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1,026 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "WA" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending

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https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1756 Larsen Announces Winner of 2019 Congressional App Challenge 2019-12-31 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced William Humarang, a student at Mariner High School in Everett, as the Second District winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. Humarang was inspired to create his app, “Hacker Game: A Puzzle Game of 3 Stages,” after revisiting previous efforts to design and develop apps. Humarang’s winning entry features three interactive mini-games – a passcode game, a clicker game and a guessing game – that challenge the user to unlock a series of puzzles. Humarang encouraged students to explore how rewarding coding can be: “Coding can seem daunting at first, but it makes you look at not only computers, but the whole world in another way.” “The Congressional App Challenge has again shown the creativity of students from across Northwest Washington. I congratulate all of the students who competed and our winner, William Humarang, who developed a fun, interactive “hacker” game to engage students of all ages in coding,” said Larsen. As the Second District winner, Humarang will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and his app will be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the House of Representatives website. In 2018, Burlington-Edison High School student Will Garrison won with an app designed to help users practice and learn math skills in a fun and engaging way. Washington state continues to be a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with more than 313,000 high school students and 165,000 two-year college students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that aims to help maintain U.S. competitiveness by inspiring youth to pursue crucial STEM skills. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-announces-winner-2019-congressional-app-challenge Larsen Announces Winner of 2019 Congressional App Challenge 2019-12-31 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy EVERETT, WA Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced William Humarang, a student at Mariner High School in Everett, as the Second District winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. Humarang was inspired to create his app, Hacker Game: A Puzzle Game of 3 Stages, after revisiting previous efforts to design and develop apps. Humarang's winning entry features three interactive mini-games a passcode game, a clicker game and a guessing game that challenge the user to unlock a series of puzzles. Humarang encouraged students to explore how rewarding coding can be: Coding can seem daunting at first, but it makes you look at not only computers, but the whole world in another way. The Congressional App Challenge has again shown the creativity of students from across Northwest Washington. I congratulate all of the students who competed and our winner, William Humarang, who developed a fun, interactive hacker game to engage students of all ages in coding, said Larsen. As the Second District winner, Humarang will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and his app will be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the House of Representatives website. In 2018, Burlington-Edison High School student Will Garrison won with an app designed to help users practice and learn math skills in a fun and engaging way. Washington state continues to be a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with more than 313,000 high school students and 165,000 two-year college students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that aims to help maintain U.S. competitiveness by inspiring youth to pursue crucial STEM skills. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1557 Larsen Statement on Resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg 2019-12-30 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper – Today, House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement on news of the resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg: “Nothing is more important than the safety of the traveling public. As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I remain committed to the thorough oversight of the 737 MAX certification process and ensuring the aircraft’s safe return to service. “The Committee’s oversight investigation will continue into 2020. I will continue to keep the 346 victims of the two tragic 737 MAX crashes and their families at the forefront, as well as the dedicated women and men of Boeing who design, assemble and build the aircraft. “Finally, the 737 MAX should not return to service until the FAA determines it is safe to do so. The Committee will continue to work with FAA Administrator Dickson and his team on safety while it also explores changes to the certification process for the future.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-resignation-boeing-ceo-dennis-muilenburg Larsen Statement on Resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg 2019-12-30 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement on news of the resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg: Nothing is more important than the safety of the traveling public. As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I remain committed to the thorough oversight of the 737 MAX certification process and ensuring the aircraft's safe return to service. The Committee's oversight investigation will continue into 2020. I will continue to keep the 346 victims of the two tragic 737 MAX crashes and their families at the forefront, as well as the dedicated women and men of Boeing who design, assemble and build the aircraft. Finally, the 737 MAX should not return to service until the FAA determines it is safe to do so. The Committee will continue to work with FAA Administrator Dickson and his team on safety while it also explores changes to the certification process for the future. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1D9531BF-C4B8-49AD-BCC4-BC96796DF7C9 Senators Murray, Cantwell Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senators say HHS decision to roll back essential nondiscrimination protections would allow federally-funded organizations to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people Senators: This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), today demanded that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescind its proposed rule that would allow recipients of HHS awards and contracts to discriminate on the basis of religion. In a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the senators also expressed concern with the agency's decision to bypass the rulemaking process and immediately permit this discrimination. This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination, the senators wrote. Taken together, these actions leave vulnerable populations unable to access the services they need. We strongly urge the Department to enforce existing federal nondiscrimination regulations that protect against discrimination based on sex and religion and rescind this proposed rule. HHS annually awards more than $500 billion in taxpayer-funded awards and contracts to support a wide range of critical programs and services including for public health, early childhood education, youth homelessness, the elderly, federally funded adoption and foster care, and much more. By no longer enforcing existing nondiscrimination regulations, HHS is allowing funding recipients to cite their religious faith as justification for choosing not to serve certain peoplepotentially leaving people of various religious affiliations and LGBTQIA+ people without the services necessary to support their health and well-being. Read the full text of the letter HERE. Additionally, on December 12, Senator Murray s… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C8801DD1-7457-458D-9B54-27F19C997084 Murray Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites Heads to Presidents Desk 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Bill would advance improvements at Yakima Nation historical fishing access sites Following House passage, the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act now goes to the President to be signed into law Senator Murray: It is the federal government's duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sites Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the passage of the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week, which now goes to the president's desk to be signed into law. Senator Murray is a lead cosponsor of the Senate version of the bill. I'm excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President's desk. It is the federal government's duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sitesa critical component of their culture and heritage, as well as an important source of sustenanceand this bill takes another vital step toward fulfilling our government-to-government obligation, said Senator Murray. As a representative for our state's tribes in the Senate, I urge the President to sign this bill into law. Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the three lower Columbia River dams displaced members of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. These tribes have a treaty-protected right to fish along the Columbia River in their usual and accustomed places. Senator Murray has long fought to address the urgent need for adequate housing and infrastructure at tribal fishing access sites constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, which were originally designed to be used primarily for da… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2499 DelBene Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA01) is excited to announcethefirst congressional district'sentry to the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The winning app, called Driver Vision, was created by Sohil Bhatia and Sayan Bhatia of Redmond High School. Driver Vision uses machine learning models and an Internet of Things (IoT) device to detect distracted vs.attentive driving behavior. It then provides the user with a report on their driving speed activity against the speed limits in the area and the number of times the driver was distracted. The Bhatias state that their app is about reinforcing the need for a driver's vision to be safely on the road. An app demo of Driver Vision can be foundHERE. The winning appfrom the first congressional districtwas selected by a panel of impartial judges. Driver Vision willnow goon displayin the U.S. Capitol for one year,along with other winning apps from around the nation. As someone who worked in the tech sector before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative, entrepreneurial leaders,said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students of Washington's firstdistrictfor their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work withall of us.Congratulations to the young developers behind Driver Vision I cannot wait to see what you will create next! DelBene was Co-Chair for both the 2018 and 2019 Congressional App Challenge. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1556 Larsen Statement on House Passage of USMCA 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement after voting for the United States – Mexico – Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA): “After carefully reviewing the agreement and hearing from my constituents in the Second District, I decided to vote for the USMCA. “Today’s passage of the USMCA is a win for workers, families and jobs in Washington state, the most trade-dependent state in the United States. In Snohomish County, 60 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. “USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and strict enforcement rules that will help workers and businesses compete globally. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to modernize NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. “Making it easier for local businesses to sell their goods and services abroad is a key way to help create jobs here at home. Each year, Washington state exports nearly $12.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada, the state’s second- and third-largest trade partners after China. The final agreement provides a boost to Washington state farmers, expanding dairy farmers’ access to Canadian markets and preserving existing market access in Mexico for Washington’s apple, cherry and pear farmers. The agreement also addresses digital trade and the 21st century economy, providing a boost to the 240,000 Washingtonians who work in the growing digital sector. “Thanks to Democrats, the improved USMCA has strong enforcement, as well as critical victories on prescription drug costs and environmental protections. However, this is not a “set it and forget it” agreement. Congress and future administrations must use the enforcement mechanisms and protections to make this agreement work for American workers. “Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Vice Chair Sewell and my colleagues on the NDC Trade Task Force for your work to resolve outstanding issues to update NAFTA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-house-passage-usmca Larsen Statement on House Passage of USMCA 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement after voting for the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA): After carefully reviewing the agreement and hearing from my constituents in the Second District, I decided to vote for the USMCA. Today's passage of the USMCA is a win for workers, families and jobs in Washington state, the most trade-dependent state in the United States. In Snohomish County, 60 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and strict enforcement rules that will help workers and businesses compete globally. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to modernize NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. Making it easier for local businesses to sell their goods and services abroad is a key way to help create jobs here at home. Each year, Washington state exports nearly $12.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada, the state's second- and third-largest trade partners after China. The final agreement provides a boost to Washington state farmers, expanding dairy farmers' access to Canadian markets and preserving existing market access in Mexico for Washington's apple, cherry and pear farmers. The agreement also addresses digital trade and the 21st century economy, providing a boost to the 240,000 Washingtonians who work in the growing digital sector. Thanks to Democrats, the improved USMCA has strong enforcement, as well as critical victories on prescription drug costs and environmental protections. However, this is not a set it and forget it agreement. Congress and future administrations must use the enforcement mechanisms and protections to make this agreement work for American workers. Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Vice Chair Sewell and my colleagues on the NDC Trade Task Force for your work to resolve outstanding issues to update NAF… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-funding-for-washington-state-priorities-in-spending-bills Cantwell Secures Funding for Washington State Priorities in Spending Bills 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.19 Cantwell Secures Funding for Washington State Priorities in Spending Bills WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) secured a number of important Washington state priorities in Congress's spending bills to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2020. The measures passed the Senate yesterday and now move on to the president's desk to be signed into law. Among other Washington state priorities, the bills include the reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and increased funding for wildfire fighting and prevention, critical transportation and infrastructure investment programs, and important environmental and economic programs throughout Washington state. Provides major funding increase to fight wildfires Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, worked with her colleagues to secure a $1.6 billion increase in funding for wildland fire management. The total funding provided is $5.553 billion, which includes $445 million for the hazardous fuels program. The funding package also includes $305 million for forest and rangeland research conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. Cantwell has been a leader in the Senate on wildfire fighting and prevention funding. Earlier this year, she called on the administration to reverse proposed cuts to wildfire funding, and in 2018 she secured passage of language to fix the chronic failures in wildfire funding that have plagued fire-prone communities across the West. Reauthorizes the United States Export-Import Bank Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Senator Cantwell helped secure a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), as well as a fix to quorum issues that have plagued the Bank in recent years. According to the Washington Council on International Trade, Ex-Im supported 25,200 export jobs in Washington state between 2014 and 2018. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Ca… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cantwell-murray-demand-hhs-rescind-rule-allowing-sweeping-taxpayer-funded-discrimination Senators Cantwell, Murray Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination 2019-12-20 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.20.19 Senators Cantwell, Murray Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Senators: This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, today demanded that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescind its proposed rule that would allow recipients of HHS awards and contracts to discriminate on the basis of religion. In a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the senators also expressed concern with the agency's decision to bypass the rulemaking process and immediately permit this discrimination. This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination, the senators wrote. Taken together, these actions leave vulnerable populations unable to access the services they need. We strongly urge the Department to enforce existing federal nondiscrimination regulations that protect against discrimination based on sex and religion and rescind this proposed rule. HHS annually awards more than $500 billion in taxpayer-funded awards and contracts to support a wide range of critical programs and services including for public health, early childhood education, youth homelessness, the elderly, federally funded adoption and foster care, and much more. By no longer enforcing existing nondiscrimination regulations, HHS is allowing funding recipients to cite their religious faith as justification for choosing not to serve certain peoplepotentially leaving people of various religious affiliations and LGBTQIA+ people without the services necessary to support their health and well-being. Read th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0EC63763-8780-4BED-9BE7-9E90C87B1DC4 GUN VIOLENCE: Senator Murray Praises Breakthrough Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Research 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Bipartisan spending bill includes $25 million for gun violence prevention researchthe first such funding in more than two decades Funding represents breakthrough in continued push for stronger response to gun violence Move comes after Murray worked to include language in past funding deal affirming the Health Department has the authority to conduct research on the public health threat of gun violence Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS), released the following statement following the passage of a bipartisan funding bill, which included $25 million dollars in funding for gun violence prevention research. There is still far more we need to do to address the nationwide epidemic of gun violence, but this research funding is a meaningful, hard-fought victory for everyone who has demanded we finally treat gun violence like the public health crisis it is, said Senator Murray. I'm going to keep fighting to make sure this is only a first step, and that we don't just learn more about the public health threat of gun violence, but that we also do more to address it and protect families across the country. The new funding for gun violence prevention research will be split evenly between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and represents the first time Congress has passed dedicated funding for gun violence research since the Dickey amendment was enacted in 1996. Senator Murray fought in a previous spending bill to include language affirming that the Health Department had the authority to conduct research on the public health threat of gun violence. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=24EB295C-C396-4596-9DB2-20C4936D309D Senator Murray Secures Provisions Forcing DeVos to Hold Student Loan Servicers Accountable in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Provisions will force the Department of Education to hold unscrupulous student loan servicers accountable Senator Murray: When it comes to doing right by our students, I'm not going to allow Secretary DeVos's Department of Education to skirt its responsibility to hold unscrupulous actors accountable (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully secured provisions forcing the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) to hold student loan servicers accountable in the year-end spending package. Senator Murray fought for the inclusion of these provisions following thereleaseof a report from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Education that found all nine federal servicers were noncompliant with federal requirements. Under the new measures, which passed the Senate today and now headto the President's desk for signature, FSA will be required to re-allocate borrower accounts from student loan servicers who violate federal standards, contracts, and State and Federal laws intended to protect borrowers. The measures will also prevent FSA from awarding new contracts to servicers that have a history of violating consumer protection laws. In order to increase transparency for borrowers, Senator Murray included additional measures to require FSA to make data on student loan servicers' performance and student loan dischargeswhich is already collected by the Departmentavailable to the public. I was appalled when I found out that student loan servicers have consistently and repeatedly violated requirementsintended to protect borrowerswithout any consequences from the Department of Education. When it comes to doing right by our students, I'm not going to allow Secretary DeVos's Department of Education to skirt its responsibility to hold unscrupulous actors accountableso I fought to include language in the must-pass spending bill to force them to do so,said Senator Murray.It's unfortunate these provisions were necessary… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=36DE3170-C1E7-4119-8A5F-42A0D1FD3E4A Murray on Title X: Republicans Will Be Held Accountable for Denying Patients Access to Reproductive Health Care 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy ICYMI: Murray called for reversing Trump-Pence restrictions on medical providers at Title X-funded family planning centers; Senate Republicans canceled committee session to prevent bipartisan vote in support American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Trump-Pence gag rule: There is no room for politics in the exam room Senator Murray: Women who don't want politics interfering with their access to basic services like cancer screenings and birth control aren't going to forget who put patients first, and who put politics first WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement on Republican leaders' choice to ignore bipartisan support for reversing the harmful gag rule the Trump-Pence Administration imposed on Title X-funded family planning centers, jeopardizing care for millions of patients nationwide. President Trump and Vice President Pence have made it a top priority, since day one, to undermine access to reproductive health careincluding through an extreme, ideological rule that restricts the medical guidance providers can give to millions of patients. By blocking a vote to reverse this harmful rule and ignoring patients across the country who spoke out against it, Republican leaders in Congress have made it clearer than ever that they will go to any length to stand with President Trump and Vice President Pence. They should know that women who don't want politics interfering with their access to basic services like cancer screenings and birth control aren't going to forget who put patients first, and who put politics first. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=53C08B6E-4C92-43E0-AAD2-81588EDDA619 Senator Murray Wins Strengthened Investments in Child Care and Early Childhood Education 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Senator Murray secures a funding boost for early childhood education programs including Head Start Senator Murray: I'm pleased to see significant investments in programs to support our youngest learners (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced significant increases in investments in child care and early childhood education in the end of year spending package, including significant increases for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and the Head Start program. Additionally, the package includes a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants (PDG), a program Senator Murray fought for and secured in the landmark Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). As a former pre-school teacher, I can tell you first-hand how critical the first years of a child's life are to their growth and development, and I'm pleased to see significant investments in programs to support our youngest learners, said Senator Murray. All children no matter where they live, or how much their family makes deserve to start school with the foundation they need to succeed. This funding boost is an important step, but I'm not done fighting to make sure that all our kids have access to high quality, affordable child care and early childhood education. Senator Murray's funding boost went to a variety of programs, including: a $550 million increase for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), allowing states to provide child care to an estimated additional 44,000 children, a $550 million increase for Head Start, and a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants (PDG), expanding access to high quality preschool programs. Senator Murray has long been a champion of child care and early childhood education in the Senate. In February, she introduced the landmark Child Care for Working Families Act, to ensure high-quality, affordable child care for working families across the country, expand access to high-quality preschool, and livable wag… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=559E0B5C-67A6-4158-A9DE-B2B871E6508B Senator Murray Applauds Extension of Export-Import Bank in Bipartisan Spending Deal 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Bipartisan spending deal includes 7 year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank The Bank has facilitated support to hundreds of Washington state businesses to help them gain access to foreign markets Senator Murray: In Washington state we design, manufacture, innovate and grow some of the best goods and products our country has to offer, and the Export-Import Bank is instrumental in helping Washington state companies sell those products all over the world The Columbian Editorial Board: Congress must reauthorize Ex-Im Bank now MORE HERE Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for seven years. The legislation was passed as part of the bipartisan spending deal, which will now go to the President's desk for signature. In Washington state we design, manufacture, innovate and grow some of the best goods and products our country has to offer, and the Export-Import Bank is instrumental in helping Washington state companies sell those products all over the world, Senator Murray said. I'm glad to see both sides of Congress come together with a reauthorization to ensure the Bank is able to continue offering critical support to businesses across our state to help create jobs, grow our economy, and strengthen our communities. The Export-Import Bank is a critical tool for Washington state businesses that use the agency's loan services to access overseas markets, enabling them to expand production, create jobs, and grow the economy in Washington state. Senator Murray has consistently supported reauthorization of the Bank, and cosponsored legislation this summer and in 2014 to reauthorize the Bank when it's charter was set to expire. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AFE8A3F9-A720-4DC3-99FD-013A9EF5E307 Senator Murray Statement on National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following her vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act. I'm glad that Congress reached bipartisan agreement on legislation to help ensure our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to protect Americans here at home and abroad. As a mother, grandmother and former educator, I'm particularly pleased the bill includes new investments in building more on-base child care centers to better support military families who often face unique challenges when it comes to finding quality child care. In addition, I have long advocated for paid family leave policies, so I'm glad to see this legislation will also guarantee federal employees twelve weeks of paid parental leave for the first time in our country's history. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and welcoming a child into their home, and we need to build on this step and ensure no one in our country has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for loved ones in need. Know that as a voice in the Senate for our military and veterans I will keep working to make sure the federal government does its part to honor the enormous sacrifice of our military families and all our servicemembers. A longtime advocate for increased funding for and access to military childcare programs, Senator Murray fought to include a new, dedicated funding stream of $121 million for military child care construction. In 2017, Senator Murray introduced legislation to dramatically expand access to quality, affordable child care, the Child Care for Working Families Act, and has secured millions in funding for child care programs, including the Child Care Development Block Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C095EA31-6EE4-46E2-B47C-7A40680A942F Senator Murray Statement on National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following her vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act. I'm glad that Congress reached bipartisan agreement on legislation to help ensure our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to protect Americans here at home and abroad. As a mother, grandmother and former educator, I'm particularly pleased the bill includes new investments in building more on-base child care centers to better support military families who often face unique challenges when it comes to finding quality child care. In addition, I have long advocated for paid family leave policies, so I'm glad to see this legislation will also guarantee federal employees twelve weeks of paid parental leave for the first time in our country's history. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and welcoming a child into their home, and we need to build on this step and ensure no one in our country has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for loved ones in need. Know that as a voice in the Senate for our military and veterans I will keep working to make sure the federal government does its part to honor the enormous sacrifice of our military families and all our servicemembers. A longtime advocate for increased funding for and access to military childcare programs, Senator Murray fought to include a new, dedicated funding stream of $121 million for military child care construction. In 2017, Senator Murray introduced legislation to dramatically expand access to quality, affordable child care, the Child Care for Working Families Act, and has secured millions in funding for child care programs, including the Child Care Development Block Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D82354E8-8FDA-44FD-A9C9-104CA7586DEB As Senate Sends Bipartisan Spending Bill to President Trumps Desk to Avoid Government Shutdown, Senator Murray Applauds Major Investments in Washington State Priorities 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Bipartisan spending deal addresses critical priorities for Washingtonians, including Hanford clean-up, affordable housing, and critical agricultural research among others A senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray also successfully secured strengthened investments in vital child care, transportation and infrastructure, gun violence prevention research, and more Senator Murray: As a voice for our state in the other Washington, I am glad I was able to help push through the DC gridlock to help guide these investments to Washington state, and now it's up to the President to sign this important deal that will support our families and communities ICYMI: 2019: Senator Murray Keeps Delivering for Washington State Families, Workers, Students, Veterans and More MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state. The twelve spending bills, which the Senate passed in two packages, will ensure the government remains open after the current budget expires on December 20th and keep the government funded through the 2020 fiscal year. Every day in the Senate I work to make progress on the issues that matter to Washingtonians, and I am very pleased Congress was able to come together to keep the government open and make valuable investments in our state's workers, students, families, seniors, and veterans. While this is not the budget I would have written myself, especially when it comes to patients' access to reproductive health care, I'm glad that in this spending deal we were able to address some of the challenges that directly impact so many people across our stateincluding access to quality, affordable child care, critical transportation and infrastructure needs, homelessness and housing instability, and much-needed research on gu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-us-mexico-canada-agreement Congressman Smith Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today regarding House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): "The USMCA I voted to support today is the product of a year of work by Congressional Democrats to put forward something to build on as we work to shift our trade agreements to prioritize workers and the environment. "Democrats made positive steps, especially in regard to labor standards and enforcement, that can help us move towards a trading system that puts workers, labor rights, and fair economic policies first. "I have long been critical of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) program, which gives companies a private right of action to sue countries to settle business disputes but no such avenue for labor or environmental disputes. This agreement nearly eliminates ISDS, putting us on a path to prevent its inclusion in future trade agreements. In addition to strengthening labor standards, the USMCA also includes, for the first time, an enforcement mechanism specifically for labor and establishes an independent review body to ensure Mexico is implementing labor reforms and complying with obligations. "Let me be clear, however, that USMCA is far from perfect. This agreement leaves a lot to be done on environmental and climate-related provisions. President Trump and Senate Republicans continue to ignore the threat of climate change against the urging of Congressional Democrats and the American people. A future Administration must prioritize strong climate change provisions in trade agreements that reflect the urgency of this worldwide crisis. It is unacceptable that the Trump Administration ignores the overwhelming evidence of climate change and refuses to take the necessary actions for the environment. "As a lifelong resident of Washington State, I have seen firsthand the importance of trade for workers and the economy. I have also seen the impacts of job outsourcing and wage stagnation on middle class families. Trade agreements cannot be looke… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D819FD64-03ED-47C6-88BE-89A31CFAE94A Congressman Smith Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today regarding House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): The USMCA I voted to support today is the product of a year of work by Congressional Democrats to put forward something to build on as we work to shift our trade agreements to prioritize workers and the environment. Democrats made positive steps, especially in regard to labor standards and enforcement, that can help us move towards a trading system that puts workers, labor rights, and fair economic policies first. I have long been critical of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) program, which gives companies a private right of action to sue countries to settle business disputes but no such avenue for labor or environmental disputes. This agreement nearly eliminates ISDS, putting us on a path to prevent its inclusion in future trade agreements. In addition to strengthening labor standards, the USMCA also includes, for the first time, an enforcement mechanism specifically for labor and establishes an independent review body to ensure Mexico is implementing labor reforms and complying with obligations. Let me be clear, however, that USMCA is far from perfect. This agreement leaves a lot to be done on environmental and climate-related provisions. President Trump and Senate Republicans continue to ignore the threat of climate change against the urging of Congressional Democrats and the American people. A future Administration must prioritize strong climate change provisions in trade agreements that reflect the urgency of this worldwide crisis. It is unacceptable that the Trump Administration ignores the overwhelming evidence of climate change and refuses to take the necessary actions for the environment. As a lifelong resident of Washington State, I have seen firsthand the importance of trade for workers and the economy. I have also seen the impacts of job outsourcing and wage stagnation on middle class families. Trade agreements cannot be looked at i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2498 DelBene Statement on Passage of USMCA 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) made the following statement: I am pleased that the House of Representatives has approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal which will support our region's farmers, workers, and families. This new agreement includes important provisions that will help our region's dairy farmers, who for years have struggled to export their products to Canada. It also eliminates a rule in British Columbia that requires imported wines to be placed in a separate part of grocery stores. This is also the first U.S. trade agreement that has a digital trade chapter, including important provisions on data localization, cross-border data flows and other important requirements that preserve a free and open internet, and support good-paying jobs in our region. While passing USMCA will provide our farmers and businesses with some certainty, the Administration needs to work to open up new markets for high-quality made-in America exports. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-denny-heck-on-house-passage-of-usmca STATEMENT: Rep. Denny Heck on House Passage of USMCA 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of H.R. 5430, legislation to implement the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new agreement includes significant improvements on labor, the environment, access to prescription drugs, and enforcement. The bill passed by a vote of 385 to 41. I represent Washington state, one of the most trade dependent states in the country. In the 20 years since NAFTA was enacted, Washington has exported almost $135 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico. Trade is also a huge job creator Mexico and Canada currently account for 330,00 jobs across Washington state. Our state's dairy farmers, fruit growers, manufacturers, and countless other workers rely on thoughtful trade policies to support their families. I arrived in Congress believing there are substantial benefits to trade. I still do. Robust trade reduces the risk of armed conflict and helps the economy overall. After all, freer trade, viewed one way, is simply a market-based economy on a global scale. I believe in a market-based economy and the considerable benefits that flow from it. Markets are beneficial because they generate wealth and make people happier. At the same time, I recognize the potentially adverse impacts that poorly-conceived trade deals can have on the U.S. economyresulting in the outsourcing of jobs, lowering of wages, and further degradation of our environment. I'll be frank and say that when the original USMCA trade deal was announced last year, I was skepticaland frankly worriedabout the outcomes it could produce. But thanks to the hard work of the Speaker and Chairman Neal, those worries have generally been laid to rest. Is the USMCA a perfect trade deal? Nono trade deal ever is. But as I see it, we have three possibilities: the old NAFTA, no NAFTA, or a new and improved NAFTA. The USMCA is the third of those options, a trade deal that is a significant improvement over the one it will replace. I have … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-support-usmca-grow-washington-jobs Kilmer Votes to Support USMCA, Grow Washington Jobs 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.19.19 Kilmer Votes to Support USMCA, Grow Washington Jobs Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement following the December 10th announcement of a new trade agreement that incorporates significant changes negotiated by House Democrats for American workers and for the environment. Rep. Kilmer released the following statement announcing his support for the deal: Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the nation with exports and Washington-made products supporting our economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs. We do better when our communities are better able to export wood products, apples, cherries, airplanes, technology, seafood, Almond Roca, and other Made in Washington products. With that in mind, the discussion regarding the rules that govern trade between the United States and our closest neighbors is an important one. I've persistently been critical of NAFTA, the current agreement governing trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Under NAFTA, there were no enforceable labor or environmental standards within the agreement. Enforcement in general was severely lacking, hurting jobs in America. Beyond that, NAFTA no longer adequately meets the demands of a 21st century economy. For example, NAFTA is an agreement that mentions telegraphs but doesn't mention the internet. In 2018, President Trump brought Congress what many have called NAFTA 2.0 the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In my opinion, that proposal failed to deliver enough for workers, or for the environment. In response, House Democrats created a USMCA Working Group to negotiate transformational improvements. That group spent much of the last year working to improve upon the agreement. On top of that, I personally met several times with the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure that there were changes to improve labor and environmental standards, prescription drug provisions, and overall enforcement. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1555 Larsen Introduces Bill to Eliminate Barriers to Education for Sign Language Students 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Signing is Language Act, legislation to ensure dual-language learners who use sign language to communicate at home have access to the resources needed to succeed in the classroom. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law by President Obama in 2015, substantially improved access to educational resources for dual-language learners. However, native sign language users do not qualify as English Language Learners (ELL) under the law. The Signing is Language Act expands the definition of “English learner” to include an individual whose native language is sign language. This change ensures these students are counted as English learners for determining the appropriate level of federal funding for state English language programs. Despite speaking little to no English at home, dual-language learners raised in homes that primarily use sign language to communicate do not have access to the same resources in public schools as other English language learners. The lack of support like one-on-one language instruction and speech therapy for these students can impede English proficiency, with future academic and professional consequences. “All children deserve a high-quality public education, regardless of the language used at home,” said Larsen. “After learning about barriers to students’ ability to learn in Washington state, I committed to improving dual-language learning resources for these students to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed in the future.” "English Language Learning is an essential program for children who use a different language at home, and is now made available by this bill to deaf and hearing children who use sign language at home,” said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO, National Association of the Deaf. “This bill delivers long awaited equality in learning to children who use sign language." Read the full text of the Signing is Language Act here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-introduces-bill-eliminate-barriers-education-sign-language-students Larsen Introduces Bill to Eliminate Barriers to Education for Sign Language Students 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Signing is Language Act, legislation to ensure dual-language learners who use sign language to communicate at home have access to the resources needed to succeed in the classroom. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law by President Obama in 2015, substantially improved access to educational resources for dual-language learners. However, native sign language users do not qualify as English Language Learners (ELL) under the law. The Signing is Language Act expands the definition of English learner to include an individual whose native language is sign language. This change ensures these students are counted as English learners for determining the appropriate level of federal funding for state English language programs. Despite speaking little to no English at home, dual-language learners raised in homes that primarily use sign language to communicate do not have access to the same resources in public schools as other English language learners. The lack of support like one-on-one language instruction and speech therapy for these students can impede English proficiency, with future academic and professional consequences. All children deserve a high-quality public education, regardless of the language used at home, said Larsen. After learning about barriers to students' ability to learn in Washington state, I committed to improving dual-language learning resources for these students to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed in the future. "English Language Learning is an essential program for children who use a different language at home, and is now made available by this bill to deaf and hearing children who use sign language at home, said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO, National Association of the Deaf. This bill delivers long awaited equality in learning to children who use sign language." Read the full text of the Signing is Language Act here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-collins-provision-to-help-americans-with-high-health-care-costs-to-be-signed-into-law Cantwell, Collins Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.19 Cantwell, Collins Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction, nearly half of whom have incomes of $50,000 or less Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced today that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the appropriations package that passed the Senate today. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, Senators Cantwell and Collins' provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act they introduced earlier this year, would allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill when they file in 2020 and 2021. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. More than 200,000 Washingtonians claim the medical expense deduction to lower their health care costs, Senator Cantwell said. Extending this provision will help families with high medical bills pay for unexpected medical costs and life-saving treatment. Medical debt is a serious challenge facing millions of families in our country, and as we endeavor to reduce health care costs, we should also make every effort to ensure that we lower their tax burden as well,said Senator Collins. My provision temporarily restoring the income threshold to 7.5 percent for all taxpayers became law in 2017, and the bipartisan legis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-strengthens-labor-enforcement-in-usmca Cantwell Strengthens Labor Enforcement in USMCA 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.19 Cantwell Strengthens Labor Enforcement in USMCA Cantwell pushes new tools, education and training to build capacity for - and enforcement of - labor standards in USMCA WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, fought for important new tools to strengthen labor enforcement in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed today by the House of Representatives. Those provisions include educating Mexican judges and labor officials about worker rights, digitizing and reviewing collective bargaining agreements, and combatting child labor and forced labor. In the agreement, Cantwell also secured $240 million in funding to help support the implementation of these reforms. Capacity building and labor enforcement go hand-in-hand. Workers need to know our rights in order to achieve them. We thank Senator Cantwell for pushing for funding for these initiatives in the USMCA, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. Specifically, Cantwell's provisions would provide U.S. technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Labor over four years to support reforms of the Mexican labor justice system, worker-focused capacity building, and efforts to reduce child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in Mexico. The bill will also provide support over eight years for additional U.S. government capacity to monitor compliance with labor obligations under the USMCA. The inclusion of these provisions comes after Cantwell urged the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to support this critical assistance, introduced legislation to provide technical assistance for trade enforcement programs, and worked with congressional leaders to ensure it was included in the deal. Cantwell also worked with Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to provide for the creation of a new mecha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/export-import-bank-reauthorization-heads-to-president-for-signature-into-law Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Heads to President for Signature into Law 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.19.19 Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Heads to President for Signature into Law 40% of WA jobs are tied to trade, Ex-Im helps Washington businesses reach foreign markets and generate $31 billion in export revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded Senate passage of a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). The Senate overwhelmingly passed the legislation, 71-23, as part of a package of end-of-year appropriations bills. After previously passing in the House of Representatives, the legislation now goes to the president's desk for signature into law. The reauthorization also includes a fix to quorum rules that have plagued the bank's Board of Directors in recent years. Ex-Im provides the financing support necessary to help thousands of American businesses export their products to overseas markets where more than 95% of the world's consumers live. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. This is critical in Washingtonthe fourth-largest exporting state in the country by value of merchandise and commoditieswhere approximately 40% of all jobs are tied to trade. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Washington's economy is an export economy, and stopping the partisan politics around the nation's export credit agency and giving certainty to the Export-Import Bank for seven years will help lots of Washington businesses get their products to the growing middle class around the world, Senator Cantwell said. Ex-Im was founded in 1934 and exists in its current form under the Export-Impact Bank Act of 1945, which requires periodic reauthorization from Congress in order to continue operating. The House and Senate-passed appropriations bill will reauthorize Ex-Im for 7 years, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EBB5D0DF-F340-4195-BE62-D138B24E7C5C 2019: Senator Murray Keeps Delivering for Washington State Families, Workers, Students, Veterans and More 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy As 2019 comes to a close, Senator Murray reflects on a year of breaking through the gridlock to get things done for Washington state READ BELOW FOR MORE Kitsap Sun: Murray secures millions for military construction of child-care facilities MORE HERE Tri-City Herald: Hanford union worker pay dispute stalled. Then Sen. Patty Murray stepped in MORE HERE Seattle Times: Feds say they'll grant $790M for Federal Way light-rail extension MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray, Local Leaders Announce Major Housing Funding Across Washington State MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has spent the past year working for Washington's families, workers, veterans, educators, students, servicemembers, and everyone in between. As the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Murray has worked to increase funding to combat the opioid epidemic, bolster child care services, and stepped in to help guarantee Hanford workers receive the back pay that they've earned. As a Senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has consistently won funding for Washington state priorities, whether that be housing for those that need it most, vital transportation and infrastructure projects, or critical protections for Washington's wild spaces, and as a longtime member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the daughter of a WWII veteran, Senator Murray has fought to ensure veterans facing homelessness in Washington state and across the country get the helping hand they need. Most importantly, as Washington state's senior Senator, throughout the year Senator Murray has fought consistently for every Washingtonian to ensure the federal government is doing its part to make sure they have the necessary tools, resources, and support they need to succeed and thrive. My top priority is doing everything I can to deliver for our state and help make sure our families, workers, students, seniors, veterans, and Washingtonians from all walks of life have the oppo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-denny-heck-sends-letter-to-amtrak-ceo-opposing-new-arbitration-rules Rep. Denny Heck Sends Letter to Amtrak CEO Opposing New Arbitration Rules on Second Anniversary of DuPont Derailment 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, on the second anniversary of the Amtrak Cascades 501 derailment in DuPont, Washington, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) sent a letter to Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson opposing changes that would prevent future accident victims from suing Amtrak in court. Rep. Heck is joined on the letter by Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08) and Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07). Amtrak is a company financed with taxpayer dollars, so their decision to quietly add a mandatory arbitration requirement is, quite simply, a betrayal of the public trust, said Heck. Today is the second anniversary of the Amtrak Cascades 501 derailment in DuPont, where three people lost their lives and fifty-seven were injuredsome critically. If this provision had been included in Amtrak's contract of carriage back then, the victims of that accident whom juries have so far awarded more than $21 million would have been deprived of their day in court. If Amtrak wants to minimize expenses they incur because of passengers' injuries, then the best way to do that is to make train travel safer, not to block victims' access to justice. To that end, I will soon be introducing legislation to improve and enhance rail safety in Washington state and around the country. On the morning of December 18, 2017, Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501 derailed off an overpass near DuPont, Washington. Several passenger railcars fell onto Interstate 5 and hit multiple highway vehicles. At the time of the accident, 77 passengers, 5 Amtrak employees, and a Talgo, Inc., technician were on the train. Of those on board, 3 passengers were killed, and 57 passengers and crewmembers were injured. In September, a jury awarded nearly $17 million to three plaintiffs involved with the DuPont crash one passenger who sustained injuries, one motorist who was injured when the train derailed onto the highway, and the pregnant wife of the injured motorist. In a separate case in November, another passenger was awarded $4.5 million for injuries sustained during the derailment. The… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-denny-heck-on-articles-of-impeachment STATEMENT: Rep. Denny Heck on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement on his decision to support both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. This week Americans are busy finishing up their Christmas shopping primarily for their children and if they're lucky enough to have them, for their grandchildren. The high school and college students are taking finals and sweating out the results. This got me to thinking about those who follow. What is our obligation to them? And what about those who came before? What did they see as their obligation to us? People like my grandfather who we think was born on the boat on the way over from Germany. Or my father who fought in WWII against the very people his grandfather had left. We are all here today because someone before us sacrificed so that they could journey here and build a new life in this unique land. And we are here today because those immigrants and their children were dedicated not just to the land of America but the idea freedom and opportunity secured by self-government: choosing our own leaders in free and fair elections. The Rule of Law, with everyone equal under it, anchored in the Constitution. And this idea of America is in peril, put there by a president who would seek to cheat in an election by illegally soliciting foreign assistance. A president who puts himself above the law. A president who attacks the bedrock constitutional precept of checks and balances by obstructing our legitimate inquiry. Can the idea of America handed down to us survive this behavior? What idea of America will we pass on to our kids? Finally, what is our obligation to those who follow? It is simply this: to do our duty and defend our Constitution and the values underpinning it by voting yes' for the Articles of Impeachment. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-articles-impeachment Congressman Smith Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today on the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: "After careful consideration of the evidence and witness testimony, I plan to vote in support of both articles of impeachment against President Trump. Accountability is a central tenet of our democracy, and in this solemn moment, it is crucial that Congress sends a strong and clear message that President Trump—and all presidents who follow him—will be held accountable and will not be given a free pass to abuse the presidency for personal gain. "We must uphold the ideals of our republic against this test of our democratic resilience. We cannot ignore the evidence before us, and we cannot allow our vision to be clouded by partisanship. We must uphold our country's values. "As always, I will vote with the interests of the constituents of Washington's Ninth District at the top of my mind. They deserve better than a president who actively undermines our electoral process and repeatedly jeopardizes our national security. They deserve a president who respects, rather than corrupts, his or her office. This president has defied our system of checks and balances by ignoring congressional subpoenas and obstructing Congress. By pressuring a foreign government to investigate a political opponent, he has blatantly abused the power of the presidency. His actions fly in the face of the democracy that our founding fathers boldly established and that our uniformed men and women work dutifully to secure every day. "Since the launch of the impeachment inquiry, I have read messages from my constituents, heard their questions at town halls, and met with them in our community. On countless occasions, I have heard deep concerns about the damage this president has done to our country; I have also heard from constituents who oppose impeachment. I want all my constituents to know that my decision to vote for articles of impeachment was not a political one, and I will continue my work on iss… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=286DD256-22B6-4202-AD85-BC11B9BD0C32 Congressman Smith Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today on the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: After careful consideration of the evidence and witness testimony, I plan to vote in support of both articles of impeachment against President Trump. Accountability is a central tenet of our democracy, and in this solemn moment, it is crucial that Congress sends a strong and clear message that President Trumpand all presidents who follow himwill be held accountable and will not be given a free pass to abuse the presidency for personal gain. We must uphold the ideals of our republic against this test of our democratic resilience. We cannot ignore the evidence before us, and we cannot allow our vision to be clouded by partisanship. We must uphold our country's values. As always, I will vote with the interests of the constituents of Washington's Ninth District at the top of my mind. They deserve better than a president who actively undermines our electoral process and repeatedly jeopardizes our national security. They deserve a president who respects, rather than corrupts, his or her office. This president has defied our system of checks and balances by ignoring congressional subpoenas and obstructing Congress. By pressuring a foreign government to investigate a political opponent, he has blatantly abused the power of the presidency. His actions fly in the face of the democracy that our founding fathers boldly established and that our uniformed men and women work dutifully to secure every day. Since the launch of the impeachment inquiry, I have read messages from my constituents, heard their questions at town halls, and met with them in our community. On countless occasions, I have heard deep concerns about the damage this president has done to our country; I have also heard from constituents who oppose impeachment. I want all my constituents to know that my decision to vote for articles of impeachment was not a political one, and I will continue my work on issues tha… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2495 DelBene Statement on Impeachment of President Trump 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy DelBene Statement on Impeachment of President Trump f t # e Washington, D.C., December 17, 2019 Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement: Tomorrow, I will vote in favor of impeaching the President of the United States. After carefully reviewing the evidence and the articles of impeachment, it is clear that President Trump abused the power of the presidency and obstructed Congress. I did not come to this conclusion lightly. Impeachment is a serious matter, but no president can be allowed to pressure a foreign country to interfere in our elections. His behavior has jeopardized the integrity of our elections, put our national security at risk and placed his personal interests above those of the American people and our allies. His obstruction has prevented the House from conducting its constitutional duties of oversight of the executive branch. By failing to uphold his oath of office, President Trump is forcing Members of the House of Representatives to uphold ours. f t # e 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2496 DelBene, Bucshon Applaud HHS Decision to Lower Living Organ Donor Barrier 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Today, Kidney Caucus co-chairs Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) released the following statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) efforts to increase organ transplants which would be a significant improvement for those waiting for a kidney. As co-chairs of the Congressional Kidney Caucus we welcome HHS's announcement to lower the barrier to entry to be a living organ donor and hold Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) to a higher standard by establishing valid performance standards and ensuring all viable organs are delivered to patients who desperately need them. Today there are 95,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant but only 21,000 kidney transplants were performed in 2018 these patients are depending on all of us to get this done the right way. We look forward to working with stakeholders, the kidney community, and the Administration to bring better results to patients. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2497 DelBene Scores Legislative Wins in House Appropriations Agreement 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) is pleased to highlight some of the legislative victories she secured in Congress' Fiscal Year 2020 spending agreement, including first-time federal funding forKidneyX, a full repeal of the Medical Device Tax, and inclusion of DelBene'sSave Community Newspaper Act, among other important victories for Washington state residents. KidneyXreceived $5 million in funding in this year's agreement.KidneyXis a new public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of novel therapies and technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. As co-chair of the Congressional Kidney Caucus, DelBenehas helpedlead the bipartisan effort to fundKidneyXto support improving the prognoses for kidney patients. Today's compromise also includes thefull repeal of the Medical Device Tax. The tax deters investment in medical research and development. DelBene has been a leader in the House Democratic Caucus in advocating for the repeal of this tax. There are over 300 medical device or equipment companies in Washington state. The Cadillac tax was also repealed, which will make it easier for employers to offer robust quality health care plans for their employees. DelBene'sSave Community Newspaper Act(H.R. 1916) providespension relief to local newspapers across the country. This legislation changes certain pension rules for community newspapers and helpsprevent their pension plans from failing, helping several newspapers in Washington state. H.R. 1916 originally passed the House in May. No large spending bill is ever perfect, but the inclusion of these priorities demonstrates that honest bipartisan policy efforts still have a place in our nation's capital,said DelBene. I appreciate the support of my colleagues for causesthat my constituents care about deeply.I look forward tocontinuing my work for our district in the new year. Other allocations in the spending agreement that were supported or led by DelBene include: $40 million f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-applauds-funding-authorization-of-defense-communities Congressman Heck Applauds Funding & Authorization of Defense Communities Infrastructure Program 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congress took the final steps to create the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), an effort begun by Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) in 2014. The program will provide grants to state and local governments to improve and expand infrastructure in communities to accommodate growing defense installations. Those of us who have the great honor to represent major defense installations know that the base is only as strong as the communities that surround it, said Heck. The communities are home to most uniformed personnel and all of the civilian workforce. The communities pay for the roads that lead up to the gates and the levees that protect the installation from floods. We have fought hard in Congress to ensure that our defense communities receive the funding they deserve. In my nearly six years of work on this issue, I am proud to have been joined in this fight by not only dozens of my Congressional colleagues but also local elected officials representing over 120 communities in 30 different states, including Washington. The South Sound has long been an excellent home to the armed forces, and the Pentagon has recognized that fact by steadily transferring commands to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Adding those units enhances our communities, but the growth comes at a cost to local governments in Pierce County that must rapidly expand roads, wastewater and other infrastructure to accommodate new families. The federal government should be a better partner in sharing those costs, which is why I introduced the COMMUTE Act in 2014. Since then, I've never stopped working to bring this idea to reality, and today feels like a significant win for the South Sound and military communities across the country. DCIP was first included in the final defense authorization bill for 2019. However, without dedicated funding, the Pentagon has not yet implemented the grant program. This year, advocates of DCIP secured an authorization for $75 million in the 2020 defense authorization bill. On December 5, Congres… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-commends-the-passage-of-2020-appropriations-bills Congressman Heck Commends the Passage of 2020 Appropriations Bills 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of the two legislative packages that together make up the twelve funding bills for fiscal year 2020. Congressman Heck secured a number of vital provisions in both pieces of legislation that will create and protect U.S. manufacturing jobs, support infrastructure surrounding our nation's defense communities, fund housing on tribal lands, and invest in veterans programs and Puget Sound restoration. These spending bills are a thoughtful, bipartisan compromise that put the priorities of the American people first, and I was pleased to vote in support of both pieces of legislation today, said Heck. In addition to properly funding our military, supporting our veterans, and continuing restoration of Puget Sound, I am proud to report that the funding bills included a seven-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, a major priority I fought hard to include in the final text. These bills also include, for the first time, funding to support infrastructure needs in communities that serve growing military bases. These are hard-fought wins I am honored to have played a part in securing. The domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, H.R. 1865, includes the conference agreements for the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. Among its provisions, H.R. 1865 increases funding for vital housing and homelessness programs including those on tribal lands, supports surface transportation grants, allows crucial funding for gun violence research, supports programs critical to Washington state including the Puget Sound Geographic Program, Port Security Grant Program, and Pacific Salmon Commission, and provides record funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This legislation also reauthorizes the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/heck-hails-record-breaking-reauthorization-for-export-import-bank Heck hails record-breaking reauthorization for Export-Import Bank 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. As Congress passed an end-of-year spending package, Congressman Denny Heck drew attention to a significant win for American workers contained deep within the appropriations bill. The long-embattled Export-Import Bank of the United States, which provides financing for American-made goods sold overseas, received an extraordinary vote of confidence: a record-long extension and new protections against efforts to hamstring it by blocking nominees to its board of directors. This reauthorization will give the Bank the time and certainty it needs to rebuild its operations after the significant damage done by ideological attacks on it for the last decade, said Heck. After the last reauthorization, we learned some hard lessons, and my top priorities for the bill this year were a long term and a quorum fix. Getting both means American exporters can expand production for overseas customers, confident that Ex-Im will be there to support their sales. Heck served as the lead Democrat on the 2015 reauthorization bill in the face of intense, but narrow, opposition. While debate dragged out, the Bank's authorization expired for five months, blocking all new business. After the bill passed and the Bank reopened, Senate opponents blocked all nominations to the Board of Directors, and, lacking a quorum, the Board was unable to meet from July 2015 to May 2019. Without a quorum, Ex-Im was unable to consider applications for any sale over $10 million. The Export-Import Bank is the nation's official export credit agency. It provides financing for exports of products made in America that cannot be financed by the private market typically either goods sold by small businesses or long-lived capital equipment. During the 2014 closure no exports could be financed. In the following quorum lapse from 2015 to 2019, no large capital equipment could be financed. The bill that becomes law this week will guarantee that Ex-Im will be open to all applications through 2026. The effort to save Ex-Im was one of the things… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-secures-critical-investments-in-regional-priorities-votes-to-keep-government-open Kilmer Secures Critical Investments in Regional Priorities, Votes to Keep Government Open 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Kilmer Secures Critical Investments in Regional Priorities, Votes to Keep Government Open Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support two legislative packages that together comprise all 12 fiscal year 2020 funding bills. The packages, products of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, now head to the Senate. Today, I voted to keep the government open and to fund critical priorities for our region that will create jobs and help our environment, said Rep. Kilmer. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that it includes vital investments in Puget Sound recovery and restoring our salmon, a much-deserved pay raise for our military and for civilian federal workers, support for Indian Country and veterans, investments in jobs at Naval Base Kitsap, and funding for broadband and rural economic development. Kilmer added, This is not the agreement I would have written on my own. There are provisions of this legislation that I detest. But I don't get to vote yes, but I have concerns' or no, but I liked these parts'. While there is a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, to avert a government shutdown we needed to reach an agreement with a Republican Senate and a Republican President whose values are different than those of a majority of folks in our region. We saw the lasting damage caused when that process failed and our country suffered a government shutdown. Our region doesn't want further chaos and shutdowns. Today's vote responsibly funds our government, prevents another damaging government shutdown, and invests in our region. The bill includes a number of priorities championed by Rep. Kilmer, including: Promoting Salmon and Orca Recovery In the FY 2020 appropriations agreement, Rep. Kilmer secured $35,500,000 in funding to address the recommendations outlined in the Pacific Salmon Commission's plan to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Signed by Canada and the United States in 1985, the Treaty provides a framework for the two countrie… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-statement-on-support-for-articles-of-impeachment Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment I didn't come to Congress to pursue impeachment.Rather, as most of the folks I represent likely know, my focus has been on trying to create more economic opportunity in our region and pushing to have a government that works better - period.Having said that, the very first thing I do as your representative is raise my right hand and swear an oath to uphold the Constitution.That's a commitment I take seriously. It matters to me that all elected officials are held accountable to the public.It should never be acceptable for a sitting president or any elected official to abuse their position of power to achieve their political aims. This is a value that extends beyond party politics and is critical to our adherence to the rule of law and the integrity of our democracy. To be clear, this cannot be and should not be about politics now or in the future nor should it be about re-litigating the 2016 election. Rather, the focus must be on whether the president abused his office and obstructed Congress in its investigation to evaluate that abuse. The two articles of impeachment that Congress will consider lay out two important points.First, the President abused the power of his office.In testimony by members of the president's own administration, it is clear that he withheld security assistance from one of our allies, demanding a favor from them in the form of an investigation of his political rival.Second, the President directed the White House and Executive Branch agencies to defy lawful subpoenas, prevent testimony and withhold documents that were within the scope of the impeachment inquiry. Based on the evidence brought to light in the course of the impeachment inquiry, more than 500 constitutional scholars recently signed a letter saying that they believe the president committed impeachable conduct.This comes on the heels of over 300 national security professionals Democrats and Republicans supporting the impeachment inquiry based o… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1755 Larsen Statement on Boeings Decision to Halt 737 MAX Production in Renton 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper EVERETT, WA – House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in response to Boeing’s decision to temporarily halt the production of 737 MAX airplanes at its Renton, Washington factory: “Today’s Boeing announcement is a body blow to its workers and the region’s economy. The only saving grace is the Boeing leadership has promised not to lay off any workers. I am ready to work with Boeing workers to ensure they are protected and that they will have access to the necessary resources in the event of a prolonged shutdown. “In the meantime, the FAA should continue to emphasize that safety is the guiding principle for any return to service decision for the 737 MAX. The MAX is a great airplane and will be in use for many years, but the best decision for the long-term and for the workers at Boeing is ensuring the necessary changes needed to put the plane back in service are done only with safety in mind.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-boeing%E2%80%99s-decision-halt-737-max-production-renton Larsen Statement on Boeings Decision to Halt 737 MAX Production in Renton 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy EVERETT, WA House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in response to Boeing's decision to temporarily halt the production of 737 MAX airplanes at its Renton, Washington factory: Today's Boeing announcement is a body blow to its workers and the region's economy. The only saving grace is the Boeing leadership has promised not to lay off any workers. I am ready to work with Boeing workers to ensure they are protected and that they will have access to the necessary resources in the event of a prolonged shutdown. In the meantime, the FAA should continue to emphasize that safety is the guiding principle for any return to service decision for the 737 MAX. The MAX is a great airplane and will be in use for many years, but the best decision for the long-term and for the workers at Boeing is ensuring the necessary changes needed to put the plane back in service are done only with safety in mind. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-ensure-students-get-enough-time-eat-lunch Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Ensure Students Get Enough Time to Eat Lunch 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) was joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to introduce the Healthy Meal Time Act. The Healthy Meal Time Act would provide schools with best practices for scheduling lunch and recess to ensure that students have enough time to eat and reduce food waste. "As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for children to eat healthy foods and get some energy out at recess," said Rep. Schrier. "But the schedule most schools use puts lunch before recess. Students rush through lunch to get to recess. Some skip lunch because of long lines. Putting recess first makes time for both, and evidence shows they eat even more food and healthier options if they've had a chance to run around outside before lunch. It makes sense that children should build up an appetite first before lunch. That way they are able to focus on school and not worry about being hungry later in the day." "Lunch is critical for the health and well-being of students because it gives them the nutrition they need to reach their full potential," said Rep. Bonamici, Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. "I'm pleased to be working with Congresswoman Schrier on the Healthy Meal Time Act to support long-overdue research, guidance, and best practices for schools to boost learning with appropriate meal times." The Healthy Meal Time Act directs the Department of Agriculture, with input from the Department of Education, to do a study that will share successful efforts and current best practices with schools. It is unclear how many schools provide students adequate time for their meals, and no federal guidelines on this matter exist. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that students have a minimum of 20 minutes to eat lunch each day. Likewise, a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that lunch periods of at least 25 minutes were found to improve students' nutritional intake and limit food waste. A study in the Journal… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-important-tax-wins-in-end-of-year-spending-package Cantwell Helps Secure Important Tax Wins in End-of-Year Spending Package 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Cantwell Helps Secure Important Tax Wins in End-of-Year Spending Package Legislation extends critical tax credits for renewable energy, Washington state economic development; New Market Tax Credit has invested $2.4 billion in Washington state since 2003 WASHINGTON, D.C. After months of bipartisan negotiations, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the inclusion of critical tax provisions for Washington state's economy, renewable energy development, and investment in communities throughout the state in the end-of-year appropriations bills unveiled by congressional leaders early this morning. Cantwell was one of the key negotiators of the bipartisan, bicameral package. These tax credit provisions are so important for many small businesses and industries that support families, help revitalize economic depressed communities, and invest in those that are underserved, Senator Cantwell said. Small businesses and families don't have people running through the halls of Congress to lobby for them, but they deserve the tax certainty and predictability this legislation will deliver. The appropriations bills include the extension of a number of critical tax credits that support small businesses and invest in communities throughout Washington state: New Markets Tax Credit increases the funding for investment in low-income communities from $3.5 billion to $5 billion and extends the credit through 2020. Between 2003 and 2019, the New Markets Tax Credit invested $2.4 billion in projects throughout Washington state, including more than $50 million each in 12 counties across the state; helped create more than 26,000 jobs; and provided funding for 130 projects across the state, including: $10.5 million in financing for the Kalispel Tribe Wastewater Treatment And Buffalo Preserve; $13 million for HopeWorks Station in Everett; $16.7 million for the Clark County Family YMCA… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-larsen-provision-to-monitor-noise-of-naval-operations-headed-to-presidents-desk Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations Headed to President’s Desk 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations Headed to President's Desk Language requires real-time noise monitoring of flights from two West Coast Navy installations WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, language introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) to provide for real-time noise monitoring at two West Coast Navy installations passed the Senate 86-8 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Increased Growler activity over Whidbey Island and the Olympic National Park has impacted local communities and caused concern, Cantwell said. Now we will have real-time noise monitoring, which is crucial for the Navy, state, and communities to hold transparent and accurate discussions on the issue. On June 12, the House Armed Services Committee adopted my provision to require real-time noise monitoring at three Naval Air Stations and three Air Force bases because the challenge we face with jet noise on Whidbey Island is a challenge shared by other communities, said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. As a member of the conference committee responsible for shepherding this provision to final passage, I am happy the final bill included real-time noise monitoring language to require the Navy to mitigate the effects of military aircraft noise on private residences, schools and hospitals. This provision will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Thank you to Chair Smith and Senator Cantwell for working with me to get this bill across the finish line. This March, the U.S. Navy announced the addition of 36 Growler aircraft to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, increasing annual airfield activity by up to 33%. The C… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-merkley-pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-for-trawlers-in-year-end-spending-bill- Cantwell, Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.17.19 Cantwell, Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill Spending bill language would help West Coast Trawlers and revive coastal economies WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. Language in the bill would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This is a victory for West Coast groundfish fishermen and fishing jobs in the Pacific Northwest,said SenatorCantwell.This legislation is an important step to ensure year-round economic activity and stability for rural fishing communities. Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary b… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=635214EA-A982-4EFF-8DE9-646C65DFE311 Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Led by Senator Murray, WA's Democratic congressional delegation cheered announcement of vital funding for South Sound light rail extension project With execution of funding agreements near, Sound Transit can begin construction on long-awaited project to extend light rail to Federal Way Funding announcements follow lawmakers' repeated efforts urging Transportation Secretary Chao to expedite funding for the project ICYMI: State lawmakers push for final approval of Federal Way Link Extension funding More HERE from the Federal Way Mirror WASHINGTON, D.C. Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), today Washington state's Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation's Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January. This is an early gift for the South Sound community that will help decrease commute times and reduce traffic congestion for families, students, workers and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-seven-year-extension-of-export-import-bank-in-government-funding-bill Cantwell Helps Secure Seven Year Extension of Export-Import Bank in Government Funding Bill 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.19 Cantwell Helps Secure Seven Year Extension of Export-Import Bank in Government Funding Bill 40% of jobs are tied to trade; Ex-Im helps Washington businesses reach foreign markets and generate $31 billion in export revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the inclusion of a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) in the end-of-year appropriations bills unveiled today by U.S. Senate and House leaders. The reauthorization also includes a fix to quorum rules that have plagued the bank's Board of Directors in recent years. Both houses of Congress are expected to vote on the legislation in the coming days. Ex-Im provides the financing support necessary to help thousands of American businesses export their products to overseas markets where more than 95% of the world's consumers live. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. This is critical in Washingtonthe fourth-largest exporting state in the country by value of merchandise and commoditieswhere approximately 40% of all jobs are tied to trade. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Washington's economy is an export economy, and stopping the partisan politics around the nation's export credit agency and giving certainty to the Export-Import Bank for seven years will help lots of Washington businesses get their products to the growing middle class around the world, Senator Cantwell said. Ex-Im was founded in 1934 and exists in its current form under the Export-Impact Bank Act of 1945, which requires periodic reauthorization from Congress in order to continue operating. The House-passed appropriations bill would reauthorize Ex-Im for 7 years, giving exporters the certainty they need to close deals in forei… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-mcmorris-rodgers-secure-historic-win-for-spokane-tribe- Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Secure Historic Win for Spokane Tribe 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.19 Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Secure Historic Win for Spokane Tribe Spokane Tribe Equitable Compensation Act passes House of Representatives, heads to president's desk for signature into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05) to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable and just compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s. Having previously passed through the Senate, the bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Spokane Tribe of Indians has waited for almost 80 years to receive just and equitable compensation for the land, life, and culture they lost when the Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. This corrects a flawed adjudication process that left the Spokane out, Cantwell said. Today, the Department of Interior, Republicans, and Democrats stand together to right this historic wrong, which will allow the Tribe to invest in regional economic development opportunities. The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam positively transformed our region in countless ways, but it also fundamentally changed the Spokane Tribe's way of life, said McMorris Rodgers. This is long overdue, and I'm happy we are finally moving forward to get the Spokane Tribe the compensation they deserve and right this historical wrong. The Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act would authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam. The compensation does not increase taxpayer obligation a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pacific-northwest-delegation-announces-house-passage-of-bill-to-improve-safety-and-sanitation-at-columbia-river-tribal-fishing-sites- Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.19 Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes. The bill, authored by Merkley and Blumenauer, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2019. Improving housing and infrastructure at Tribal fishing sites is a critical step to fulfill our treaty promises. I hope the president will sign this legislation into law so we can get to work on providing clean and safe living conditions at these sites as soon as possible,said Senator Cantwell. The current conditions at Columbia River fishing sites are unacceptable, unjust, and must be fixed, Senator Merkley said. I've personally seen the shocking conditions at Lone Pine. We owe better to thetribal communities in the Northwest, and the very least we can do is uphold our commitments to tribes and ensure basic sanitation and safety. I'm pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined us in passing this bill, and I urge the president to sign it into law without delay. Congress has a responsibility to address the egregious misdeeds committed against the tribes who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, said Rep. Blumenauer. We cannot pretend that this bill rectifies all of these injustices, but passing it i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washington-state-lawmakers-announce-major-federal-investments-for-federal-way-link-extension-project Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.16.19 Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project With execution of funding agreements near, Sound Transit can begin construction on long-awaited project to extend light rail to Federal Way WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Washington state's Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation's Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January. This is an early gift for the South Sound community that will help decrease commute times and reduce traffic congestion for families, students, workers and travelers throughout the region, said Senator Murray. As transit ridership in Puget Sound continues to grow and more Washingtonians look to transportation alternatives like … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AD544ABE-FCE7-453A-B96E-733D16FCBA44 Senator Murray Praises Final Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Permanently Fund HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law Bipartisan legislation led by Senator Murray will permanently fund HBCUs and minority serving institutions, after funding lapsed at the end of September Legislation amends the FUTURE Act to include FAFSA Act, legislation that would simplify FAFSA and streamline income-driven repayment Senator Murray: I'm also pleased this legislation streamlines federal student aid for more than 20 million students applying on the FAFSA, and nearly 8 million borrowers (Washington, D.C.) Following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives this week, the Senate passed a bipartisan deal led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, to permanently fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs), including Northwest Indian College in Washington state. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill, which amended the FUTURE Act, also includes the FAFSA Act, a bill that will simplify and streamline the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 20 million American families by eliminating duplicative paperwork between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education.The FAFSA Act will also help nearly 8 million borrowers in income-driven repayment plans seamlessly stay in their plans each year without needing to go through complicated annual recertification. While this funding should never have lapsed in the first place, I'm glad that we were able to reach a deal that provides minority-serving institutions with the certainty of funding they deserveand I truly appreciate the work done on both sides of the aisle to get us to this point, Senator Murray said. By permanently extending funding for these valuable institutions and streamlining our student aid system, this deal is a win-win. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues on efforts to overhaul the Higher Education Act in a comprehe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/heck-s-bill-naming-tumwater-post-office-signed-into-law Hecks Bill Naming Tumwater Post Office Signed Into Law 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Denny Heck's (D-WA) bill naming the Tumwater Post Office to honor Eva G. Hewitt was signed into law. Hewitt served as Tumwater's first woman postmaster from 1915 until her retirement in 1942. It's heartwarming that we're closing out 2019, a year marking 150 years since Tumwater's incorporation, with the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office being signed into law, said Congressman Heck. Eva was a businesswoman, postmaster, and community leader during her life, and it's only fitting that the Tumwater Post Office be named for her. I send my sincere thanks to the City of Tumwater for sharing Eva's story with the community and approaching me about this bill. I look forward to visiting the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office soon when I'm back home. Heck introduced the bill in March during Women's History Month. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote in July. The bill was successfully guided through the Senate by Washington's U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and passed the Senate by unanimous consent in November. The law designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 200 Israel Road Southeast in Tumwater, Washington as the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office.'' It further requires that any mention in any law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States properly reference the facility and use the new name. Often described as the heart and soul of Tumwater, Eva G. Hewitt (1875-1957) played an influential role during the early years of Tumwater. She assumed the position of postmaster in 1915, where she oversaw the tremendous growth in mail volumes in the South Sound. Following the death of her husband in 1927, she took over business operations of the Hewitt Drug Store. She served as store owner and postmaster until her retirement in 1942. In addition to being Tumwater's first woman postmaster, Eva G. Hewitt was the longest-serving Tumwater postmaster at the time of her retirement. She was also widely regarded as Tumwater's local hi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1754 Larsen: Naval Station Everett is Ideal Location for Future Navy, Coast Guard Homeporting 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released a report outlining why Naval Station Everett (NSE) is the ideal location for future U.S. Navy and Coast Guard homeporting. In the report, Larsen highlights NSE’s location, natural deep-water port, modern infrastructure and new shipyards as unique and vital fits for future Navy and U.S. Coast Guard missions. “Naval Station Everett is still “the Sailor’s Choice,” but I am working to make it the Pentagon’s Choice,” said Larsen. “For more than twenty years, NSE has played a crucial role in keeping the country safe and protecting U.S. interests worldwide. Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships. I look forward to continue working with local leaders to make that case to the Navy and the Coast Guard.” Larsen cited several advantages to NSE as an ideal future homeport for Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels: As a natural deep-water port, NSE has no tidal restrictions, bridges or other obstructions between port and the open ocean and does not require dredging to maintain depth. The Navy will need every available pier in order to reach its 355-ship goal by 2049. NSE hosted Navy frigates in the past and has the capability to do so in the future. NSE is in the center of the Pacific Northwest transportation network. Location and ease of access make NSE an ideal location for U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Homeporting. Larsen has long pushed to homeport more Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels at NSE. In 2012, Larsen worked to bring three destroyers to the base and in 2013, pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring frigates and bringing in the new destroyers. In 2015, Larsen supported homeporting three destroyers at the base. Larsen has also continually advocated for the return of the USS Nimitz since it left for Bremerton in 2015. Conceived as an aircraft carrier homeport, NSE is now home to six Navy destroyers and two… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-naval-station-everett-ideal-location-future-navy-coast-guard-homeporting Larsen: Naval Station Everett is Ideal Location for Future Navy, Coast Guard Homeporting 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy EVERETT, WA Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released a report outlining why Naval Station Everett (NSE) is the ideal location for future U.S. Navy and Coast Guard homeporting. In the report, Larsen highlights NSE's location, natural deep-water port, modern infrastructure and new shipyards as unique and vital fits for future Navy and U.S. Coast Guard missions. Naval Station Everett is still the Sailor's Choice, but I am working to make it the Pentagon's Choice, said Larsen. For more than twenty years, NSE has played a crucial role in keeping the country safe and protecting U.S. interests worldwide. Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships. I look forward to continue working with local leaders to make that case to the Navy and the Coast Guard. Larsen cited several advantages to NSE as an ideal future homeport for Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels: As a natural deep-water port, NSE has no tidal restrictions, bridges or other obstructions between port and the open ocean and does not require dredging to maintain depth. The Navy will need every available pier in order to reach its 355-ship goal by 2049. NSE hosted Navy frigates in the past and has the capability to do so in the future. NSE is in the center of the Pacific Northwest transportation network. Location and ease of access make NSE an ideal location for U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Homeporting. Larsen has long pushed to homeport more Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels at NSE. In 2012, Larsen worked to bring three destroyers to the base and in 2013, pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring frigates and bringing in the new destroyers. In 2015, Larsen supported homeporting three destroyers at the base. Larsen has also continually advocated for the return of the USS Nimitz since it left for Bremerton in 2015. Conceived as an aircraft carrier homeport, NSE is now home to six Navy destroyers and two U.S. Coas… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-statement-articles-impeachment Rep. Schrier Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement on the articles of impeachment: "The people of the 8th district sent me to Congress to bring down the cost of health care, fight for their families, and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. I did not come to Congress to impeach the President. However, the evidence before us, including from the President himself, is serious. The President abused the power of his office to sway the 2020 election in his favor. He put his own political interest above the interests of our nation. And then, when pressed for more information, he refused to cooperate or let key witnesses testify. No one is above the law. On my first day in office, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect our country. Given all the facts before us, impeachment is the only remedy. No future president should ever believe that this was acceptable behavior." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6214853-8AC2-4CF4-95D1-A73AD14DE391 As Military Child Care Crisis Grows, Senator Murray Announces New Dedicated Funding for Military Child Care Construction Projects in Major Military Authorization Bill 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy A longtime champion for military families and strengthening working families' access to child care, Senator Murray applauded new line item for military child care construction funding included in National Defense Authorization Act New provisions follow Senator Murray's successful efforts to strengthen access to on-base child care To break down why this funding is important and what it means for military families across the country, Senator Murray talked to MilitaryTimes.com Senator Murray: New dedicated child care center construction funding is a really great step forward for the military that we have today, not yesterday ICYMI: How this $121 million may jump-start fixes to military child care needs MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) As a mother, grandmother and former educator, U.S. Senator Patty Murray has long worked to improve access to high-quality child care for families serving our country, and civilians alike. Over the years, Senator Murray has heard firsthand from servicemembers all across Washington statefrom Bangor to Fairchildabout the challenges of securing high-quality, reliable child care due to lack of adequate facilities. That's why she has consistently fought to increase funding for and access to military child care programs across the country and across the globe, including in the recently announced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual military funding bill. This year's NDAA includes a new, dedicated line of funding for military child care center construction that will pave the way for more than $120 million in critical federal investments to increase vital access to child care across all the services and ensure families are getting the support they need to succeed. This week, Senator Murray talked with Karen Jowers of MilitaryTimes.com to break down this critical new funding, and below are 7 things you may have missed from that article: 1. $121 million dollars will be going directly to construction of on-base military child care facilities. A new funding stream for child de… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-votes-lower-prescription-drug-prices-house-passage-hr-3 Congressman Smith Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices with House Passage of H.R. 3 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help lower the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for medication than patients in other countries. "The costs of prescription drugs have been an increasing burden on individuals and families, forcing many to choose between their medications and basic needs such as paying rent or putting food on the table. Today's passage of H.R. 3 is a necessary and bold step to reduce prescription drug prices, expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, and invest in the health of our communities. "H.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly and transparently with drug companies and ensure those prices are available to plans outside of Medicare. The legislation also sets a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and limits the ability for pharmaceutical companies to drastically raise prices. In addition to dramatically reducing prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 invests drug costs savings into Medicare beneficiaries and the health of our communities. The bill would finally add coverage of dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare and make significant investments in biomedical research, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and Community Health Centers. "House Democrats continue to fulfill our commitment to work hard for the people and pass legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of everyday people. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=967B5943-22E3-44DC-86DE-65D4BA489F61 Congressman Smith Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices with House Passage of H.R. 3 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help lower the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for medication than patients in other countries. The costs of prescription drugs have been an increasing burden on individuals and families, forcing many to choose between their medications and basic needs such as paying rent or putting food on the table. Today's passage of H.R. 3 is a necessary and bold step to reduce prescription drug prices, expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, and invest in the health of our communities. H.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly and transparently with drug companies and ensure those prices are available to plans outside of Medicare. The legislation also sets a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and limits the ability for pharmaceutical companies to drastically raise prices. In addition to dramatically reducing prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 invests drug costs savings into Medicare beneficiaries and the health of our communities. The bill would finally add coverage of dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare and make significant investments in biomedical research, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and Community Health Centers. House Democrats continue to fulfill our commitment to work hard for the people and pass legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of everyday people. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-applauds-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act Congressman Heck applauds passage of National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. Rep. Heck secured a number of vital provisions that will improve servicemember quality of life and emergency preparedness in the South Sound. I want to thank Chairman Adam Smith for fighting on behalf of the provisions I authored in this year's NDAA, and ensuring they were included in the final bill. He has been a tireless advocate for our state and our servicemembers, and I am grateful for his leadership. said Rep. Heck. I am proud to support legislation that both improves our military readiness against the myriad threats our nation faces around the globe, and does right by our servicemembers and their families. Section 560A will require each of the armed services, as part of their annual financial literacy education briefing, to include information on free credit monitoring available to servicemembers under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Rep. Heck's amendment to the NDAA gives servicemembers the tools they need to be financially secure. Section 1756(b) will require the Department of Defense to submit a report regarding the interoperability of military installations and civilian emergency services. The derailment of Cascades 501 in DuPont underscored that confusion and redundant efforts between civilian and military emergency services can delay rescue efforts and potentially cost lives. Rep. Heck introduced this interoperability provision as an amendment to the NDAA. Section 1114 will reverse a provision of the Republican tax law of 2017 that designated the moving expenses of federal employees working overseas as taxable income. These moving costs were previously tax exempt. In response to this unfair provision targeting federal employees in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Rep. Heck first introduced legislation to restore this tax exemption in 2018, the Keeping the Promise to American Public Servants Act (H.R. 7254, 115th Congress). Section 4301 authorize… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-supports-legislation-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs Kilmer Supports Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.12.19 Kilmer Supports Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, to lower prescription drug prices and make investments in Medicare and public health. The bill, which was supported by 230 Members of the House, allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate to lower the price of drugs and caps annual out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part D. I've spoken with far too many seniors and families in our region who are grappling with the high costs of prescription drugs. When you talk with someone who is having to skip doses or having to cut their pills in half because the costs are simply too high, it has a way of sticking with you, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I've been such a strong advocate for reducing drug prices and I'm proud to support this bill - which aims to level the playing field for patients, ensuring they have access to less expensive medications and giving health and financial security to all Americans. Specifically, this bill: Mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate fair prices directly with drug companies for the most expensive and most common drugs used by Medicare enrollees. To deliver maximum savings for the greatest number of Americans, the price determined by the negotiation process would be available to all purchasers not just Medicare beneficiaries. Ensures that the global market pays its fair share for research and development, putting U.S. prescription drug prices on par with other countries where patients are often charged less for the same prescriptions. Places a limit on out-of-pocket spending in Medicare Part D, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay no more than $2,000 per year out-of-pocket on their medications. Reinvests savings to expand Medicare's benefits to include dental, vision and hearing; drive innovation in the search for new cures and treatments, including research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1554 Larsen Statement on Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support servicemembers and military communities in Washington’s Second District. Larsen served on the conference committee that helped shape the final version of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 377-48. “The final NDAA conference report makes important investments in military readiness, increases pay for servicemembers, helps small businesses compete for defense contracts and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts,” said Larsen. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the final bill over the finish line.” Larsen successfully included provisions in the conference report that will benefit the Pacific Northwest. These include: Jet Noise Larsen successfully included important provisions to conduct real-time sound monitoring and authorize jet noise reduction research. These policies will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Artificial Intelligence Larsen successfully included a provision that requires the Department of Defense to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) education strategy and requires the underlying curriculum to include ethical issues, bias and potential strengths and weaknesses of AI. Naval Station Everett Built as a carrier homeport, Naval Station Everett is uniquely well-suited to this mission. Unfortunately, the Navy’s 2018 Strategic Laydown and Dispersal Plan changed the Navy’s plan to base an aircraft carrier at Naval Station Everett in 2019 and beyond. Larsen successfully included a provision that directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to HASC on recent changes to the Navy’s West Coast aircraft carrier homeporting. Impact Aid Larsen successfully included $50 million for Impact Aid payments to schools serving military depe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-final-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-0 Larsen Statement on Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support servicemembers and military communities in Washington's Second District. Larsen served on the conference committee that helped shape the final version of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 377-48. The final NDAA conference report makes important investments in military readiness, increases pay for servicemembers, helps small businesses compete for defense contracts and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts, said Larsen. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the final bill over the finish line. Larsen successfully included provisions in the conference report that will benefit the Pacific Northwest. These include: Jet Noise Larsen successfully included important provisions to conduct real-time sound monitoring and authorize jet noise reduction research. These policies will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Artificial Intelligence Larsen successfully included a provision that requires the Department of Defense to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) education strategy and requires the underlying curriculum to include ethical issues, bias and potential strengths and weaknesses of AI. Naval Station Everett Built as a carrier homeport, Naval Station Everett is uniquely well-suited to this mission. Unfortunately, the Navy's 2018 Strategic Laydown and Dispersal Plan changed the Navy's plan to base an aircraft carrier at Naval Station Everett in 2019 and beyond. Larsen successfully included a provision that directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to HASC on recent changes to the Navy's West Coast aircraft carrier homeporting. Impact Aid Larsen successfully included $50 million for Impact Aid payments to schools serving m… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-votes-bring-down-cost-prescription-drugs Rep. Schrier Votes to Bring Down Cost of Prescription Drugs 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted today for HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Rep. Schrier gave the following speech on the floor in support of the bill: I'm so excited about HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. I am the first pediatrician elected to Congress. And currently the only female doctor in Congress. I am also a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. My life depends on insulin, so the high cost of prescription drugs affects me and people like me every day. I have driven over 7,300 miles this year, traversing my district and talking with people about the issues that matter to them. They want to know "what are you going to do to bring down the cost of prescription drugs?" It doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican if you cannot afford your medications. I understand this issue, both as a doctor and as a patient. Because it is not theoretical for me, or for my patients. When we talk about the cost of insulin, I have felt that personally. I have seen the price of my insulin go from $40 twenty years ago, to $300 today. That is the price for a bottle that holds 10 mL - two teaspoons - making it comparable in price to cobra venom. Before being elected to Congress, I worked for nearly 20 years as a pediatrician in the suburbs of Seattle, three hours from the Canadian border. Mostly, I prescribed electronically. But when patients asked for a printed prescription, I understood why. They would drive up to Canada with those prescriptions. Because in Canada the $600 Epi Pen costs $50. In Canada the $300 insulin costs $50. Right now, Americans pay -- on average -- 3 to 4 times what our neighbors in Canada or people in France, Germany, England, Australia, and Japan, pay for their medications. That is unconscionable. We should not be subsidizing the rest of the developed world's medications. I know that my district can't be all that different from the districts that you all serve. All of our constituents are looking to us to fix this problem … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-cantwell-legislation-to-expand-medicare-coverage-for-people-living-with-lymphedema House Passes Cantwell Legislation to Expand Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.12.19 House Passes Cantwell Legislation to Expand Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema Bipartisan Lymphedema Treatment Act could help more than 6,300 Washingtonians, 1.5 million Americans get essential, effective care WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation pushed by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D, IL-9) to improve Medicare coverage for lymphedema patients. The Lymphedema Treatment Act would expand available care and benefits for Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema by requiring Medicare to cover compression treatment items, which are essential in the effective treatment of the disease. The measure passed as part of a larger House bill, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), which now moves to the Senate for consideration. Lymphedema affects millions of Americans, including more than 6,300 Washingtonians, Senator Cantwell said. Updating Medicare to cover necessary and effective treatment for this condition is a commonsense measure that will improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema, while also reducing costly hospitalizations. Lymphedema is an incurable but treatable condition affecting between three and five million Americans. It is a chronic condition caused by injury, trauma, or congenital defects in the lymphatic system, which can occur after cancer treatment. If left untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to complications including loss of function, disability, and in some cases, death. The House-passedLymphedema Treatment Actwould close an existing coverage gap and improve care for the more than 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema by ensuring that Medicare covers physician-prescribed compression therapy items. These items include multi-layer compression bandaging systems, standard fit compression garments, and … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=52446DBA-0D8C-4152-A44B-E4A90FF79CDF Senator Murray, Tribal Leaders Announce Millions in Housing Funding for Tribes in Washington State 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Awards come as part of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which Senator Murray successfully worked to strengthen funding for in recent spending bills Combined funding totals more than $17.3 million in housing assistance for tribes to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing to benefit Native American families who have low incomes HUD Report: [T]he overcrowding and physical housing problems of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) living on reservations and other tribal areas remain strikingly more severe than those of other Americans MORE HERE Senator Murray: Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I'm proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined local tribal leaders to announce more than $17.3 million in federal funds going to five tribes across Washington state. The housing awards are part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which provides funding to Native American tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing, with a focus on providing housing and other resources for low-income Native American families. Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I'm proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face, Senator Murray said. I've consistently fought to strengthen funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program, which is an important tool that allows communities to address homelessness and housing insecurity on tribal lands. And as a voice for our state, I will keep working in partnership with Indian Country to ensure that federal funds from this and other vital programs continue flowing to tribes in Washington state and across the country. Accor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=960915C3-8B96-41BB-B778-F640E85759D2 As UN Convention on Climate Change in Europe is Underway, Senator Murray Leads Group of Senators in Letter to President Trump Urging Him to Reconsider Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined 26 of her Senate colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. In the letter, Senator Murray sounded the alarm on the dangerous, growing impacts of the climate crisis and the damage that will be inflicted on current and future generations unless immediate action is taken. Senator Murray also warned the President against ceding U.S. leadership on this issue, and admonished him for failing to honor his commitment to work with Democrats to renegotiate the Paris Climate Accord or to craft a new deal to address the climate crisis. The letter comes as the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference takes place in Madrid this week. Senator Murray wrote, As the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, and the largest historical emitter, it is imperative that the United States assume our rightful place as a global leader in the fight to combat climate change, yet with this action you are ceding American leadership to other nations at great political and economic costs. Additionally, the letter emphasized the national security implications related to the President's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, underscoring the damage done to the United States' reputation by going back on an international commitment. Senator Murray's letter further illustrates the outcry from Washingtonians and Americans across various sectors, including the business community, citing more than 2,200 U.S. businesses including major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Senator Murray concluded the letter by reminding the President of the overwhelming number of Americans who believe the United States should participate in the Paris Climate Agreement three out of every four registered voters or 77 percent. Read the full letter HERE. A longtime defender of our nation's bedrock environmental laws, Senator Murray has consistently opposed President Trump's… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-smith-corrects-record-fy20-ndaa Chairman Smith Corrects the Record on the FY20 NDAA 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. "Before my colleagues and I cast our votes on the FY20 NDAA, one thing must be made clear: This is the most progressive defense bill we have passed in decades. "After months of hard-fought negotiations, our bill is now final, and contains major wins for Democrats and working people and promotes our national security. Despite this sweeping success, some have decried the bill, saying it fails to live up to progressive values. To those detractors I ask one simple question: Which of the provisions that did not make it into our final bill did President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe not hate? "From the moment we passed our bill through the House without the support of a single Republican vote, it was clear that our counterparts in the Senate and White House fundamentally opposed the Democratic priorities included in the bill. "Do you know what they also hated? The repeal of the ‘widow's tax' and granting paid parental leave for federal employees. But, because of our tireless work, we succeeded in getting these provisions included. Because of this hard work, our bill will have real impacts on Americans leading real lives. "Throughout the negotiations I failed in one way: I was unable to turn President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe into Democrats and convince them to suddenly accept all of the provisions they despise. Nonetheless, we have accomplished more with this bill than anyone ever thought possible given the realities of a Trump White House and a Republican-controlled Senate, and we should be proud of that. "To those who say that this bill isn't enough - I could not disagree more. When I look at the widows, the parents, and families who will benefit from the bill, it is enough. We are delivering more for families across this country than anyone even con… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-house-passage-fy20-national-defense-authorization Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy: "Today the House passed the most progressive National Defense Authorization Act in decades. It takes important strides toward strengthening our national defense, supporting service members and their families, and preserving the American values we share. It increases oversight and accountability of the Department of Defense (DOD), promotes a more inclusive and diverse military, and takes steps to protect public health. "Under the Democratic majority in the House, the NDAA takes a historic step to support families and children by providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers across all agencies - benefiting millions of federal workers and their families. "Democrats also secured some of the strongest environmental and climate-related provisions of any NDAA, continuing our work to put DOD at the forefront of planning and mitigating for the impacts of climate change and adopting strong energy efficiency and resilience practices. It nearly doubles funding authorization for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program for projects that improve energy resiliency or energy conservation efforts at military installations, and it increases funding for the Readiness Environmental Protection Initiative that supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities. "I was successful in working with my colleagues to include the most significant legislative action on PFAS ever. The House prevailed in securing a total ban on DOD use of firefighting agents containing PFAS by 2024 and forcing DOD to prioritize the effort to find a safe alternative. In addition, the bill immediately bans the use of firefighting agents with PFAS for training and any uncont… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=11C90FC9-4E55-4482-AD01-3D7D2B8E8619 Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy: Today the House passed the most progressive National Defense Authorization Act in decades. It takes important strides toward strengthening our national defense, supporting service members and their families, and preserving the American values we share. It increases oversight and accountability of the Department of Defense (DOD), promotes a more inclusive and diverse military, and takes steps to protect public health. Under the Democratic majority in the House, the NDAA takes a historic step to support families and children by providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers across all agencies benefiting millions of federal workers and their families. Democrats also secured some of the strongest environmental and climate-related provisions of any NDAA, continuing our work to put DOD at the forefront of planning and mitigating for the impacts of climate change and adopting strong energy efficiency and resilience practices. It nearly doubles funding authorization for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program for projects that improve energy resiliency or energy conservation efforts at military installations, and it increases funding for the Readiness Environmental Protection Initiative that supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities. I was successful in working with my colleagues to include the most significant legislative action on PFAS ever. The House prevailed in securing a total ban on DOD use of firefighting agents containing PFAS by 2024 and forcing DOD to prioritize the effort to find a safe alternative. In addition, the bill immediately bans the use of firefighting agents with PFAS for training and any uncontrolled release of PFAS f… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7D31BCC-F4CD-4FDF-AE7F-4387912D2EF7 Chairman Smith Corrects the Record on the FY20 NDAA 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Before my colleagues and I cast our votes on the FY20 NDAA, one thing must be made clear: This is the most progressive defense bill we have passed in decades. After months of hard-fought negotiations, our bill is now final, and contains major wins for Democrats and working people and promotes our national security. Despite this sweeping success, some have decried the bill, saying it fails to live up to progressive values. To those detractors I ask one simple question: Which of the provisions that did not make it into our final bill did President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe not hate? From the moment we passed our bill through the House without the support of a single Republican vote, it was clear that our counterparts in the Senate and White House fundamentally opposed the Democratic priorities included in the bill. Do you know what they also hated? The repeal of the widow's tax' and granting paid parental leave for federal employees. But, because of our tireless work, we succeeded in getting these provisions included. Because of this hard work, our bill will have real impacts on Americans leading real lives. Throughout the negotiations I failed in one way: I was unable to turn President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe into Democrats and convince them to suddenly accept all of the provisions they despise. Nonetheless, we have accomplished more with this bill than anyone ever thought possible given the realities of a Trump White House and a Republican-controlled Senate, and we should be proud of that. To those who say that this bill isn't enough I could not disagree more. When I look at the widows, the parents, and families who will benefit from the bill, it is enough. We are delivering more for families across this country than anyone even conceived of… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2494 DelBene, LaHood Bill to Empower Small Business Receives Strong Industry Support 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL) are pleased to announce overwhelming industry support for their bipartisan legislation theSmall Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act(H.R. 1349). In aletter, over 3,300 salon owners and beauty professionals expressed their support forH.R. 1349, which would reduce compliance burdens for tens of thousands of small businesses in the beauty industry. This bicameral, bipartisan bill would extend the tax code's Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax tip credit which is currently available only to the food service industry to the tens of thousands of employer-based beauty service establishments where tipping is also customary. The FICA tax tip credit is part of an integrated compliance system that has been effective in ensuring the accurate reporting of tip income and reducing the tax gap.The credit acts as a reimbursement for the costs employers incur in accounting for tip income.By reducing the tax burdens for tipped employees as well as improving reporting of tip income, H.R. 1349 would provide equitable treatment to the beauty industry allowing them to support their employees and grow their businesses. I appreciate the support of beauty industry professionals for this commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Employees and employers in this industry who are disproportionately women and minorities rely on tips to support themselves and their families,said DelBene.This bill would ensure that they receive equitable treatment under the tax code and a fair, simple approach to tax administration. I'm proud that our bipartisan, bicameral legislation has such strong support from the beauty and hair care industry, said LaHood. In an industry where most businesses are owned and operated by women and minorities, our bill will level the playing field and provide direct relief to millions of beauty care professionals who rely on tips. Our bill is commonsense, and I'll continue to work to see it signed into law. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-backs-national-defense-authorization-act Kilmer Backs National Defense Authorization Act 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Kilmer Backs National Defense Authorization Act Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020. The bill authorizes funding for the Department of Defense, the defense-related activities of the Department of Energy, the Overseas Contingency Operations, and emergency disaster recovery to restore installations damaged by extreme weather or earthquakes. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives 377-48. If you serve this country, Congress should have your back and invest in you and your family. I'm proud that this bill includes a number of measures to support our troops and their families,said Rep. Kilmer. In our region, we have talented civilians doing vitally important work to keep our country safe. We were able to include measures that benefit those workers and our region's economy. Key provisions in the bill focus on improving the lives of military families, including a 3.1 percent pay raise for service members, and provisions to improve military housing and clean-up contaminated drinking water at military bases. The legislation also includes a measure championed by Rep. Kilmer to ensure that the Secretary of Defense initiates earlier consultations with tribal governments for military construction projects that may impacts treaty rights and works with tribes to minimize impacts to tribal lands, sacred sites, or tribal treaty rights. The bill includes additional priorities backed by Rep. Kilmer, including: Ensuring Fairness for Shipyard Workers For decades, the Navy has sought to recruit and retain talented workers to public shipyards for critical positions in science and engineering using the Accelerated Promotion Program (APP). In 2016, the Navy suspended the program as it sought recertification from the Office of Personnel Management. Workers hired during that one-year gap in the program were adversely affected by the suspension, leading to lost pay and slower promotions compared… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-to-hold-telephone-town-hall-and-facebook-live-town-hall-next-week Kilmer to Hold Telephone Town Hall and Facebook Live Town Hall Next Week 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Kilmer to Hold Telephone Town Hall and Facebook Live Town Hall Next Week Washington, DC - In order to hear from constituents about the issues that matter to them, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall and a Facebook Live town hall next week. I work for the people I represent and it's important to me that I get opportunities to hear directly from you, said Rep. Kilmer. I hope folks will be able to join one of my upcoming town halls to share their ideas and concerns. Rep. Kilmer has held town halls so far in 2019 in Port Angeles, Quilcene, Tacoma, Belfair, Poulsbo, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Montesano, Westport, Forks, over the phone, and on Facebook. Press are welcome to join. Facebook Live Town Hall Tuesday, December 17 at 5:00pm PT WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer, Residents of the 6th Congressional District WHAT: Facebook Live Town Hall WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 at 5:00pm PT WHERE: Residents of the 6th Congressional District who would like to join should log-on to Facebook.com/Derek.Kilmer for the live feed. DETAILS: All are welcome to join the event by visitinghttp://www.facebook.com/derek.kilmer. At the start of the event, a live video will appear at the top of Kilmer's newsfeed. Participants who are logged into Facebook should click on the live video to watch the event in real time. Constituents will be invited to ask questions by entering their first name, hometown and question in the comment. The video will also be available on Facebook after the event for those who could not join while the event was live. Telephone Town Hall Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00pm PT WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer, Residents of the 6th Congressional District WHAT: Telephone Town Hall WHEN: Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00pm PT WHERE: Residents of the 6th Congressional District who would like to join can send an email to kilmer.teletownhall@mail.house.gov. DETAILS: Residents of the 6th District who would like to join the call can send an email to kilmer.tele… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1552 Larsens Opening Statement Ahead of 737 MAX Hearing on FAA Oversight of Aircraft Certification 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the below opening statement ahead of the December 11th House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing entitled “The Boeing 737 MAX: Examining the Federal Aviation Administration’s Oversight of the Aircraft’s Certification.” For a full video of the statement, click here. Remarks as prepared for delivery “Hello, I am U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee. “Tomorrow, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold its fifth hearing on the two tragic crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. “With this hearing, the Committee reaches another milestone in its investigation. For the first time, the Committee will hear directly from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “Since the Committee’s investigation began in March, the focus has been on the design, development and certification of the 737 MAX. “It is increasingly clear the process by which the FAA evaluates and certifies aircraft is itself in need of repair. “Congress must reevaluate and improve the current certification process to ensure the safety of the flying public. “As this critical oversight work continues, what will remain at the forefront of these efforts are the 346 lives tragically lost in the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. “The first panel will feature FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in his first appearance in this role before the T&I Committee. “The FAA must fix its credibility problem. Just like I asked Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the Committee’s last hearing, I expect to hear the three main mistakes the FAA made regarding the 737 MAX. “I expect to hear from Administrator Dickson about the specific steps the FAA is taking to restore public confidence in its ability to maintain the safest aerospace system in the world. “I also expect to hear answers on: “The agency’s role in approving MCAS and other key flight control features on the 737 MAX, including why critical information was not… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1553 Larsen Delivers Opening Statement at 737 MAX Hearing on FAA Oversight of Aircraft Certification 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) delivered the below opening statement at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing entitled “The Boeing 737 MAX: Examining the Federal Aviation Administration’s Oversight of the Aircraft’s Certification.” You can view Chair Larsen’s opening statement here. Remarks as prepared for delivery “Thank you, Chair DeFazio. “With today’s hearing, the Committee reaches another milestone in its investigation. “It is increasingly clear the process by which the FAA evaluates and certifies aircraft is itself in need of repair. “Congress must reevaluate and improve the current certification process to ensure the safety of the flying public. “As this critical oversight work continues, the 346 lives tragically lost in the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes will remain at the forefront of these efforts. “Several of the family members of the victims are here today. I extend my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. Your advocacy makes a difference. “The FAA must fix its credibility problem. Just like I asked Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the Committee’s last hearing, I expect to hear the three main mistakes the FAA made regarding the 737 MAX and the specific steps the agency is taking to restore public confidence. “I also look forward to hearing about the TAB’s progress as it looks over the FAA’s shoulder as the agency works on a return to service decision. “From today’s second panel, the two former Boeing and FAA employees are providing an important perspective on questionable management decision-making that seem to prioritize economic interests over public safety. “Further, I am interested in learning more from the safety experts on the panel about the integration of human factors as aviation technology becomes increasingly automated. Airplanes are changing, but the federal government and certification is not changing with those planes. “Though 2019 is coming to an end, the Committee’s investigation is far from over. “The Commit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen%E2%80%99s-opening-statement-ahead-737-max-hearing-faa-oversight-aircraft-certification Larsens Opening Statement Ahead of 737 MAX Hearing on FAA Oversight of Aircraft Certification 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the below opening statement ahead of the December 11th House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing entitled The Boeing 737 MAX: Examining the Federal Aviation Administration's Oversight of the Aircraft's Certification. For a full video of the statement, click here. Remarks as prepared for delivery Hello, I am U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee. Tomorrow, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold its fifth hearing on the two tragic crashes of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes in Indonesia and Ethiopia. With this hearing, the Committee reaches another milestone in its investigation. For the first time, the Committee will hear directly from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. Since the Committee's investigation began in March, the focus has been on the design, development and certification of the 737 MAX. It is increasingly clear the process by which the FAA evaluates and certifies aircraft is itself in need of repair. Congress must reevaluate and improve the current certification process to ensure the safety of the flying public. As this critical oversight work continues, what will remain at the forefront of these efforts are the 346 lives tragically lost in the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes. The first panel will feature FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in his first appearance in this role before the T&I Committee. The FAA must fix its credibility problem. Just like I asked Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the Committee's last hearing, I expect to hear the three main mistakes the FAA made regarding the 737 MAX. I expect to hear from Administrator Dickson about the specific steps the FAA is taking to restore public confidence in its ability to maintain the safest aerospace system in the world. I also expect to hear answers on: The agency's role in approving MCAS and other key flight control features on the 737 MAX, including why critical information was not adeq… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-delivers-opening-statement-737-max-hearing-faa-oversight-aircraft-certification Larsen Delivers Opening Statement at 737 MAX Hearing on FAA Oversight of Aircraft Certification 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) delivered the below opening statement at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing entitled The Boeing 737 MAX: Examining the Federal Aviation Administration's Oversight of the Aircraft's Certification. You can view Chair Larsen's opening statement here. Remarks as prepared for delivery Thank you, Chair DeFazio. With today's hearing, the Committee reaches another milestone in its investigation. It is increasingly clear the process by which the FAA evaluates and certifies aircraft is itself in need of repair. Congress must reevaluate and improve the current certification process to ensure the safety of the flying public. As this critical oversight work continues, the 346 lives tragically lost in the Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines crashes will remain at the forefront of these efforts. Several of the family members of the victims are here today. I extend my deepest condolences to you and your loved ones. Your advocacy makes a difference. The FAA must fix its credibility problem. Just like I asked Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the Committee's last hearing, I expect to hear the three main mistakes the FAA made regarding the 737 MAX and the specific steps the agency is taking to restore public confidence. I also look forward to hearing about the TAB's progress as it looks over the FAA's shoulder as the agency works on a return to service decision. From today's second panel, the two former Boeing and FAA employees are providing an important perspective on questionable management decision-making that seem to prioritize economic interests over public safety. Further, I am interested in learning more from the safety experts on the panel about the integration of human factors as aviation technology becomes increasingly automated. Airplanes are changing, but the federal government and certification is not changing with those planes. Though 2019 is coming to an end, the Committee's investigation is far from over. The Committee wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-announces-military-widows-tax-repeal-included-in-final-defense-bill Cantwell Announces Military Widow’s Tax Repeal Included in Final Defense Bill 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Cantwell Announces Military Widow's Tax Repeal Included in Final Defense Bill Congress just steps away from repealing law that prevents Gold Star families from receiving full survivor benefits WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced today that bipartisan legislation she cosponsors to repeal the military widow's tax has been included in the final annual defense bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks a significant step in the 18-year effort to pass legislation to repeal the military widow's tax, which penalizes our nation's Gold Star families by preventing them from receiving the full survivor benefits they deserve. Military families sacrifice so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to stand by them in their time of need, Senator Cantwell said. We owe it to our nation's veterans to fix the current system so families can receive the full benefits they are due. The Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act would repeal the unfair law that prevents as many as 67,000 surviving military spouses nationwide from receiving their full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs survivor benefits. Currently, military widows and widowers who qualify for the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) are forced to take a dollar-for-dollar offset from the Survivors Benefits Plan (SBP) benefit, even though their retired spouses elected to pay into the program. Cantwell has long supported the effort to repeal the military widow's tax. For nearly two decades, legislation has repeatedly been introduced in the Senate to roll back the tax, which was enacted in 1972. This year's bipartisan bill, led by U.S. Senators Doug Jones (D-AL) and Susan Collins (R-ME), has earned a record-high 78 total cosponsors in the Senate. It will now advance to both houses of Congress for final consideration as part of the full NDAA. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-collins-mcsally-sinema-lead-bipartisan-push-for-legislation-to-help-americans-with-high-healthcare-costs Cantwell, Collins, McSally, Sinema Lead Bipartisan Push for Legislation to Help Americans with High Healthcare Costs 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Cantwell, Collins, McSally, Sinema Lead Bipartisan Push for Legislation to Help Americans with High Healthcare Costs More than 200,000 Washingtonians rely on the Medical Expense Deduction to lower health care costs WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) sent a letter Monday to Senate leadership urging them to extend the reduction in the threshold for the medical expense deduction in any end-of-year funding package. Without action from Congress, millions of Americans with high medical costs will see a tax increase when they next file their taxes. In 2017 and 2018, Americans with medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) were able to deduct these expenses when filing their taxes. However, the 7.5% income threshold will increase to 10% if an extension is not enacted before the end of the year, reducing the amount that can be deducted from yearly taxes. If allowed to take effect, that change could mean millions of Americans would have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than they have in previous years. Emphasizing the strong bipartisan and bicameral consensus on the issue, the senators wrote to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Chairman Chuck Grassley, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden: This extension is low-cost but has an incredibly high impact. About 3.6 million taxpayers, including 1.4 million who are ages 65 and over, will benefit from the medical expense deduction remaining at the 7.5 percent income threshold. This deduction provides needed financial relief for Americans with high medical expenses, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions, the senators continued. As Congress works to complete action on a number of must-pass items before the end of the year, we urge you to e… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwells-legislation-to-rescue-rehabilitate-marine-mammals-passes-commerce-committee Cantwell’s Legislation to Rescue, Rehabilitate Marine Mammals Passes Commerce Committee 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.11.19 Cantwell's Legislation to Rescue, Rehabilitate Marine Mammals Passes Commerce Committee Legislation contains funding to rescue and treat stranded, entangled marine mammals; Also requires study on connection between ocean warming, marine mammal mortality WASHINGTON, D.C. Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to reauthorize and revise the Marine Mammal Protection Act passed through the committee today. The legislation would reauthorize the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to provide funding to assist marine mammals that are entangled or become sick or injured in U.S. waters. In 2019, organizations in Washington state received just under $300,000 from the program. Overall in Fiscal Year 2019, 43 programs in 18 states received a total of more than $3.5 million in Prescott Grants. The bill also directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to create a Marine Mammal Health MAP, expand the availability of their data to assist with research, and requires a scientific study on the connection between ocean warming events, such as harmful algae blooms, and marine mammal mortality. Orcas and other marine mammals are iconic throughout the Pacific Northwest, Cantwell said. This legislation would authorize grants needed to assist marine mammals tangled in gear and other issues, will establish a rapid response program, and create a study on harmful algae blooms and issues plaguing many of our coastal states and environments. The passage of the legislation through the Commerce Committee comes amidst increasingly dire reports of widespread marine animal die-offs and other issues for the world's maritime habitats. A recent report released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that oceans are… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=3948C00C-9DB6-4FAE-9B3D-FE89BD08A591 Following Visit with Seattle Housing, Education and Community Leaders, Senator Murray Introduces Bill to Improve Educational Opportunities for Youth Facing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy The AHEAD Act would provide incentives and funding for housing authorities and school districts to work together to tackle child and family homelessness The bill encourages innovative and local solutions to the unique challenges that different school districts face in combatting youth homelessness Legislation inspired by successful WA innovations, partnerships & best practices in Seattle, King County, Tacoma, Vancouver and beyond KUOW: Child homelessness has doubled in Washington state in the last decade MORE HERE ICYMI: Sen. Patty Murray aims to help students experiencing homelessness with new bill MORE HERE from KNKX (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, introduced legislation to help address the many challenges that youth facing homeless and housing insecurity must overcome as they pursue an education. The bill, the Affordable Housing for Educational Achievement Demonstration (AHEAD) Act is based on successful innovations created in Washington state and will create a federal grant program to help encourage housing authorities and school districts to work together to address child and family homelessness. Every kid should have the opportunity to succeed in school and in life, but for those facing housing instability or navigating homelessness, the deck is overwhelmingly stacked against them, Senator Murray said. I've seen how effective efforts in Washington state have been to provide support and coordinate services for students and families most in need, and this bill is a step forward that willhelp empower other communities across the country to pursue these best practices and innovations. We need to be doing everything we can to help these kids, and this bill is a great first step. Our community's future is in our children. And that future starts with safe, secure housing and educational opportunity. Senator Murray's initiative puts these two issues together … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FD32502E-EE3E-47BB-89DB-B6020FE02A75 Senator Murray Announces Major Federal Investment in Housing Awards for Veterans across Washington State 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy Awards come as part of the HUD-VASH program that Senator Murray helped restart in 2008 More than $2.3 million in funding will go to help veterans who are experiencing homelessness secure permanent housing, connect with VA case managers WA State Department of Commerce Report: Although veteran homelessness increased in 14 states between 2016 and 2017, Washington had the largest percentage [increase] of any state 41 percent MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray secures $40 million for HUD-VASH program in major FY 2019 spending bill MORE HERE Senator Murray: As a nation we have a responsibility to take care of our veterans, and I'm glad these critical investments will help ensure no Washingtonian who has sacrificed for our country ends up on the street (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, announced more than $2.3 million in funding for housing for Washington state veterans through the HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program, better known as HUD-VASH. The federal program helps veterans across the country by providing housing vouchers that combine rental assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Since 2008, when Senator Murray helped restart HUD-VASH, the program has helped more than 130,000 homeless veterans secure supportive housing. As a nation we have a responsibility to take care of our veterans, and I'm glad these critical investments will help ensure no Washingtonian who has sacrificed for our country ends up on the street, Senator Murray said. I have long fought to defend and strengthen the HUD-VASH program because I've seen how guaranteeing veterans have access to safe, supportive housing can change their lives and provide vital stability to those most vulnerable to homelessness. And as a voice for Washington state, as well as servicemembers and veterans across the nation, I'll ke… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-introduction-safety-net-health-plan-employee Congressman Smith Statement on the Introduction of the Safety Net Health Plan Employee Student Loan Forgiveness Fairness Act 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement today following the introduction of the Safety Net Health Plan Employee Student Loan Forgiveness Fairness Act. This legislation would codify safety net health plans as qualifying employers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and expand access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness to employees working for certain safety net health plans. Currently, the Department of Education's (DOE) Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program forgives remaining federal loan balances after a borrower performs 10 years of work for qualifying public service employers and makes 120 months of qualifying payments. Recently, the DOE has begun more narrowly defining what employers qualify as "qualifying public service organizations." As a result, some borrowers who were formerly making qualifying payments under the program are being denied, despite working for employers that formerly qualified as PSLF-eligible employers. Included among those impacted are employees for certain safety net health plans. "Safety net health plans provide access to quality Medicaid, Medicare, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, and employees of these government and non-profit health plans deserve access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)," said Reps. Adam Smith and Kim Schrier. "The Department of Education's recent decision to rescind some of these employers' eligibility for the PSLF program has resulted in employees having the rug pulled out from under them." "These plans exist entirely to support recipients of federal safety net health care programs, and employees who work for them should continue to qualify for the PSLF program," said Reps. Adam Smith and Kim Schrier. "This bill would codify safety net health plans as qualifying employers under the PSLF Program and expand access for employees working for 501(c)4 safety net health plans while retroactively ensuring current borrowers who were de… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=4D18F6C1-1BD4-489C-8A3D-DBD21C96FDB3 Congressman Smith Statement on the Introduction of the Safety Net Health Plan Employee Student Loan Forgiveness Fairness Act 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement today following the introduction of the Safety Net Health Plan Employee Student Loan Forgiveness Fairness Act. This legislation would codify safety net health plans as qualifying employers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and expand access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness to employees working for certain safety net health plans. Currently, the Department of Education's (DOE) Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program forgives remaining federal loan balances after a borrower performs 10 years of work for qualifying public service employers and makes 120 months of qualifying payments. Recently, the DOE has begun more narrowly defining what employers qualify as qualifying public service organizations. As a result, some borrowers who were formerly making qualifying payments under the program are being denied, despite working for employers that formerly qualified as PSLF-eligible employers. Included among those impacted are employees for certain safety net health plans. Safety net health plans provide access to quality Medicaid, Medicare, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage, and employees of these government and non-profit health plans deserve access to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), said Reps. Adam Smith and Kim Schrier. The Department of Education's recent decision to rescind some of these employers' eligibility for the PSLF program has resulted in employees having the rug pulled out from under them. These plans exist entirely to support recipients of federal safety net health care programs, and employees who work for them should continue to qualify for the PSLF program, said Reps. Adam Smith and Kim Schrier. This bill would codify safety net health plans as qualifying employers under the PSLF Program and expand access for employees working for 501(c)4 safety net health plans while retroactively ensuring current borrowers who were denied loan … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2493 House Passes DelBene's Bicameral, Bipartisan FAFSA Act to Help Students Attend and Pay for College 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Suzan DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov     legacy Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) is pleased to announce the passage of her legislation to ease the process of applying for federal financial aid for students in Washington state and nationwide the Faster Access for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Act.The bill passed in the House of Representatives as part of the Future Act. DelBene's legislation, which has a companion bill introduced in the Senate by HELP Committee Chair and Ranking MemberSenators Lamar Alexander (R-TN)and Patty Murray (D-WA), would make FAFSA application completion easier and more secure for nearly 20 million students. Currently, millions of dollars in grants to attend college are being left on the table due to the burdensome process of filling out the FAFSA. This is especially true in Washington state, which is ranked 48thin the nationin FAFSA completion among high school seniors. Currently, 54percentof FAFSA applications are filed using information obtained by parents and students from the IRS using a third-party Data Retrieval Tool to transfer that information to the Department of Education. This requires filers to give direct permission to the IRS each time they wish to send income information to the Department of Education. With one-third of borrowers in an income-driven repayment program (which requires the borrower to update their income information annually), this outdated process can be difficult and time-consuming and causes far too many students who need assistance the most to fall through the cracks. This is especially apparent in the fact that 19percentof borrowers in income-driven repayment fail to update their income ontime, resulting in their automatic entry into a standard 10-year repayment plan. This causes one-third of those borrowers to go into hardship-related forbearance or deferment. The current system of data-sharing for those filing for student loans is unnecessarily burdensome, creating hurdles that prevent borrowers from successfully paying back their student loans,said Rep. DelBene. The FAFSA Act will … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-denny-heck-rep-adam-kinzinger-secure-critical-legislative-measures Rep. Denny Heck, Rep. Adam Kinzinger Secure Critical Legislative Measures to Combat Russian Aggression in Must-Pass Defense Package 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) applauded the agreement reached by the House and Senate on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes work led by Rep. Heck and Rep. Kinzinger to counter Russian efforts to build the Gazprom Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Over the past few months, Congress and the American people have become acutely aware of the challenges that Ukraine faces as it continues its struggle to cast off the yoke of Russian oppression said Congressman Heck. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline threatens Ukraine's very survival as a countryand the project is nearly complete. I am pleased that Congress has decided to intervene to stop the construction of this pipeline and frustrate Putin's plans for regional domination. With a crumbling economy and a failing governance, Russia has long tried to use energy dependence as a means to intimidate and coerce our European allies. The continuation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project poses heavy security risks for millions of Europeans, and the world, and it needs to be stopped, said Congressman Kinzinger. I'm proud to see my bill H.R. 3206, which imposes specific sanctions to stop construction and completion of the pipeline, be included in the 2020 NDAA text, showing Congress's support for our allies and our own national security against Russia's power grabs. The Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act (H.R. 3206), introduced by Rep. Kinzinger and Rep. Heck, imposes targeted U.S. sanctions on companies with pipelaying ships doing construction for Russian oil pipelines like Nord Stream 2. The Protecting Europe's Energy Security Act follows on Rep. Heck's earlier Nord Stream bill, the Protect European Energy Security Act (H.R. 1081). Sponsored by Representative Heck and Ted Poe (TX-02), this legislation would have required executive branch reports on how the U.S. is actively resisting the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. In addition, it would have required iden… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-s-climate-security-initiative-included-in-defense-authorization Rep. Hecks Climate Security Initiative Included in Defense Authorization Package 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Denny Heck H001064 dennyheck.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. On Monday, congressional leaders prepared the defense authorization package for passage, which includes a section drawn from Congressman Denny Heck's (D-WA) climate security legislation. Section 5321 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA) would establish a Climate Security Advisory Council to help the intelligence community analyze climate-based security threats. The intelligence community has stated loudly and clearly that climate hazards pose a real danger to stability and security across the globe, said Heck. It is past time that Congress recognize these threats and equip the intelligence community with the tools necessary to study and prepare for climate-related security challenges. Incorporating parts of my climate security legislation into the defense authorization package is a strong first step, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to build a long-term response to the climate security challenges we face. On June 5, Congressman Heck introduced the Climate Security Intelligence Act in the U.S. House, which was largely repurposed into Division E, Section 5321 of the NDAA. Section 5321 directs the Director of National Intelligence to establish a Climate Security Advisory Council for the purposes of assisting with analysis of climate security and its impacts, facilitating the flow of climate data between intelligence agencies and non-intelligence agencies studying climate change, and ensuring that the intelligence community is prioritizing climate change in carrying out its activities. Division E of the NDAA contains the Damon Paul Nelson and Matthew Young Pollard Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2018, 2019, and 2020 (IAA). In July, the IAA, including Heck's climate security initiative, passed the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence by unanimous consent. Shortly after, the IAA passed the House by a vote of 397-31. The 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community delivered to Congress by Director of Nati… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-kilmer-bill-to-help-coastal-tribes-facing-severe-weather-threats House Passes Kilmer Bill to Help Coastal Tribes Facing Severe Weather Threats 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.10.19 House Passes Kilmer Bill to Help Coastal Tribes Facing Severe Weather Threats Bipartisan Legislation Included in House Package to Combat Climate Change and Protect Coastal Communities Washington, DC Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve a package of bipartisan bills to protect vulnerable coastal and Great Lakes communities impacted by climate change. The package includes bipartisan legislation introduced by Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) that would provide dedicated resources to Native American tribes living in coastal areas to support their efforts to mitigate threats caused by climate change and sea level rise. In addition, the bill creates programs to support Tribal, State, and local community projects that protect, restore, and preserve coastal zones and working waterfronts; helps communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change; and improves data collection and monitoring to strengthen coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes management. Climate change is real and it requires bold action,said Rep. Kilmer. Our region has seen severe storms and rising sea levels threaten communities.We've seen homes and community centers in Taholah face water damage.We've seen the Quileute Tribal School in La Push be in the crosshairs of a rising ocean.We've seen coastal challenges threaten public safety, public access, and cultural landmarks for these tribes and others, including the Hoh and Makah Tribes.I'm grateful the package of bills passed today includes a bipartisan bill I've introduced, the Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act, to provide tribal communities with direct access to much needed resources to enhance their coastal resiliency and keep their people out of harm's way.I'm proud that the House is continuing to take action to combat climate change by passing actionable, ambitious, bipartisan bills that can not only help our planet but create quality jobs and keep communities safe.It's great news that the House passed this legislation, and I hope the Senate… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-statement-on-usmca-agreement Rep. Kilmer Statement on USMCA Agreement 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Derek Kilmer K000381 kilmer.house.gov     legacy 12.10.19 Rep. Kilmer Statement on USMCA Agreement I am pleased to see Speaker Pelosi and Ambassador Lighthizer announce an agreement on modifying the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), setting the stage for congressional consideration. I have been supportive of the ongoing efforts by Congress to negotiate serious improvements with our partner nations on overall enforcement, labor and environmental standards, and prescription drug pricing. As a representative from one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation, I know how important updating this agreement is to help create jobs in our region and to continue to sell Washington-made products across the globe. I look forward to reviewing the merits of the final agreement as we move closer to modernizing our trade relationship with our North American partners. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) Next Article Previous Article 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1551 Larsen Statement on Final USMCA 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement on news of the final United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA): “The final USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and enforcement. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to update NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. “Washington is the most trade dependent state in the country, and a high-standards trade deal means jobs and opportunity for the women and men I represent in the Second District. I will work with my colleagues in the House to pass USMCA and deliver a win for workers and families in Washington state.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z
https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-final-usmca Larsen Statement on Final USMCA 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement on news of the final United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA): The final USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and enforcement. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to update NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. Washington is the most trade dependent state in the country, and a high-standards trade deal means jobs and opportunity for the women and men I represent in the Second District. I will work with my colleagues in the House to pass USMCA and deliver a win for workers and families in Washington state. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-demand-a-vote-on-save-the-internet-act Cantwell, Colleagues Demand a Vote on Save the Internet Act 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.19 Cantwell, Colleagues Demand a Vote on Save the Internet Act House of Representatives passed net neutrality legislation in April, but Leader McConnell refuses to bring bill up for a vote WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, took to the Senate floortopush for Senate passage of theSave the Internet Actand urge the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restore net neutrality rules. It is long past time for the Senate to vote onSave the Internet Act,Cantwell said.Our bill would restore the protections for a free and open internet by the Obama administration's FCC in 2015, which would say no blocking, throttling, or paid prioritizationwouldbe allowed. In 2018, Ranking Member Cantwellledcolleagues from both the House and Senate to challenge the FCC's decision to eliminate net neutrality rules.In March of this year, Cantwelljoined Democrats from the House and Senate tointroduce theSave the Internet Act.She also recently took to the Senate floor todemandthe restoration of net neutrality for afree and open internet. It has been 244 days since the House of Representatives passed net neutrality legislation. In an information age, you have to give consumers rights. You have to give them the right to privacy and you have to give them the right to a free andopen internet,Cantwell said.Thisis going to be a key communication tool for the 21st century,and it needs to be open. So I thank my colleague for raising this important issue, and I continue to work with him and our other colleagues to make it the law of the land. Videoof Senator Cantwell's floor speechis availableHERE. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-important-wins-for-washingtons-maritime-economy-in-defense-authorization-bill Cantwell Secures Important Wins for Washington’s Maritime Economy in Defense Authorization Bill 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.19 Cantwell Secures Important Wins for Washington's Maritime Economy in Defense Authorization Bill Legislation includes increase in Cantwell port grants program, 14 percent increase in grants for small shipyards, support for Military to Mariner program WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that key wins for Washington state's maritime economy have been included in the final text of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) released last night. The bill is expected to be voted on in both houses of Congress in the coming weeks. The United States maritime transportation system is critical to our nation's economy and to our security, Senator Cantwell said. In the state of Washington, we have nearly 70,000 direct jobs. So whether it's ports connecting to freight corridors, warehouse workers, or ship building, we know the value of our domestic maritime industry. The legislation contains provisions authored by Cantwell to authorize $500 million for the Port and Intermodal Improvement Program, a competitive grant program that funds projects to improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of the movement of goods through a port or the intermodal connection to a port. It also includes a $40 million authorization a 14% increase for the Small Shipyard Grant Program, which provided a $1.3 million grant to a shipyard in Freeland, WA, in 2018. Other programs supported by Cantwell are also included in the final NDAA text, including a report on infrastructure and upkeep needs for 17 strategic ports around the country, including Tacoma; reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program; and codification of a program to build the maritime workforce by helping retiring or transitioning servicemembers obtain mariner credentials. These provisions were originally included… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-includes-cantwell-larsen-provision-to-monitor-noise-of-naval-operations-in-final-defense-package Congress Includes Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations in Final Defense Package 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.10.19 Congress Includes Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations in Final Defense Package Language included in final conference report of National Defense Authorization Act; final votes expected this month WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) announced that their amendment to provide for real-time noise monitoring at two West Coast Navy installations will be included in the final compromise of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation is expected to be considered by both houses of Congress this month. Noise from Growler training has caused much concern in local communities, Senator Cantwell said. Publicly available real-time monitoring of Whidbey Island and the Olympic National Park will provide transparency and a basis for an accurate discussion on the impacts of the increased flight activity between the Navy, the state, and the communities involved. I'm pleased to see this provision included in the final defense package, and I encourage Congress to support its passage. On June 12, the House Armed Services Committee adopted my provision to require real-time noise monitoring at three Naval Air Stations and three Air Force bases because the challenge we face with jet noise on Whidbey Island is a challenge shared by other communities, said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. As a member of the conference committee responsible for shepherding this provision to final passage, I am happy the final bill includes real-time noise monitoring language to require the Navy to mitigate the effects of military aircraft noise on private residences, schools and hospitals. This provision will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations surrounding communities. Thank you to Chair Smith and Sena… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/45-mayors-across-america-call-for-action-on-cantwell-delbene-affordable-housing-bill- 45 Mayors Across America Call for Action on Cantwell, DelBene Affordable Housing Bill 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.19 45 Mayors Across America Call for Action on Cantwell, DelBene Affordable Housing Bill In bipartisan letter to congressional leaders, mayors push for passage of legislation that would build 550,000 new units nationwide in the next decade; Mayors representing 8 of 10 most populous U.S. cities, communities in 19 states sign letter WASHINGTON, D.C. In a letter sent today, a bipartisan group of 45 mayors representing communities in 19 states throughout the country and the District of Columbia urged congressional leaders to include affordable housing legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) in any tax package considered by Congress before the end of the year. The list includes mayors representing 8 of the 10 most populous cities, and 14 of the top 25, in the United States. The letter was led by the mayors of Seattle, WA, and Tacoma, WA. It was also signed by the mayors of: Anchorage, AK; Mesa, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; East Palo Alto, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Newark, CA; Oakland, CA; Oceanside, CA; Rancho Cordova, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; San Leandro, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Denver, CO; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Carmel, IN; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Saint Paul, MN; St. Louis, MO; New York, NY; Newburgh, NY; Rochester, NY; Akron, OH; Cleveland, OH; Columbus, OH; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Dallas, TX; San Antonio, TX; Montpelier, VT; Vergennes, VT; Winooski, VT; Alexandria, VA; Colville, WA; Everett, WA; Madison, WI; and Milwaukee, WI. Our nation is facing one of the worst housing crises in our history, the mayors wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would have a crit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-introduces-legislation-to-provide-technical-assistance-for-trade-enforcement-programs- Cantwell Introduces Legislation to Provide Technical Assistance for Trade Enforcement Programs 2019-12-09 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Maria Cantwell C000127 www.cantwell.senate.gov     legacy 12.09.19 Cantwell Introduces Legislation to Provide Technical Assistance for Trade Enforcement Programs Technical assistance, capacity building programs help grow international trade WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced legislation to provide $75 million to the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Agency for International Development for technical assistance and trade enforcement programs. The funding will help support critical programs and infrastructure to grow trade between the United States and Mexico. Trade with Mexico is critical for Washington state's economy: In the state of Washington, we export $2 billion worth of goods to Mexico, Senator Cantwell said. It accounts for 107,000 jobs in the state of Washington. And when we're talking about these things, we should be talking about expanding economic opportunity. There's a big market outside the United States, but we have to have the tools and the enforcement mechanisms to make sure these agreements are lived up to. Last week, Cantwell and Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01) sent a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer urging him to include U.S. technical assistance for labor enforcement programs in Mexico in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Capacity building is key to strengthening enforcement of labor rights an essential element of the USMCA. Furthermore, the United States must also have the requisite resources to monitor and enforce the labor obligations in the USMCA in order to protect workers throughout North America, Cantwell and DelBene wrote to Ambassador Lighthizer. Whether it be through capacity building support or monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, we need to make clear that the United States is committed to supporting Mexico's labor reform process. Senator Cantwell has long prioritized capacity building and technical assis… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=46ACC6DE-9EF4-4D00-95D6-2A9AA3CAFA72 In Meeting with Seattle Housing, Education, and Community Leaders, Senator Murray Previews Bill Inspired by Successful Washington State Programs to Improve Education Opportunities for Youth Facing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity 2019-12-06 2019 2019-12 Democrat House WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov     legacy The AHEAD Act would provide funding for housing authorities and school districts to work together to tackle child and family homelessness In a conversation with local housing, education, and community stakeholders, Senator Murray discussed how successful local initiatives to address youth homelessness, housing insecurity, and education are reflected in the bill KUOW: Child homelessness has doubled in Washington state in the last decade MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) This morning, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) sat down with Seattle housing, education, and community leaders to discuss some of the successful efforts by local stakeholders to support students experiencing homelessness, and to provide families and young people facing homelessness and housing insecurity with better educational opportunities. During the discussion, Senator Murray previewed her Affordable Housing for Educational Achievement Demonstration (AHEAD) Act, legislation she plans to introduce in the coming days that will create a federal grant program to help encourage housing authorities and school districts to work together to address child and family homelessness. I think everyone knows homelessness is a problem, and who it is impacting a lot is our young people. And we are seeing some exciting things happen in this region when we break down barriers and silos between agencies and have people work together I'm talking about education, and social services, and housing, and have those people work together to make sure we're doing the right thing for those young kids today, Senator Murray said. So, I'm going to be introducing legislation next week based on what all of you have been doing out here that I've seen as so successful, it's called the AHEAD Act and it is having the federal government be a partner in these collaboration efforts by providing grants and opportunities to these agencies that work together to find unique solutions in their communities. During the discussion, Senator Murray heard from numerous local stakeholders, incl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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   [date] TEXT,
   [year] TEXT,
   [month] TEXT,
   [party] TEXT,
   [chamber] TEXT,
   [state] TEXT,
   [member_name] TEXT,
   [bioguide_id] TEXT,
   [domain] TEXT,
   [scraper] TEXT,
   [source] TEXT,
   [date_source] TEXT,
   [text] TEXT,
   [has_text] INTEGER,
   [collected_at] TEXT,
   [updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
    ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
    ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
    ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
    ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
    ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
    ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
    ON [releases] ([has_text]);
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