12-14 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Without the systems and infrastructure we have built to harness the power of the mighty Columbia River, the Pacific Northwest as we know it would cease to exist. Dams along the Columbia provide countless benefits to our communities from reliable, affordable electricity and flood control to irrigation, navigable waterways, and a clean energy grid second to none in the country. We must continue to work collaboratively with our neighboring states and Canada to ensure we can responsibly reap these benefits while caring for our environment and natural ecosystems. That is why the United States and Canada entered into the Columbia River Treaty in 1961. Millions of people on both sides of the border have an interest in maintaining a strong agreement, but outdated provisions particularly those relating to commercial and power coordination have caused great concern for homeowners, businesses, and ratepayers in our district and the surrounding region who are being treated unfairly. The Treaty in its current form is punishing ratepayers in the Northwest. Current market rates are forcing us to pay Canada for benefits far in excess of the value provided to the United States. Ratepayers on our side of the border are currently required to overpay Canada by approximately $200 million per year according to the Treaty's provisions, costing some households in Central Washington as much as $500 per year. When the Treaty was first signed, we didn't have nearly the same technological capabilities we do today. Scientific innovation aimed at improving power generation and increasing fish passage through our dams much of which is happening right here in Central Washington has advanced our ability to make our region a literal powerhouse for clean and affordable energy. Continuing to operate under this decades-old agreement while ignoring these advancements is doing all entities a disservice, but it is particularly harmful to those of us in the United States who are sending millions of dollars to Canada annually while receiving little … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CE2212B-98F4-457A-838A-EDC88CD48C61 Senator Murray Announces Bipartisan Deal to Protect Patients, End Surprise Medical Bills 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy New bipartisan legislation would build on strong state laws like Washington state's to expand protections and end surprise medical bills for all patients, without increasing premiums Murray on the need to swiftly pass surprise billing legislation: Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered. Savings from proposal would allow Congress to fund community health centers and other critical primary care programs for four years (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),top Democrat on the Senate health committee,released the following statement regarding a bipartisan deal she brokered with her colleagues in the House and Senate on legislation to end surprise medical bills. Senator Murray has been working to end surprise billing, and raised the issue at one of the first in a series of HELP Committee hearings on lowering health care costs back in 2018. I've heard from so many patients who have gotten exorbitant surprise bills for out-of-network medical careeven when they made sure to go to an in-network facility. Today I'm thrilled to be able to tell them that we have reached a bipartisan agreement that will end the practice of surprise billing once and for all.As with any compromise, this isn't the bill I would have written on my ownbut I'm pleased to say that it meets all of the principles I have been focused on from the start. It protects patients from surprise medical bills, without increasing their premiums or interfering with strong state-level solutions to this problemlike Washington state's. In fact, it builds on and expands the ban on surprise medical bills to more people in our state. I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure we go from an agreement to legislation that is passed and signed into law as soon as possible. Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C14B45C0-5486-441D-8E05-7BAA1A5AD087 Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act 2020-12-11 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray: As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA) passing the Senate by a vote of 84-13. Senator Murray voted in favor of the bill. I'm glad that the Senate and House were able to come together on a bill that takes some important steps to support our brave servicemembers at home and abroad, continues the fight against sexual assault in the military, begins reckoning with our nation's history of racial injustice in the military, and authorizes additional funding for military child care centers. There is no question, however, that we have much more work ahead of us to ensure every one of our servicemembers and military families can trust their country will honor their sacrifices. We need to ensure members of the transgender community who want to serve their country are able to do so, that all our servicemembers and their families have a fair shot at accessing retirement benefits they've earned, and that we address the growing issue of food insecurity for military families. Additionally, we have more to do to stop weapons of war and federal law enforcement from being used against Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met. Senator Murray is a former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a longtime advocate for veterans and those actively serving in the military, workingto bolster federal support for military child care center construction and other critical services for servicemembers… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=13DCFDDE-86B8-4583-9DE1-40017B374BC6 Senator Murray Secures Relief for Washington State Veterans and Their Families In End-of-Year Veterans Package 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy A longtime champion for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, Senator Murray successfully included her VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Actin a package of veterans legislation that passed the Senate yesterday Senator Murray's VANET Act would ensure that VA fulfills its duty to pay for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans Senator Murray: I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular ICYMIfrom January 2020: Senator Murray's Legislation to Help Provide Relief to Veterans with Newborns in Need of Emergency Treatment Passes Senate Committee MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed an end-of-year veterans package, H.R. 7105, that included U.S. Senator Patty Murray's (D-WA)VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Act, as well as provisions Senator Murray fought to include that would provide assistance to veterans and their families on child care, fertility services, and more. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote before heading to the President's desk. We make a promise as a nation to take care of our veterans and their families, and that means making sure they know that their country will have their backs every step of the way. When I heard from veterans in Washington state and across the country about VA leaving them to foot the bill for transporting their babies in an emergency, about how hard it is to find quality, affordable child care, I knew we had to take action,Senator Murray said.I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular. It's the least we can do for their courageous service. A longtime advocate for veterans and their families, and a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Murray proposed the VANET Act after hearing stories from veterans that… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=766D84AE-A3C8-4648-9F05-8F87CD0DE4B0 Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season 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 Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (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, such as establishing a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps to restore forest health and making investments in vital Forest Service programs that assist with forest management, such… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-tri-cities-students-winners-2020-congressional-app Newhouse Names Tri-Cities Students as Winners of 2020 Congressional App Challenge 2020-12-10 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named four Kennewick students as the winners of the 2020 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app-designing competition for K-12 students. Brianna Simpson of Richland High School, Conner Anderson of Chiawana High School, Taran Zorn of Kamiakin High School, and Erika Gaskins of Southridge High School worked as a team to design the winning app, Llama Trauma. All four students are seniors attending the Tri-Tech Skills Center, a cooperative program that provides students with technical and professional skills training they might not receive in conventional high schools. Their app puts the user in the role of a scarecrow tasked with protecting crops being grown for a food bank from hungry llamas. The students designed the app to draw attention to the growing problem of food insecurity in the United States and encourage Americans to donate to their local food banks.You can see a preview of the app by clicking here. Congratulations to Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika on their winning app, Llama Trauma,said Rep. Newhouse.I am impressed by their creativity and ability to highlight the important topic of food security. Designing an app during a pandemic posed an additional obstacle, and these students went above and beyond to design a successful app in a remote learning environment. I am encouraged that Central Washington's students will be among the next generation of this country's top innovators, and I wish Brianna, Conner, Taran, and Erika future success. The winning students will receive a mentoring session from scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to further develop their skills, in addition to a credit from Southwest Airlines. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and theCongressional App Challenge website. Background: The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-nw-lawmakers-president-trump-terminate-columbia-river-treaty Bipartisan NW Lawmakers to President Trump: Terminate Columbia River Treaty Power Provisions to Benefit U.S. Ratepayers 2020-12-09 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Kurt Schrader (D-OR), and Greg Walden (R-OR) introduced a resolution to encourage the Trump Administration to immediately issue a notice of intent to terminate the commercial and power coordination provisions of the Columbia River Treaty. The United States has been unfairly burdened by the outdated Columbia River Treaty, and it is long past time to stop the wealth transfer from our constituents to Canada, said the bipartisan group of lawmakers. The existing Treaty punishes Northwest electric ratepayers, forcing them to pay for benefits far in excess to the value provided to the United States. With good faith negotiations at a standstill, we urge President Trump to take a strong stance and issue the notice of intent to terminate the power coordination provisions of the Treaty. Click here to read the text of the resolution. Background: Updating the Columbia River Treaty, which has not been revised since it was ratified in 1964, will allow the U.S. and Canada to find solutions for management of the river that could provide new opportunities for cooperation on clean energy solutions, flood control, and economic growth in the Pacific Northwest region. In 2016, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden joined U.S. House and Senate colleaguesto call on the U.S. State Department under President Obama to finalize its negotiating parameters and to press Canada to appoint a lead negotiator.Both actions are required for formal discussions to begin. On June 21, 2017, Reps. Newhouse, Schrader, and Walden were joined by Pacific Northwest lawmakers in sending a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to commence negotiations with Canada over the Columbia River Treaty as soon as possible. The United States and Canada began negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime in May 2018. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of State has hosted public town halls to provide updates on the modernization process. One of these public town halls was hosted in Richland, Washin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-urges-administration-open-mmiw-cold-case-office-central Newhouse Urges Administration to Open MMIW Cold Case Office in Central Washington 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) sent a letter to Attorney General William Barr and U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt requesting a Cold Case Task Force Office for Missing and Murdered Indigenous American Indians and Alaska Natives be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington. Cold Case Task Force Offices are an additional step toward addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, specifically dedicated to solving cold cases. As you know, after years of work and advocacy, Congress finally reached a bipartisan consensus on two pieces of critical legislation to address this crisis, and President Trump signed both Savanna's Act and the Not Invisible Act into law earlier this year, wrote Newhouse. The signing of these bills is a monumental step toward accomplishing our shared goal of delivering justice to the families and loved ones of MMIW across the country, but there is more to be done. Now, we must continue working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. That work must begin in the communities most affected, and recent data demonstrates that my home state of Washington is particularly impacted by the MMIW crisis. Newhouse continued, With an understanding of the outsized impact this crisis has on Central Washington, I write to request that a Cold Case Task Force Office be established through Operation Lady Justice in Yakima, Washington through dedicated funding provided to your agencies through FY21 appropriations. This office will be instrumental as we continue to work to address and put an end to the decades-long crisis that affects native communities throughout the country. The Cold Case Task Forces are in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order establishing an interagency task force, Operation Lady Justice. The offices will be staffed with law enforcement personnel and newly appointed special agents from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services (… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CA1C4E5-3C25-4819-BB9D-B5FACFAFEECC Senator Murray Highlights Urgent Need for Pandemic Aid to Washington State Business Leaders 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Today Senator Murray addressed the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses about her efforts to secure federal relief for workers, families, and small business Senator Murray also answered questions about relief for small businesses and child care providers Senator Murray: Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke virtually to members of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Association of Washington Businesses today about her efforts to get federal relief to those who are struggling across Washington state during the COVID-19 pandemic. During both virtual events, Senator Murray said that she has been listening to the many families, workers, and small business owners across the state who have gone without new federal relief since April, and she is fighting to get them the assistance they need. A lot of people in our state are sufferingfrom small business owners struggling to stay afloat, to families who can't make their next rent payment, to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are worried about federal unemployment benefits running out. I have been in touch with people in every corner of Washington state and every community, and this crisis is getting dramatically worsenot betterand doing less as communities need more just doesn't make any sense to me. Senator Murray told the member of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. I really believe that Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time. Senator Murray highlighted that while House Democrats passed comprehensive relief legislation such as the H… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A8C78C7-403F-4398-9160-D778F295D37F Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray led full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor Letter urges approval of Governor Inslee's September request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to address wildfire destruction in Whitman County that destroyed community of Malden, other areas in Eastern Washington Spokesman-Review: Malden, Pine City residents wait to rebuild as federal aid stalls MORE HERE Members: For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way [] 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season Members: Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led the full 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. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA 3rd), Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6ACF302C-0A3F-4226-8607-9FD3A00FB4AC Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports 2020-12-08 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray has long fought for the proposed changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which passed the House of Representatives today New bill includes proposals Senator Murray has championed that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passing the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad to see it pass the House and I look forward to voting in favor of it in the Senate. If signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF would significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation would incorporate long sought after formula changes … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402036 Herrera Beutler Secures Funding to Prevent Youth Homelessness in Southwest Washington 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) applauded an announcement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that the Housing Authority of the City of Vancouver will be receiving a $136,159 grant to help prevent youth homelessness. As a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Herrera Beutler helped secure the funds now being invested in the Homeless Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. This initiative targets housing assistance to young adults under the age of 25 who have recently left the foster care system and are at extreme risk of experiencing homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year, and the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare (NCHCW) estimates that 25 percent of those young adults will experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care. Young adults who age out of foster care face the incredible challenge of securing housing and are often left without the support they desperately need, Herrera Beutler said. I'm proud to have helped secure the funding necessary to jumpstart this initiative specifically targeted to help foster youth in Southwest Washington.Making sure these folks can access housing assistance so they can further their education or obtain and keep steady employment can make the difference in transitioning into a safe, secure adulthood. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-lockdowns-destroy-livelihoods COLUMN: Lockdowns Destroy Livelihoods 2020-12-07 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Earlier this year, our economy and our way of life was rocked when the COVID-19 pandemic caused small businesses to shutter their doors. With employees across the country out of work and small business owners wondering if they would ever reopen, Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure businesses could continue to provide paychecks to their employees while we weathered this pandemic storm. The U.S. Small Business Administration took on the herculean task of distributing these loans at a record pace, and the Paycheck Protection Program resulted in saving over 104,000 in Central Washington jobs. Unfortunately, more than $138 billion in funding remains untouched in the PPP. The program, which has served as a lifeline for millions of Americans, simply needs to be reauthorized but Speaker Pelosi has blocked numerous attempts to bring a bill to the floor that would do just that. To be clear: These funds are being used as a political pawn. Instead of immediately delivering relief to the small businesses who are once again facing state-imposed restrictions and regulations, Speaker Pelosi is politicizing these funds for her own ideological purposes. For months, she has refused to negotiate anything smaller than a massive relief bill filled with policy riders that fit her agenda. In fact, she recently admitted that she was purposefully waiting for a new President before she would settle for anything less. By doing this, she is demonstrating that small businesses and the millions of Americans who rely on them for employment are not her priority. I have joined House Republicans in advocating for a targeted relief package that will help our communities and our economy rebound from the pandemic. Earlier this year, I introduced the FIRST Act a bill to allow businesses who received Paycheck Protection Program funding to utilize the program to its full extent and continue taking tax deductions for ordinary business expenses. The FIRST Act will ensure businesses that are struggling to make ends meet are n… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-delivers-farewell-remarks Rep. Heck Delivers Farewell Remarks 2020-12-03 2020 2020-12 Democrat Senate WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House for the final time before his retirement from Congress at the end of this session. A transcript of his remarks follows: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on this floor for the last time. My purpose is to convey two simple thoughts. First, an expression of gratitude, foremost to my wife Paula. We're newlyweds we have only been married 44 years and to my two sons. Their support has been the only reason I have been able to do this. I have been absent. I am sorry. I promise to do better. Thank you as well to my staff. Every member here knows full well we ain't nothing without them. We are just the ornament on the hood of the car, and they are the engine. They have both my undying love and gratitude. Thank you to my colleagues. My life is enriched and I am a better person for having known you. And a very special call out to my dear, dear friend albeit messy roommate and an outstanding legislator, Derek Kilmer. And last, thank you to the people of the 10th Congressional District of Washington, whom I affectionately but sincerely refer to as my bosses. You sent me here to represent a newly created congressional district. It was truly my privilege. Thank you. Second, a plea. A plea to all those who follow here: please, please work to nurture this institution. Institutions sustain us, be they our houses of worship for our faith or this secular equivalent for our democracy. They get us through hard times, but only if we tend to them. Citizens in a democracy have rights and responsibilities. Members of this institution, this body likewise. We are all too aware of our rights here, but it is the responsibilities that bear emphasizing. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a civil fashion. It is self-evident that civic discourse in America has degraded. Some would say that it has even become vulgar. It is hard to reach agreement with a colleague tomorrow whom we have character assassinated today. So, let us … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402035 U.S. Reps. Herrera Beutler, Murphy Introduce Legislation to Provide Hardship Waivers to Give Relief to Unemployed Workers 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Stephanie Murphy (FL-07) have introduced legislation to issue hardship waivers for congressionally-approved Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) overpayments by state unemployment agencies. Recent reports detail unemployed and furloughed workers are finding themselves in debt because of errors made by state unemployment agencies. These individuals in need of unemployment payments are suddenly being forced to pay back thousands of dollars, with state agencies threatening to garnish paychecks and tax refunds to obtain repayment. H.R. 8812, the Relief for Working Families Act, extends hardship waivers to states to waive PUA overpayments when the individual receiving the jobless benefits is not at fault and in which the collection of overpayments would create further financial harm. States are able to grant hardship waivers to individuals who receive state unemployment benefits, but federally distributed benefits have yet to have the same standard applied. Washington's Employment Security Department should not be further burdening struggling workers because of its mistakes. Until it can develop a system to more accurately administer unemployment benefits, we should give ESD the tools to provide relief to folks struggling to put food on the table, Herrera Beutler said. I'm introducing legislation that ensures individuals are not held accountable for states' mismanagement of jobless benefits, but that preserves states' abilities to crack down on scams and seek repayment of truly fraudulent claims. Because of indifference and incompetence from state leaders, Florida's unemployment system failed workers when they needed help the most, resulting in non-payment of benefits, under-payments, delayed payments andin some casesoverpayments, Murphy said. These overpayments were made due to bureaucratic mistakes. Florida workers should not be punished for errors made through no fault of their own. Requiring workers to pay back these funds nowwhen some federal assista… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-names-western-caucus-executive-director-117th-congress Newhouse Names Western Caucus Executive Director for 117th Congress 2020-12-02 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman-elect Dan Newhouse (R-WA) named Sean V. O'Brien as the organization's new Executive Director for the 117th Congress. I have worked with Sean throughout my three terms in Congress, and I know him to be committed to solving the issues facing the rural West, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Sean has been instrumental in my efforts to strengthen and secure water supply infrastructure, ensure public lands are accessible for America's hunters, recreationists, and local communities, and reform the outdated federal policies harming our nation's land, water, and species management. His relationships on Capitol Hill and with the many partners of the Western Caucus will be invaluable to achieving our goals in the 117th Congress. Newhouse continued, I am grateful for the service of our outgoing Executive Director, Tim Charters, who helped Chairman Gosar grow the Western Caucus into the prestigious advocacy organization it is today. I look forward to working with Sean to continue to grow our membership, expand our influence, and defend and protect the values of rural America. He will do an excellent job serving the Caucus. I am humbled to serve as Executive Director for an organization that does so much to raise the voices of rural communities in our nation's capital, said O'Brien. Chairman-elect Newhouse has developed a strong vision to execute a results-oriented strategy that will elevate the Caucus to new heights. Under his leadership, we are ready to hit the ground running on behalf of the bipartisan Members of the Caucus and the communities they represent across our great nation. Sean V. O'Brien currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director to Rep. Newhouse, handling energy, forestry, and natural resources portfolios, including Rep. Newhouse's work on the House Appropriations Energy & Water Subcommittee. He specializes in issues including hydropower, nuclear energy, grid storage, water supply and critical infrastructure, and Endangered … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402034 Herrera Beutler Applauds New Bipartisan COVID Relief Proposal, Presses for Swift U.S. House Consideration 2020-12-01 2020 2020-12 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler today applauded a bipartisan, bicameral COVID-19 emergency relief plan unveiled by the Problem Solvers Caucus and a bipartisan group of Senators today.The plan would quickly direct aid to families, small businesses, workers, and health care providers intended to last through the end of March. Herrera Beutler is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus made up of 25 Democrat and 25 Republican House members that helped develop the plan. The framework allocates $908 billion in total aid, including both new funding and reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding. A breakdown can be found, here. This effort represents a bridge to get America's workers, small businesses and communities through this challenging time until vaccines and treatments are readily available, Herrera Beutler said.I won't let up in my efforts to break the gridlock that's plagued Washington, D.C. and get a COVID relief package through Congress and out to the Americans who need it. While the framework released by the group today needs further refinements, families and employers in Southwest Washington are suffering through no fault of their own and we need to move quickly. I urge Speaker Pelosi to act now and take up this bipartisan plan to provide the relief and support that our communities have desperately needed for months. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized. The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights. The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district. I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country. The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources. This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized. The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights. The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district. I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country. The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources. This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-recognizing-native-american-heritage-month-0 COLUMN: Recognizing Native American Heritage Month 2020-11-30 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Native American history is engrained in the culture of the Pacific Northwest. Throughout our region, we are reminded of Tribal culture and heritage which greatly influence our way of life. November is Native American Heritage Month, and in Central Washington, we have a rich, storied Tribal history that should be recognized. The federal government has a unique relationship with Native American tribes as we work in tandem to respect their culture, traditions, and treaty rights. The Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation (Yakama Nation), the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes), and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (Umatilla Tribes) all have a significant presence in Central Washington, and since coming to Congress, I have worked to build positive working relationships with Tribal leaders throughout our district. I have heavily engaged with the Yakama Nation on addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, as well as the disproportionately high crime rate on and near the Yakama Nation reservation. We recently made significant progress, but there is more work to be done. President Trump signed into law two pieces of legislation I worked on with Yakama Nation leaders that will help law enforcement agencies at all levels work more efficiently with tribes to investigate and solve these cases of violence in Native communities across the country. The Colville reservation, which spans throughout North Central Washington, serves as a national example of successful land, forest, and species management. From wildfire recovery to gray wolf protection, the Colville Tribes are working to protect our land, wildlife, and natural resources. This fall, I met with Colville leaders to discuss their approach to wildfire prevention. Through timber harvests, thinning, and controlled burns, they are returning the forests they manage back to a healthier state, mitigating the threat of catastrophic wildfires facing our region each year. The Colville Tribes … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-newhouse-elected-western-caucus-chairman What They Are Saying: Newhouse Elected Western Caucus Chairman 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. On November 19, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus for the 117th Congress. WHAT THEY ARE SAYING The American Public Power Association congratulates Congressman Newhouse on his election as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus in the upcoming Congress. He has long recognized the importance of hydropower to his public power constituents and the entire Pacific Northwest. His knowledge of energy issues in the West will be a great asset to the Congressional Western Caucus. We look forward to working with him in his new role. American Public Power Association Western Energy Alliance is pleased that Congressman Newhouse will lead the Congressional Western Caucus. He understands the public lands issues that are crucial for communities across the West, and how productive uses like energy, mining, timber, ranching, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. He has been a strong voice for the balance that must be maintained on public lands to ensure rural communities thrive while enabling all Americans to enjoy recreational opportunities on public lands. The recent election clearly showed the American people are practical, and that policies like simply stopping development of oil and natural gas on federal lands would upset the decades-long balance that enables job creation and economic opportunity across the region while providing the resources for conservation. Chairman Newhouse will be a strong leader to ensure such misguided efforts do not go forward. Kathleen Sgamma, President of the Western Energy Alliance Rep. Dan Newhouse is a champion in the House of Representatives for accelerating new nuclear energy and energy storage technology innovation which will both continue to bring high paying jobs and economic value to the American West. Rich Powell, Executive Director of ClearPath We congratulate Congressman Newhouse and look forward to working with him to promote U.S. energy leadership through the responsible development of o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ADFF19A7-E4B7-4DE4-881F-8076E2C4811A Senator Murray Announces Support for Independent Restaurant and Music Venue Pandemic Relief Bills 2020-11-24 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy This week, Senator Murray voiced her support for two bipartisan bills, the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, which would support independent restaurants and music venues that are struggling during the pandemic Senator Murray has previously supported House Democrats' HEROES 2.0 relief bill, which includes both of these pieces of legislation Senator Murray: The Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians (Washington, D.C.) This week, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), signed on to the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, two bipartisan pieces of legislation to provide independent restaurants and live music venues that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic with the resources they need to stay afloat. This pandemic has been devastating for so many small and independent businesses across Washington state, and restaurants and music venues are no exception, Senator Murray said. These bipartisan proposals would provide much-needed relief to struggling businesses, and the Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians. The RESTAURANTS Act would establish a Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) at the Department of the Treasury with $120 billion in funding left over from the CARES Act, and provide independent Washington state restaurant owners with the financial support they need to rehire workers and deal with the long-term ramifications of COVID-19. Awards would be one-time grants valued to cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020, with a maximum grant of $10 million. Restaurants would not need to pay back their grants and could use the funding for payroll, benefits, mortgages, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, protective equipment, cleaning materials, food, and any other expenses deemed es… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=435B2A62-7E91-4E1B-B424-8D52B11D05DC Senator Murray to GSA Administrator: Put Our Nations Health and Safety Ahead of Political Loyalty and Begin a Formal Transition Immediately 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy In a letter, Senator Murray urged GSA Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and end the unprecedented delay in transition that is undermining our federal response to COVID, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden MORE HERE Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy: It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, called on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and begin a formal transition of power to provide President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to combat COVID-19. In a letter, Senator Murray stressed that Administrator Murphy's unprecedented delay is undermining critical work to keep communities safe and support students, workers, and families in Washington state and across the country during this crisis. You are choosing to put political loyalty ahead of public health and safety by refusing to make a determination of ascertainment to begin a formal transition of power to the President-elect, wrote Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy. By delaying the start of the formal transition, you are impeding the ability for the incoming administration to receive access to resources and personnel. Such a delay could hamper the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives. It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis, continued Senat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wishing-you-safe-and-happy-thanksgiving COLUMN: Wishing You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving 2020-11-23 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy From turkey and mashed potatoes to parades and football games, there are a number of family traditions that signify Thanksgiving, but none are as important as the opportunity to reflect on all we have to be grateful for and give thanks. The global pandemic has changed almost everything about our lives. Millions of Americans are working and learning from home, many are struggling to make ends meet, and thousands have tragically lost loved ones. We all long for personal connection, and the uncertainty of this virus and the seemingly endless lockdowns have resulted in hopelessness and deteriorating mental health for far too many of us. Like almost every holiday or event celebrated in 2020, this Thanksgiving will be a little different; but now perhaps more than ever it is important to be thankful for what we have and look forward to the future. This year, I am grateful to live in Central Washington, where we witness our communities continue to come together throughout the pandemic to demonstrate that we still have a lot to be thankful for. Up and down our food supply chain, grocery store employees, producers, and processors are working to ensure that food remains on our shelves and on our tables. Despite the challenges facing our agricultural producers, Central Washington's farmers and ranchers are distributing thousands of pounds of food to families across our state and region. Food banks are working in overdrive to process donations and provide for those in need, and local restaurants continue to donate meals to front line workers. Local businesses adapted their business models in some cases overnight to keep their employees safe, and they continue to employ enhanced safety measures and precautions to protect workers. Other businesses are shifting their operations to produce masks and other personal protective equipment, as well as sanitizers that have been utilized throughout the Pacific Northwest. Teachers, school administrators, and parents are ensuring our children continue to receive a high-quality educati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=61090081-91EC-4073-A4BD-9EAEE9D2AF86 Senators Murray, Cantwell Call On Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden 2020-11-20 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Delay in providing resources to Biden-Harris Transition creates unacceptable risks to pandemic response, national security Senators: Your delay in acknowledging Vice President Biden's status as President-elect could undermine efforts by the incoming Administration to meet the needs of the American people in a time of national emergency ICYMI: Senator Murray Tells Secretaries of Education, Labor and HHS to Preserve All Records to help facilitate presidential transition MORE HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation 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 del… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-elected-chairman-congressional-western-caucus-117th-congress Newhouse Elected Chairman of Congressional Western Caucus for 117th Congress 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Executive Committee of the Congressional Western Caucus voted unanimously to elect Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) as Chairman of the Western Caucus for the 117th Congress. The Western Caucus, currently led by Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ), is a bipartisan coalition of nearly 70 Members of Congress from 35 different states and territories who advocate for rural, western, and resource-based communities. The Congressional Western Caucus is the premiere organization advocating for rural policy issues throughout the West and beyond, said Chairman-elect Newhouse. Chairman Gosar brought our Caucus to new heights, and I want to thank him for his strong leadership over these past four years. I intend to build upon this robust foundation, expand our influence, and help achieve new victories for our Members in the 117th Congress. Based on feedback and conversations with fellow Members, I have developed a strong vision for a Member-driven, solutions-oriented future of our Caucus. I look forward to continuing to learn, collaborate, and serve as your next Chairman. I congratulate my friend, Dan Newhouse, on becoming the new Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. Over my 4 years as Chairman, Dan has been a constant by my side. From the Arizona desert to the North Slope of Alaska, I could always count on Dan to be there working for rural and western constituents. I know him to be an outstanding advocate for the priorities of the Caucus and a leader for Western and Rural America. He will lead the Caucus and its membership into a bright future and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years to come, said Chairman Gosar. Rep. Newhouse has been a valued leader and advocate for the West. Having truly worked the land as a farmer, he knows firsthand the detriment of federal overreach on the people who live, work, and recreate in rural America. The Foundation is excited to work closely with him as the new Chairman of the Caucus, said Darrell Henry, Executive Director of the Western Caucus Foundat… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-joins-bipartisan-colleagues-introduce-bill-reauthorizing-whip Newhouse Joins Bipartisan Colleagues to Introduce Bill Reauthorizing WHIP Program for 2020 Wildfires 2020-11-19 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Authorization Act. This bipartisan bill introduced by Members from West Coast states hit hard by wildfires reactivates the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) for 2020 natural disasters, including wildfires. WHIP+ offers critical assistance to agricultural producers, including winegrape growers, whose crops were impacted by smoke taint. Wildfires and smoke taint pose a great threat to Washington state's distinguished wine industry, a community that is already facing billions of dollars in losses, said Rep. Newhouse. WHIP+ will help our winegrape growers recover from the damages of this year's catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the West, and it will ensure they can continue producing the high-quality Washington wines we are so proud of. Our district has again been hit hard by historically damaging wildfires this fire season. As we work to recover, we must support the small family farmers who are at risk of losing everything because their crops were damaged by smoke from the fires,said Rep. Thompson. That's why I am proud to introduce the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill activates the WHIP+ program for these 2020 fires and helpsthese growers hit hard by disasters. It will be a vital support system for producers, both in our district and up and down the West Coast, including our vibrant wine community. Know that I will continue working to ensure this bill is passed as soon as possible and to bring back every Federal dollar and resource to help our community rebuild. Reps. Newhouse and Thompson co-chair the Congressional Wine Caucus, a bipartisan organization of 117 Members from across the United States that advocate for the wine community from grape to glass. In September, wine industry officials sent a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives outlining the effects of wildfires on the West Coast win… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0A42CD48-5DCB-445B-ADA8-4B12297712F9 As COVID-19 Cases Continue to Climb in Washington State and Nationwide, Senator Murray Unveils New Legislation To Increase Production Of Critical PPE And Address N-95 Mask Shortages Facing Health Care Workers 2020-11-18 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Led by Senator Murray, a group of Senate Democrats introduced the Protect our Heroes Act of 2020 Senator Murray: It's inexcusable that across the country health professionals are still being forced to reuse PPE and states, Tribes, communities, and medical facilities are being left to fend for themselves and bid against each other for scarce supplies New legislation authorizes $10 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile to purchase personal protective equipment, including N-95 masks The Protect Our Heroes Act Of 2020 uses the Defense Production Act as well as FEMA And HHS authorities to spur development, investment and production of medical supplies needed to combat COVID-19 New bill provides $1 Billion in grants for small businesses that retool domestic facilities to produce critical PPE Senator Murray: I'm pushing for this legislation to provide much needed funding to ramp up PPE production, and I hope to work with the incoming Biden Administration to provide something else that has been severely lacking as wellfederal leadership (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), unveiled the Protect Our Heroes Act of 2020, a bill that will increase the production of critical personal protective equipment (PPE) like N-95 masks and improve the transparency of the supply and distribution of medical supplies needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the supply chain to ensure adequate PPE is pandemic response 101, yet months into this crisis the Trump Administration still hasn't learned its lesson, said Senator Murray. Shortages of PPE can put lives in danger, put strain on hospitals, nursing homes, other health care facilities, and testing facilities, and can even hinder vaccine adminis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=3323AADB-D9A1-4EBE-9CFB-55E7D152BE3A Senator Murray Tells Secretaries of Education, Labor and HHS to Preserve All Records 2020-11-10 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray sends letters to Secretaryof Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, and Secretary of HHS Alex Azar reminding them of their duty to preserve all records under the Federal Records Act Senator Murray: In light of the upcoming transition from President Donald Trump's administration to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, I am writing to remind you of the critical importance that records are preserved and managed appropriately under the Federal Records Act (FRA) (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, sent letters to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia, and Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar reminding them to comply with federal law and preserve all records as the end of the Trump Administration approaches. Under the Federal Records Act (FRA), agencies are required to preserve all records that document the transaction of public business or contain informational value. In light of the upcoming transition from President Donald Trump's administration to President-elect Joe Biden's administration, I am writing to remind you of the critical importance that records are preserved and managed appropriately under the Federal Records Act (FRA). These records are important to ensure a smooth transition between presidential administrations, wrote Senator Murray. In her letters, Senator Murray warned that, Any agency employee who willfully and unlawfully' conceals, removes, mutilates, obliterates, destroys, or attempts any such action against a federal record, is subject to fine and/or imprisonment for up to three years. She also stressed to the Secretaries that violating the FRA can disqualify them from future federal office and reminded them that they have an obligation to inform the Archivist of any actual, impending, or threatened unlawful action against records at your agency. The letter to Secretary DeVos is HERE, the letter to Secretary … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=825FFC0A-4BC7-4EA3-A38A-C97BC2C0A8DC Senator Murray Opposes Partisan GOP Senate Labor, Health, Education and Human Services Bill, Saying Its Written As Though the Virus Surging Through Our Communities Doesnt Exist 2020-11-10 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Murray calls for greater focus on public health infrastructure, workers, seniors, schools, child care, and racial injusticeincluding disparities in COVID-19 infections and outcomes As House-Senate negotiations begin, Murray will continue pushing for a final bill that actually helps families and communities deal with the challenges they're facing including reversing the Trump Administration's harmful gag on funding for Planned Parenthood providers WASHINGTON, D.C. Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement rejecting a partisan Republican Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill that dramatically underfunds public health infrastructure, child care, education, and more as our country faces a surging COVID-19 pandemic. Murray previously spoke out against Chairman Shelby's refusal to address COVID-19 and racial injustice in the Senate appropriations process this year. Investments in our nation's health, schools, and workers are more needed than ever as we fight COVID-19, but this bill is written as though the virus surging through our communities simply doesn't exist. We need to be using every resource at our disposal to help families, including steps like strengthening our public health infrastructure, ensuring more families don't lose child care, putting more resources towards schools and students, helping women get the reproductive health care they need, including through Planned Parenthood, and critically, making sure the painful disparities in COVID-19 outcomes for communities of color, and racial injustice more broadly, are addressed across our policymaking. Finally, we cannot accept dramatic cuts that will hurt seniors, workers, and refugees. For months Republicans haven't taken the health and economic consequences of this pandemic seriously, and this one-sided, inadequate legislation is the latest example. I oppose this bill and will continue working for a final bill that actually helps families and communities deal with th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8FABA3F8-CC17-4DF9-B051-B923BE938B55 Senator Murray: Trump Administration Ignoring the Will and the Wellbeing of Families Across the Country By Proceeding With Health Care Lawsuit 2020-11-10 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray: Today the difference between the outgoing Trump Administration and the incoming Biden Administration on health carethe path the American people rejected and the future they choseis on full display. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on California v. Texas, the health care case being heard at the Supreme Court today. In the case, Republican Attorneys General and the Trump Administration are seeking to strike down the entire Affordable Care Acta move which would end protections for patients with pre-existing conditions, take health care away from tens of millions of people, and send health care costs skyrocketing. Today the difference between the outgoing Trump Administration and the incoming Biden Administration on health carethe path the American people rejected and the future they choseis on full display. Last week, the American people made clear they want to turn the page on the era of endless Republican attacks on their health care, and overwhelmingly elected a new President who believes health care should be a right, not a privilege, and who has laid out clear plans to ensure a family's income doesn't determine whether they can get the care they need. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration is ignoring the will and the wellbeing of families across the country and still urging the Supreme Court to strike down protections for people with pre-existing conditions, rip away health coverage tens of millions of families rely on, and upend care for people across the countryall in the middle of a pandemic. I'll be watching with concern as Republicans make their partisan case to a Supreme Court they have filled with anti-health care Justices, but I want people who share those concerns to know one thing: we will never stop standing up for your health care. With the new Administration I will continue pushing for steps to not only repair the damage Republican leader… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-heck-on-the-firing-of-defense-secretary-mark-esper STATEMENT: Rep. Heck on the Firing of Defense Secretary Mark Esper 2020-11-09 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy OLYMPIA Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's announcement via tweet that Secretary of Defense Mark Esper was terminated from his position. President Trump should not have fired Secretary of Defense Esper. His misguided behavior threatens to destabilize America's national security during this transition period. But I have no illusions the President is going to break a lot of dishes over the next 72 days. That's who he is. It falls to the rest of us to do whatever we can to minimize the damage. Congressman Heck is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Financial Services Committee, and the Joint Economic Committee. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-voice-west COLUMN: A Voice for the West 2020-11-09 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy In Central Washington, we understand all-too-well the frustrations that come from feeling like rural communities are being ignored. Large cities and urban areas seem to suck all the air out of the room, leaving those of us in rural America feeling we do not have a voice. This is especially true in our nation's capital and why I take my responsibility as the voice for Central Washington very seriously. As one of 435 Members in the House of Representatives, I work every day to educate my peers about the priorities and issues facing our district. From water supply and public land-use to agriculture and energy development, our communities face unique challenges but we aren't in it alone. For the past few years, I have served as a Vice Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, a bipartisan coalition that aims to advance priorities of rural America. The Western Caucus provides an opportunity for Members not just in the West, but from across the country from Alaska and Arizona to South Carolina and Louisiana to advocate for our constituents through a platform that unites, elevates, and strengthens our voices. As a Caucus, we advocate for legislation and policies that empower rural communities. We have worked to encourage responsible resource development and energy independence, increase access to public lands and promote multiple-use, protect our communities from wildfires, support our nation's agriculture industry, and strengthen the water infrastructure that makes our way-of-life possible throughout the West. Together, we have spearheaded efforts to modernize the Endangered Species Act, working alongside the Trump Administration to finally delist the gray wolf and allow for state and local entities to manage gray wolf populations. We have strongly advocated for reforms to our nation's regulatory processes in order to decrease burdens on rural communities, encourage critical infrastructure development, and responsibly manage, conserve, and utilize our natural resources. We saw a lot of these reforms come to fr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8E3E0582-7114-47E2-80D9-56A8DC3BB5EA Senator Murray Statement on Election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President-Elect and Vice President-Elect of the United States of America 2020-11-07 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy As a country, we have an incredible amount of work ahead of us. But as this victory shows, we can rise to the most difficult tests when we come together and act on our belief in creating a better, fairer future for all. I cannot wait to take up the work ahead with a Biden-Harris Administration. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following the election of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Senator Kamala D. Harris as the next President and Vice President of the United States of America. American voters spoke, and I am thrilled to congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris on being elected our next President and Vice President. Joe and Kamala are true public servants who understand the immense challenges workers and families are experiencing because they've lived many of those same challengesand they have the vision and drive to bring us together around solutions. Because of them, and because of every one of you who didn't just hope, but acted on that hopewho got involved, organized, and votedwe are further on our way to a future where justice, dignity, and opportunity are a reality for each and every one of us. In particular, as the grandmother of two young girls who have seen Kamala Harris as a role model since she was first elected to federal office, I'm smiling today about the history Kamala has made, and about all the parents telling their children See, you can too!' as she becomes our nation's first woman, Black and Indian-American vice president. Unfortunately, President Trump and his allies have already decided to attack the results instead of respect them. This is a disgraceful decision that every person who truly values our democracy will stand firmly against, because no matter what the President wrongly and desperately claims in the coming days, the voters spoke clearly. President Trump decisively lost a legitimate election. As a country, we have an incredible amount of work ahead of us. But as this victory shows, we can rise to the most d… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=DF668AE5-D9E4-40BA-B97B-53D9ED8810F2 Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration End Plans to Withhold Funding for Critical Transportation Projects from Seattle, Other Cities 2020-11-02 2020 2020-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Letter comes as administration has threatened to withhold federal funding to punish cities where residents have protested for racial justice Senators: We are disturbed by the DOT's decision to potentially disqualify major American cities from federal funding WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in sending a letter urging the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure that Seattle, Portland, and New York City will not be excluded from federal funding for transportation projects. The letter comes in response to moves from the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from cities based on an arbitrary designation of anarchist jurisdictions in response to racial justice protests this summer.ASeptember 2, 2020,memorandumfrom President Trumplabeled Seattle, Portland, New York City, and Washington, D.C. as anarchist jurisdictions and directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to reviewhundreds of millions of dollars infederal funding to these cities. AnOctober 8thNotice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) fromDOT'sFederal Transit Administration (FTA) for thePublic Transportation COVID19 Research Demonstration Grant Programstated that the agencywill review and consider applications for funding pursuant to this notice in accordancewith the President's September 2, 2020 memorandum. Tying federal funds for local transit agencies to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of power, particularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession,the senators wrote in their letter to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit transit agencies particularly hard, and many face dire financial circumstances. We are … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-wildfire-recovery-demonstrates-central-washington-s COLUMN: Wildfire Recovery Demonstrates Central Washingtons Resiliency 2020-11-02 2020 2020-11 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Over the past few months, catastrophic wildfires raged once again throughout Central Washington and across the West. Smoke blanketed the Pacific Northwest, and whole towns were essentially wiped off the map. Unfortunately, we are not strangers to the devastation of catastrophic wildfires. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic that already put strain on our local economy and agriculture industry, the damages seem even greater. While the fires may no longer be burning here at home, the impacts on our communities remain. I recently visited Okanogan County, where I toured some of the damage from the Cold Springs Fire. The Cold Springs Fire claimed homes, community structures like the Omak Mill, and most tragically the life of a one-year-old child and his unborn sibling. We ended the tour at T3 Ranch, where the Townsend Family and community volunteers stored fire recovery supplies that were donated from as far away as North Dakota, proving to me, once again, that in the face of catastrophe, Central Washington remains resilient. In the aftermath of these disasters, our communities are coming together to rebuild and recover with the hope that the federal government will hear their pleas for action and finally reform our land management practices to protect the homes, businesses, and communities across the West that face this threat every year. The Washington state congressional delegation has supported requests for federal disaster declarations in counties across the state, but the facts are clear: Rural communities are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing federal disaster funds. In years past, Washington state and many counties in our district have been granted Public Assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support emergency work and repair of public facilities. However, our small, rural communities have been denied Individual Assistance that would help families and businesses directly recover and rebuild homes and businesses they have lost. That is why I have worked with my c… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-gray-wolf-delisting-trump-administration-follows-sound-science Newhouse: Gray Wolf Delisting By Trump Administration Follows Sound Science, Not Politics 2020-10-29 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt announced the final rule to remove the gray wolf from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the lower 48 states: The gray wolf is an Endangered Species Act success story, said Rep. Newhouse. By empowering states to manage gray wolf populations, the federal government is recognizing the effectiveness of locally-led conservation efforts,basing management decisions on sound science instead of politics,and providing certainty to families, farmers, and rural communities in Central Washington and throughout the country. This action is one of the many steps the Trump Administration is taking to modernize the Endangered Species Act and protect American wildlife, and I look forward to continuingto build uponthese efforts in Congress. WCA applauds today's Department of the Interior announcement regarding the removal of all gray wolves from the list of ESA-protected species, said Ashley House, Executive Vice President of Washington Cattlemen's Association.We have tremendous confidence in the science that informed this important decision and thank Secretary Bernhardt for his leadership on this matterWe would especially like to extend sincere gratitude to Congressman Dan Newhouse for all his efforts that were undoubtedly instrumental in bringing forth the delisting and for his continued support of ESA reform.We are hopeful that this decision will guide our Washington state policy and policymakers towards a similar statewide decision towards management of the gray wolf population here locally. As ranchers, we remain optimistic that we will be able to protect our livelihoods and ability to produce a safe, affordable, domestic food supply while working in tandem with wildlife managers for balanced management and realized success.We commend the administration for this terrific work. This is great news for Washington state where our wolf… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-honors-zillah-family-2020-angels-adoption Newhouse Honors Zillah Family as 2020 Angels in Adoption 2020-10-29 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy ZILLAH, WA Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) recognized Zillah residents Margarita (Maggie) and Eugene Dawson as Central Washington's 2020 Angels in Adoption. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)'s Angels in Adoption program honors families, individuals, and organizations making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and welfare. The Dawson's were nominated by Rep. Newhouse to receive this honor. Maggie and Eugene knew their nieces and nephews would need a loving family after this unimaginable tragedy,said Rep. Newhouse.They stepped up, surrounded by support from their community, to provide a home and help the children heal from their trauma. Now, as a family of 12, the Dawson's serve as an inspirational example of how families can thrive, even in the darkest of times. They are angels who truly exemplify the family values we hold dear in Central Washington. Maggie and Eugene Dawson welcomed their eight nieces and nephews to live in their home just two days after the children's mother lost her life at the hands of their father. Together with their two biological children, Maggie and Eugene have created a safe place and secure family unit, ensuring the children have a chance to grow up with their siblings and cousins. In 2017, they were granted permanent custody of the seven minor children. Background: The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a non-profit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides. CCAI's Angels in Adoption initiative provides an opportunity for Members of Congress to honor an individual or entity from their district which has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes. CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8BAA2056-F05D-4CEB-AE8B-A693C8346847 Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Demand Trump Administration Put Politics Aside, End Plans to Hold Critical Public Health Resources Hostage 2020-10-28 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Administration plotting to withhold funding from Democratic-leaning cities for COVID-19 care, food, HIV and opioid treatment, among other programs Senators:Tying federal funds for local public health efforts to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of powerparticularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession Senators:This is a clear and unconscionable attempt by President Trump and his Administration to choose winners and losers for public health funds based on whether or not the politics of American cities align with the politics of the President WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, joined by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), led their colleagues U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) today in pressing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that millions of dollars in federal funding for critical public health programs will not be withheld to inflict political retribution in the middle of a pandemic. President Trump and Attorney General Barr have threatened to withhold the funding as part of a politically-motivated scheme to punish Americans in Democratic-leaning cities, including Seattle, WA, where residents have been protesting for racial justice. HHS reportedly sent a list of more than 1,500 grants awarded to Portland, Oregon, New York City and Washington, D.C., in addition to Seattlecities that President Trump and Attorney General Barr have specifically targeted due to local leaders' support of racial justice proteststo the White House budget office. Tying federal funds for local public health efforts to an arbitrary definition of anarchist jurisdictions' is of questionable legality and an appalling abuse of powerparticularly in the midst of a deadly pandemic and economic recession. According to a report, HHS has identifi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-newhouse-brings-attention-mistreatment-dairy-industry-epa ICYMI: Newhouse Brings Attention to Mistreatment of Dairy Industry by EPA 2020-10-28 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy RICHLAND, WA On October 9, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) welcomed the Western Caucus Foundation to Central Washington for its Fall Policy Roundtable: When Agencies Weaponize Fake Science. The roundtable aimed to bring attention to the negative impact of misguided federal government decisions and regulations on rural communities, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s mistreatment of the dairy industry in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. As Vice Chairman for the Congressional Western Caucus, Rep. Newhouse moderated the roundtable, which included representatives from the Western Caucus Foundation, Washington State Dairy Federation, Idaho Dairymen's Association, Darigold, and Save Family Farming, as well as Central Washington dairy farmer Adam Dolsen and fellow Western Caucus Member, Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-ID). Chief of Staff to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Mandy Gunasekara, joined the group virtually. "I was grateful for the opportunity to engage with theWesternCaucusFoundation, our panelists, and Ms. Gunasekara from EPA on an issue that has been affecting certainly my constituents in Central Washington and those in rural areas across the country: weaponized 'science,' said Rep. Newhouse. It is no secret that many of the legacy regulations put in place by the Obama Administration have burdened rural America, and you don't have to look far to find an example. In our region, regional EPA employees have been unfairly punishing dairy farmers for years, forcing several dairies to permanently close their doors all based on a flawed report. We cannot allow federal agencies' regulatory decision-making to demonize whole industries, weaponize shoddy science, or rely on data that has not even been peer-reviewed.I appreciate EPA's willingness to have these important discussions and their commitment to working with rural communities to achieve our shared goals of protecting the environment while providing for jobs and economic development. Washington, D.C. has a long history of making decisions that p… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=CFAF6949-A364-41E4-8B85-F7BEF2029713 Senator Murray Opposes Barrett Nomination, Highlights Washingtonians Stories: This Supreme Court Fight Isnt About PoliticsIts About The Lives Of Hundreds Of Millions Of People 2020-10-26 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy On the Senate floor, Senator Murray highlights stories from Washingtonians about how their health care and rights would be jeopardized if Judge Barrett is confirmed Murray: I am sharing their stories on the Senate floor so that Republicans have no choice but to hear them. And when we vote, Republicans will have no excuse to pretend they don't know exactly what is at stake. Murray called out Republicans for downplaying the threat of their health care lawsuit while rushing to confirm another anti-health care Justice Murray: For Republican Senators to stand here and tell families not to worry is kind of like the captain of the Titanic passing out umbrellas, and telling passengers that's all they need. With one key difference: Republicans have been clear from the start that hitting the iceberg isn't an accident, it's the plan. Murray: Know the consequences of this vote will be felt long after this President is gone from officeregardless of the outcome of this election. People across the country will not forget. And neither will your Democratic colleagues. ***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S FLOOR SPEECH HERE*** Washington, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), spoke on the Senate floor opposing the nomination of far-right Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. In her remarks, Senator Murray highlighted the stories of Washingtonians who have shared what is at stake for them if Republicans carry out their brazenly hypocritical and rushed scheme to stack the Supreme Court with another hard-right jurist hand-picked by President Trump, who will help overturn affordable health care, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, criminalize abortions, and undermine other vital rights. From Senator Murray's remarks: If you don't believe me, ask Mays, from SeaTac, Washington, who lives with sleep apnea, asthma, pre-diabetes, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and hypothyroidism. If Republicans succeed in their lawsuit, she would lose her Medicaid expansion coverage and access to care, meaning her condi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-american-dream-alive-and-well-main-street COLUMN: The American Dream is Alive and Well on Main Street 2020-10-26 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy I have often said that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and that could not be truer in Central Washington's rural communities. The owners and employees of Main Street businesses are integral to the well-being of our communities, and the support for small businesses I have witnessed during my travels throughout our district is inspiring. We are in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, which has affected nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Unfortunately, our small and local businesses from restaurants and clothing retailers to hardware stores and hair salons have been hit hard, and many are struggling to survive. I have participated in several Main Street Tours over the past few years in towns like Ritzville, Prosser, and Zillah. These tours are an opportunity for me to visit the smaller rural communities of Central Washington, meet with local business owners and community leaders, and hear firsthand about the challenges they face and what I can do to help. I recently traveled to Grant and Franklin Counties, where I participated in Main Street Tours of Quincy and Connell, two communities that have demonstrated great resilience and strength throughout these difficult times. In Quincy, we visited the site of the Woodinville Whiskey Distillery Co., which aims to open in December. This new distillery will not only add jobs to the local economy, but it will highlight the contributions of local agriculture by making bourbon with rye and corn produced by Quincy farmers. This is just one example of job creation in the face of the economic challenges of a pandemic. Despite these challenges, Central Washington's communities are growing, and Quincy High School is working to help students meet the needs of existing and emerging job markets in our region. Quincy High, which focuses on preparing students for the workforce with strong programs from agriculture to STEM education, recently completed a $100 million expansion to accommodate for increasing populations. In Connell, I was greeted by a variety of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E2C1E063-59FC-4A87-805B-35D51A9BB8FD Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Ask National Guard for Wildfire Readiness Assessment to Help Congress Address Gaps, Better Equip the Guard 2020-10-22 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy More than 8.4 million acres burned by U.S. wildfires so far this year, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; 2020 wildfire season one of the worst in decades Senators press for assessment to help ensure the National Guard has the firefighting resources it needs WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 11 of their colleagues in a letter asking the National Guard for a report on its readiness to help states prepare, fight, and recover from wildfires. The report willhelp Congress addressany current needsand utilize all available resources to respond to this year's record wildfire season. The senators also noted that such a report will help Congress better equip the Guardin the futurefor the likelihood of increasingly severe and destructive fire seasons brought on by human-driven climate change. We commend all the heroic men and women of the National Guard who have been responding to raging wildfires as part of a federal, state, and local effort,the senators wrote in their letter to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, General Daniel R. Hokanson.With a more complete understanding of the Guard's ability to respond, we can ensure proper resourcing and will be better able to keep our Guard members always ready and always there. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades.According to the most recentIncident Management Situation Reportfrom theNational Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have alreadyburned8,427,589 acres. The fires have killed dozens of Americans,destroyed thousands of structures, anddisplaced thousands. On August 19, Governor Inslee issued an emergency proclamation authorizing the Washington National Guard to respond to wildfires statewide. The National Guard has been active since in responding to fires across the state, including assisting with the Whitney Fire in Davenport that burned more than 127,430 acres. In their letter, the senators requested the Nati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402023 Herrera Beutler Helps Secure $3 Million Grant to Establish Industrial Workspace in Washougal 2020-10-21 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant award of $3 million to the Port of Camas-Washougal to help establish an industrial workspace for use by local manufacturing employers. The EDA grant, targeted to a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $2.5 million in local funds and $1.4 million in state funds, and is expected to create 130 jobs and spur $10.6 million in private investment. In addition to helping establish the Opportunity Zone in Washougal, Herrera Beutler also partnered with the Port of Camas-Washougal to successfully earn this grant. Her advocacy included this 2019 letter to EDA. Yet another reason I supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was because it established Opportunity Zones like the one that's bringing 130 new jobs and $10 million in private investment to Washougal, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. Job creation has always been my top priority, so I'm grateful to the Department of Commerce for targeting the tools Congress provided through the 2017 tax cuts bill in support of the Port of Camas-Washougal's effort to bring more manufacturing jobs here. EDA is proud to support local efforts to improve infrastructure to spur new business growth, Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development said. EDA investments in Opportunity Zones enhance the return on investment for business interests and encourage the public/private partnerships critical to driving private investment and new jobs to cities like Washougal. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EC1D0CF7-8069-4AEA-A000-375DFA2AF44E Senator Murray Responds to Ongoing Fallout of Trump Administrations Inhumane Family Separation Policy: Evil Is Too Kind A Word 2020-10-21 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Lawyers have been unable to identify parents of 545 children separated by the Trump Administration in 2017 Senator Murray: Because of the Administration's calculated cruelty, 545 children have not seen their parents since 2017and have no idea if or when they will ever see them again. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to reporting that lawyers have still been unable to track down the parents of 545 children who were separated by the Trump Administration in 2017 under the pilot program of its family separation policy. Evil is too kind a word for what the Trump Administration has done here. Because of the Administration's calculated cruelty, 545 children have not seen their parents since 2017and have no idea if or when they will ever see them again. As a mother and a grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain these families are going through. I am outraged that our President has made this nightmare an enduring reality for so many families. The staggering inhumanity of this President's treatment of these children belongs in the darkest chapters of our nation's historythe ones we can never forget and must never repeat. We need to do everything we can to reunify these familiesand we need to pass the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act so that no President can ever do this again. In 2019, Senator Murray introduced the Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act which would create clear, non-negotiable standards for the treatment of children in America's careputting an end to the Trump Administration's cruel and neglectful treatment of children at the U.S.-Mexico border, and reforming how children fleeing persecution are treated between the moment at which they arrive at our borders to claim asylum and the ultimate resolution of their asylum case. Senator Murray has been pressing hard for oversight of how the Administration is addressing the fallout from its inhumane family… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0A5A9E72-5FE4-473D-86C1-E07A91B0FD68 Senator Murray Statement on Insufficient GOP Small Business Pandemic Relief Proposal 2020-10-20 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray released statement following failed Senate vote to consider small business relief proposal that would leave out restaurants, live music venues, and more Senator Murray: These latest Republican proposals, just like their last, ignore the calls I've been hearing for months in Washington state Senator Murray: We can't leave behind the people and communities most in need in this crisisbut that's what these deeply misguided, backward proposals would do Senator Murray: There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of the serious COVID-19 relief families and communities need except Majority Leader McConnell and the members of his party who won't stand up to him and fight for their constituents like Democrats are fighting for ours (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the statement below following a vote on the Senate floor to call up Senate Republicans' legislation regarding the Paycheck Protection Program. These latest Republican proposals, just like their last, ignore the callsI've been hearing for months inWashington state:from families and communities struggling to feed themselves and make rent, schools straining to create a healthy learning experience, and from the many workers, restauranteurs, music venues proprietors, non-profit workers and small business owners who have been hurt by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19all while dramatically shortchanging efforts to make tests faster and easier to get, doing nothing to address glaring health disparities, and without laying out the kind of comprehensive, national vaccines plan experts say is vital. It would be beyond shameful tobail out big businesses, but not small onesinmy state and othersthat families and communitiesdepend on so muchand we can't protect corporations from liability if their workers or customers get sick while ignoring the need for emergency standards to protect workers on the job. We can't leave behind the peo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-bringing-bipartisanship-other-washington COLUMN: Bringing Bipartisanship to the Other Washington 2020-10-19 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy It is no secret that, in recent years, politics have become increasingly divisive. What Americans across the country see on television is arguing, partisan attacks, and politicized accounts of votes on specific pieces of legislation. What they don't see is the behind-the-scenes conversations, the bipartisan collaboration, or the hundreds of bills we unanimously pass out of the House. These things are happening all the time, but one of my priorities in Congress has been to make these occurrences more frequent and to bring these collaborative efforts into the limelight. I am proud of my long history of working across the aisle with my colleagues from the Washington State House of Representatives and the Washington State Department of Agriculture to the halls of Congress. In my experience, working together in a bipartisan fashion is the best and most effective way to deliver results. Not long ago, Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and I participated in a Civility & Respect Tour throughout Washington state. We traveled across our districts to speak with small businesses, students, and federal partners about the importance of bipartisanship in Congress. These trips served as beneficial opportunities to hear different perspectives from fellow Washingtonians located just hours away from my own congressional district. I recently joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) for a similar event in the form of an online discussion about increasing bipartisanship in Congress. As a former technology executive, Rep. DelBene has different experiences and perspectives than I do as a lifelong farmer but there are several priorities of our districts and our state that align. We discussed our shared goals of strengthening international trade deals, working to reform our agricultural labor programs, and ensuring that our state has the tools and resources we need to combat COVID-19 and keep families safe. Accomplishing these goals for Washington would be impossible if it weren't for the across-the-aisle collaboration and relationships we have bui… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402020 Herrera Beutler Conversation with Camas Native, Astronaut Michael Barratt, and NASA Administrator Now Available 2020-10-16 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler's Q&A session with Camas native, NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and Vancouver iTech Preparatory and Camas' Odyssey Middle School, is now posted and available for others to watch any time. The virtual conversation focused on NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024. Students from both participating schools asked a range of questions, many of which focused on Dr. Barratt's personal experience in space, his career path, and how NASA is studying the effects of space on the human body. It was an honor to talk to a Camas native, NASA astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt, and connect him with Southwest Washington students to share about our space program, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. I believe we sparked interest in more than a few students to consider how they too can one day explore space, and maybe walk on the moon or Mars. With the right STEM skills and hard work, they now know that the sky doesn't have to be the limit. Inspiring the Artemis Generation to pursue STEM careers is crucial to cultivate the talent America needs to succeed in sending human explorers to deep space, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said. To further NASA's mission, we want to engage students and show them they can be part of the Artemis Program to go forward to the Moon in preparation for Mars. Congresswoman Herrera Beutler has shown great leadership in the state of Washington and the nation, helping provide STEM opportunities for students at all educational levels and supporting NASA STEM Engagement overall. Additional Information: NASA Astronaut Dr. Michael Barratt's Biography NASA's Artemis Program NASA STEM Engagement 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/absolute-game-changer-newhouse-applauds-department-energy-investment An Absolute Game-Changer: Newhouse Applauds Department of Energy Investment in Central Washington Nuclear Energy Projects 2020-10-14 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the recipients of the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). ARDP will provide initial funding to projects developing advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. The selected ARDP recipients, X-energy and TerraPower-GE Hitachi, will work in partnership with Energy Northwest in Richland, WA, as the key utility partner to continue innovating the next generation of nuclear energy technology. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the ARDP awards and Energy Northwest's role in the selected projects: The selection of these projects is an absolute game-changer for our state and makes it official: Tri-Cities, Washington is a global leader in nuclear energy innovation, said Rep. Newhouse. The Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program indicates the Department of Energy's commitment to the development of safe, reliable nuclear power, which is unquestionably necessary as our country heads toward a clean energy future. I applaud DOE's recognition of the brilliant scientific minds in Central Washington, our region's history of nuclear development and innovation, and the legacy these projects will establish for the future of nuclear power in the United States. I could not be more thrilled with this announcement and this momentous opportunity for our region. X-energy will deliver a commercial four-unit nuclear power plant based on its Xe-100 reactor design. The Xe-100 is a high temperature gas-cooled reactor that is ideally suited to provide flexible electricity output as well as process heat for a wide range of industrial heat applications, such as desalination and hydrogen production. The project will also deliver a commercial scale TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel (TRISO) fuel fabrication facility, leveraging DOE's substantial investment in development of this highly robust fuel form. TerraPower will demonstrate the Natrium reactor, a sodiumcooled fast reactor that leverages of decades of development and design un… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7BE5CE5E-8E5B-4B73-B6A6-45D397064581 VIDEO: Senator Murray Reacts to Supreme Court Hearings for Judge Barrett: Just because Judge Barrett refuses to answer questions doesnt mean her record isnt clear 2020-10-13 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Live on Twitter, Senator Murray shared key takeaways from the first day of questioning of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett Senator Murray highlighted how Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans dodged questions about Judge Barrett's extreme views on reproductive health, vital rights and protections, and more Senator Murray: What was perhaps most striking was how Judge Barrettand Senate Republicanshave tried to distance themselves from her record, and what they know the consequences of appointing her to the Supreme Court would mean for the future of health care, safe and legal abortion, and more Senator Murray also shared personal stories from Washingtonians concerned about Judge Barrett's extreme anti-health care, anti-reproductive health record Senator Murray: Future of safe, legal abortion something Judge Barrett has made clear she adamantly opposes and could absolutely be overturned by a conservative majority on the Supreme Courtno matter what Judge Barrett did or didn't say during today's hearing Senator Murray: Stopping this won't be easy, and may even sound unbelievable. But just like when we defeated Trumpcare, I know that working togetherharder than we ever have beforecan make the impossible, possible. ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination MORE HERE ***WATCH FULL VIDEO OF SENATOR'S MURRAY LIVESTREAM REACTION HERE*** Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, highlighted Trump Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Senate Republicans' refusal to answer for her partisan judicial record during Judge Barrett's first day of questioning by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. On Twitter, Senator Murray livestreamed her reaction to the day's events and Judge Barrett's responses. In her remarks, Senator Murray expressed her alarm at Judge Barrett's refusal to commit to uphold the precedent set by… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-executive-order-support-reliable-modernized-water Newhouse Applauds Executive Order to Support Reliable, Modernized Water Infrastructure 2020-10-13 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Modernizing America's Water Resource Management and Water Infrastructure. The Executive Order establishes a Water Subcabinet of senior federal agency officials to ensure federal coordination on water policy and facilitate efficient, effective management and modernization of water supplies and systems. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement, applauding the action: One of my highest priorities since coming to Congress has been strengthening and modernizing the federal water infrastructure that makes our way of life possible in Central Washington and across the West, said Rep. Newhouse. The establishment of the Water Subcabinet by President Trump is a monumental step toward meeting the water supply, storage, and infrastructure needs of rural communities across the United States. From continuing to build upon the incredibly collaborative efforts in the Yakima River Basin to fulfilling the federal government's commitment to the completion of the Columbia Basin Project, I will continue to work with federal agencies to secure this vital resource for Central Washington. President Trump's Executive Order will go a long way in successfully doing so. Under the Executive Order, the Water Subcabinet will: Promote effective and efficient water resources management by reducing duplication between Federal agencies developing water policy; Develop a national water strategy to ensure the reliability of our water supplies, water quality, water systems, and water forecasting; Protect taxpayer investments and improve water infrastructure planning by promoting integrated planning and coordination for drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, water storage and delivery, and water resource management; and Support and enhance workforce development to recruit, train, and retain water sector professionals. Click here to read the text of the Executive Order and click here for a fact sheet. The Water Subcabinet will be co-chaired by U.S. Department of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6EBDBA28-EFD3-406F-8026-D83E5FF79357 Senator Murray Launches Interference Tracker Amid Continued Revelations of Trump Officials Meddling in COVID-19 Response 2020-10-12 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray launched the Save Our Science Political Interference Tracker Senator Murray has introduced the STOP Act to provide transparency and accountability to address the Trump Administration's repeated efforts to interference in the work of experts and scientists Senator Murray: The pattern here is unmistakable and dangerousthe Trump Administration is putting politics first and putting lives in jeopardy ***See the SOS Political Interference Tracker HERE*** (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, launched the Save Our Science (SOS) Political Interference Tracker, a page that details the many reports of Trump Administration officials interfering in the work of public health experts and scientists on the frontlines of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts. The pattern here is unmistakable and dangerousthe Trump Administration is putting politics first and putting lives in jeopardy by interfering in the work of scientists and experts who should be leading our response to this pandemic. The White House should not be trying to overrule experts at the public health agencies on the frontlines of this crisis, undermine public trust in their work, or spread false statements and wild conspiracies. Unfortunately, as this tracker shows, that's exactly what has been happening. Keeping a record of this rampant interference is a necessary step, but I know this alone won't stop it Congress must take action. I introduced the Science and Transparency Over Politics Act to provide the accountability and transparency that has been so badly missing from this Administration's COVID-19 response, and I'm going to keep pushing Republicans to support that bill. The growing list of alarming examples in this tracker make the case for that legislation painfully clear. It's past time for every Republican who has claimed to support the science to prove it. Last month, Senator Murray introduced the Science and Transparency Ove… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A43B13E9-9865-4810-A0A1-0014C5ACBECA Senator Murray Announces Major Federal Investments in Puget Sound Ports 2020-10-12 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Port of Seattle and Port of Bellingham to each receive multi-million dollar awards for infrastructure modernization through Department of Transportation grant program Senator Murray: Even during on-going pandemic we can't ignore the priorities that we know are critical to keeping our vital ports updated and healthy, and our state economically-competitive Upgrades to Port of Seattle's Terminal 5 will double capacity for agricultural exports, allow shipping costs to be reduced and shorten time to market for U.S. agricultural producers and manufacturers Improvements to Port of Bellingham will renovate its shipping terminal and further expand the Port's unloading and loading capacity, creating family-wage jobs and increasing trade Senator Murray: I'm not going to stop pushing for the federal investments in infrastructureand moreI know will be vital to our state's recovery in the weeks, months and years ahead Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate's transportation appropriations subcommittee, directly advocated for these projects to Transportation Secretary Chao (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate subcommittee overseeing transportation and infrastructure appropriations, today announced two major federal awards to help rehabilitate and modernize the Port of Seattle and the Port of Bellingham. The grants were awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's competitive Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), with more than $10 million awarded to the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) for the Port of Seattle and nearly $7 million to the Port of Bellingham. The announcement follows Senator Murray's conversations with Transportation Secretary Chao and advocacy to senior Department leaders about the importance of improving the Washington state ports, which are instrumental to the region's agricultural and manufacturing sectors, global trading relations, and continued economic growth. We're all doing the best we can to stay safe during this uncertain … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-delist-gray-wolf COLUMN: Delist the Gray Wolf 2020-10-12 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy The Endangered Species Act was signed into law to help protect and recover animals and wildlife facing critical threats or risk of extinction. As Americans, we share the common goal of protecting our environment, creating healthy ecosystems, and ensuring that our growing human populations can live in tandem with the plants and animals around us. While the law was well-intentioned, the ESA has not seen meaningful reforms since 1978. Our country has grown and evolved immensely in the last four decades, and it only makes sense to bring this landmark species protection law into the 21st Century. I have worked alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Western Caucus to modernize the ESA and move species recovery forward more effectively. From ensuring data from local, state, and tribal governments is utilized when making these important decisions to requiring the federal government to disclose their decision-making data to the public, we aim to make the ESA listing process more transparent and responsive to those it affects most. Americans in rural areas across the country and right here in Central Washington are fed up with the federal government mandating one-size-fits-all regulations without considering the needs of local communities. We also understand the importance of locally-led conservation projects, which have effectively resulted in the protection of our land and our native species. Earlier this Congress, I introduced the WHOLE Act to ensure that all conservation measures are considered when federal decisions impacting ESA-listed species are made. By considering the totality of conservation efforts not just those established by the federal government we can incentivize further investment in species recovery and promote more comprehensive efforts between the federal government and states, local communities, and tribes. The Trump Administration has proposed updates to the ESA that will result in effective, science-based conservation. By promoting transparency and commonsense policymaking, these new regu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-trump-signs-newhouse-bill-address-crisis-mmiw-law President Trump Signs Newhouse Bill to Address Crisis of MMIW Into Law 2020-10-10 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after President Trump signed Savanna's Actand theNot Invisible Actinto law: President Trump signing these bills into law signals to Native communities across the country that this crisis will no longer go unnoticed, said Rep. Newhouse. The families and loved ones of missing and murdered indigenous women have waited far too long for justice, and it is my hope that we can begin working to ensure Native American women will no longer face violent crimes that go uninvestigated or unsolved. I am grateful for the tribes, advocates, and community members who have helped bring awareness to this issue and for all of my colleagues in Congress who helped us take this important step. Rep. Newhouse introduced Savanna's Act in May 2019. The bill passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives on September 21, 2020. Click here to learn more. Background: On May 14, 2019, Rep. Newhouse joined Reps. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Deb Haaland (D-NM) to introduce Savanna's Act, a bill that aims to address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) across the country. The bill develops guidelines and best practices for law enforcement agencies across the country, improves coordination between law enforcement agencies, and enhances reporting, record keeping, and communication for law enforcement and families of victims. Since the bill's introduction, Rep. Newhouse has continued to urge Congress to act and pass legislation to provide relief to Native communities. In October,he hosted an hour-long bipartisan call-to-actionon the House floor.Click here to watch remarks by Rep. Newhouse and his colleagues. Later that month, Rep. Newhouse arranged meetings with House leadership for two Yakama Nation leaders, then-Chairman JoDe Goudy and Councilwoman Lottie Samm, who traveled to Washington, D.C., to express the impact the MMIW crisis was having on local communities and to discuss the importance of passing legislation like Savanna's Act. Savanna… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402029 The Daily News: Opinion Editorial: Forest Management 2020-10-09 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Over the past few weeks, we didn't have to turn on the TV or see photos online to understand the severity of the wildfires burning up and down the West Coast. Unbreathable air shut us into our homes. The dark skies gave us a gut-wrenching, hopeless feeling. Many Washington, Oregon, and California residents lost homes and businesses. Hundreds of thousands of acres of vital wildlife habitat were destroyed. As always, our brave first responders battled the blaze in a huge effort to protect our communities. Resources for firefighting are critical, and I've worked to successfully increase funding for wildland fire preparedness from my position in Congress. But we don't need to put first responders in harm's way, battling these largely preventable crises every year. We shouldn't resign ourselves to a new normal of annual destruction and pollution, where we're worried about our lives, homes, and loved ones with asthma or fragile health conditions. There are steps we can take immediately in our northwest forests to drastically reduce the scope and duration of these destructive, unnatural fires. I agree with this quote from Washington's Democrat Commissioner of Public Lands, Hillary Franz: By actively managing our forests using strategies such as prescribed burns and thinning we can restore forests to a more natural and resilient condition. We can bring our forests back to health, boost jobs in rural Washington, and reduce the threat of wildfires. A changing climate is also a real factor in creating some of the conditions that contribute to fire. But we are virtually fanning the flames if we only throw up our hands, ignore forest management, and wait for the entire world to agree on climate change. Reducing carbon emissions, including the carbon released by our burning forests, and taking science-based forest management action is not an either/or choice. Let's do both. The damage done by inaction on forest management is no exaggeration. A recent news story provides a tragic example: a U.S. Forest Service thinning… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A589588-76B1-4828-861A-AF3F2A6CBA5B VIDEO: Senator Murray on Republicans Rushed SCOTUS Confirmation Process: This is no time to be jamming a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country through the Senate 2020-10-07 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray reiterates call for Senate Republicans to wait to fill Justice Ginsburg Supreme Court seat following COVID-19 outbreak that has sickened group of Senators More from Washington Post: Positive tests for senators raise doubts about fast-track confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court choice LINK ***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S VIDEO STATEMENT HERE*** ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.)Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate health committee, reiterated her strong opposition to Senate Republicans' rushed efforts to replace Justice Ginsburg with a partisan judge following Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to adjourn the Senate in recess after members of the Senate announced they had recently tested positive for the virus. On social media, Senator Murray emphasized the need for the Senate to prioritize public safety and addressing the deep needs of the COVID-19 pandemic in a video statement, and called on Washingtonians and people across the nation to keep raising their voices against Senate Republicans' brazenly hypocritical and rushed scheme to stack the Supreme Court with another hard-right jurist hand-picked by President Trump to help overturn affordable health care, eliminate protections for pre-existing conditions, and criminalize abortions. The recent positive cases of COVID-19 in the Senate only further underscore that this is no time to be jamming a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the country through the Senate. The Senate's focus should be on keeping communitiesand the Capitol complexsafe from this pandemic, and working urgently to pass a relief bill that will meet the deep needs of this moment, said Senator Murray in the urgent video message. Senator Murray has been a strident opponent of Judge Barrett and Senate Republicans' aggressive efforts to push their ideo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8888D7B4-8DF7-491E-BA96-8125C7D83D30 AUDIO: Senator Murray, Washington Health Advocates and Patients Highlight What We Stand to Lose if Republicans Rush Through Anti-Health Care, Anti-Reproductive Health Supreme Court Nominee 2020-10-07 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy On news conference call with a local Planned Parenthood leader and patients from Washington state, Senator Murray discussed the grave threat Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination poses to the future of affordable health care and abortion rights Senator Murray also reiterated her urgent call for Senate Republicans to listen to the American people and wait to fill Justice Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat Senator Murray: People across the country know full well what is at stake with this court fight. They know that people's rights are on the line...their lives are on the line. That's why people are standing up, speaking out, and fighting tooth and nail to stop this nomination ***LISTEN TO FULL AUDIO OF THE CONFERENCE CALL HERE*** ICYMI: With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans' Rushed SCOTUS Nomination MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) On a conference call with reproductive health advocates and patients from Washington state, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, highlighted Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett's extreme opposition to health care reform and reproductive health care, and discussed the threat her nomination would pose to laws and policies enshrining affordable health care, protections for pre-existing conditions, and access to safe, legal abortion. The news conference call came after reports that Senate Republicans are planning to move forward with their plans to try and jam Judge Barrett on to the Supreme Court in a rushed process, in spite of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to adjourn the Senate following some of its membersincluding members of the Senate Judiciary Committeeannouncing they had contracted COVID-19. This is such a critical time in our nation for so many people, on so many levels, Senator Murray said in opening remarks during the conference call. It is important to keep raising our voices against Senate Re… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C6132801-C0E0-4CF7-B32A-9D3742F92D31 Senators Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Press EPA on Implementation of Trump Order to Withhold Federal Funding from Seattle, Portland, Major U.S. Cities 2020-10-07 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Letter comes as EPA considers withholding funds for cleaning up contaminated land and drinking water in Seattle and Portland Senators: Setting aside the legally questionable and abhorrent nature of the President's directive, EPA's implementation thereof could endanger human health and the environment. WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Oregon Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), New York Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, in a letter this week to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler requesting information about EPA's implementation of the White House memorandum ordering federal agencies to withhold federal funds from cities that President Trump falsely claims are being run by anarchists. We have learned that EPA, in its internal meetings related to the policy, has begun to identify funding sources that could be subject to the directive, some of which are vital for the provision of safe drinking water and the remediation of contamination, the senators wrote. Setting aside the legally questionable and abhorrent nature of the President's directive, EPA's implementation thereof could endanger human health and the environment. More than $1 billion of recent EPA funds to Seattle, Portland, New York City, and Washington, D.C. could be at risk if EPA were to implement the White House memorandum. In their letter, the senators cited multiple examples of funding the EPA may seek to halt, deny, or rescind as a result of President Trump's directive. These include a $192,200,000 Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan that the city of Seattle received to reduce combined sewer overflows, and as well as $27,914,000 awarded to the state of Washington in FY 2020 for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and $24,598,000 for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. We strongly urge you not to take a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-delbene-underscore-role-working-across-aisle-cascadia-college Newhouse, DelBene Underscore Role of Working Across the Aisle at Cascadia College Forum 2020-10-07 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy SUNNYSIDE, WA Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) underscored the need for more bipartisanship in Washington, D.C. and greater civilized discourse in the current polarized atmosphere at a virtual forum hosted by Cascadia College on Monday evening. Encouraging civility and increasing conversations across the aisle has been one of my priorities in Congress. It is no secret that politics have become increasingly divisive, but it is our responsibility to work together and deliver results for our constituents, said Rep. Newhouse. From our early COVID-19 response to supporting international trade, the Washington state delegation shares several bipartisan priorities that require collaboration, and I am proud of how we have been able to put our political differences aside to address the priorities of Washingtonians. Thank you, Rep. DelBene, for inviting me to join you in this important conversation to show that we can disagree without being disagreeable. It is no surprise that politics has become more divisive in recent years but there is still more that unites us than divides us. My congressional district was described as the most evenly divided in the country when it was created and it is an honor to serve all my constituents, said Rep. DelBene. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us we can still come together in a bipartisan way. Our state was hit early by the outbreak. Our federal delegation Democrats and Republicans united to do all we could to get the state the resources it needed in those critical early days. I want to thank Rep. Newhouse for joining me for this important discussion at Cascadia and for the strong partnership we enjoy. The conversation was moderated by Cascadia College President Dr. Eric Murray. The event is part of a series to highlight the importance of working together to solve tomorrow's problems. Engaging students can help prepare future leaders to replace harmful rhetoric with civil discourse and gridlock with progress. The full video of the virtual forum can be found here. Reps… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402011 Jaime Herrera Beutler Named Friend of Farm Bureau 2020-10-05 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today announced she has earned the Friend of Farm Bureau award for her steadfast support of Southwest Washington's farmers and ranchers in Congress. Herrera Beutler received an official notice from the American Farm Bureau that she received this distinction. The Friend of Farm Bureau award is given to members of Congress who have supported farm-friendly legislation and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus. It's an honor to be recognized as a Friend of Farm Bureau' for my work in Congress to support farmers and ranchers throughout Southwest Washington, Herrera Beutler said. From oyster growers and cranberry farmers in Pacific County, to the berry and tree fruit farmers throughout our region, I'm going to continue fighting for solutions that help them succeed, because when they are successful, everyone in our region reaps the rewards. I'll always be an unwavering friend to our Southwest Washington farmers and ranchers and will fight for their priorities in Congress. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=095ABCF4-EF8A-43B2-8CBA-AFFDCC602B89 With Health Care and Reproductive Rights at Stake, Senator Murray Launches Story Drive to Help Washingtonians Speak Out Against Republicans Rushed SCOTUS Nomination 2020-10-05 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray: I'm fighting to make sure the people speaking out in Washington state have a megaphone, so President Trump and his party have no choice but to stop and listen ***WASHINGTONIANS CAN SHARE WHAT IS AT STAKE FOR THEM IN THE SCOTUS FIGHT HERE*** (Washington, D.C.)Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, launched a new website to gather and lift up stories from Washingtonians about what is at stake for them if Republicans rush through the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett and put another anti-health care and anti-reproductive rights Justice on the Supreme Court. Democrats are going to do all we can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish, and make sure people are heard as they reject Republican efforts to ignore the pandemic and jam the Supreme Court with another far-right Justice who would gut health care and take away access to safe, legal abortion in our country. Women, men, and patients across the country are standing up, and speaking out to share powerful personal stories about what is at stake for their health care and rights, their families, and their futuresand I'm fighting to make sure the people speaking out in Washington state have a megaphone, so President Trump and his party have no choice but to stop and listen, said Senator Murray. With the launch of her new website, Senator Murray urged constituents to join in Democrats' fight against President Trump's far-right nominee Amy Coney Barrett, whose troubling record and past writings confirm that she is committed to gutting health care through the courts and ending the right to safe, legal abortion in the United States. Senator Murray's website will help gather Washingtonians' stories about living with a pre-existing condition, how the Affordable Care Act impacted them, and the importance of protecting the right to safe, legal abortion and women's reproductive rights. Washingtonians can share what is at stake for them in the SCOTUS fight HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pattyinnews?ContentRecord_id=B773B6F2-2347-4C2D-A9AA-3CD933FA94CE Senator Murray Wants to Hear from You 2020-10-05 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Office Information Washington, D.C. Office 154 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2621 Fax: (202) 224-0238 Toll Free: (866) 481-9186 Everett Office 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Ste. 9D Everett, Washington 98201 Phone: (425) 259-6515 Fax: (425) 259-7152 Vancouver Office The Marshall House 1323 Officer's Row Vancouver, Washington 98661 Phone: (360) 696-7797 Fax: (360) 696-7798 Yakima Office 402 E. Yakima Ave, Suite 420 Yakima, Washington 98901 Phone: (509) 453-7462 Fax: (509) 453-7731 Seattle Office 2988 Jackson Federal Building 915 2nd Avenue Seattle, Washington 98174 Phone: (206) 553-5545 Toll Free: (866) 481-9186 Fax: (206) 553-0891 Spokane Office 10 North Post Street, Suite 600 Spokane, Washington 99201 Phone: (509) 624-9515 Fax: (509) 624-9561 Tacoma Office 950 Pacific Avenue, Ste. 650 Tacoma, Washington 98402 Phone: (253) 572-3636 Fax: (253) 572-9488 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-central-washington-manufacturers-create-and-innovate COLUMN: Central Washington Manufacturers Create and Innovate 2020-10-05 2020 2020-10 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy On Friday, October 2, we celebrated National Manufacturing Day, a day to applaud the millions of American manufacturers who are working to produce the finest, high-quality products in the world. I have had the opportunity to visit with manufacturers throughout Central Washington, and I am grateful for their contributions to not only our local economies, but to our national security and economic independence as well. Many modern-day manufacturing careers require some type of secondary education, and our institutions have stepped up to the challenge. From universities and community colleges to technical schools and apprenticeship programs, our students are offered more opportunities to pursue manufacturing careers than ever before, and our teachers and instructors are eager to train the next generation of creators. On the heels of National Manufacturing Day, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) celebrates our state's manufacturers throughout Manufacturing Week. Manufacturing in Washington supports more than 284,000 good-paying careers and contributes more than $60 billion in goods to our state's economy. AWB's Manufacturing Excellence Awards recognize local businesses working to create and innovate right here in Washington. This year, several Central Washington manufacturers are being honored. Shields, a Novolex company in Yakima, is being recognized as a finalist for the Operational Excellence Award. The workers at Shields create food packaging, bags, and more that are used in homes, retail, grocery stories, and industries around the world. Yakima Chief Hops (YCH), a grower-owned hop supplier located in the nation's hop capital of Yakima Valley, is nominated for the Green Manufacturing Award. YCH recognizes, as all farmers do, that healthy crops rely on a healthy planet, and they are continually innovating and finding ways to make their operation more environmentally friendly. Lastly, Humming Hemp, based in Tri-Cities, has been recognized as a finalist for the Innovation Award. Humming Hemp creates protein… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-sends-bipartisan-letter-to-secretary-mnuchin-urging-secretary Rep. Heck Sends Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Mnuchin Urging Secretary Mnuchin to Protect U.S. State-Based Insurance Regulation 2020-10-02 2020 2020-10 Democrat Senate WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. This week, Reps. Denny Heck (WA-10), Lee Zeldin (NY-1), Brad Sherman (CA-30), Bill Foster (IL-11), Madeleine Dean (PA-4) and William Timmons (SC-4) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, urging him to continue their efforts to protect state-based insurance regulation in their work on the international capital standard (ICS). This letter commends the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Insurance Office for their work with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and state insurance regulators to protect state-based insurance regulation. It also raises concerns with the disruption of COVID-19 and resulting difficulties for the ICS monitoring period. Specifically, this letter urges Treasury to extend the ICS monitoring period by one year, and to prioritize recognition of the U.S. Aggregation Method (AM) as outcome-equivalent to the ICS. We need to continue to fight for our state-based system for insurance regulation, which has protected American consumers for more than 150 years, said Rep. Heck. When international agreements cover insurance, they must involve our primary insurance regulators, and that is the states. We must work to preserve America's proven insurance model and come together to regulatory standards that could disrupt our marketplace. The American version of state-based insurance regulation has proven to be adaptable, accessible, and effective because each state is allowed to adopt laws and regulations tailored to the unique needs of its consumers, said Rep. Budd. That's why we must continue to push back against the one-size fits all International Capital Standard. We should not let Europe regulate America's insurance industry. In the U.S., the primary regulators of insurance companies are state insurance commissioners. Their regulation has enabled the development of a robust and innovative insurance market, and entities regulated by state insurance commissioners weathered the 2008 global financial crisis far more easily than entities with primary federal regul… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402008 U.S. House Passes Herrera Beutlers Bipartisan Helping MOMS Act 2020-09-29 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, legislation led by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Robin Kelly (D-IL), aimed at reducing and ending America's growing maternal mortality crisis. The bill providesstates with the option to extend Medicaid coveragethroughthe entirepostpartumperiod of one year, a proven strategyforreducing maternal deaths. Currently, most statesonlyprovide Medicaid coverage for 60-daysimmediately following childbirth. In order to increase the coverage window, the state must apply andbe approved fora waiverbythe U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. I'm pleased the House approved our bipartisan Helping MOMS Act, which is going to ensure women can access care in the year following birth, Congresswoman Herrera Beutler said. We know that seven out of ten new moms will face a health complication during that time, so guaranteeing their ability to see a doctor and get treatment if needed is a monumental step in our fight to end this nation's maternal mortality crisis. This is abigstep toward reducing the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths by ensuring new momscan continue to seek necessary medical care,Congresswoman Kelly said. I'm proudto havebroughtmy colleagues from both sides of the aisle together to address thisgrowingpublic healthcrisis.This is nota magic pill tosolveAmerica'smaternal mortalitycrisis,butthisbill providesasolid, bipartisan,evidence-basedapproachto saving lives.We must continue working, inside and outside of government, to ensure startingafamily doesn't cost a woman her life. Data clearly shows that 70 percent of new moms will have at least one health complication within a year of giving birth.With more than half of new moms covered by Medicaid, theHelping MOMSActcould significantlyimprove these health outcomes. In recent years, the U.S. has made headlines for its disturbing and growing rate of maternal mortality. It was more dangerous to have a baby in 2018 than it w… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/pnw-members-applaud-final-decision-columbia-river-system-completion PNW Members Applaud Final Decision on Columbia River System, Completion of Western Water Memorandum 2020-09-29 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Members of the Pacific Northwest's congressional delegation released the following statements after the final Record of Decision on the Columbia River System Operations was filed, signaling the completion of President Trump's Presidential Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West: Federal water infrastructure makes our way of life possible throughout the West. Central Washington boasts one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country, and our farmers and ranchers would simply not be able to provide food and fiber for the world without a reliable supply of our most precious resource: water, said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA). The Presidential Memorandum, which called for the completion of the scientific environmental review for the Columbia River System Operations a year sooner than originally slated, is delivering certainty to not only our agriculture industry, but to the millions of people who rely on the clean and reliable power generated by our hydroelectric dams. I applaud President Trump and his Administration for working collaboratively to support our federal water infrastructure, ensure reliable water supply and delivery, and develop a plan for the future. The Columbia and Snake River dams are foundational to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). They provide us clean, renewable, low-cost energy, support our farmers, provide flood control to our region, and so much more. Based on the best available science, the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Record of Decision confirms what we already knew, our dams and river system are essential to our region. Alongside this decision, the administration's announcement today regarding their actions to ensure a reliable supply of water to the Western United States is essential to meeting the needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Thank you to President Trump for prioritizing and delivering results on these important issues. The Columbia River is v… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-renewing-our-commitment-impact-aid-and-rural-students COLUMN: Renewing Our Commitment to Impact Aid and Rural Students 2020-09-28 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy Many of us are familiar with how our school districts are funded. Construction costs, maintenance updates, teacher salaries, and more are funded by local taxpayers. With local property taxes, levies, and bonds, superintendents and school district administrators work to ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve. Over the past several years, many of our school districts have expanded to accommodate growing numbers of students. But what happens when a school district is on or surrounded by federal land? To fulfill our commitment to future generations of Americans, the federal government established the Impact Aid program. Impact Aid provides federal dollars to school districts who serve federally-connected children, or communities on land that is exempt from local property tax, such as U.S. military installments, tribal reservations, low-rent housing properties, and other federally-connected lands. From tribal reservations and Bureau of Reclamation lands to the Hanford Site, the federal government has a significant footprint in Central Washington. Because of this, almost every county in the 4th Congressional District contains areas with a diminished local tax base that our school districts rely on to provide for our students. Whether they know it or not, hundreds of families in our region have benefited from this federal program, from Mt. Adams School District in Yakima County to Nespelem School District in Okanogan. In 2018, Central Washington's school districts received more than $6 million in Impact Aid payments. These reimbursements have allowed school districts to complete construction at new schools, expand classroom sizes, and ensure safe facilities for our students and families. Growing up near the Yakama Nation reservation, I have long understood how federally-impacted lands affect our local school districts, and since being elected to Congress, I have met with superintendents up and down Central Washington who have strongly advocated for continued Impact Aid reimbursements and sha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-heck-on-nomination-of-judge-barrett-to-us-supreme-court STATEMENT: Rep. Heck on Nomination of Judge Barrett to U.S. Supreme Court 2020-09-27 2020 2020-09 Democrat Senate WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy OLYMPIA Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement on the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court: "Less than 40 days away from the Presidential election, President Trump and Senate Republicans are ramming through a nakedly partisan nomination to the Supreme Court. The confirmation of Judge Barrett would cement a far-right 6-3 supermajority on the Supreme Court that will reverse all that Justice Ginsburg fought for. "Let's remember what's at stake: a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions, LGBTQ+ Americans' right to love who they love and work free from discrimination, the right of every American regardless of race or creed to have equal access to the ballot box. And I'm most alarmed that Senate Republicans are rushing this nomination so they can dismantle the Affordable Care Act jeopardizing millions of Americans' access to healthcare amid a global pandemic. "In 2016, Senator McConnell said The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court justice. This November, let the people decide." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F5232DDB-97C6-488B-A994-211E100F04A8 With Affordable Health Care and More at Stake for Washington State Families and Communities, Senator Murray Announces Strong Opposition to Trump Supreme Court Nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Urges American People to Speak out Against Rushed Process to Fi 2020-09-26 2020 2020-09 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray: A vote to confirm any person [President Trump] nominates to the Supreme Court is a vote to take away people's health care and deny them vital rights in the middle of a pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 200,000 and counting Alliance for Justice: Amy Coney Barrett fought to undermine health care for millions in her attack on the Affordable Care Act, and publicly criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for his decision to uphold the law MORE HERE Senator Murray: I oppose this nomination in the strongest terms, just like I've opposed this President's other nominees who he undoubtedly picked to push the Supreme Court to finally overturn Roe v. Wade, dismantle affordable health care and eliminate pre-existing conditions protections Senator Murray: I'm going to do all I can to fulfill Justice Ginsburg's last wish, and I call on people in Washington state and across the country: raise your voice against this nomination so powerfully that President Trump and his party will have no choice but to listen ***DOWNLOAD AUDIO STATEMENT HERE*** ICYMIWATCH: Senator Murray on SCOTUS: Republicans Must Let Next President Fill Vacancy, Health Care and Workers' Rights Hang in the Balance VIDEO HERE (Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Assistant Democratic Leader and top Democrat on the Senate health committee, issued the following statement upon President Trump's nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett for the U.S. Supreme Court seat recently left vacant after the death of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. President Trump has told us repeatedly what he wants in a justice: a jurist who above anything else is committed to gutting health care through the courts and ending safe, legal abortion in the United States of America. Make no mistake, a vote to confirm a Supreme Court nominee who meets President Trump's tests is a vote to take away people's health care and vital rights. I oppose this nomination in the strongest terms, just like I've opposed other nominees this Presiden… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://jhb.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402007 Jaime Herrera Beutler Files Discharge Petition in House to Revive Paycheck Protection Program 2020-09-25 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Jaime Herrera Beutler H001056 jhb.house.gov     legacy This morning, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) filed a discharge petition in the U.S. House of Representatives to force a vote to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a lifeline for small businesses in Southwest Washington and across the country. The discharge petition, should it garner the required 218 signatures from U.S. Representatives, will then allow the House to bring to the floor a bill, authored by House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-01), to distribute the remaining nearly $135 billion in current PPP funds sitting idle after the program's August 8 expiration. Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to stall bringing forth legislation that would distribute the forgivable PPP loans to small businesses who are nearly on the brink of collapse. This public health crisis has left our small businesses near permanent closure, and that will happen on a massive scale if Congress doesn't act. Yet Congress isn't acting, so I've filed the discharge petition in the House today so we can bypass the political posturing and bring relief to our nation's small businesses and their employees. Other relief remains vital, but we either save jobs and businesses now or provide triage soon for the damage caused by empty buildings, lost livelihoods and health care plans, and fewer employment opportunities overall. Reviving the PPP has to be our priority, Herrera Beutler said. The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a critical lifeline for America's small businesses. Since its launch, the program is credited with saving 51 million jobs nationwide. But our work in helping small business owners stay open and keep employees on payroll is not done. A recent report indicates that as many as 36 percent small businesses say if no new funding comes from Congress soon, they will be forced to lay off workers or cut back hours. Democrats have consistently blocked or delayed relief, but Republicans are not giving up. That is why House Republicans, led by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=5FA29B59-C2C2-4198-AC70-CD8E6EEE6C67 Senator Murray on SCOTUS: Republicans Must Let Next President Fill Vacancy, Health Care and Workers Rights Hang in the Balance 2020-09-23 2020 2020-09 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray urges Republicans to let Americans make their voices heard and allow the next President to fill SCOTUS vacancy, stressing that health care is at risk In a speech on the Senate floor, Senator Murray also condemns Republicans for their singular focus on SCOTUS while they continue to delay a much-needed, comprehensive COVID relief package Senator Murray: The next President should choose Justice Ginsburg's replacement to spare our democracy the painful chaos of making such a decision so close to an election. People are speaking outand the Senate must listen, as Majority Leader McConnell insisted only a few years ago ***WATCH SENATOR MURRAY'S FULL REMARKS HERE*** (Washington, D.C.)Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, urged her Republican colleagues to let Americans make their voices heard on Election Day and allow the next President to fill Justice Ginsburg's vacancy on the Supreme Court. The next President should choose Justice Ginsburg's replacement, as she wishedto spare our democracy the painful chaos of making such a decision so close to an election. People are speaking outand the Senate must listen, as Majority Leader McConnell insisted only a few years ago, said Senator Murray. In her remarks, Senator Murray stressed that if Republicans allow President Trump to install another hard-right Supreme Court nominee, millions of people's health care, protections for pre-existing condition, workers' rights, and more will be at risk. Senator Murray also condemned Senate Republican's singular focus on packing the courts with right-wing judges and urged them to finally prioritize the American people over their partisan agenda. But unfortunately, it seems like my colleagues on the other side are content to ignore these cries, just like they've neglected the cries of our constituents for a COVID relief package that meets this moment instead of short-changing communities. Because nothin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D1CF85EE-88C4-4D0D-94F9-FAE4DBA21AB2 Senator Murray Calls On Republicans to Stand for Science, Support Bill to Stop Trump Administrations Political Interference in COVID-19 Response 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Led by Senator Murray, Senate Democrats introduce legislation to fight political interference in the COVID-19 response following barrage of alarming instances of Trump Administration meddling in scientific work Senator Murray: Now is the time for every Republican who has said they trust the experts and believe we must follow the science to prove they meant it by supporting this legislation. You cannot be for science if you're silent about political interference in our pandemic response. ICYMIfrom MyNorthwest: Washington Sen. Patty Murray: White House recklessly interfering' with COVID response MORE HERE (Washington, DC) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Assistant Democratic Leader and top Democrat on the Senate health committee, led Democratic Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and 32 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in introducing the Science and Transparency Over Politics (STOP) Act, legislation to fight back against political interference by the Trump Administration in the work of experts and the nation's public health agencies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is painfully clear that the Trump Administration won't stop the political interference which is threatening our response to this pandemic and putting lives in jeopardy on its own, so it is up to Congress to act. We need transparency and accountability from top to bottom, and we need it nowbefore it is too late to prevent more costly mistakes. Now is the time for every Republican who has said they trust the experts and believe we must follow the science to prove they meant it by supporting this legislation. You cannot be for science if you're silent about political interference in our pandemic response, said Senator Murray. The STOP Act would create a task force of the Pandemic Response and Accountability Committee charged with conducting a thorough investigation into any political interference with decisions made by scientific agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services in connection with the pandemic response. Thes… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-levin-introduce-resolution-honor-70th-anniversary-impact-aid Newhouse, Levin Introduce Resolution to Honor 70th Anniversary of Impact Aid 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Mike Levin (D-CA) introduced a resolution to recognize and celebrate the 70th anniversary of Impact Aid on September 30, 2020. As Co-Chair of the House Impact Aid Caucus, Rep. Newhouse leads 90 bipartisan members to support and advocate for the Impact Aid program, which provides critical reimbursements for school districts impacted by nontaxable federal property. Central Washington's students and school districts greatly benefit from the Impact Aid program, and I am proud to support these critical reimbursements, said Rep. Newhouse. From tribal reservations to Bureau of Reclamation lands, the federal government has a large footprint in our district, and we have a responsibility to ensure our students have access to the educational opportunities they deserve despite a significantly diminished local tax base. I thank Rep. Levin for partnering with me to introduce this resolution recognizing 70 years of Impact Aid. The Impact Aid program provides critical support to over 1,200 school districts that serve some of our most vulnerable student populations. We must continue to provide these school districts with the resources they need to serve students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, said Rep. Levin. Impact Aid is also critical for the military families I serve and schools on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, including San Onofre Elementary and Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Rep. Newhouse reaffirming our commitment to supporting them. For 70 years, Impact Aid has played a critical role in school districts' efforts to provide all students with the opportunities they need to meet their full potential, said Hilary Goldmann, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. The flexible funds provided by the program are used for instructional materials, technology, staffing, social emotional supports and other priorities identified by local officials. In the context of COVID-19, Impa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-short-term-continuing-resolution Newhouse Statement on Short-Term Continuing Resolution 2020-09-22 2020 2020-09 Republican Senate WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to support H.R. 8319, the Continuing Appropriations Act, a spending bill that funds the government through December 11, 2020: A short-term funding solution is never ideal, but this Continuing Resolution provides for many of Central Washington's priorities, said Rep. Newhouse. I'm glad to see Democrat leadership listened to the outcries from both sides of the aisle and included critical agriculture provisions like mandatory programs for conservation, child nutrition, risk management, and wildfire recovery to help our farmers and ranchers continue their essential work. The legislation also includes a provision I worked to include to ensure we can retain our Hanford workforce and the extension of important health programs our communities rely on, including Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Center programs. As an Appropriator, I believe Congress must do its job and pass the full appropriations bills, and as negotiations proceed, I will continue to advocate for responsible federal spending that will meet the needs of our communities and empower Central Washington to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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