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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
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169 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "WA" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • 2025 · 169 ✖

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  • WA · 169 ✖

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  • Democrat 169

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  • Senate · 169 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-administration-quietly-banning-abortion-care-for-veterans-families/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration Quietly Banning Abortion Care for Veterans & Families 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, 155,000 live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions Senator Murray, longtime leader on reproductive rights and veterans issues, grilled Secretary Collins on preserving access to abortion care at VA during his nomination hearing in January ICYMI FROM AUGUST: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ripping Away Access to Abortion Care for Women Veterans Who Were Raped or Whose Health is in Danger Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has quietly implemented a near-total abortion ban at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), banning abortion care for veterans and their dependents—even when a woman’s health is in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A Department of Justice (DOJ) memo issued last week, which regional VA leaders were told to comply with in an internal directive Monday, (screenshots here and here) shows the Trump administration is making this shift before VA even finished finalizing a proposed rule regarding this policy change and without allowing any public comment or consultation. Senator Murray forcefully condemned the Trump administration’s initial move to ban abortion at VA facilities in August—the new DOJ memo is a workaround by the Trump administration to implement their VA abortion ban even sooner, and as of this week, the policy is now fully in effect at VA facilities across the country. The policy is a near-total ban on abortion care at VA, with only an exception for care when “a physician certifies that the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term”—and no exceptions for the health of the veteran or for rape or incest. The policy also bans VA providers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/ Murray, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA’s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senators: “At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them.” ICYMI: VIDEO FROM SENATOR MURRAY: “Exactly zero veterans think the problem with the VA health care system is that there are *too many* staff providing care. But Trump’s VA has now decided it won’t fill thousands of open positions. We need answers about what this will mean for veterans.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 36 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding answers about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.” The senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-markey-senate-democrats-request-answers-from-sba-on-new-draconian-citizenship-verification-requirements-for-lending-programs-hurting-small-businesses-across-the-country/ Murray, Markey, Senate Democrats Request Answers from SBA on New Draconian Citizenship Verification Requirements for Lending Programs—Hurting Small Businesses Across the Country 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Recent Trump administration SBA policy changes have led to a 46% reduction in small business lending. A one-pager on how the Trump administration’s SBA policies are making it harder to start and run small businesses is HERE. ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Small Business & Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and 17 Democratic colleagues, in a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to request answers about the Trump administration’s efforts to limit economic opportunity for American entrepreneurs, including immigrants, and to highlight the impact that the SBA’s draconian citizenship verification requirements are having on SBA lending programs. These new requirements, implemented by the Trump administration in June 2025, prevent loans from going to small businesses whose owners, investors, or key employees are foreign nationals; have deferred action, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); or have certain kinds of lawful noncitizen status, including refugees, asylees, visa holders, and conditional green card holders – even if the business is majority owned by U.S. citizens. SBA’s policy changes that include the citizenship verification requirements, increased minimum credit scores, and more stringent underwriting requirements have contributed to a drastic 46% drop in small business lending from June to August 2025. “These new requirements hurt any small business owned or operated even in small part by noncitizens, even when the business employs Americans and operates wholly in the United States. Small businesses use SBA loans to create jobs and invest in their operations. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is demonizing immigrant communities and picking winners and losers, rather than basing lending decisions on a small business’s ability to repay a loan,” the senators wrote. The lawmakers continue, “We have heard conc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-sanders-baldwin-demand-reversal-explanation-of-trump-admins-banned-word-list-that-threatens-families-access-to-head-start-programs-nationwide/ Murray, Sanders, Baldwin Demand Reversal, Explanation of Trump Admin’s “Banned Word” List That Threatens Families’ Access to Head Start Programs Nationwide 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling on him to immediately reverse and explain the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) guidance prohibiting the use of nearly 200 words associated with “DEI” in Head Start funding applications—including words like “women,” “disability,” “Tribal,” and “mental health.” The Department has threatened that funding could be denied for Head Start centers if these words are used—despite the fact that the bipartisan statute authorizing the Head Start program specifically requires Head Start centers to work to meet goals associated with these words. “We write to express our outrage at recent U.S. Health and Human Services actions to prohibit Head Start grantees from providing services that are clearly permitted under the law, like training teachers on how best to care for children with disabilities or enabling Tribes to serve their own members. As part of enforcing your illegal guidance banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Office of Head Start has now prohibited nearly 200 words and phrases,” write the Senators. “Your actions directly conflict with the statutory requirements established by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the Head Start Act to provide community-driven services and supportive classrooms for children with disabilities, and they force Head Start grantees to make an impossible and unacceptable choice between complying with the law or bending to the Administration’s unlawful DEI ban to keep their funding. The chaos you are creating is already jeopardizing services for nearly 700,000 young children across this country.” The Senators note that a Trump admini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-release-of-partisan-homeland-security-appropriations-bill/ Senator Murray Statement on Release of Partisan Homeland Security Appropriations Bill 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper “Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have chosen to release a partisan bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security instead of working with Senate Democrats to finalize a negotiated bill. We need more accountability from President Trump’s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security, and as we proceed to conference negotiations on this bill and the remainder of our bills, I am going to keep working to produce the strongest possible legislation. American families should be able to count on their own government to support them through serious natural disasters and to enforce our immigration laws humanely and in accordance with the law.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/as-open-enrollment-ends-in-idaho-and-thousands-of-idahoans-cancel-coverage-murray-decries-republican-health-care-sabotage-idaho-is-the-canary-in-the-coal-mine/ As Open Enrollment Ends in Idaho and Thousands of Idahoans Cancel Coverage, Murray Decries Republican Health Care Sabotage: “Idaho is the Canary in the Coal Mine” 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Idaho Capital Sun: Thousands of Idahoans cancel health insurance plans on exchange ahead of subsidies ending Idaho Statesman: Obamacare subsidies are set to expire. Dems call Idaho ‘ground zero’ for crisis ICYMI: Days Before Open Enrollment Begins, Senator Murray Joins Idaho Leaders, Residents Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits to Call on Republicans to Come to the Table to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing Idaho’s open enrollment data—first in the nation—shows twice as many people disenrolled from health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality plans Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on new data from Idaho’s health insurance marketplace showing the very real consequences of Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and letting health care premiums skyrocket for families across the country. Idaho’s open enrollment period ended on Monday—the first in the nation to close, making it a key bellwether of how Republican health care sabotage is affecting families’ decisions around health care coverage for next year. Yesterday, Idaho’s exchange marketplace reported that twice as many people disenrolled in health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality insurance plans, where the cost of care is higher. The Executive Director of Idaho’s insurance marketplace, Your Health Idaho, cited affordability as a key concern for Idahoans signing up for health care this year—and said they expect an additional 20,000 people to cancel their coverage in the coming months because they won’t be able to afford their monthly premiums. “Idaho is the canary in the coal mine on Republican health care sabotage. This week, we got our first look at the very… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-democrats-call-on-independent-watchdog-to-investigate-impact-of-republicans-health-care-cutting-agenda-on-veterans-their-families/ Murray, Blumenthal, Democrats Call on Independent Watchdog to Investigate Impact of Republicans’ Health Care-Cutting Agenda on Veterans & Their Families 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senators call on Government Accountability Office to examine impact on veterans from Republican health care cuts and skyrocketing health care premiums Letter comes after Republicans failed to join Democrat efforts to extend Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits that allow 267,000 veterans to afford health care ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and 25 of their colleagues in a letter calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda will affect veterans and their families. This follows Senate Republicans’ failure to join Democrats in extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which 267,000 veterans rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Republicans’ Medicaid and ACA cuts in their disastrous reconciliation bill, 15 million Americans are expected to lose health coverage and millions will face higher health care costs, including veterans and their families. “The 2025 budget reconciliation bill, Public Law 119-21, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (BBB), will reduce access to essential health care and supportive services for millions of Americans, including veterans and their families. Compounded with expiring enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, veterans are facing a life-threatening reduction in access to health care and other essential benefits. These reductions in access to private health insurance, Medicaid, and funding for community health services will result in more veterans relying more heavily on their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits,” the senators wrote. 1.6 million veterans and four million veteran family memb… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-harms-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands/ Murray,  Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Harms to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and 18 of their Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges — putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country — with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the senators wrote. The senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the admini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-democratic-members-in-demanding-answers-from-ice-on-deteriorating-conditions-and-inadequate-food-medical-care-and-access-to-legal-counsel-at-nwipc/ Murray Leads WA Democratic Members in Demanding Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray, lawmakers: “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC… Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.” ICYMI: Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care KUOW: Inside the black box of ICE detention in Tacoma, she watched her wedding day come and go ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575. Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter to ICE were: Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10). “Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-opposing-final-fiscal-year-2026-ndaa/ Senator Murray Statement on Opposing Final Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), and issued the following statement: “I will always fight to support our troops and make sure our country has their back—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, that is a responsibility I have always taken seriously and always will. “However, this bill does not do enough to curb a lawless administration at a moment when President Trump is threatening to turn the military on American citizens, and drag us into a war with Venezuela. While the NDAA takes some steps toward oversight into this administration’s actions in the Caribbean, full video of the lethal second strike that is currently being withheld needs to be made available to all senators—and this is just one in a very long list of things this administration needs to answer for. The politicization and weaponization of our military under this administration should alarm and frighten us all. Our Secretary of Defense is a national embarrassment who denigrates women in the military and put servicemembers’ lives in jeopardy by sharing sensitive war plans in a group chat—Secretary Hegseth is dangerously incompetent and must be fired. “Furthermore, it is shameful that Speaker Johnson stripped the provision I worked on with Senator Duckworth to help our servicemembers access IVF. Servicemembers face higher rates of infertility and we should be doing everything we can to help them build their families—it’s outrageous that Republicans are denying servicemembers that opportunity. Republicans also cut a very straightforward provision I worked on—that was included in the Senate bill—to expand menopause research at VA and DOD. Menopause is one of the most important yet under-researched areas of women’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-senate-floor-speech-senator-murray-commends-rescue-efforts-and-response-to-devastating-flooding-across-wa-vows-to-continue-fighting-for-support-needed-to-rebuild-recover/ In Senate Floor Speech, Senator Murray Commends Rescue Efforts and Response to Devastating Flooding Across WA, Vows to Continue Fighting for Support Needed to Rebuild & Recover 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “Here’s my message to everyone back in Washington state who is dealing with the aftermath of these devastating floods: I know you have a long road ahead. But I promise you will not walk that road alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your voice here in Washington D.C. And I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get the support you need to build and to recover.” TRI-CITY HERALD: ‘Just what we do.’ Tri-Cities neighbors come together in Yakima River flood ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks on the historic flooding and extreme weather that has wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state over the past week, and to praise the heroic efforts of first responders, members of the Coast Guard and National Guard, local officials, meteorologists, and everyday citizens who have stepped up to respond to the flooding and help people on the frontlines. “Earlier this morning, we saw the first reported death connected to the flooding—a tragic and sobering reminder of what is at stake,” Senator Murray said on the Senate floor today. “And as response and recovery efforts continue across my state, I want to take a moment to recognize the valiant effort of first responders, and teams at all levels coming together to get lifesaving information out to our communities so people can prepare and evacuate, and to go in and rescue people whenever and wherever needed.” “This flooding showed, plain as day, how the decisions we make here in D.C. really matter for families back home,” Murray continued. “Twenty years ago, I fought for funding so the City of Mount Vernon could secure a flood wall. This week, that wall paid off big time—preventing major flooding from devastating downtown Mount Vernon. We also saw how other flood prevention infrastructure made a huge difference protecting communities all around my state. That’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids-2/ Murray, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES: Indigenous actor Elaine Miles says ICE called her tribal ID ‘fake’ Senators: “The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 11 of her Senate colleagues in a new letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem demanding answers regarding the outrageous mistreatment of Tribal citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a number of recent incidents, including in Washington state. In their letter, the lawmakers called out reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance, and urged Secretary Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). “We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,” the senators wrote. “In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-wyden-gillibrand-lead-democrats-in-new-bill-to-halt-trump-administrations-looming-medicare-ai-prior-authorization-takeover-democrats-fight-to-save-medicare/ Murray, Wyden, Gillibrand Lead Democrats in New Bill to Halt Trump Administration’s Looming Medicare AI Prior Authorization Takeover—Democrats Fight to Save Medicare 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington state is one of six states selected by the Trump administration to take part in untested new program adding new red tape to Traditional Medicare by allowing AI to approve or deny medical procedures for seniors As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, Senators lead effort to protect Medicare benefits from an AI experiment Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, led their colleagues in introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that is set to begin January 1, 2026 and last for six years. The Trump administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever—allowing private companies to use artificial intelligence (AI) to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients—meaning that AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. Most concerningly, the third-party AI companies involved in the program will be compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures”—rewarding companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. According to CMS, human clinicians will review any denials made by AI—but the Trump administration has failed to pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-leads-entire-wa-delegation-in-requesting-expedited-emergency-declaration-for-devastating-storms-atmospheric-rivers-hitting-washington-state-2/ Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES LIVE UPDATES: Skagit County officials ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for entire Skagit River valley 100-year floodplain; 100,000 people expected to be evacuated statewide SEATTLE TIMES: 4 WA rivers might break major flooding records from atmospheric river ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week. The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Murray and the other members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-meets-with-snohomish-county-first-responders-tours-recent-flooding-visits-skagit-county-flood-wall-affirms-she-will-fight-to-deliver-federal-resources-to-support-recovery/ Senator Murray Meets with Snohomish County First Responders, Tours Recent Flooding; Visits Skagit County Flood Wall, Affirms She Will Fight to Deliver Federal Resources to Support Recovery 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “We have a long road ahead to ensure our communities can recover and rebuild—rest assured I will fight tooth and nail to make certain that Washington state gets the federal resources it needs.” ***VIDEO OF THE MEDIA AVAILABILITY IN MOUNT VERNON AVAILABLE HERE*** Mount Vernon, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Snohomish and Skagit Counties to hear about ongoing response efforts and witness firsthand the current state of local communities that have been hit hard by major flooding and extreme weather. In Snohomish County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and other local elected officials. At this stop, the Senator heard from local first responders and emergency management officials and also toured affected areas around the city of Monroe including Tualco Valley and Ben Howard Road. In Skagit County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Ferguson and Senator Cantwell. She met with Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan to discuss the ongoing response efforts in the region and to see firsthand how the Skagit County Flood Wall protected downtown Mount Vernon during the historic flooding—Murray secured the federal funds to help build the flood wall back in 2006. Senator Murray also heard from National Weather Service (NWS) staff about the forecast for next week where they underscored that further precipitation is expected and that flood waters could continue to rise in certain areas even as they recede in others. “Communities across our state have been hit hard by this flooding and we aren’t out of the woods yet—I continue to urge everyone to stay alert and listen closely to local officials for urgent updates to keep themselves and first responders safe,” said Senator Murray. “These past few days have been difficult, and there are a lot more tough days ahead—but I am reall… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-final-opportunity-to-save-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-urges-republicans-to-stop-maga-health-care-hike-slams-unserious-and-harmful-republican-proposals-that-would-do-nothing-to-stop-premi/ Ahead of Final Opportunity to Save ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Urges Republicans to Stop MAGA Health Care Hike, Slams Unserious and Harmful Republican Proposals That Would Do Nothing to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “The Republican plan is like Squid Games for health care. You can’t afford quality health coverage? Here’s a coupon—spin the wheel and see if you make it through the year. If you lose—if you get cancer, if you get pregnant, or if you have any sort of medical emergency more expensive than a thousand bucks, you get buried in debt.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke forcefully on the Senate floor, calling on Republicans to support legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and prevent the massive premium hikes families are facing beginning January 1st because of Republicans’ refusal to act all year. Murray laid out how, at this point—well over a month into Open Enrollment—it is simply too late to pass anything more complicated than a clean extension of the tax credits, which is what Democrats’ bill does. Republicans had all year to propose and pass reforms to the tax credits—they chose not to—and proposals requiring the implementation of major reforms to the tax credits less than three weeks before coverage begins January 1st are not serious and would not stop health care premiums from skyrocketing. The latest polling from KFF found one in four ACA marketplace enrollees said they are very likely to go uninsured if the ACA tax credits aren’t extended, and one in three enrollees said they are very likely to shop for a plan with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Tomorrow, alongside a vote on Democrats’ legislation that would provide a clean, three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, the Senate will also vote on a Crapo-Cassidy proposal that would kill … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-calls-out-republicans-for-blocking-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-applauds-consideration-of-two-commonsense-veterans-bills-to-help-constituents-in-wa-state/ At Hearing, Senator Murray Calls Out Republicans for Blocking IVF Coverage for Servicemembers, Applauds Consideration of Two Commonsense Veterans Bills to Help Constituents in WA State 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA.” Senator Murray’s Purple Heart Veterans Education Act and Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act among legislation considered at today’s hearing ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange at the hearing*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a former chair and senior member of the committee, spoke about how two of her bills on the hearing agenda would close critical gaps in current law to better serve veterans and their families. She also pressed witnesses on President Trump and Republicans’ deliberate efforts to deny servicemembers and veterans access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), after House Speaker Mike Johnson worked behind the scenes to strip a provision, based on Senator Murray’s legislation, that would ensure health care coverage for fertility services, including IVF, for all active-duty servicemembers. [IVF FOR SERVICEMEMBERS] In opening comments, Senator Murray said: “President Trump came into office saying that he would make IVF free. “Instead, not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by now as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA. “And on that note, I am really disappointed to see that my Veteran Families Health Services Act was left off of the agenda today. That bill would give more servicemembers and veterans the opportunity to grow their families—including through IVF—by expanding the fertility services that are covered under VA and DOD health care. “It just seems like Republicans and this administration really talk a big game about IVF. But when it comes to actual policy, it’s pretty clear who is in the driver’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-senator-murray-lays-out-how-trump-is-driving-up-costs-for-seniors-attacking-the-social-security-administration/ At HELP Hearing, Senator Murray Lays Out How Trump is Driving Up Costs for Seniors, Attacking the Social Security Administration 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how President Trump is driving up those costs and the uncertainty so many seniors are seeing across the board. I don’t think we can talk about retirement without talking about the health care crisis that is now causing premiums to skyrocket for families who rely on the ACA premium tax credits.” Los Angeles Times: ‘It’s a shambles’: DOGE cuts bring chaos, long waits at Social Security for seniors ***WATCH: Senator Murray Q&A with witnesses*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled “The Future of Retirement,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how Trump administration policies and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act have undermined seniors’ ability to afford health care and other basics, and receive the Social Security benefits that they earned. Senator Murray also asked witnesses about how rising prices across the board have made it harder for working Americans to save for retirement, and how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) workforce is making it harder for seniors to get the help they need to access their Social Security benefits. Witnesses at the hearing included: Chad Williams, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones; Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans; and James R. Copland, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. In opening comments, Senator Muray said: “The future of retirement is really an important topic—but I do think we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. “Because if Trump keeps driving up prices, and sabotaging health care, Social Security, and much more, then the future of retirement won’t even exist for many Americans. I mean, how many Americans will actually get to retire when everything in their lives is more expensive? “So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how Preside… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-new-congressional-report-showing-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-are-hurting-wa-businesses-and-causing-steep-decline-in-tourism-from-canada/ Senator Murray Responds to New Congressional Report Showing Trump’s Tariffs on Canada are Hurting WA Businesses and Causing Steep Decline in Tourism from Canada 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM JEC: Declining Canadian Tourism is Harming American Businesses in States Along the United States-Canada Border ICYMI THIS WEEK: Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement in response to a new report from the U.S Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) which found that Trump’s tariffs on Canada and trade war provocations with our neighbor and close ally have led to a steep drop in Canadian tourism that is harming American businesses in Washington state and other states along the United States-Canada border. The JEC report found that every state along the United States-Canada border is facing declines in tourism and rising economic pressures. Many states along the border, like Washington state, are home to hundreds of businesses that rely on Canadian tourism to survive. Canadian tourism contributed $20.5 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 140,000 jobs in 2024. In 2025, between January and October, the number of passenger vehicles crossing the United States-Canada border declined by nearly 20 percent compared to 2024. In Washington state, passenger vehicle border crossings were down more than 24 percent for that time period. “While Trump hikes up tariffs via tweet and threatens to annex our close allies—businesses and communities in the United States are the ones who suffer. It’s both stupid and wrong. In Washington state, so many small businesses along the border rely on Canadian tourism and trade to survive—but Trump’s attacks on Canada have pushed our neighbors away and forced business and tourism to plummet. “I’ve heard firsthand this year how many small businesses in our state are being forced to raise prices or close their doors altogether. This isn’t just bad economic policy, it is real American families’ livelihoods being hurt, lost revenue for local bu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-career-and-technical-education-senator-murray-calls-out-trump-admins-illegal-scheme-to-transfer-key-education-responsibilities-to-other-agencies-jeopardizing-support-students/ At Hearing on Career and Technical Education, Senator Murray Calls Out Trump Admin’s Illegal Scheme to Transfer Key Education Responsibilities to Other Agencies, Jeopardizing Support Students Count On 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI from Politico: The Education Department gave another agency power to distribute its money. It hasn’t gone well. ICYMI from Gov Exec: Trump admin acknowledges difficulties in transferring Education programs to other agencies, internal documents show ***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on how the Trump administration has increased bureaucratic hurdles for educators and harmed career and technical education*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) subcommittee hearing on career and technical education (CTE), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) by spinning off critical education responsibilities to other agencies are harming students and threatening education programs across the nation. President Trump signed an executive order in March seeking to eliminate the Department of Education. Federal law requires an act of Congress to close the department, and Secretary McMahon has repeatedly affirmed that only Congress can shut down the department. Knowing that Congress will not pass a law to abolish the Department of Education, she has nonetheless worked hard to dismantle the department from within. In July, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that she planned to illegally transfer responsibility of CTE and adult education programs to the Department of Labor–leading to technical problems, communications breakdowns, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical issues at the agency. Despite these problems, last month, the Trump administration announced that it would double down on this failure and attempt to illegally shutter even more of the Department of Education by moving significant responsibilities of almost all K-12 education programs and the majority of higher education grantmaking to other agencies with little to no education expertise—causing early literacy programs, preschool programs, and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-grills-trumps-trade-representative-over-administrations-reckless-tariffs-driving-up-prices-devastating-small-businesses/ Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray raises example of Tacoma-made Almond Roca while pressing Trump administration on effect of trade war on American businesses Senator Murray has been outspoken about the harm Trump’s tariffs are causing in WA—one of the most trade-dependent states in the country; Murray has held numerous events in every corner of the state to hear from businesses, farmers, and border communities about effects of Trump’s trade war ***WATCH: Senator Murray exchange with U.S. Trade Representative on Trump’s tariffs*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s unprecedented, chaotic, and ill-conceived tariffs are hurting American consumers and small businesses. Right now, the effective tariff rate in the U.S. is 16.8 percent, the highest tariff rate since 1934. Trump’s tariffs have already raised retail prices for families by 5 percent, and this year alone, Trump’s tariffs are expected to cost American households an additional $1,700 on average. One analysis found Trump’s tariffs will could push nearly 1 million Americans into poverty in 2026. In September, a nonpartisan analysis by the Washington State Office of Financial Management found that if the current Trump tariffs stay in effect for the next four years, they will cost Washington state up to 25,000 jobs—and if Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are fully implemented, Washington state would lose $2.2 billion in economic output and 31,900 jobs over the next four years, and significantly drive up the cost of groceries, clothing, cars, and much more. Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. In 2024, Washington exported $57.8 billion of goods, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), making W… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-this-weeks-vote-on-extending-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-lays-out-the-stakes-urges-republicans-to-vote-yes-in-final-opportunity-to-stop-health-care-premiums-from-skyrocketi/ Ahead of This Week’s Vote on Extending ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Lays Out the Stakes & Urges Republicans to Vote Yes in Final Opportunity to Stop Health Care Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES: WA health insurance buyers fret as ACA subsidies remain in limbo NEW YORK TIMES: Running Out of Time, Republicans in Congress Still Lack a Health Plan Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on the fight to save the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the critical vote this week on a proposal to extend the tax credits for three years. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange, and Lisa, a Washington resident of King County who buys her health care through the Marketplace and is facing skyrocketing premiums with the looming expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. At the press conference, Senator Murray discussed how inaction by Republican Members of Congress will force Washingtonians to pay significantly more for health care next year, and how this week’s vote on a clean, three-year extension of the ACA tax credits is the last chance to prevent skyrocketing health care premiums starting in January, when the tax credits expire. Due to Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the ACA Marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state), and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is HERE. “I’ve heard from fa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-senate-democrats-condemn-neo-nazi-hate-in-the-face-of-rising-antisemitism-and-mainstreaming-of-white-supremacists/ Murray, Senate Democrats Condemn Neo-Nazi Hate in the Face of Rising Antisemitism and Mainstreaming of White Supremacists 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to introduce a resolution—co-sponsored by every Senate Democrat—that strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes and condemns Tucker Carlson’s platforming of Fuentes. The resolution, “Condemning white supremacy, hate, and antisemitism, and efforts to give a platform to these dangerous ideologies” condemns Nazism and white supremacy in all its forms and urges all elected officials to condemn them as well. The text of the resolution lays out numerous examples of Nick Fuentes’ dangerous white supremacist ideology, noting that he is a Holocaust denier and supporter of Hitler who has expressed support for killing Jews and repeatedly peddled the dangerous “Great Replacement Theory” that claims that Jews are orchestrating the replacement of native white Europeans from their countries by non-white immigrants. The resolution also notes that, during Tucker Carlson’s lengthy interview with Fuentes on October 27, 2025, Fuentes perpetuated antisemitic conspiracy theories and Carlson did not push back on or reject the claims made by Fuentes during the interview, at times even validating his framing. Senate Democrats’ resolution concludes: “Resolved, That the Senate—(1) strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes; (2) condemns the effort by Tucker Carlson to platform and mainstream Fuentes; (3) condemns Nazism, honors the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives to defeat the Nazis, and affirms that Nazi Germany and its collaborators murdered 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust; (4) unequivocally condemns antisemitism and white supremacy whenever and wherever they occur; and (5) urges all elected officials, thought leaders, and community leaders to reject and condemn white supremacy and antisemitism whenever and wherever they occur.” The full list of endorsing organizations includes: Union for Reform Judaism… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-condemns-egregious-use-of-force-by-ice-as-constituent-is-mauled-by-attack-dog-demands-release-from-nwipc-to-receive-appropriate-medical-care/ Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***(WARNING: Graphic Content) Photos of Wilmer’s injuries, photos of Wilmer and his children, and partial video of his detainment are available to the press HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement condemning the violent and unwarranted assault of her constituent, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, and calling for his immediate release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC). “On November 14, 2025, my constituent Wilmer was mauled by an ICE attack dog even though he has consistently explained that he was not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. His wife and two of his young children, ages two and three, all U.S. citizens, were forced to watch helplessly as he was violently attacked and dragged away. For hours afterward, he was denied even basic medical care following this unprovoked assault. The photos documenting his injuries are horrific. This should shock the conscience of every one of us. I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity and face no consequences. “While Donald Trump’s entire mass deportation agenda has been nothing short of depraved, this is especially sickening. By now, everyone should realize, Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst—he is terrorizing everyone, including U.S. citizens and their loved ones. “I am calling for Wilmer’s immediate release from NWIPC—he has no criminal convictions, he poses no threat to the community, and he urgently needs appropriate medical care since ICE is denying him the treatment he requires. I am grateful for Wilmer’s willingness to let me share his story—there’s no telling how many similar stories are not being told for fear of retaliation. Every one of us must demand justice and accountability and every one of us must speak out against these kinds of human rights abuses.” According to his attorney, Wilmer was violently detained by ICE and mauled by an attack dog despite not resisting arrest or attemptin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-rfk-jr-s-hand-picked-anti-vax-panel-has-destroyed-any-shred-of-credibility-with-dangerous-removal-of-universal-hep-b-vaccine-recommendation/ Senator Murray: RFK Jr.’s Hand-Picked Anti-Vax Panel has “Destroyed Any Shred of Credibility” with Dangerous Removal of Universal Hep B Vaccine Recommendation 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper CDC vaccine advisory panel ends universal recommendation of Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, unless mother’s status is positive or unknown One in four children with chronic Hepatitis B will later die from liver disease Murray: “RFK Jr. should never have been confirmed, and until he does the only responsible thing and resigns—we should be working aggressively to push back against his parade of nonsense that is putting families in danger.” ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Planned Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine at Upcoming ACIP Meeting Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement after vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to end the recommendation of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B at birth, without any new evidence prompting the change. Senator Murray has been a sharp critic of Secretary Kennedy, even before his confirmation—and has repeatedly called for him to be fired. This vaccine recommendation change comes despite robust evidence that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective, and has reduced infant hepatitis B infections by 99 percent since the U.S. first began recommending the first dose at-birth in 1991. “RFK Jr.’s hand-picked anti-vax panel has removed any doubt about their obvious bias, and destroyed any shred of credibility for their decision-making process. In their singled-minded march to end the long established Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation that has saved countless lives, they discarded decades of established science, misrepresented medical studies, and ignored all critics. CDC should reject this dangerous suggestion that will simply mean more babies die in the United States. “The painful truth is, much like Hepatitis B infections, this outcome was completely avoidable to anyone willing to look seriously … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-sanders-schumer-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education-call-on-mcmahon-to-reverse-illegal-moves-that-weaken-support-for-students/ Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, Schumer, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education; Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Moves That Weaken Support for Students 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department of Education’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on—and calling on her to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education. In addition to Senators Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” write the Senators. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-speaker-johnson-working-to-strip-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-from-ndaa-betraying-trump-promise-to-increase-access-to-ivf/ Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper The NDAA provision is based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce in April; Murray has worked for decades to make IVF more accessible for veterans and servicemembers, leads legislation to help veterans grow their families Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to reporting in MS NOW that House Speaker Mike Johnson is working behind the scenes to strip a provision—based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce earlier this year— that would mandate TRICARE health care coverage for fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for all active-duty servicemembers. “Right now, servicemembers who risk their lives for our country can’t get the same IVF coverage that’s available to other federal employees—that’s plain wrong, and it’s outrageous that once again, Speaker Johnson and his anti-abortion allies are standing in the way of a simple legislative fix. Members of the military face a higher rate of infertility often because of their service to our country, but Republicans want to deny these servicemembers the ability to grow their families. “Speaker Johnson is among the most extreme anti-abortion radicals in Congress who believes embryos should have the same rights as living, breathing human beings—it’s disgraceful but not surprising that he is working behind the scenes to force servicemembers to suffer through infertility rather than grow their families through IVF. “I’ll keep pushing to protect every servicemember’s right to IVF—and Donald Trump, who purports to support IVF, should join with Democrats to protect this provision.” In April, Senator Murray joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in introducing the IVF for Military Families Act, new bicameral legislation that would require TRICARE—which provides health coverage to active duty military servicemembers, retirees, and their families—to cover fertility service… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-following-briefing-on-lethal-second-strike-of-boat-in-the-caribbean/ Senator Murray Statement Following Briefing on Lethal Second Strike of Boat in the Caribbean 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement following a bipartisan briefing on the Trump administration’s follow-up strike of a boat it attacked in the Caribbean on September 2, which killed all remaining survivors. “I’m glad there is finally some bipartisan oversight of actions taken by this administration. That must continue. “What we heard today was truly disturbing, and more accountability and answers must be provided—not only on this second strike, but on the Trump administration’s broader unauthorized military campaign in the Caribbean. Full, unedited video of the second strike must be made public by the Department of Defense as soon as possible. “What’s also clear to me is that Pete Hegseth should be fired. Between overseeing this campaign in the Caribbean, risking U.S. servicemembers’ lives by sharing war plans on Signal, and so much else, it could not be more obvious that Secretary Hegseth is unfit for the role, and it is past time for him to go.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-health-care-affordability-senator-murray-slams-republicans-for-massive-health-care-cuts-and-refusal-to-stop-premiums-from-skyrocketing-next-year-urges-extension-of-aca-tax-credits/ At Hearing on Health Care Affordability, Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Massive Health Care Cuts and Refusal to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year, Urges Extension of ACA Tax Credits 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Saying ‘let’s start talking about fixing this now,’ a month into open enrollment, instead of at any point earlier this year when we actually had time to stop premiums from skyrocketing or look at some of these different reforms—well, that is about as serious as expressing concern about RFK Jr.’s anti-vax crusade after voting to make him the most powerful public health official in the country.” Senator Murray: “I do want to note that tomorrow, CDC’s Vaccine Committee is meeting to discuss the childhood vaccine schedule, and the Hepatitis B vaccines—something the chair of this Committee has said many times save lives. The CDC Advisory Committee is going to hear from who-knows-who… I am deeply alarmed that this Committee has not done more oversight, and we still have not done a thing to force RFK Jr. to come here and answer questions about his decision to fire the CDC Director Monarez and limit access to lifesaving vaccines. I hope that will change.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits for YEARS—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks on health care and Q&A with witnesses*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on health care affordability, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—slammed Republican hypocrisy on health care affordability and called on Republicans to support a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to curb at least some of the damage from the massive health care premium hikes Republicans have already set in motion by refusing to lift a finger to extend the ACA tax credits earlier this year. Because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Pre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-highlights-russias-barbaric-kidnapping-of-ukrainian-children-slams-trump-for-eliminating-funding-for-efforts-to-track-victims/ At Hearing, Senator Murray Highlights Russia’s Barbaric Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children, Slams Trump for Eliminating Funding for Efforts to Track Victims 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Unfortunately, we simply cannot have this conversation without talking about the fact that, as Ranking Member Schatz mentioned, earlier this year the Trump Administration abruptly cut off funding to help track victims of Russian kidnapping and deliver justice.” ***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on holding Russia accountable for kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing titled “The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned witnesses on how the United States can support efforts to hold Russia accountable for the kidnapping and forced re-education of thousands of Ukrainian children. A report from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab concluded this September that Russia has kidnapped thousands of children from Ukraine to at least 210 facilities inside Russia and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine and subjected them to re-education or militarization at many of the facilities. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of the war crime of illegally deporting and transferring children from Ukraine. Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated funding for the Yale lab’s ongoing research tracking Russia’s abduction of children, and there is still no ongoing funding from the United States for this specific research. In opening comments, Senator Murray said: “Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. I’m really glad that this hearing is being held to help shine a light on one of the darkest aspects of Russia’s bloody and unjustified war in Ukraine. “Thousands of Ukrainian children that you’ve talked about have been kidnapped by Russia since this terrible war began. They’ve been abduct… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-cortez-masto-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-harmful-provisions-in-republican-tax-law-and-protect-unaccompanied-immigrant-children/ Murray, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse Harmful Provisions in Republican Tax Law and Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Representative Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), and Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D, IL-03) in introducing the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act. This legislation would reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (H.R. 1) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. “Making a child pay an exorbitant amount of money just to escape human trafficking or violence is beyond cruel—it’s heartless,” said Senator Murray. “The Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act reverses provisions that should have never made it into law and takes an important step to protect the safety of unaccompanied children fleeing the most horrific of situations.” “As members of Congress, it’s our duty to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That includes the unaccompanied children who come to the United States after escaping trafficking and abuse. It’s essential that we reverse the Republican tax law’s cruel provisions and protect these kids.” Passed in July, H.R. 1 imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on any child who arrives to the United States between ports of entry. This law also requires children to pay a mandatory asylum application fee, as well as new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government’s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay. Additionally, H.R. 1 provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking. H.R. 1 also provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge. To reverse these provisions in the Republican tax l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-floodplain-bill-picks-up-dozens-of-key-endorsements-momentum-grows-as-commonsense-bipartisan-legislation-is-introduced-in-the-house/ Murray Floodplain Bill Picks Up Dozens of Key Endorsements, Momentum Grows as Commonsense Bipartisan Legislation Is Introduced in the House 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced dozens of endorsements from key stakeholders for the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act—bipartisan legislation Senator Murray introduced with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) this past May. The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act is a straightforward, commonsense bill that would create a new pathway for ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains that meet specific low-risk criteria—simplifying the approval for important restoration work while still upholding flood safety standards. On November 21st, U.S. Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Troy Downing (R, MT-02), Janelle Bynum (D, OR-02), and Bryan Steil (R, WI-01), introduced identical companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “I’m delighted to see momentum growing behind the bipartisan bill Senator Daines and I introduced earlier this year to simplify the approval process for critical ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains,” said Senator Murray. “It’s easy to see why everyone from environmental organizations, to Tribes, to local city and community partners, are excited about this legislation: it’s a simple, zero-cost fix that will cut red tape and allow critical environment restoration efforts across the country to move forward. The federal government should be making it easier to complete locally-supported environmental restoration projects—not harder. Passing this commonsense bill is one simple step we can take now to protect critical ecosystems and make government more efficient.” “Critical ecosystem restoration projects across Montana have been abandoned due to FEMA’s onerous and costly ‘No Rise’ rule,” said Senator Daines. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will reduce unnecessary burdens on important conservation and restoration work, while continuing to keep our communities safe from flooding. I’m glad to see companion legislation introduced by our colleagues in the House of Representatives… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schiff-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/ Murray, Schiff, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) to introduce the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D, CA-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda – such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “The Trump administration has already fired or forced out over 100 immigration judges across the country as part of their callous anti-immigrant crusade, and now they are allowing attorneys with zero prior immigration law experience to serve as temporary judges in immigration cases, making hugely consequential decisions about families’ futures,” said Senator Murray. “Every person deserves a fair hearing. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act is about making sure anyone serving as a judge in an immigration hearing has the basic qualifications to do the job, and that the Trump administration can’t keep unqualified temporary judges in place indefinitely.” The bill would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services; Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges; Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements; Establish basic training requirements. In addition to Senators Murray and Schiff, the bill is co-sponsored by Sen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-planned-changes-to-hepatitis-b-vaccine-at-upcoming-acip-meeting-calls-on-chair-cassidy-to-demand-rfk-jr-testify-on-vaccine-changes-before-help-committee/ Senator Murray Slams Planned Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine at Upcoming ACIP Meeting, Calls on Chair Cassidy to Demand RFK Jr. Testify on Vaccine Changes Before HELP Committee 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: In Response to Murray Questioning at HELP, Former CDC Director Says She Would Be “Very Nervous” to Tell Parents to Trust Recommendations From New ACIP Panel ICYMI: Murray requests HHS Inspector General Review of recent actions limiting access to vaccines ICYMI from September: Senator Murray Statement on RFK Jr.’s ACIP Voting to Further Restrict Access to COVID-19 Shots, Creating Chaos Around Vaccines Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on new reporting by the Washington Post that, in their upcoming meeting this week, vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are planning to vote on ending the practice of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B and to relitigate the childhood immunization schedule based on Secretary Kennedy’s unproven anti-vaccine claims. “Ending the decades-long recommendation that babies born in the U.S. get vaccinated against hepatitis B is a heartless choice to allow babies to die in the United States. It can’t be said enough: we’re not talking about a mandate—we’re talking about a simple recommendation that saves lives—one based on solid science, and that has led to a dramatic 99 percent drop in preventable infections, lifelong health complications, and deaths. RFK Jr. and his handpicked anti-vaccine advisors are careening our country backward to a time when thousands of moms and babies died each year of preventable illnesses that we now have the tools to stop. It’s unfathomable to me that people are actively peddling dangerous misinformation and looking for ways to make it harder for moms and babies to get vaccines they want—vaccines that could save their lives. “Anyone who knows anything about medicine knows this move is nothing short of catastrophic. Chairman Cassidy is exactly right that getting rid of this recommen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murrays-wild-olympics-bill-advances-through-key-senate-hearing-on-wave-of-new-sportsmen-endorsements-calling-for-permanent-protection-of-wild-olympics/ Senator Murray’s Wild Olympics Bill Advances Through Key Senate Hearing on Wave of New Sportsmen Endorsements Calling for Permanent Protection of Wild Olympics 2025-12-02 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI IN AUGUST: Senator Murray Champions Wild Olympics Bill on Senate Floor —VIDEO HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray & Representative Randall Reintroduce Wild Olympics Bill to Permanently Protect Wild Olympics Wilderness and Rivers Photos of Wild Olympics available for use HERE Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) advanced her Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act through a hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands Subcommittee, a key milestone in the legislative process toward becoming law. The hearing came after a wave of new endorsements from sportsmen organizations—including the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited—who sent a letter urging the Committee to pass Wild Olympics to protect hunting, fishing and salmon streams for the future against the increasing threats to public land. The new endorsements bring the total number of sportsmen organizations backing Wild Olympics to nearly 40.The Wild Olympics Wilderness & Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which Senator Murray reintroduced in May with U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) would permanently protect approximately 125,000 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries—a total of 464 river miles—as Wild and Scenic Rivers. “The movement behind our Wild Olympics legislation continues to grow year after year thanks to the tireless work of our coalition of sportsmen, conservationists, Tribes, businesses, local leaders, timber communities, shellfish growers, and so many others,” said Senator Murray. “Today’s Senate hearing is a significant step forward for our effort to permanently protect key areas of the Olympic National Forest—a crown jewel in Washington state—while preserving world-class recreation opportunities and supporting local economies. As long as I’m in the Senate, I won’t stop fighting to win the support we need to get our Wild Olympics bill across the finish line and protect these … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-lujan-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-snap-cuts-and-restore-food-security-for-millions-of-americans/ Murray, Luján, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse SNAP Cuts and Restore Food Security for Millions of Americans 2025-11-25 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Bicameral introduction follows Trump administration’s shutdown chaos and effort to strip food assistance from millions of Americans; 1 in 9 Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on House Passage of “Big, Ugly Betrayal” Cutting Health Care & SNAP for WA State Families to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires Senator Murray briefly relied on food stamps as a child and has always fought to fully fund SNAP benefits; Murray fiercely opposed Republicans when they passed the largest cuts to SNAP in American history this summer by passing their Big Ugly Bill. Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and other Democratic colleagues in introducing the Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025. The legislation would repeal all the devastating cuts made by Republicans to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” the partisan Republican reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. U.S. Representatives Jahana Hayes (D-CT) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans’ partisan One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the largest SNAP cuts in history—breaking a 50-year bipartisan commitment—in order to fund new tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. Congressional Republicans approved cuts that the Congressional Budget Office estimates will eliminate $187 billion in food assistance over the next decade—as grocery prices rise and President Trump’s tariffs raise costs on Americans across the board. These Republican SNAP cuts will take meals from millions of Americans, including children, seniors, veterans, workers, and people with disabilities, while harming farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and grocers who rely on SNAP dollars. Additionally, the Republican legislation creates a massive unfunded mandate on state governments that could force deep cu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-help-end-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-and-re-establish-medical-corridor/ Murray, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Help End Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Re-Establish Medical Corridor 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) and Representative Maxine Dexter (OR-03) as part of a group of 100 Members of Congress sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the United States work with both Israeli authorities and international partners to push toward rebuilding accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure in Gaza. After two years of brutal conflict, Gaza’s medical infrastructure lies in ruins, leaving millions unable to seek even basic care and thousands suffering from life-threatening injuries. The United States has the ability to help rebuild this infrastructure and usher an end to this humanitarian crisis. In the letter, the lawmakers write, “Gaza’s health system is in dire straits, leaving civilians without access to the most basic medical care. It is crucial that accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure be rebuilt, and that medical aid and healthcare professionals be allowed to enter Gaza without delay. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 94 percent of Gaza’s hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, and those that remain are overwhelmed. With more than half of all essential drugs and two-thirds of medical disposables completely depleted, Gaza’s few functioning hospitals are unable to perform basic surgeries, treat chronic diseases, or care for malnourished children. The WHO estimates that more than 15,600 patients, including 3,800 children, require urgent medical evacuation to receive life-saving care; and at least 700 people have already died while awaiting transfer.” “Ensuring that children and families devastated by this war have access to medical treatment is indispensable to rebuilding trust and hope. The next generation cannot build peace without healing from the physical and emotional scars of this conflict. By pressing for the release of Gaza’s detained medical workers, rebuilding accessible hospitals and medical infrastructure, and reopening … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-release-of-partisan-energy-and-water-development-bill/ Senator Murray Statement on Release of Partisan Energy and Water Development Bill 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper “While I am disappointed that Senate Republicans released a partisan bill instead of working with Senate Democrats—and I am especially disappointed by the cuts to critical clean energy programs—there are some important priorities I strongly advocated for that are addressed by the bill released today. “The bill provides $3.5 billion from the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund to support our nation’s ports and harbors, which are so critical to our economy—and that includes nearly half a billion dollars for donor and energy ports, like the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma. It also delivers critical funding for the Office of Science and supports national labs across the U.S. with the funding needed to continue their critical, cutting-edge work and prevent devastating layoffs. It blocks the Department of Energy’s senseless plan to slash critical research with its indirect cost policy. The bill provides nearly $10 billion for the Army Corps of Engineers, including $190 million to get the Howard Hanson Dam Project in Washington state back on track, along with so many other projects that were defunded by Russ Vought in a brazen and corrupt act of political retribution. “Passing a full-year Energy and Water Development bill is critical in preventing President Trump and Vought from having the power to unilaterally decide where taxpayer dollars go, and I am committed to reaching bipartisan agreement with my colleagues on this bill and the remainder of our funding bills—and to getting them signed into law.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-release-of-partisan-financial-services-and-general-government-bill/ Senator Murray Statement on Release of Partisan Financial Services and General Government Bill 2025-11-24 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper “It’s disappointing that Senate Republicans chose to release a partisan bill instead of working with Senate Democrats to reach a final compromise. While the FSGG bill funds critical functions of government, I wish this bill had addressed additional important issues. I remain committed to reaching a bipartisan agreement on the bill in conference in the coming weeks, alongside the remainder of our funding bills, and I’ll continue fighting for working families at every step of the way.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-wa-educators-advocates-parents-slam-trumps-latest-efforts-to-abolish-department-of-education-lay-out-stakes-for-students-nationwide/ Senator Murray, WA Educators, Advocates & Parents Slam Trump’s Latest Efforts to Abolish Department of Education, Lay Out Stakes for Students Nationwide 2025-11-21 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Latest Steps to Keep Illegally Dismantling the Department of Education—Abandoning Students Nationwide ***FULL VIDEO HERE, PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE*** Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a roundtable discussion at North Seattle College with parents, advocates, and education leaders in Washington state to discuss the many ways President Trump and his administration are attacking Americans’ public education and trying to illegally abolish the U.S. Department of Education—from terminating important grants to hollowing out the Department of Education and, now, spinning off key functions to other agencies. This week, the Trump administration announced plans to further dismantle the Department of Education—the only federal agency solely focused ensuring children can get a quality education—by transferring the administration of key Department functions administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Office of Indian Education, and various other programs to federal agencies with little to no expertise in education. Joining Senator Murray for the roundtable discussion were: Dr. Rachel Solemsaas, President of North Seattle College; Gina Topp, Seattle School Board President; Melinda Dyer, former Assistant Director of Homeless Education at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI); Rachel Gittleman, President of AFGE Local 252 which represents Department of Education employees—and a former Ed employee herself whose office was RIFed this year; and Ann Simonson, a Seattle-area mom of a young adult daughter with disabilities. “Trump and Secretary McMahon know their plan to get rid of the Department of Education is deeply unpopular. It could never pass Congress—even with Republicans in control. So they decided to forget about o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-alsobrooks-waston-coleman-introduce-legislation-to-improve-health-care-access-for-pregnant-women/ Murray, Alsobrooks, Waston Coleman Introduce Legislation to Improve Health Care Access for Pregnant Women 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray has long been a leading Congressional champion of efforts to expand health care, improve access to care for pregnant women Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee—joined Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12) to introduce the Healthy Maternal and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act. The Healthy MOM Act would ensure that all women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance marketplaces, as well as women eligible for other individual or group health plan coverage, can access affordable health care coverage throughout their pregnancies. The bill would establish a special enrollment period (SEP) for expectant mothers. Currently, marriage, divorce, having a baby, adoption, and changing jobs are considered qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period; however, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event. The Healthy MOM Act would change that. “When a woman gets pregnant, she should be able to enroll in or change health coverage, no matter what time of year it is. But right now, pregnancy isn’t a qualifying life event—and that blocks women across the country from signing up for health coverage when they find out they’re expecting, or changing plans for coverage that better meets their needs,” said Senator Murray. “Our Healthy MOM Act will fix this gap and take a small but important step to help more women get the prenatal care they need to stay healthy.” “We have a responsibility to ensure pregnant women have access to the best health care. The Healthy MOM Act would trigger a special enrollment period so expectant mothers can get critical health care coverage for themselves and their baby, building on the example of my own state of Maryland. As Republicans try to rip away health care from Americans, including mothers, I’m proud to fight back and partner with Congresswoman Watson Coleman to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/new-video-murray-slams-trump-for-calling-for-members-of-congress-to-be-arrested-and-hanged-demands-republican-colleagues-unequivocally-condemn-political-violence/ NEW VIDEO: Murray Slams Trump for Calling for Members of Congress to Be Arrested and Hanged, Demands Republican Colleagues Unequivocally Condemn Political Violence 2025-11-20 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray responds to outrageous posts from President Trump: “I am calling on every one of my Republican colleagues: show some courage. Don’t just brush this one off yet again. State plainly that the President is not above the law—it’s right there in the constitution. Don’t mince words: make it clear that calls for political violence are unacceptable.” *** WATCH VIDEO HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released a new video message condemning President Trump’s recent post calling for members of Congress to be arrested for stating that the President is not above the law and his later repost of a call to hang members of Congress. WATCH HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE In the video message, Senator Murray slams President Trump for endorsing political violence against elected members of Congress, saying: “Just think about this, the President of the United States is using his platform to lift up people calling for political violence. And then, in his own words, he called this video: ‘Seditious behavior, punishable by death.’ This is twisted, dangerous stuff. “As my colleagues, on both sides have said there is no room in our democracy for political violence, or for rhetoric that champions political violence. And as every single one of us remembers from our own oath, in this country we swear loyalty to the constitution, not to the President. The danger here should be obvious. Every single one of my colleagues should be here with me saying: President Trump’s behavior—his choice to amplify a dangerous call for violence—is completely unacceptable. “There is a whole lot more I could say about how clearly unfit this President is for office. Believe me, I have some choice words. But in the interest of unity—I’ve tried to keep my message simple and restrained in the hopes that members on both sides will join me in saying this loud and clear. Because it’s clear the President needs to hear this message, but he needs to hear it from all of us… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-heinrich-kelly-introduce-anti-cash-grab-act-to-repeal-provision-allowing-a-handful-of-republican-senators-to-receive-payouts/ Murray, Heinrich, Kelly Introduce Anti-Cash Grab Act to Repeal Provision Allowing a Handful of Republican Senators to Receive Payouts 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper The Anti-Cash Grab Act repeals last-minute provision allowing Republican senators to collect $500,000 per lawfully subpoenaed phone record Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to introduce the Anti-Cash Grab Act, legislation that will repeal a provision — quietly added into the government funding bill by U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) at the last minute — that allows senators to collect $500,000 for every phone record lawfully obtained. “While I was fighting alongside my Democratic colleagues to prevent people’s health care premiums from exploding, Senate Republicans were adding an outrageous provision into the spending bill to give millions of taxpayer dollars to just a handful of Republican senators,” said Senator Murray. “This corrupt cash grab should be repealed—and quickly.” “While Democrats were fighting to make health care more affordable and help working families put food on the table, Senate Republicans were focused on taxpayer-funded windfalls for themselves. Let’s be crystal clear: negotiating a $500,000 windfall for yourself while refusing to help everyday Americans is wrong and deserves to be called out,” said Senator Heinrich. “Our bill is about accountability, transparency, and fighting for working families. The Senate must take this bill up and pass it now.” “While we were fighting to lower health care costs and keep food on the table for hardworking Americans, Senate Republicans were slipping a taxpayer-funded payout for themselves into the government funding bill,” said Senator Kelly. “It’s a political cash grab — plain and simple, and our bill puts an end to it. Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree that ripping off American taxpayers is bad policy.” In addition to Murray, Heinrich, and Kelly, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Angela… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-hirono-bicameral-colleagues-file-amicus-brief-opposing-bans-on-transgender-students-in-school-sports/ Murray, Hirono, Bicameral Colleagues File Amicus Brief Opposing Bans on Transgender Students in School Sports 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a former chair and senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Congressional Equality Caucus Co-Chair Representative Becca Balint (D-VT), and Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), and 129 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the cases of West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox, where the Court will be considering whether categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. The brief, which argues that categorical bans on transgender students participating in school sports violate Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, was joined by seven of Senator Murray and Senator Hirono’s colleagues in the Senate, and over 120 Representatives. “Categorical bans—such as the bans in West Virginia and Idaho—undermine those protections and the ability of transgender students to be part of their school community,” wrote the lawmakers, who are referred to as Amici in the brief. “Amici believe that categorical bans preventing transgender students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity impose significant harm on all children—especially girls. On top of that, such categorical bans do not meet the standards this Court has put in place to assess discrimination based on sex—whether as a matter of Title IX or under the Equal Protection Clause. This Court should not permit states to legalize sex discrimination against children who merely want to play sports with their friends on teams matching their gender identity.” The brief highlights: How categorical bans harm all girls and women—including cisgender girls and women—through harassment and policing of children’s “reproductive biology;” How categorical bans both undermine the ability of transgender students to participate in th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-peters-schumer-durbin-merkley-and-democratic-colleagues-call-on-leader-thune-to-quickly-bring-the-epstein-files-transparency-act-to-floor-for-vote/ Murray, Peters, Schumer, Durbin, Merkley, and Democratic Colleagues Call on Leader Thune to Quickly Bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to Floor for Vote 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Minority Leader, Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, in leading their Senate Democratic colleagues in calling on Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to immediately bring the Epstein Files Transparency Act to the Senate floor for a vote, without delay or unnecessary process distractions. Their letter follows the U.S. House of Representatives’ overwhelming bipartisan approval of the measure by a vote of 427-1.For two decades, survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have sought justice and accountability for his alleged sexual crimes involving underage girls. The bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all documents and records related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, ensuring transparency and providing the American people with access to critical information. “The victims of Jeffrey Epstein – and the American people – deserve answers, accountability and the truth,” wrote the senators. “So far, they have only seen empty promises from President Trump and his Administration. Now that a majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has acted to provide transparency on this matter – we call on you to quickly hold a vote in the U.S. Senate to help deliver the accountability that was promised and that so many Americans are demanding.” “Despite multiple Senate oversight requests and House subpoenas for release of the full and complete Epstein files, the DOJ and FBI have refused to produce any information to the Senate and have failed to provide the complete set of files to the House,” wrote the senators. In a social media post over the weekend, President Donald J. Trump abruptly changed course and encouraged House Republicans to vote for the bill, des… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trumps-latest-steps-to-keep-illegally-dismantling-the-department-of-education-abandoning-students-nationwide/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Latest Steps to Keep Illegally Dismantling the Department of Education—Abandoning Students Nationwide 2025-11-18 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), issued the following statement on plans announced today to further dismantle the Department of Education—the only federal agency solely focused ensuring children can get a quality education—by transferring the administration of key Department functions administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Office of Indian Education, and various other programs to federal agencies with little to no expertise in education. Under the new agreements, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Interior, and State will now be responsible for administering core functions of critical education programs. “Donald Trump and Linda McMahon are lawlessly trying to fulfill Project 2025’s goal to abolish the Department of Education and pull the rug out from students in every part of the country. “But instead of seeking congressional approval of their reckless actions to weaken our education system—which McMahon has acknowledged is necessary—Trump and McMahon are now pretending that our laws and the constitutional separation of powers are a mere suggestion. “This is an outright illegal effort to continue dismantling the Department of Education, and it is students and families who will suffer the consequences as key programs that help students learn to read or that strengthen ties between schools and families are spun off to agencies with little to no relevant expertise and are gravely weakened—or even completely broken—in the process. “I have spent my career working to improve educational outcomes for students. I am always ready and willing to talk about reforms to our education laws to improve educational outcomes for students—but this isn’t a plan to improve outcomes; it’s a plan to abandon students and families, rip away resources and support, and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-swiftly-release-liheap-home-heating-aid/ Murray, Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Swiftly Release LIHEAP Home Heating Aid 2025-11-14 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federal LIHEAP dollars that have yet to be distributed this year. “As Congress works to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services, we urge you to immediately release the highest amount of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding available under the Continuing Resolution,” the senators wrote. The bipartisan group of Senators say the federal LIHEAP funding is a crucial lifeline that keeps vulnerable citizens safe and warm during winter by helping low-income households and seniors on fixed incomes pay their energy bills. The program also helps reduce energy costs through improved energy efficiency initiatives. Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year. States and tribes typically receive their LIHEAP allocations from HHS by early November. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources. While eligibility varies by state, most applicants must have a household income below 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline or 60 percent of the state median income. The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating LIHEAP—a proposal that Senator Murray has forcefully pushed back on. The Senate’s Labor-HHS-Education and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for FY26 that Senator Murray helped negotiate, would provide a $20 million increase for LIHEAP to $4.045 billion. LIHEAP applications are now open for all income-eligible households. Senior citizen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-outrageous-political-retaliation-at-nih-demands-answers-from-trump-administration/ Senator Murray Slams Outrageous Political Retaliation at NIH, Demands Answers from Trump Administration 2025-11-14 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Vice Chair Murray in June to NIH Director Bhattacharya: “You just received a letter signed by hundreds of your own staff who believe this administration’s actions risk breaking NIH and the lifesaving work it does. I really hope you heed their warning, and it should go without saying, but I expect none of them to face retaliation for raising those concerns.” Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a former chair and senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee—released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has placed on administrative leave a National Institutes of Health (NIH) employee who helped organize The Bethesda Declaration, an open letter signed by nearly five hundred NIH employees in June protesting the Trump administration’s politicization of science and research funding at the NIH. “The Trump administration is burning down our country’s most important public health agencies from the inside and pushing out anyone who dares to pull the fire alarm. Standing up for science is not a fireable offense and it should be seriously troubling to everyone who wants America to remain the world leader in biomedical research that this administration is not only running the NIH into the ground, but punishing anyone who has the courage to speak up about their concerns. When Director Bhattacharya testified before Congress in June, I made clear that not one employee who signed the Bethesda Declaration should face retaliation—yet that’s exactly what appears to be happening this week. “If this administration thinks that summarily ousting NIH employees whose only offense is calling on the agency to respect science and academic freedom will go unnoticed, they can think again. I am demanding answers from the Trump Administration and Secretary Kennedy about NIH employees who signed the Bethesda Declaration being placed on administrative leave and any further plans for retaliation—we need … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-letter-murray-voices-concern-over-dod-delaying-pfas-cleanup-at-hundreds-of-military-bases-including-across-wa-state-threatening-drinking-water-safety-for-servicemembers-and-families-nearby/ In Letter, Murray Voices Concern over DoD Delaying PFAS Cleanup at Hundreds of Military Bases Including Across WA State, Threatening Drinking Water Safety for Servicemembers and Families Nearby 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “Eliminating toxic PFAS contamination at our military bases and ensuring military families have safe drinking water must be a top priority for the Department—any attempt to delay or slow-walk this important cleanup work is unacceptable.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Defense Dale R. Marks expressing her concern over recent reports that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is delaying its planned investigations and remediation efforts for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” In her letter, Murray called on DoD to resume its previously planned efforts to address toxic PFAS at military installations across the country, including in Washington state. Murray also requested a briefing with an explanation for the recent delays, an overview of DoD’s actions to address PFAS contamination, and answers to a detailed list of questions regarding the recent delays and cleanup efforts. “PFAS contamination has been a serious issue at hundreds of military installations and communities nationwide, including Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Naval Base Kitsap, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Yakima Training Center, and Fairchild Air Force Base (AFB) in my home state of Washington. Any delay in remediation efforts is a setback to the progress the Department has made to provide clean drinking water for servicemembers, their families, and the surrounding communities,” Senator Murray wrote in her letter Thursday to Assistant Secretary of Defense Dale Marks. The National Institutes of Health has linked exposure to PFAS to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children. PFAS contamination has been a serious issue at over seven hundred military installations and communities nationwide, including at a number of installations in Washington state. In 2024, the Biden-Harris Administ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-warren-gillibrand-smith-lead-senate-democrats-in-calling-on-trumps-hud-to-immediately-halt-plans-to-upend-key-homelessness-program-which-would-force-200000-people-back-o/ Murray, Warren, Gillibrand, Smith Lead Senate Democrats in Calling on Trump’s HUD to Immediately Halt Plans to Upend Key Homelessness Program, Which Would Force 200,000 People Back Onto the Streets 2025-11-13 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies; and Senator Tina Smith, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development led a letter alongside their Democratic colleagues to Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner calling on him to immediately halt reported plans to make drastic changes to the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which could result in nearly 200,000 Americans being forced out of their housing and back into homelessness. The 42 Senate Democrats call on Secretary Turner to instead use the authorities that Congress already gave him to expeditiously renew existing CoC grants for fiscal year 2025 to prevent massive disruption and frightening uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Americans in the coming months. “We write to express our deep concerns regarding the instability the entire homeless support system could face if funding delays, uncertainty, and rushed policy changes continue,” write the Senators. “HUD must immediately reconsider these harmful and potentially illegal changes that could result in nearly 200,000 older adults, chronically homeless Americans with disabilities, veterans, and families being forced back onto the streets. As Secretary, you have the authority to avoid this worst-case scenario by carrying out the previously planned and Congressionally authorized two-year NOFO, and we strongly urge you to do so expeditiously.” The lawmakers note that the reported and potentially illegal plans to upend the program, which is the largest source of federal grant funding to prevent homelessness, would cause sudden and significant shortfalls and real pain… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-letter-to-starbucks-ceo-senator-murray-urges-starbucks-to-negotiate-with-starbucks-workers-united-and-ahead-of-upcoming-strike/ In Letter to Starbucks CEO, Senator Murray Urges Starbucks to Negotiate with Starbucks Workers United and Ahead of Upcoming Strike 2025-11-12 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “I ask that Starbucks return to the table to negotiate in good faith, so that the workers at the 655 unionized stores, including 38 stores in Washington, can realize their first collective bargaining agreement… I look forward to a serious agreement that provides the over 12,000 unionized Starbucks workers across the country with fair pay and working conditions.” Starbucks workers are set to begin nationwide strike tomorrow on Red Cup Day—one of Starbucks’ biggest sales days of the year In 2023 at a Congressional hearing, Murray pressed former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz on the company’s anti-union efforts—MORE HERE ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, sent a letter to Brian Niccol, CEO of the Starbucks Corporation, urging Starbucks to return to the negotiating table and negotiate in good faith with Starbucks Workers United (SBWU), the union representing Starbucks workers. The letter comes ahead of a nationwide strike set to begin tomorrow—Thursday, November 13th—to coincide with Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day” promotion, which is one of Starbucks’ biggest sales days of the year. Starbucks’ workers’ fight for union recognition began with the first Starbucks location’s unionization vote in 2021. During Starbucks Workers United’s organizing drive, the union filed more than 1,000 unfair labor practice charges against the company. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since earlier this year, when union delegates rejected the company’s contract offer, citing the fact that it didn’t contain wage increases and benefits that they had asked for in negotiations. Since April, Starbucks has not provided the union with a new contract proposal. Following this six-month wait, 92 percent of the union’s members voted earlier this month to authorize the open-ended strike set to begin November 13th. “I write to you today regard… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-speaks-on-the-senate-floor-ahead-of-government-funding-votes-explains-vote-against-package-that-fails-to-address-spiking-health-care-costs/ Senator Murray Speaks on the Senate Floor Ahead of Government Funding Votes, Explains Vote Against Package That Fails to Address Spiking Health Care Costs 2025-11-10 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray on voting NO on legislation that doesn’t address premium hikes: “I believe we do need to address health care costs before we move forward. There is simply no time left to kick the can down the road when it comes to saving the ACA tax credits… No one should doubt for a single second who is to blame for skyrocketing health care costs: Republicans and Republicans alone.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits for YEARS—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor about President Trump and Republicans’ refusal to prevent Americans’ health care costs from spiking and about the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) and three-bill appropriations package that was released on Sunday and is expected to be voted on by the full Senate shortly. Because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the exchange marketplaces (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state), and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is HERE. A timeline detailing how Senator Murray has been fighting for years to extend the ACA tax credits, and calling on Republicans to come to the table and negotiate, is HERE. Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below and HERE: “Mr. President, like so many people in this country, I am outraged by the fact Republicans have refused to lift a finger to save so many families from the skyrocketing health care premiums all year long. “And I voted no on last night’s vote … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-government-funding-vote-the-fight-for-health-care-does-not-end-tonight-this-is-the-maga-health-care-hike/ Senator Murray Statement on Government Funding Vote: “The Fight for Health Care Does Not End Tonight—This is the MAGA Health Care Hike” 2025-11-09 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on her vote against proceeding to consideration of the bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) and three-bill appropriations package that was released on Sunday. “I voted no on cloture on the motion to proceed because, as long as there is still any time left to reverse the MAGA health care hike, I believe we must do everything we can to force Republicans to the negotiating table—the fight for health care does not end tonight. While I am frustrated by the outcome of this vote, I have no intention of letting Republicans off the hook: Republicans moved heaven and earth to pass new tax breaks for billionaires and the largest health care cuts in history, but refused to either reform or extend the ACA tax credits on their own terms. They could have; they simply didn’t care. As open enrollment is well underway, it was Republicans who pushed millions of Americans off the health care cliff. We are already over a week in and countless Americans have already decided to go uninsured in the face of exploding health care costs. “The MAGA health care hike is already here. But instead of working with Democrats to do the bare minimum—passing a clean, one-year extension of the ACA tax credits—Republicans flat-out rejected that last-ditch proposal, and are now talking instead about ending the Affordable Care Act. More than 40 days into this shutdown, Republicans have done nothing to save health care for their own constituents, choosing to only pay lip service to the American people. “I am adamantly opposed to ceding more of Congress’ power of the purse to the president. We should not let Donald Trump or Russ Vought decide how taxpayer dollars get spent, and that’s why passing full-year spending bills that provide detailed congressional directives instead of another slush-fund year-long CR is so important. The three-bill package released today is an important step forward in doing just that. … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-entire-senate-democratic-caucus-in-demanding-answers-from-trump-admin-on-new-review-of-mifepristone-despite-decades-of-evidence-proving-its-safety-efficacy-rai/ Murray Leads Entire Senate Democratic Caucus in Demanding Answers from Trump Admin on New “Review” of Mifepristone Despite Decades of Evidence Proving its Safety & Efficacy—Raises Alarm Over Looming Efforts to Restrict Medication Abortion 2025-11-07 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray and all Senate Democrats: “We are seriously alarmed by this administration’s obvious attempts to interfere with the science and politicize the drug review process in order to restrict abortion access.” Murray has led Senate Democrats in fighting back against Republican attacks on mifepristone—leading amicus briefs, holding events, and repeatedly pressing FDA Commissioner Makary on mifepristone access NEW FROM GUTTMACHER: The War on Mifepristone: How Junk Science and False Narratives Threaten US Abortion Access ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Makary expressing alarm over the Trump administration’s plans to conduct “its own review of the evidence” on the safety and effectiveness of mifepristone. Mifepristone was approved by the FDA in 2000 and is used in the overwhelming majority of abortions in the United States. Access to medication abortion is more critical than ever in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision that overturned the Constitutional right to abortion and allowed dozens of states to enact extreme abortion bans that threaten women’s health and lives. According to data from Guttmacher, medication abortion accounted for nearly two-thirds of abortions in the U.S. in 2023, the first year after the Dobbs decision. “Decades of evidence and hundreds of studies prove the safety and efficacy of mifepristone, which is not only the most common method of abortion in the U.S., but is also frequently prescribed to women to help manage early pregnancy loss or miscarriage. We are alarmed by the Department’s obvious attempts to politicize the review, regulation, and approval of mifepristone at the FDA, and we write… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-murphy-dexter-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-bill-to-ensure-dhs-detainees-can-speak-to-a-lawyer-contact-their-families/ Murray, Murphy, Dexter, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill to Ensure DHS Detainees Can Speak to a Lawyer, Contact their Families 2025-11-07 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Colleagues in Reintroducing Legislation to Prevent the Shackling and Mistreatment of Pregnant Women in ICE and CBP Custody ICYMI: Murray, Durbin, Senate Democrats Urge President Trump to Abandon Use Of Family Detention Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), Representative Maxine Dexter (D, OR-03), and 47 of their Senate and House colleagues in introducing the Restoring Access to Detainees Act, a bill to ensure the Department of Homeland Security allows noncitizens who have been detained to contact their legal counsel and families. The bill comes after months of credible reporting that ICE and CBP have deprived detainees—including children and longtime legal residents—of the ability to access a lawyer, sometimes for months at a time. People have also reportedly been taken into custody and, in some cases, transferred to facilities in other countries, without being allowed to contact their families. “While our immigration enforcement should be focused on deporting violent or dangerous criminals, this administration is instead focused on locking up American citizens and terrorizing law-abiding immigrants—it’s morally bankrupt and all of us should be outraged at this abuse of our taxpayer dollars. Everyone detained in this country has the right to access a lawyer and contact their families, regardless of their immigration status,” said Senator Murray. “It is sickening that DHS has chosen to deprive detainees—including children—of the opportunity to pursue legal counsel or let their worried families know why they won’t be coming home at night. This bill is an important step toward ensuring due process for our own citizens and everyone who calls America home—we’re talking about basic human rights here and America must do better.” “For months now, Americans have watched the horrific videos of CBP and ICE agents violently snatching people off the street at schools, workplaces, and gro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-joins-democratic-colleagues-in-calling-on-republicans-to-do-the-right-thing-pass-clean-one-year-extension-of-aca-tax-credits-and-reopen-the-government/ Senator Murray Joins Democratic Colleagues in Calling on Republicans to Do The Right Thing: Pass Clean One-Year Extension of ACA Tax Credits and Reopen the Government 2025-11-07 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM ABC NEWS: ‘It’s insane’: ACA policyholders say soaring premiums are jeopardizing lives Murray: “I am here today fighting with my heart and soul. I am giving Republicans every opportunity in the world to do the right thing. “I have been out here on the floor, I’ve spoken ad nauseum how letting these tax credits expire will actually hurt people in Republican states the most. So, we’re here today to say our hand is outstretched. We are ready to go: a one-year clean extension, and we can reopen the government, and save so many families misery in this country.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits for YEARS—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke forcefully on the Senate floor on the thirty-eighth day of the Republican shutdown, calling on Republicans to work with Democrats as quickly as possible to pass a clean, one-year extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits that 22 million Americans rely on to afford health insurance—and work with Democrats to pass bipartisan legislation to reopen the government. Open enrollment across the country began Saturday, November 1st. Right now, Americans are shopping for health insurance coverage for next year on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state) and seeing dramatic increases in their premiums because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that help Americans afford health insurance. Nationwide, 22 million Americans are seeing their health care costs skyrocket because of Republican inaction—premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decad… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-slams-trump-and-republicans-for-abandoning-veterans-who-rely-on-snap-discusses-support-for-veterans-transition-to-civilian-life/ At Hearing, Senator Murray Slams Trump and Republicans for Abandoning Veterans Who Rely On SNAP, Discusses Support for Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life 2025-11-05 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Trump is refusing to allow SNAP benefits to flow despite available funding—1.2 million veterans rely on SNAP, 40 percent of whom are disabled ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange at the hearing*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing to examine efforts to support transitioning servicemembers, veterans and their families, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the committee—emphasized how veterans who rely on SNAP are being hurt by President Trump blocking SNAP benefits despite available funding, and questioned witnesses on how the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide better support to veterans during their transition to civilian life. Appearing at the hearing as witnesses were: Jason Galui, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.), Director, George W. Bush Institute; Mike Hutchings, CEO, Combined Arms; Jared Lyon, National President & CEO, Student Veterans of America; Barbara Carson, Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Air Force Reserve Managing Director, D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University; Elizabeth O’Brien, Director, Hiring Our Heroes; and Holly Hermes, Yale University Liaison for Veteran and Military Affairs. [TRUMP BLOCKING SNAP, HURTING VETERANS] “Let me echo something Senator Blumenthal talked about, and really point out something that I think has not gotten enough attention, and that is that 1.2 million veterans rely on SNAP. That is, about a third of them are over the age of 65, and forty percent are disabled. “We know right now that President Trump is blocking them from getting the SNAP benefits they need so they don’t go hungry. “The money to fund SNAP exists. Trump has chosen not to use that funding, and his administration said they’re going to do partial benefits—they’d be late—and then he posted yesterday on Truth Social that he’s decided to block benefits altogether. “So now we are, of course, hearing reports of veterans flocking to food banks. They’re not sure where their next meal i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trumps-disastrous-tariffs-following-supreme-court-oral-arguments/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump’s Disastrous Tariffs Following Supreme Court Oral Arguments 2025-11-05 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Last week in bipartisan votes, the Senate passed three separate resolutions to end Trump’s tariffs on nearly every country; Speaker Johnson refuses to allow House vote on ending tariffs Current effective tariff rate is 18 percent—the highest since 1934; Trump’s tariffs could push nearly one million Americans below the poverty line next year ***ICYMI: WATCH & DOWNLOAD:Murray speaks out on Senate floor against Trump tariffs*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on Trump’s tariffs shortly after today’s oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court on the legality of President Trump’s steep tariffs on goods from nearly every country: “President Trump’s tariffs have been an unmitigated disaster for small businesses in Washington state who are being forced to raise prices or close their doors, families who are facing higher costs on nearly everything, farmers who are hurting from retaliation in critical export markets—and the list goes on. I’ve traveled across Washington state this year listening to the painful stories of small business owners and families who are being crushed by Trump’s taxes, and whose lives are being upended by this President who doesn’t know the first thing about how trade works. Everyone can see there is no strategy behind Trump’s tariffs—and every American is being forced to pay the price. “I hope the Supreme Court will recognize the shoddy legal ground these tariffs stand on and rule accordingly, but either way, Republicans should join Democrats and exercise Congress’s constitutional power to end Trump’s tariffs. Last week, we saw a handful of Senate Republicans vote with Democrats to scrap these disastrous tariffs—that’s a start, but we need a lot more Republicans to stand with us. Congress could put a stop to Trump’s tariffs tomorrow if Republicans wanted to—and every American who wants these taxes to end should continue to speak up and make their voices heard.” Last week, the Senate … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-35-senator-murray-slams-trump-for-refusing-to-fully-fund-snap-calls-out-republicans-for-doing-nothing-to-stop-maga-health-care-hike/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 35: Senator Murray Slams Trump for Refusing to Fully Fund SNAP, Calls Out Republicans for Doing Nothing to Stop MAGA Health Care Hike 2025-11-04 2025 2025-11 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper REUTERS: Obamacare premiums double, adding post Halloween fright for US health insurance shoppers ABC: Trump hosted ‘Great Gatsby’ Halloween party hours before SNAP funding lapsed ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on government funding at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference on the thirty-fifth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “As we all know, right now, open enrollment is underway, and Americans are now seeing the true cost of the MAGA health care hike. “And look, it’s not just the ‘MAGA health care hike’ because Republican leaders are refusing to do anything. Four out of five people who rely on the ACA enhanced premium health care tax credits live in states that Trump won. That is why it’s a MAGA health care hike. “And over 80 percent of the people who will end up uninsured if these expire are in Trump states. That is why this is a MAGA health care hike. “The five states with the largest percentage increases, where premiums are quadrupling? All Trump states. The next five, where premiums are tripling? All Trump states. The next five after that? You guessed it, all Trump states. That is why this is a MAGA health care hike. But Republicans won’t lift a finger. “I have heard one painful story after the next. Dianne in Wenatchee said she is going to see her premium increase by fourteen hundred dollars a month. Damian told me his family faces a $2,000 monthly increase. “And that’s just my state. A senior in Idaho told me his premium is increasing nearly eightfold. There’s a woman in Tennessee whose premium will jump from $10 a month to well over a thousand. “Every day, the MAGA health care hike gets harder to fix. But the House is on vacation—seven weeks and counting! Republican leaders are openly saying, ‘Don’t look to us, we never wanted to lower health care costs in… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schumer-top-democrats-on-national-security-committees-urge-trump-administration-to-immediately-brief-senate-on-military-action-in-the-caribbean-and-pacific/ Murray, Schumer, Top Democrats on National Security Committees Urge Trump Administration to Immediately Brief Senate on Military Action in the Caribbean and Pacific 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Mark Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE) Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs in writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard calling for an immediate briefing for all Senators on military strikes against alleged narcotraffickers in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. In the letter, Senator Murray, Leader Schumer, and the top Democrats on the Senate’s national security committees questioned the Trump administration’s lack of transparency with Congress and the public as strikes continue to escalate, potentially dragging America into open armed conflict and putting our men and women in uniform at risk. “To date, the Administration has failed to provide the full Senate with the basic information necessary to carry out its oversight responsibilities, including the identities of the groups against which the President has authorized the use of military force—even as reports increase that the Administration is planning additional strikes inside Venezuela,” wrote the senators. The senators also demanded answers for why the Trump administration provided partisan briefings on a significant national security matter. They reminded the secretaries of their obligation to keep Congress informed so it can fulfill its constitutionally mandated oversight role and ensure the Trump administration’s actions are lawful, align with U.S. national security interests, and don’t risk dragging our country i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/new-video-murray-highlights-how-republican-states-will-be-hit-hardest-by-maga-health-care-hike-when-open-enrollment-begins-saturday-lays-out-state-of-play-on-health-care-snap/ NEW VIDEO: Murray Highlights How *Republican* States Will be Hit Hardest By MAGA Health Care Hike When Open Enrollment Begins Saturday; Lays Out State of Play on Health Care & SNAP 2025-10-31 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray responds to absurd Dr. Oz lie: “Republicans have no plan to stop the MAGA health care hike. The only idea they have seems to be to lie and pretend it is just going to cost families $13 extra next year. I mean, go back home and try that with your constituents! They will shout you out of the room!” More than three-quarters of the people who rely on ACA tax credits for health insurance live in red states ***DOWNLOAD RAW VIDEO HERE; WATCH HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Ahead of the start of open enrollment nationwide tomorrow, Saturday November 1st, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee—released a new video message on how 22 million Americans will see massive price hikes when they begin shopping online for health insurance coverage on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange marketplaces tomorrow, whether on Washington Healthplanfinder or the national HealthCare.gov site. Senator Murray called out Republicans for causing a “MAGA health care hike” and highlighted how Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits—the reason prices are skyrocketing—is going to hurt people in Republican states harder than anywhere else. Among other proof points, Murray pointed out that 80 percent of the funding for the ACA tax credits that Republicans refuse to save goes to states Trump won. DOWNLOAD HERE; WATCH HERE Senator Murray has been warning nonstop, every day, for weeks about how Republicans’ refusal to save the ACA enhanced premium tax credits will cause premiums to explode—and how the harm will be felt most in states that voted for Trump. She has forcefully warned that the 10 states facing the largest premium hikes are red states, and she took her case directly to Idahoans and Montanans in separate press calls in recent weeks. Open enrollment in Washington state and nationwide begins this Saturday, November 1st. Last week, Washington state’s ACA mark… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-30-days-away-from-open-enrollment-senator-murray-joins-wa-insurance-commissioner-constituent-to-highlight-high-cost-of-republican-inaction-for-families-buying-health-care/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 30: Days Away from Open Enrollment, Senator Murray Joins WA Insurance Commissioner & Constituent to Highlight High Cost of Republican Inaction for Families Buying Health Care 2025-10-30 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM NEW YORK TIMES: Obamacare Prices Become Public, Highlighting Big Increases NEW FROM KFF: ACA Insurers Are Raising Premiums by an Estimated 26%, but Most Enrollees Could See Sharper Increases in What They Pay SEATTLE TIMES: WA residents shopping for health insurance hit with sticker shock ***WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, on the 30th day of the Republican government shutdown and ahead of Open Enrollment beginning nationwide this Saturday, November 1st, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee—held a virtual press conference with Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and constituent Bridget Provalenko of Bellingham, whose family relies on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to afford health insurance. At the press conference, Senator Murray discussed how inaction by Republican Members of Congress will force Washingtonians to pay significantly more for health care next year. Last week, Washington state’s ACA marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, opened its “window shopping” period, allowing Washingtonians to look at health coverage plans for next year—and most are seeing dramatic increases in their premiums thanks to Republican inaction. Customers can start signing up for a plan and officially shopping for coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder once Open Enrollment begins on November 1st. On average, premiums for ACA plans in Washington state are spiking by 21 percent. Nationwide, 22 million Americans who buy health care through the ACA exchanges will see their health care costs skyrocket next year without the tax credits, premiums are more than doubling on average, and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA tax credits is HERE. “Republicans don’t even have the t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-experts-confirm-costly-toll-of-trump-cuts-at-nih-and-fda-senator-murray-blasts-trump-for-upending-biomedical-research-grants-canceling-clinical-trials/ At Hearing, Experts Confirm Costly Toll of Trump Cuts at NIH and FDA, Senator Murray Blasts Trump for Upending Biomedical Research Grants & Canceling Clinical Trials 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Since President Trump took office and Secretary Kennedy was confirmed, the Trump administration has terminated $2.3 billion in life-saving research that was funded by the NIH. They tried to cut billions more from our medical research labs in every state.” ***WATCH: Senator Murray on how Trump has jeopardized treatments and cures for rare diseases*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled “The Future of Biotech: Maintaining U.S. Competitiveness and Delivering Lifesaving Cures to Patients,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—spoke forcefully on how Trump’s cuts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have cost countless families their hope for treatments and cures for rare diseases, and severely set back American competitiveness in biomedical research and development. Witnesses at the hearing included: Dr. Aaron S. Kesselheim, a physician and health policy researcher at Harvard University; Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, a physician and professor of medicine at Yale University; John Crowley, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization; Lowell Schiller, Nonresident Senior Scholar at the USC Schaeffer Institute; and Dr. Josh Makower, Yock Family Professor of Medicine and of Bioengineering, Stanford University Schools of Medicine and Engineering. [BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH COMPETITIVENESS] Senator Murray began by asking Drs. Aaron Kesselheim and Reshma Ramachandran about how the Trump administration’s cancellations of NIH grants and staffing cuts at the NIH and FDA have taken a severe toll on American biomedical research and competitiveness. “Since President Trump took office and Secretary Kennedy was confirmed, the Trump administration has terminated $2.3 billion in life-saving research that was funded by the NIH. They tried to cut billions more from our medical research labs in every state by illegally implementing a new i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-29-murray-responds-to-thune-on-the-senate-floor-shares-stories-of-american-families-seeing-devastating-premium-hikes-slams-republicans-for-ignoring-their-own-constituents/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 29: Murray Responds to Thune on the Senate Floor, Shares Stories of American Families Seeing Devastating Premium Hikes, Slams Republicans for Ignoring their Own Constituents 2025-10-29 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM NEW YORK TIMES: Obamacare Prices Become Public, Highlighting Big Increases NEW FROM KFF: ACA Insurers Are Raising Premiums by an Estimated 26%, but Most Enrollees Could See Sharper Increases in What They Pay ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor—responding directly to remarks from Majority Leader Thune—on the twenty-ninth day of President Trump and Republicans’ government shutdown, just three days before Open Enrollment begins this Saturday, November 1st. Nationwide, 22 million Americans who buy health care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces will see their health care costs skyrocket next year because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits that help Americans afford health insurance. Because of Republican inaction, premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “I heard the Majority Leader just now say, ‘They’re not going to operate with a gun to their head.’ I would say to the majority party that the gun to the head is to all of these people who are opening up their health care notices this week and finding out that their costs are skyrocketing. “Why? Because what the Republicans have said, and just said again, is that they want to talk about it. Talk about it is going to do absolutely nothing for those people who are getting those bills and those payments today. “So, I wanted to come to the floor today and talk about that. And I would say to my Republican colleagues, yeah, we all want to have bipartisan bills. We want to work on bipartisan appropriations. But what we have in front of us is a CR that is partisan. That says, ‘Do it my way or the high way,’ and doesn’t discuss the priorities of the D… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-senate-votes-on-trump-tariffs-senator-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-end-trumps-taxes-on-middle-class-lays-out-painful-consequences-of-trumps-reckless-trade-war-in-wa/ Ahead of Senate Votes on Trump Tariffs, Senator Murray Calls on Republicans to End Trump’s Taxes on Middle Class; Lays Out Painful Consequences of Trump’s Reckless Trade War in WA 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “People across America—across party lines, across economic backgrounds, and across nearly every divide imaginable—are now speaking out… The time has come to hold President Trump accountable for raising prices on families across the board.” Current effective tariff rate is 18 percent—the highest since 1934; Trump’s tariffs could push nearly one million Americans below the poverty line next year Trump’s tariffs will cost WA state nearly 32,000 jobs; $2.2 billion in revenue over the next four years if fully implemented ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of upcoming Senate votes on three Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to end the vast majority of the tariffs President Trump has arbitrarily imposed, which are costing American families thousands of dollars and crushing small businesses across the country. Tonight, the Senate will vote on S.J.Res.81, which would cancel Trump’s 40 percent tariffs on Brazil by terminating the emergency declaration that provides the legal basis for the tariffs. Later this week, the Senate will vote on two more Joint Resolutions of Disapproval that would similarly revoke Trump’s tariffs by canceling the emergency declarations that underpin them: S.J.Res.77, which would end Trump’s 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, and S.J.Res.88, which would terminate Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on nearly all countries—which include 10 percent tariffs on imports from nearly all countries and tariffs of up to 40 percent on more than 60 countries. On the Senate floor, Senator Murray hammered Republicans in Congress for their outright refusal to put an end to Trump’s pointless trade war and price hikes on American families, and their willingness to hand over Congress’ constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. “President Trump has single-handedly raised taxes more than any President in my lifetime. He has, without any consult… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-blast-russ-voughts-move-to-block-funding-for-army-corps-projects-in-democratic-states-and-cities/ Murray, Kaptur Blast Russ Vought’s Move to Block Funding for Army Corps Projects in Democratic States and Cities 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Top energy appropriators outline how funding “pause” risks leaving communities vulnerable to storms and floods and places political retribution above public safety Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers blasting the recent announcement from Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought that the Trump administration will immediately pause over $11 billion in funding for essential Corps projects in blue states and cities and will be “considering them for cancellation.” In their letter, Murray and Kaptur slam the purported rationale for the politically-motivated “freeze,” writing: “Director Vought justified this ‘pause’ by absurdly claiming it was necessary because the government shutdown ‘has drained the Army Corps of Engineers’ ability to manage billions of dollars in projects.’ That is not how this works—and everyone knows it. Director Vought is once again recklessly threatening communities’ safety and treating the American people as pawns in his political games. Earlier in the week, the Trump administration warned of more political retribution against Democrats, and yet again, Vought has delivered, seeking to inflict more pain on the American people.” The top water development appropriators underscore what’s at risk with the pause: “Let’s be clear: undermining these critical infrastructure projects jeopardizes public safety and will inflict serious economic harm on communities that depend on these vital investments. The Corps protects communities by providing flood control, ensuring safe navigation of the nation’s waterways, environmental restoration, and emergency response—work that saves lives and supports local economies.” “This craven political threat betrays working families and our nat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-28-senator-murray-blasts-republicans-for-ignoring-families-being-priced-out-of-health-insurance-refusing-to-join-democrats-at-the-negotiating-table-to-reopen-government/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 28: Senator Murray Blasts Republicans for Ignoring Families Being Priced Out of Health Insurance, Refusing to Join Democrats at the Negotiating Table to Reopen Government 2025-10-28 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper AP: 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs going up in the next year ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s Remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on government funding at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference on the twenty-eighth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Right now, families are window shopping for their health insurance coverage next year and seeing their premiums are set to double, triple, and in some cases, even quadruple. “Why? Because Republicans are refusing to so much as negotiate about saving the ACA tax credits. And on Saturday, a few days from now, things will get very real for families—because open enrollment begins. “Republicans keep saying, ‘later, later, later,’ but there is no later. This is happening right now. “Republicans keep saying, ‘we’ll talk about, maybe, possibly doing something after the shutdown ends.’ But they were totally unwilling to say or do a thing this entire year when the government was open! “It is painfully clear that Republicans are not listening to folks back at home. Because what families nationwide are saying is: ‘Please stop my premiums from doubling.’ And what Republican leaders are saying? ‘Not our problem, we never wanted to lower health care costs in the first place.’ “You know, people back home are saying: ‘Please help! I am going to be priced out of my health insurance.’ And some Republicans here are saying, essentially: ‘If only Democrats never protected those pre-existing conditions and never expanded Medicaid, we’d all be better off!’ “See, Democrats think it is a problem that people are going to lose their health coverage. Meanwhile, some Republicans seem to think it’s a problem that people got covered in the first place. Genuinely, some of my colleagues across the aisle can’t open their mouth without saying, ‘re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-booker-klobuchar-lujan-42-colleagues-urge-trump-usda-to-immediately-release-november-snap-benefits/ Murray, Booker, Klobuchar, Luján, 42 Colleagues Urge Trump USDA to Immediately Release November SNAP Benefits 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on House Passage of “Big, Ugly Betrayal” Cutting Health Care & SNAP for WA State Families to Fund Tax Cuts for Billionaires Senator Murray briefly relied on food stamps as a child and has always fought to fully fund SNAP benefits; Murray fiercely opposed Republicans when they passed the largest cuts to SNAP in American history this summer by passing their Big Ugly Bill. Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and 42 of their colleagues to send a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins calling on the USDA to release the billions of dollars at its disposal to ensure Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue in November. The senators raised the alarm about the USDA’s failure to use available funding to continue SNAP, writing: “We were deeply disturbed to hear that the USDA has instructed states to stop processing SNAP benefits for November and were surprised by your recent comments that the program will ‘run out of money in two weeks.’ In fact, the USDA has several tools available which would enable SNAP benefits to be paid through or close to the end of November.” “First, the USDA must, at a minimum under the law, use the contingency funding that is available for SNAP, as noted by USDA officials. Second, the USDA has interchange authority under 7 U.S.C. 2257 that permits the transfer of funds from other USDA nutrition programs. In fact, this authority was recently used by the USDA when it transferred money from child nutrition programs to the WIC account to maintain WIC benefits during the shutdown,” the senators continued. “In the event that more resources are needed than what is available in contingency funding, the USDA should explore all legal means to augment funds to pay the full amount of SNAP benefits in November. Americans are already struggling with the rising cost of groceries, and they cannot a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-23-as-window-shopping-opens-in-wa-senator-murray-joins-wa-state-health-benefit-exchange-ceo-washingtonian-to-discuss-exploding-health-care-costs/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 23: As Window Shopping Opens in WA, Senator Murray Joins WA State Health Benefit Exchange CEO, Washingtonian to Discuss Exploding Health Care Costs 2025-10-23 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM AP: 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs going up in the next year NEW FROM SEATTLE TIMES: WA residents shopping for health insurance hit with sticker shock NEW FROM TRI-CITY HERALD: Health insurance could double for thousands in Tri-Cities and Eastern WA ***WATCH press conference HERE, download HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, on the 23rd day of the Republican shutdown, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference with Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange, and Nanette Smith, a retiree from Tumwater who uses the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange to get her health insurance. At the press conference, Senator Murray explained how inaction by Republican members of Congress will force Washingtonians to pay significantly more for health care. On Tuesday, Washington state’s ACA marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder, opened to allow Washingtonians to window shop for health care coverage, and multiple reports have already found that people in Washington state are seeing their premiums dramatically increase as they begin shopping for plans. The over 220,000 Washingtonians who buy health insurance through the marketplace and rely on the ACA tax credits to afford health care will see an average increase of 21% in their health care premiums thanks to Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. This drastic cost increase will push an estimated 80,000 Washingtonians off their health coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA tax credits is HERE. Right now, Democrats are fighting to save the ACA tax credits, which expire at the end of the year. Without them, 22 million Americans will see their health care costs skyrocket. Premiums will more than double, on average, for Americans who buy health care thro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/sen-murray-joins-sen-merkley-during-landmark-20-hour-speech-calls-out-trumps-authoritarian-power-grab/ Sen. Murray Joins Sen. Merkley During Landmark 20+ Hour Speech, Calls Out Trump’s Authoritarian Power Grab 2025-10-22 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***WATCH floor remarks HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, on the 22nd day of the Republican shutdown, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) on the Senate floor during his twenty hour-long and counting speech sounding the alarm on how President Trump is acting like a king, following an authoritarian playbook, and seeking to control more aspects of Americans’ lives. The exchange between Senator Murray and Senator Merkley, as delivered on the floor today, is below: “I see the Senator from Washington state is on the floor, and I would be very happy to yield to a question,” Senator Merkley said. [RINGING THE ALARM BELLS ON TRUMP’S ATTEMPTS TO CONTROL AMERICANS’ LIVES] “I thank the Senator from Oregon. And first, let me just commend you for what you are doing here, throughout the night, throughout today, calling attention to a really critical issue in this country,” Senator Murray replied. “So many people come up to me. And you know, because we go back and forth to the West Coast all the time, how many people walk up to us and say, ‘What can I do about this?’ And each one of us has to say, here’s what I can do. “And I want to thank you for doing what you are doing today, because you’re going above and beyond to point out to people that, as your chart says, authoritarianism is here and it is here now, and we can ignore it or we can speak out. And you have spent all night long, all day, standing on your feet, and at, I’m sure, great personal sacrifice, to fight for everyone in this country and to sound the alarms you’ve been talking about. And so I just personally want to, want to thank you. “And I want to reiterate something that you have said for all of these hours and actually many times to me over the past few months, the fact that Trump is using his place in government to control every aspect of our life. Whether it’s what our schools are teaching or not teaching, it’s whether or not he’s prosecuting his enemies, which he is doi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schiff-44-senate-democrats-urge-donald-trump-to-reinforce-opposition-to-west-bank-annexation/ Murray, Schiff, 44 Senate Democrats Urge Donald Trump to Reinforce Opposition to West Bank Annexation 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal Senators press President to reinforce opposition to territorial annexation after Gaza ceasefire plan omits mention of West Bank Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 44 other Senate Democrats to urge President Donald Trump to reinforce his stated opposition to the State of Israel’s annexation of territory in the West Bank amidst ongoing focus on implementing and sustaining the much-needed ceasefire in Gaza. President Trump previously expressed his opposition to annexations, saying that he would “not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.” The recent ceasefire plan for Gaza omits any mention of the West Bank. “In this moment, it is essential that the United States reject measures that undermine the viability of a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the senators wrote in a letter signed by almost the entire Senate Democratic Caucus. “As longstanding supporters of Israel’s security and Palestinian aspirations for statehood, we are unified in our opposition to unilateral measures by either party that undermine the prospect of lasting peace through negotiations to achieve a two-state solution. That includes any steps by Israel to annex territory or expand settlements that prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state,” the senators continued. The senators also reiterate their relief at the long-sought release of Israeli hostages from Gaza and the need for humanitarian aid to surge into Gaza, for the remains of all deceased hostages to be returned to their families, and for the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to be sustained. In addition to Senators Murray and Schiff, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schumer-sanders-baldwin-colleagues-blast-latest-hhs-firings-underscoring-how-cuts-will-gravely-weaken-work-to-tackle-fentanyl-crisis-address-maternal-mortality-much-more/ Murray, Schumer, Sanders, Baldwin, Colleagues Blast Latest HHS Firings—Underscoring How Cuts Will Gravely Weaken Work to Tackle Fentanyl Crisis, Address Maternal Mortality, & Much More 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper 31 Democratic senators lay out how Trump and RFK Jr.’s latest, illegal mass firings will make America less healthy Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter alongside Democratic colleagues to Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laying out how the Department’s most recent reckless mass firings will hurt Americans in every part of the country. In addition to Senators Murray, Schumer, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). “We write with outrage at the Department of Health and Human Services’ illegal reductions in force of approximately 1,000 employees carried out during the government shutdown. A government shutdown does not compel the Department to fire workers, nor does it provide any additional authority to do so. The Department is choosing to do this, further putting Americans’ health and well-being at risk,” write the senators. “Despite what the President claims about going after ‘Democratic programs,’ HHS programs touch the lives of nearl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schumer-sanders-baldwin-colleagues-lay-out-how-new-mass-firings-at-department-of-education-will-hurt-students-nationwide/ Murray, Schumer, Sanders, Baldwin, Colleagues Lay Out How New Mass Firings at Department of Education Will Hurt Students Nationwide 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper 31 Democratic senators blast Trump and McMahon’s latest steps to hurt students and families, dismantle the Department of Education Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, led a letter alongside Democratic colleagues to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon slamming the Department of Education’s latest mass firings and underscoring how they will hurt students nationwide. In addition to Senators Murray, Schumer, Sanders, and Baldwin, the letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Kirstin Gillibrand (D-NY), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA). “We write with outrage at the Department of Education’s latest, illegal reductions in force of 465 employees—approximately 20 percent of the Department’s remaining workforce—which have been carried out during the government shutdown. A shutdown does not compel the Department to fire workers, nor does it provide any additional authority to do so,” write the senators. “Punitive, reckless actions like these latest firings demonstrate how President Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought are relishing the government shutdown they caused—and are… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-van-hollen-merkley-22-bicameral-colleagues-press-trump-administration-on-efforts-to-secure-release-of-16-year-old-u-s-citizen-in-israeli-detention/ Murray, Van Hollen, Merkley, 22 Bicameral Colleagues Press Trump Administration on Efforts to Secure Release of 16-year-old U.S. Citizen in Israeli Detention 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Lawmakers were joined by over 20 additional members in seeking update on release of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined 14 Senate Colleagues and 12 House colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration on the detention of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim, a 16-year-old American citizen who has been held in Israeli custody since February 16, 2025. “We write with grave concern regarding the detention without trial of Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim. Mohammed is a U.S. citizen from Florida who was reportedly blindfolded, handcuffed, and arrested on February 16th, 2025 when Israeli forces reportedly entered his family home in al-Mazra’a ash-Sharqiya at 3 a.m. He was detained when he was 15 years old and turned 16 in prison. He has been accused of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers, but no evidence has been publicly provided to support this allegation,” the lawmakers began. “While U.S. embassy officials have been able to conduct visits, Mohammed has been denied all other contact with the outside world and his family has not been able to contact him since his detention. Senators Van Hollen and Merkley met with Mohammed’s family in the West Bank, and Rep. Castor, Rep. Frost, and other members also met with his family separately. His family has received updates from U.S. embassy staff and former detainees who described his alarming weight loss, deteriorating health, and signs of torture as his court hearings continue to be routinely postponed. His family reports that Mohammed has lost nearly a quarter of his body weight and contracted scabies after being detained in Megiddo Prison and now in Ofer Prison,” the lawmakers continued. “We are concerned about reports of the mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli detention facilities and prisons, including both of the prisons that have held Mohammed. The mistreatment of Palestinians in Israeli prisons was recently corroborated in Israel’s September 7th Supreme Court ruling, which stated t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-21-senator-murray-calls-on-president-trump-republicans-to-stop-wasting-time-finally-come-to-the-table-to-reopen-government-and-prevent-health-care-cost-crisis/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 21: Senator Murray Calls on President Trump, Republicans to Stop Wasting Time, Finally Come to the Table to Reopen Government and Prevent Health Care Cost Crisis 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM AP: 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs going up in the next year Window shopping period begins today for Washington state ACA exchange ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s Remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on government funding at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference on the twenty-first day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Well, President Trump could not be less focused on reopening the government or preventing premiums from exploding. But he is very focused on bailing out Argentina, and buying private jets for Secretary Noem, and bulldozing the White House so he can build a fancy new ballroom—even in the middle of a shutdown. “Meanwhile, Republican leaders are sticking their heads in the sand and doing nothing beyond the same, failed partisan vote over and over. “In a shock to no one, Republicans’ decision to ignore reality has done nothing to change it. “While House Republicans can’t even be bothered to come back and do their jobs—for over a month now, over a month—health care premiums are, right now, going through the roof. “And you don’t have to take my word for it. Window shopping started in my state of Washington today, and it’s going to start in many other states as well. “That means, today, families are logging on, looking for health coverage for next year, and coming face to face with massive price hikes because Republicans downright refuse to work with us to do something about it. “I have heard from families whose premiums are doubling, or even worse. “I have spoken to small businesses. Their owners are realizing they may have to close up their shop or give up their health care. “And this is not just happening in Washington state. I know, because I’ve been talking to people in Idaho and Montana as well. This crisis is hitting them just as ha… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-21-senator-murray-slams-republicans-for-ignoring-skyrocketing-health-care-costs-on-first-day-of-washington-state-window-shopping/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 21: Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Ignoring Skyrocketing Health Care Costs on First Day of Washington State Window Shopping 2025-10-21 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM AP: 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs going up in the next year KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor on the twenty-first day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown and the first day that Washingtonians can window shop for health care coverage on the state’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, Washington Healthplanfinder. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: [REPUBLICANS’ REFUSAL TO PREVENT PREMIUMS FROM EXPLODING] “We are now on week four of Republicans insisting that they would rather keep the government shut down than talk about how we stop health care premiums from skyrocketing. And in a sign of how serious Republicans are taking all this, House Republicans are still not even here. They are still on a vacation that has now lasted over a month. “Senate Republican leaders are still refusing to sit down with us and do anything other than hold the same failed vote on their partisan bill over, and over, and over. “And President Trump is gloating and lying about having more power than ever. He is illegally mass firing people that do important work for the American people, he is illegally hacking away at ‘Democratic’ programs, and he is tweeting out more lies and truly obscene videos. “Let’s be clear: President Trump does not have to fire people and slash funding. He didn’t do any of this during the last shutdown he caused. Instead, Trump is choosing to cause pain and chaos because he wants to use the American people as leverage. “Meanwhile, he is doing nothing about the fact that millions of Americans—the majority in red states, by the way—are about to see their premiums double. “Open enrollment starts next week. In fact, it already began in Idaho. “An… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-new-letter-murray-kaptur-blast-latest-mass-firings-at-doe/ In New Letter, Murray, Kaptur Blast Latest Mass Firings at DOE 2025-10-20 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Top energy appropriators underscore how Trump’s shutdown RIFs will weaken efforts to lower Americans’ energy costs and weaken oversight to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright blasting the latest reductions in force (RIF) ordered during the government shutdown. “We write with outrage over the Department of Energy’s (DOE) decision to move forward with reductions in force (RIFs) across critical program offices during the government shutdown in a clear act of political retribution that will hurt communities across the country,” write Murray and Kaptur. “These actions, which reportedly affect 179 employees, appear to be part of a broader effort to implement the administration’s budget request without congressional approval—circumventing the appropriations process and undermining congressional intent,” they continue. “The Department’s actions will raise energy prices for American families by disrupting the implementation of key programs that increase supply and reduce costs for hard-working Americans. We are also alarmed by how your mass firings might allow waste, fraud, and abuse as you eliminate key staff conducting oversight of programs.” In the letter, Murray and Kaptur note that the planned RIFs “would effectively dismantle the very offices responsible for lowering energy costs for American families and communities.” Noting that DOE has so far refused to provide any detailed information about the RIFs or a justification for them, the lawmakers conclude by calling on Secretary Wright to halt all planned firings: “We demand you immediately halt all RIF actions and provide the Committee with detailed information about the scope, timing, and justification … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-idaho-begins-open-enrollment-senator-murray-warns-red-states-of-exploding-health-care-costs-if-republicans-keep-refusing-to-act/ ICYMI: Idaho Begins Open Enrollment, Senator Murray Warns Red States of Exploding Health Care Costs if Republicans Keep Refusing to Act 2025-10-17 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper More than three-quarters of the people who rely on ACA tax credits for health insurance live in red states Murray takes case directly to Idahoans and Montanans as new signs indicate Republicans are feeling the heat over their refusal to take action to prevent people’s costs from spiking Murray: “If Republicans don’t want to level with their own constituents about what is at stake, I am happy to do it. Because Republicans may well be able to shut down the government, but they cannot shut down the debate, and they cannot shut out the voices of families who are facing the harsh reality of their inaction.” Washington, D.C. – As open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace began in Idaho this week—with open enrollment beginning in the rest of the country on November 1—Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has been warning how Republicans’ refusal to save the ACA enhanced premium tax credits will cause premiums to explode, particularly in red states. She warned that the 10 states facing the largest hikes are red states and has now taken her case directly to Idahoans and Montanans in separate press calls. ______________ WATCH: Murray Lays Out Which States Will See Highest Premium Increases Due to Republican Inaction [WATCH: Morning Joe panel discusses which states will be most hurt by Republican inaction.] ______________ Idahoans Face Sticker Shock as Open Enrollment Began on Wednesday TV & RADIO KXLY (Northern Idaho & Spokane, WA) ANCHOR: “In a press conference today, Washington state Senator Patty Murray argued ensuring these tax credits are extended indefinitely is the first step to make rising health insurance premiums attainable for Americans. Americans like Bob McMichael, a retired schoolteacher from a rural part of Idaho. He and his wife are senior citizens living on a fixed income. They don’t qualify for Medicaid, but they’ve been able to f… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-durbin-colleagues-request-department-of-defense-inspector-general-inquiry-into-domestic-deployment-of-military-in-american-cities/ Murray, Durbin, Colleagues Request Department of Defense Inspector General Inquiry into Domestic Deployment of Military in American Cities 2025-10-17 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ordering National Guard to Washington, D.C. and Taking Control of Metropolitan Police Department “We urgently request that you initiate an inquiry into the cumulative effects of these domestic deployments of U.S. active-duty troops and the National Guard… on military readiness, resources, personnel, and our military as an institution,” the lawmakers wrote. Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL); Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee; U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense; and combat veteran U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense Acting Inspector General (DOD IG) Steven Stebbins to call for an inquiry into the recent domestic deployments of active-duty and National Guard troops to Chicago; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Portland; and Memphis. In the letter, the senators lay out the illegality of the domestic troop deployments, which undermines military readiness and politicizes the nation’s military. “We write to express our concern about the deployment of U.S. troops to American cities, including in Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Portland; Chicago; and Memphis. The military’s expanded use to support immigration operations and domestic law enforcement activities at home is fundamentally un-Constitutional, dangerous for American civil rights, and risks straining military readiness and resources, weakening troop morale, undermining recruitment and retention, and eroding public trust in the military,” the senators wrote. “Neither the active-duty military nor the National Guard are intended or trained at scale for the purposes that the Administration has claimed they are used for, including ‘crime-fighting.’ We are concerned that these domestic deployments erod… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-16-senator-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-quit-hiding-from-their-constituents-and-prevent-health-care-costs-from-skyrocketing/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 16: Senator Murray Calls on Republicans to Quit Hiding from Their Constituents and Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing 2025-10-16 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor on the sixteenth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Thank you, M. President. “While Republican leaders are continuing trying to ignore this health care crisis, and insisting on shutting down the government rather than even considering talking with us about how we prevent premiums from doubling across the country, I have been listening to folks back home—who are painfully aware health care premiums are about to skyrocket, and who are deeply concerned about what it is going to mean for their families and communities. “So, last week, when the Republican Leader sent us home, yet again, instead of working with us to end this shut down and address the health care crisis, I made a visit to Sea Mar Community Health Centers’ Oak Harbor Clinic. Why? To hear from doctors and health care providers about what is just beyond the horizon if Republicans insist on inaction. “I heard about how health care cuts Republicans passed are going to devastate our hospitals, devastate our clinics, and health centers. “And I heard about how the massive premium hikes that are being announced right now—the ones Republicans are trying very hard to ignore—are going to push millions of people off their health plans. “One person I spoke with serves on the board of an insurer on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. “He warned me, that if we do not save the ACA tax credits, they are anticipating so many customers will be priced out that the number of individuals they cover through the marketplace will drop 35 to 50 percent. “You know, there is already a loud chorus of people speaking out concerned about this—in my state, and all across the country. “I hav… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senators-murray-and-schumer-americans-who-rely-on-aca-tax-credits-call-on-republicans-to-prevent-premiums-from-skyrocketing-for-millions/ Senators Murray and Schumer, Americans Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits Call on Republicans to Prevent Premiums from Skyrocketing for Millions 2025-10-16 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Will More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ***WATCH: full press conference*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) for a virtual press conference on the 16th day of the Republican shutdown with Protect Our Care, and Washington state and New York residents who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to afford health care. “Republicans can’t just stick their heads in the sand. They can’t just say we will worry about it later. Families are facing this right now. Notices are in the mail at this very moment, telling families: ‘Hey, I’m sorry, but your monthly premium is going up by hundreds—maybe even thousands—of dollars.’ Window shopping begins in Washington state next week and is already underway in several states. People are logging on right now to see if the news is true, and they are seeing some eye-popping price hikes. This is happening across the country. Right now. I’ve spoken to people back in Washington state who are seeing the numbers and have no idea how they are going to afford health care if Republicans let their premiums double,” said Senator Murray. “So Republicans who think they can just stick their heads in the sand and ignore the chaos they caused are fooling no one except themselves. Certainly not the American people.” For months, Republicans have refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, and if they are not extended soon, 22 million Americans across the country—including more than 216,000 people in Washington state—will see their health care costs spike in January. According to KFF, premiums will more than double for Americans who … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-first-day-of-open-enrollment-in-idaho-senator-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-come-to-the-table-to-prevent-health-care-costs-from-skyrocketing/ On First Day of Open Enrollment in Idaho, Senator Murray Calls on Republicans to Come to the Table to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year Typical 60-year-old couple in Idaho making $85,000 will face a $17,900 spike in annual premiums ***RSVP: Murray hosts call with Montanans who rely on ACA tax credits at 5 PM ET today as she takes case directly to red states over Republicans’ refusal to prevent people’s costs from skyrocketing*** ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s Remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on government funding at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference on the fifteenth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “You know, for weeks, I’ve been hearing a lot of heart-breaking stories from folks back home in my home state of Washington: families who are absolutely panicking about their premiums that are doubling, the small business owners who are having to think about abandoning the job they love to get employer-sponsored health care elsewhere, or just forgoing coverage altogether. “But today, I actually want to talk about our neighbors: Idaho. Because today is the first day of open enrollment in Idaho. Which means today—right now—families are getting their first real look at the cost of Republicans’ inaction on health care. “Republicans don’t seem very eager to talk about that. But there is no running from the fact that these hikes are going to crush people. “That’s why last week, I actually held a call with people in Idaho who are watching their health care costs go through the roof. And here is what I heard. “One retiree, who’s not old enough yet to be on Medicare, told me about how her premiums are going to jump by 173 percent. Almost triple. “You think that’s bad? Another Idahoan I spoke with had learned that with tax credits, his premium will be $367 a month. Without tax credits? A whopping $2,232 a month. “But Bob… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-15-senator-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-finally-listen-to-their-constituents-prevent-health-care-costs-from-exploding/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 15: Senator Murray Calls on Republicans to Finally Listen to Their Constituents & Prevent Health Care Costs from Exploding 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year Murray takes case directly to red states as Republicans feel the heat over their refusal to take action to prevent people’s costs from spiking ***RSVP: Murray hosts call with Montanans who rely on ACA tax credits at 5 PM ET today*** ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor on the fifteenth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Thank you, M. President. [TRUMP USING HIS SHUTDOWN AS PRETEXT TO HURT PEOPLE] “Let me be clear: shutdowns do not require presidents to fire people en masse. They actually do not require presidents to cancel projects and raise energy prices. Nor do they give presidents new, magical powers to destroy programs they don’t like, or to target political opposition. “You don’t have to take my word for it, because this is not our first government shutdown. It is just the first time that a President has blatantly and gleefully tried to use a shutdown against the American people. “So when President Trump fires hundreds of public health workers at CDC, without thinking twice about if it will put lives in jeopardy, that is a choice he is making. “When President Trump puts at risk special education programs through mass layoffs, that is a choice he is making to abandon students with disabilities and their families, and weaken their access to rights under our special education laws. “When Trump outright shutters a key community development fund, which has strong bipartisan support and finances housing, and health care, and other community projects across the country, that is a choice he is making. “President Trump is choosing to fire as many people as he thinks he can get away with, to break as much of the government as is possible, to hurt the American peo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/sen-murray-montana-leaders-montanans-who-rely-on-aca-tax-credits-lay-out-cost-of-republican-health-care-sabotage-in-red-states-why-republicans-must-come-to-the-table-to-prevent-costs-from-skyrock/ Sen. Murray, Montana Leaders, Montanans Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits, Lay Out Cost of Republican Health Care Sabotage in Red States, Why Republicans Must Come to the Table to Prevent Costs from Skyrocketing 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year ICYMI: Wall Street Journal – White House Senses Political Risk on Healthcare Despite Shutdown Bravado Murray takes case directly to red states as new signs indicate Republicans are feeling the heat over their refusal to take action to prevent people’s costs from spiking More than 67,000 Montanans rely on ACA tax credits; average annual premium increase is $1,092 if ACA tax credits expire ***DOWNLOAD AUDIO HERE; video to come later*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on the 15th day of the Republican shutdown with Montana State Senator Cora Neumann, Montana Nurses Association CEO Vicky Byrd, and Montanans who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to afford health care. Right now, Democrats are fighting to save the ACA tax credits, which expire at the end of the year. Without them, 22 million Americans—mostly in red states—will see their health care costs skyrocket. Premiums will more than double, on average, for Americans who buy health care through the ACA exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.2 million people off their health coverage over the next decade. In Montana, over 67,000 people rely on the ACA tax credits to afford their health insurance. Montanans with the tax credits pay an average monthly premium of $145, compared to $635 without the credit. A married couple in Helena, Montana could see their premiums rise by nearly $20,000 annually next year. More than 3 in 4 people who get their health care through the ACA marketplaces—18.7 million out of 24.3 million—live in states President Trump won in 2024. The vast majority of Americans want Congress to renew the ACA tax credits, according to recent polling from KFF—including six in ten Re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-celebrates-key-milestone-nuclear-waste-officially-being-turned-into-glass-at-hanford/ Senator Murray Celebrates KEY MILESTONE: Nuclear Waste OFFICIALLY Being Turned Into Glass at Hanford 2025-10-15 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Statement on DOE Signing Paperwork to Allow Go-Live at Hanford Waste Treatment Plant After Trump Administration Threatened to Upend Cleanup Efforts Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement in response to news that Hanford’s Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) facility at the Waste Treatment Plant began to solidify Hanford tank waste into glass for the very first time. The Waste Treatment Plant at Hanford has been in the works for decades and is the largest and most technically sophisticated radioactive waste treatment plant in the world. “This is really a historic breakthrough. After decades of effort, we are officially turning nuclear waste into glass at Hanford. This is a monumental achievement that belongs to quite literally generations of Hanford workers. When it comes to Hanford, you can’t cut corners—and that’s part of why I’ve always fought to secure the federal resources needed to move this cleanup forward. I’ll always fight to support the Hanford cleanup and the workers who power this mission. The federal government has a moral and legal obligation to follow through on the Hanford cleanup—and I’ll never let any President forget it. This is just the start and we’ve still got a ways to go before we’re anywhere near done, but today’s success is worth celebrating—let’s make glass!” On September 17th, the Department of Energy (DOE) finally signed the required paperwork ensuring radioactive tank waste could be introduced into the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste (DFLAW) facility at the Waste Treatment Plant. The Project Management Risk Committee unanimously endorsed moving forward to project completion in July. According to reporting and other sources, DOE leadership had been interested in axing the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant Project at the Hanford Site altogether, with DOE Secretary Chris Wright reportedly wanting to go in a “different direction” on the Hanford clean… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-trumps-flailing-tariff-strategy-driving-up-costs-and-creating-chaos-at-ports/ Senator Murray Slams Trump’s Flailing Tariff Strategy, Driving Up Costs and Creating Chaos at Ports 2025-10-14 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper As of September 26, the current effective tariff rate is 17.9 percent—the highest since 1934 Trump’s tariffs will cost Washington state nearly 32,000 jobs; $2.2 billion in revenue over the next four years if fully implemented Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on the new port fees being implemented as Trump escalates a trade war against China with no direction or strategy by threatening an additional 100% increase on top of the current tariffs against China. “Trump’s tariffs are already hitting consumers and small businesses hard. But Trump’s latest escalation of his trade war with China reminds us that the President is always one angry Tweet away from making things more expensive and worse for regular Americans. These retaliatory port fees are going to hurt our West Coast Ports while helping our foreign competitors. Every day we’re stuck on this chaotic seesaw of unpredictable tariff hikes—toward China or anywhere else. For months, small businesses have been crunched by rising costs or the sheer uncertainty of our federal tariff policy. It is well past time for Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in reasserting Congress’s authority over tariffs—we need to put an end to this self-inflicted economic arson.” Right now, the effective tariff rate in America is 17.9 percent, the highest tariff rate since 1934. A nonpartisan analysis by the Washington State Office of Financial Management found that if the current tariffs stay in effect for the next four years, they will cost Washington state up to 25,000 jobs—and if Trump’s August 1st “Liberation Day” tariffs are fully implemented, they would cost Washington state $2.2 billion and 31,900 jobs over the next four years and significantly drive up the cost of food, clothing, cars, and much more. Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. In 2024, Washington exported $57.8 billion of goods to … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-13-senator-murray-meets-with-doctors-in-oak-harbor-to-discuss-how-republicans-are-forcing-health-care-costs-to-skyrocket-threatening-community-health-centers/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 13: Senator Murray Meets With Doctors in Oak Harbor to Discuss How Republicans are Forcing Health Care Costs to Skyrocket, Threatening Community Health Centers 2025-10-13 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Will More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire Senator Murray has been holding nonstop events with Washingtonians who will see their premiums skyrocket next year to lift up their stories, demand Republicans come to the negotiating table and act to save health care *** PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE*** Oak Harbor, WA — Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, visited Sea Mar Community Health Centers’ Oak Harbor Clinic to hear directly from doctors and health care providers about how they are being affected by Republicans’ recent attacks on health care—including cutting Medicaid by the largest amount in history, and letting millions of Americans’ health care premiums more than double by refusing to extend critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care tax credits for middle-class families. Right now, Democrats are fighting in Congress to stop health care costs from skyrocketing—urging Republicans to join them at the negotiating table to hammer out compromise legislation to reopen the government and prevent people’s health care costs from skyrocketing. For months, Republicans have refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, and if they are not extended soon, 22 million Americans across the country—including more than 216,000 people in Washington state—will see their health care costs spike in January. According to KFF, premiums will more than double for Americans who buy health care through the ACA exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.2 million people off their health coverage over the next decade—including an estimated 80,000 people in Washington state, where health insurers have been approved for an average rate hike of 21 percent. Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and keep the government open and calling on Republicans… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-and-vought-saying-theyve-started-more-mass-firings/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump and Vought Saying They’ve Started More Mass Firings 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: WSJ – Republicans Caution White House on Inflicting Shutdown Pain ICYMI: NYT – Year Will End With 300,000 Fewer Federal Workers, Trump Official Says (August 22, 2025) Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on White House Office of Management and Budget Director (OMB) Russ Vought announcing that: “The RIFs have begun.” “Once again, when President Trump and his self-described ‘grim reaper’ decide to ignore the pleas of congressional Republicans and conduct more mass firings, they are choosing to inflict more pain on the American people. “No one is making Trump and Vought hurt American workers—they just want to. “A shutdown does not give Trump or Vought new, special powers to cause more chaos or permanently weaken more basic services for the American people, and the simple fact is this administration has been recklessly firing—and rehiring—essential workers all year. This is nothing new, and no one should be intimidated by these crooks. “Republican leadership shut down the government because they refuse to even sit down and talk with Democrats about how we keep the government funded and keep health care premiums from more than doubling next year. The way we reopen government is compromise, a simple concept every American understands—and no amount of threats will change that. It’s past time President Trump and Republicans get serious about a solution to reopen the government and address exploding health care costs—and join us at the negotiating table.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/vice-chair-murray-ranking-member-heinrich-35-senators-demand-trump-administration-restore-8-billion-in-funding-for-energy-projects-they-illegally-canceled/ Vice Chair Murray, Ranking Member Heinrich, 35 Senators Demand Trump Administration Restore $8 Billion in Funding for Energy Projects They Illegally Canceled 2025-10-10 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senators to Trump Administration officials: “Satisfying the President’s desire for political revenge and intimidation is not a lawful basis for your actions. It also betrays the callous indifference of this administration to the impacts of its decisions on everyday Americans. These are impacts that will be felt by Americans, regardless of their political views.” WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, were joined by 35 senators in sending a letter demanding that U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought restore funding for 223 energy projects in Democrat-led states that were unlawfully canceled. The funding for these projects was approved and appropriated by Congress. Alongside Murray and Heinrich, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Brian Schatz (D- HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mark Kelly (AZ), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Tina Smith (D-MN), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Cory Booker (D-NJ). All 34 Democratic Senators from states with canceled grants and funding signed the letter. “We write in strong opposition to the Trump administration unlawfully cancelling $8 billion in federal investments in 223 energy projects,” the senators bega… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/days-before-open-enrollment-begins-senator-murray-joins-idaho-leaders-residents-who-rely-on-aca-tax-credits-to-call-on-republicans-to-come-to-the-table-to-prevent-health-care-costs-from-skyrocketing/ Days Before Open Enrollment Begins, Senator Murray Joins Idaho Leaders, Residents Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits to Call on Republicans to Come to the Table to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year ICYMI: Wall Street Journal – White House Senses Political Risk on Healthcare Despite Shutdown Bravado; Murray takes case directly to Idahoans as new signs indicate Republicans are feeling the heat over their refusal to take action to prevent people’s costs from spiking Typical 60-year old couple in Idaho making $85,000 will face a $17,900 spike in annual premiums Open enrollment in Idaho begins October 15th; More than 100,000 Idahoans rely on ACA tax credits ***WATCH press conference HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, on the ninth day of the Republican shutdown, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference with Idaho State Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow and Idahoans who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to afford health care: Bob McMichael, an author and retired teacher from Council, ID, and Susan Wood, a retiree from Boise. Right now, Democrats are fighting to save the ACA tax credits, which expire at the end of the year. Without them, 22 million Americans—mostly in red states—will see their health care costs skyrocket. Premiums will more than double, on average, for Americans who buy health care through the ACA exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.2 million people off their health coverage over the next decade. In Idaho, over 100,000 people rely on the ACA tax credits—and without them, the average increase in annual premiums is expected to be at least $975. If the ACA tax credits aren’t extended, a typical 60-year-old couple making $85,000 in Idaho will face a whopping $17,900 increase in their annual premium costs next year and 25,000 Idahoans are likely to forgo health insurance altogether. More than 3 in 4 people who get their health care through the ACA marketpl… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-9-sen-murray-calls-on-republican-leaders-to-finally-sit-down-to-prevent-americans-health-care-costs-from-exploding/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 9: Sen. Murray Calls on Republican Leaders to Finally Sit Down to Prevent Americans’ Health Care Costs from Exploding 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: 8 in 10 Americans Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year, Including 6 in 10 Republicans KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ICYMI: Politico – Republicans Are in Disarray One Week Into the Shutdown ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor on the ninth day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Thank you, Mr. President. We are just over a week into Republicans’ shutdown. And just over three weeks from open enrollment, when massive premium hikes become a stone-cold reality for our families. And yet, Republican leaders refuse to sit down and talk with us about addressing both of those challenges. “President Trump and Russ Vought are just openly—gleefully—plotting how they can make this shutdown as painful as possible. “House Republicans are not even here, for the third week in a row. “And Leader Thune has refused to do anything other than vote on the same failed partisan CR over, and over, and over. “The clock is ticking. Republicans would rather sit on their hands than sit down at the table. “When we ask to talk about health care, the only word that the Republican Leader seems to know is ‘later.’ Excuse me, but why shouldn’t we address this challenge any earlier? “The Republican leader bent over backwards to shovel new tax cuts at billionaires earlier this year. He did not tell CEOs to ‘wait’ when it came to Republican tax breaks that expired at the end of the year. “Why is he telling families to wait when rates are being set now? When price announcements will be in the mail any day now? And when open enrollment is right around the corner? “Why do Republicans want to wait until higher rates are locked in, and families are priced out of health care? We have got to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal/ Senator Murray Statement on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), released the following statement on Israel and Hamas agreeing to the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release deal: “I am heartened by the news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire deal, and am hopeful this will finally mean the end of this terrible war, which began with the deadliest terrorist attack in Israeli history. Over the past two years, tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed, entire communities have been destroyed, and there has been incalculable human suffering in Gaza—in no small part because Prime Minister Netanyahu chose to prolong this awful war to stay in power. “I am hopeful that this agreement will finally mean a real and lasting end to the conflict, a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza to feed starving families, and the safe return of all hostages, who have endured unimaginable suffering. “The Trump administration must now do everything in its power to ensure both Israel and Hamas uphold the terms of this agreement during final negotiations and implementation. And to ensure sustainable peace, we cannot ignore what has been unfolding in the West Bank, where the Netanyahu government continues to take steps that undermine stability today and in the long term. We must continue to affirm America’s commitment to a two-state solution where Israelis and Palestinians alike can live in peace, with dignity and security—I will always do everything I can to push to make that a reality.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-opposing-national-defense-authorization-act/ Senator Murray Statement on Opposing National Defense Authorization Act 2025-10-09 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), and issued the following statement: “I strongly support our troops—I have for my entire career. As the daughter of a WWII veteran, I take the mission of our military very seriously, and I will always do everything I can to keep our troops safe. “However, in a moment when this President suggests that Democratic led cities should be used as ‘training grounds’ for the military and that there’s a ‘war from within,’ I simply don’t see how I can vote for this bill. Portland and Chicago are not ‘war zones’ that require military intervention. The President is lying about chaos on our streets to deploy the military against our own citizens. “At the same time, the least qualified Secretary of Defense in our history is wrongly firing senior women military leaders and denigrating the countless women servicemembers who put their lives on the line for our country, demonstrating nothing short of outright hostility toward women soldiers—it’s a disgrace. “The way this President is trying to weaponize and politicize our military should outrage every American. America is not a country where the military takes aim at the very people our soldiers swear an oath to protect—and it never should be. It’s on every one of us to stand up for this democracy—I cannot and will not support the passage of this defense bill right now. Moreover, it is absurd for Republican Leadership to press ahead with floor votes on this year’s defense policy bill while they continue to refuse to meet with Democrats to hammer out a deal to actually pay our troops, reopen government, and protect health care.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-8-senator-murray-joins-washingtonians-who-rely-on-aca-tax-credits-to-call-on-republicans-to-prevent-premiums-from-doubling-for-millions-of-americans/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 8: Senator Murray Joins Washingtonians Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits to Call on Republicans to Prevent Premiums from Doubling for Millions of Americans 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper KFF: 8 in 10 Americans Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year, Including Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Will More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ***WATCH full press conference HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on the eighth day of the Republican shutdown with Washington state residents and small business owners who rely on Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to afford health care. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Rebecca Staffel, a freelancer in Seattle, and Jason Lohr-Johnson, a self-employed video producer in Seattle, both of whom rely on the ACA tax credits to afford health insurance. At the press conference, Senator Murray called out Republicans for refusing to come to the table to negotiate a deal with Democrats to protect Americans’ health care. For months, Republicans have refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, and if they are not extended soon, 22 million Americans across the country—including more than 216,000 people in Washington state—will see their health care costs spike in January. According to KFF, premiums will more than double for Americans who buy health care through the ACA exchanges, and these higher costs will push 4.2 million people off their health coverage over the next decade—including an estimated 80,000 people in Washington state, where health insurers have been approved for an average rate hike of 21 percent. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA tax credits is HERE. Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and keep the government open and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-senate-vote-for-caribbean-sea-war-powers-resolution/ Senator Murray Statement on Senate Vote for Caribbean Sea War Powers Resolution 2025-10-08 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on her vote for S.J.Res.83, a Joint Resolution that would terminate the use of the U.S. Armed Forces for hostilities in the Latin American region, including against vessels in the Caribbean Sea, unless Congress explicitly authorizes the use of force through a declaration of war or specific authorization for use of military force (AUMF). Since September 2nd, President Trump has directed four lethal strikes against small boats in the Caribbean region without Congressional authorization—killing at least 21 unidentified individuals. The Joint Resolution senators voted on today does not constrain the President’s authority to otherwise use the U.S. Armed Forces in support of civilian authorities for counternarcotics operations, or to defend the U.S. from an imminent threat or armed attack. “The Constitution is clear: no President can go to war without Congress—but over the past month, President Trump has been directing lethal strikes in the Caribbean, killing 21 people without justification or evidence these strikes were necessary for self-defense. These dangerous and illegal abuses of power put all Americans at risk and they cannot continue. “We are not at war with Venezuela, and Americans do not want to be dragged into a war with Venezuela because this White House wrongly believes they can kill anyone they want, without regard for the law or Congress. The President does not have unlimited legal authority to conduct military action—this White House is once again taking our country down a perilous slippery slope that no senator should accept. President Trump is not above the law and Republicans need to grow a spine and join Democrats to end these illegal abuses of power.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-7-senator-murray-blasts-trump-and-voughts-latest-threats-slams-republicans-refusal-to-get-serious-about-tackling-health-care-costs/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 7: Senator Murray Blasts Trump and Vought’s Latest Threats, Slams Republicans’ Refusal to Get Serious About Tackling Health Care Costs 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “I know Republican leaders desperately want to ignore the looming health care crisis they caused. They have put their heads in the sand for months. They have spun wild lies to try to bury the truth. And they are hoping that people stop talking about it. But every day, that gets just harder. Because every day, another warning light goes off showing just how devastating it will be if Republicans refuse to extend the ACA tax credits and let people’s premiums skyrocket.” KFF: 8 in 10 Americans Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year, Including 6 in 10 Republicans KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor on the seventh day of President Trump and Republicans’ shutdown. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Thank you, Mr. President. [TRUMP THREATS TO NOT PAY BACKPAY IN DEFIANCE OF LAW] “Let me just start by giving our lawless President and OMB Director a little primer on the letter of the law. “Because this morning we learned they’re plotting to try and rob furloughed federal workers of back pay at the end of this shutdown. “This flies in the face of the plain text of the law, which could not be more clear. “President Trump should actually know this: he’s caused more shutdowns than any other President after all. And he signed the law that guaranteed their pay. “This isn’t new. This isn’t surprising. “And in fact, the OPM guidance the Administration actually issued last month reaffirmed that furloughed employees will be paid. “Trump doesn’t get to change the rules and rob workers just because he’s worried his shutdown is backfiring. Scaring and intimidating workers won’t work. He is not fooling anyone. [REPUBLICANS’ HEALTH CARE CRISIS] “Now, Mr. President, I know Republican Leaders de… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-slams-republicans-for-refusing-to-get-serious-about-solving-health-care-crisis-ending-republican-shutdown/ Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Refusing to Get Serious About Solving Health Care Crisis, Ending Republican Shutdown 2025-10-07 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s Remarks*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks on government funding at this afternoon’s Senate Democratic leadership press conference. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Well, less than two weeks ago, Leader Thune said that Democrats’ insistence on addressing the Republican health care crisis was—and I quote— ‘completely unhinged and unreasonable and unserious.’ Somehow, according to Republicans, saving Americans from paying thousands of dollars more for health care is ‘unreasonable.’ “Well, clearly Republicans are feeling the heat from folks back home, because in just the last 24 hours we have seen the Speaker go out and say that ‘Republicans are the ones concerned about health care,’ after they just cut more than $1 trillion from health care in their Big Ugly Bill. And we saw the President, in a major break from his Congressional leadership, tell reporters he was ready to cut a deal. “I know Republicans would rather not talk about health care—but Democrats are forcing them to talk about health care. Because when Republicans insist they will talk about health care ‘later,’ they know perfectly well that will be too late. “Premium increases are getting locked in right now, letters are going out in the mail to families this month, open enrollment actually begins in Idaho next week. Americans cannot wait, they need us to act—to end this shutdown and to address this health care crisis before those higher prices are locked in. “But House Republicans are missing in action—for the third week in a row. “You want to know who is serious about solving problems? You want to know who is serious about ending the shutdown? It’s the people who are actually here. And House Republicans—they’re just not here! “If House Republicans were here, I would make sure they understood half of the people who get health care on the ACA exchanges are small business owners, workers, or s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-3-senator-murray-calls-out-trump-republicans-cruelty-refusal-to-get-serious-about-reopening-government-addressing-health-care-costs/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 3: Senator Murray Calls Out Trump, Republicans’ Cruelty & Refusal to Get Serious About Reopening Government, Addressing Health Care Costs 2025-10-03 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “President Trump has made clear he doesn’t see this shutdown as a problem to solve. He sees a shutdown as an opportunity to hurt people.” Murray: “The irony of Republicans telling us to wait on health care is as rich as the people they shoveled tax breaks on earlier this year. Because let’s not forget: earlier this year, Republicans chose to spend a lot of time here and a lot of effort extending tax cuts for wealthy CEOs. Those tax cuts were set to expire at the end of the year, just like the ACA tax credits we’re talking about now. What did Republicans do? Did they tell the billionaires to wait? No! Republicans moved heaven and earth to save the tax cuts for those billionaires. But now, they won’t move a muscle to save families from skyrocketing health care costs.” Murray: “No one can believe Republican leadership is serious about ending this shutdown either, when Senate Republicans are holding the same vote over and over, while refusing to start serious negotiations. And by the way, House Republicans are not even here in town.” NEW THIS MORNING FROM KFF: 8 in 10 Americans Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year, Including 6 in 10 Republicans KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s floor speech*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor ahead of floor votes on Republicans’ partisan continuing resolution and Democrats’ bill to fund the government, address the health care crisis, and protect Congress’ power of the purse. In her remarks, Senator Murray slams Republicans for choosing to shut the government down rather than negotiating with Democrats, and calls on them to finally join Democrats at the negotiating table to prevent American families’ health care costs from skyrocketing. More information on the Democratic bill is available HERE. Senator Murray’s re… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-3-senator-murray-wa-small-business-owners-who-rely-on-aca-tax-credits-lay-out-how-republican-inaction-will-cause-their-premiums-to-skyrocket/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 3: Senator Murray, WA Small Business Owners Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits Lay Out How Republican Inaction Will Cause Their Premiums to Skyrocket 2025-10-03 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW THIS MORNING FROM KFF: 8 in 10 Americans Say Congress Should Extend the Enhanced ACA Tax Credits Set to Expire Next Year, Including Most Republicans and MAGA Supporters KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire ICYMI: REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 2: Senator Murray, WA Hospital Leaders Lay Out How the Republican Health Care Crisis is Defunding Hospitals, Forcing Premiums to Skyrocket, Kicking People Off Health Care ***WATCH full press conference HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today,on the third day of the Republican shutdown, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, hosted a virtual press conference with Washington small business owners to discuss how the health care crisis that Republicans have created will impact their small businesses and how Democrats are fighting to save critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that working families in Washington state and across the country rely on to be able to afford health insurance. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Leslie McNamara, Elected Commissioner of Three Rivers Hospital, whose husband is a small business owner who relies on ACA tax credits to afford health care, and Stacya Silverman, a small business owner in Seattle who relies on ACA tax credits to afford health care. At the press conference, Senator Murray and Washington state small business owners emphasized how many small business owners around the country, and their employees, are reliant on ACA tax credits to receive health care—and how the expiration of ACA tax credits could force them to go without health insurance and is terrible for the American economy. Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and keep the government open, and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/republican-shutdown-day-2-senator-murray-wa-hospital-leaders-lay-out-how-the-republican-health-care-crisis-is-defunding-hospitals-forcing-premiums-to-skyrocket-kicking-people-off-health-care/ REPUBLICAN SHUTDOWN DAY 2: Senator Murray, WA Hospital Leaders Lay Out How the Republican Health Care Crisis is Defunding Hospitals, Forcing Premiums to Skyrocket, Kicking People Off Health Care 2025-10-02 2025 2025-10 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM KFF: ACA Marketplace Premium Payments Would More than Double on Average Next Year if Republicans Refuse to Join Democrats to Save Enhanced Premium Tax Credits NEW FROM WASHINGTON POST: More Americans blame Trump and Republicans than Democrats for Shutdown ICYMI: Senator Murray Joins WA State Insurance Commissioner, WA Small Business Owner Who Relies on ACA Tax Credits to Drive Home Why Democrats are Fighting to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing ***WATCH full press conference HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today,U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on how Democrats are fighting to reverse Republicans’ catastrophic health care cuts and save critical Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits that hard working families in Washington state and across the country rely on to be able to afford health insurance. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Dr. David Zonies, Chief Medical Officer at Harborview Medical Center/University of Washington School of Medicine and Dr. Ettore Palazzo, CEO of EvergreenHealth. At the press conference, Senator Murray and Washington state health care leaders slammed Republicans for refusing to come to the table to negotiate a deal to address the Republican health care crisis and save the ACA tax credits, jeopardizing health care coverage for millions of people and putting Washington state’s entire health care system at risk. Senator Murray has been speaking out nonstop about the urgent need to save health care and keep the government open, and calling on Republicans to come to the negotiating table to work out a bipartisan deal —which they have so far refused to do. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray leads legislation supported by the Democratic caucus that would reopen the government, address the health care crisis, and prote… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:32:54Z

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