Press releases
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1,180 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "WA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-reduce-methane-emissions-cow-burps | Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Reduce Methane Emissions in Cow Burps | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) has introduced the Research to Reduce Agricultural Methane Act. This bill will provide funds to study innovative methods to reduce methane emissions in livestock, including through feed additives such as seaweed. "We are facing an unprecedented climate crisis and it falls on all of us to find creative solutions to this pressing problem," said Rep. Schrier. "Our farmers are the leading stewards of our land and on the front lines fighting climate change. While they are already innovating with solutions like no-till farming and increased cover crop adoption, we must provide more federal research support and ensure any game-changing products are accessible to our farmers and ranchers. As the only member on the Agriculture Committee from the Pacific Northwest, I will continue to work on common sense solutions that support our farmers while helping to address climate change." According to EPA's 2018 Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks, enteric fermentation, the digestive process by which cows and other ruminants produce methane, was the largest human-caused source of methane in the United States, representing 28% of domestic methane emissions. Ruminants, such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats, have the highest methane emissions per unit of body mass among all animal types. The amount of methane from livestock production alone is about the equivalent of the emissions from about 650 million cars. The Reduce Agricultural Methane Act will enable further research in promising methods to reduce agricultural methane emissions including: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-provide-automatic-rental-assistance-families-response | Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. "When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress," said Congressman Adam Smith. "As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis." Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the bill here and the full bill text here. Statements of Support: "One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster," said Stephen Norman, Executive Director o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=3C6B2B21-E42D-46EE-A400-F9AF5867FF5B | Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Provide Automatic Rental Assistance to Families in Response to Recessions and Natural Disasters | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) introduced the Crisis Housing Act which would establish a new automatic housing assistance program to provide emergency rental assistance vouchers to households during natural disasters or economic recessions. When responding to an unforeseen disaster like a pandemic, hurricane, or economic recession, families cannot wait in uncertainty for a relief bill to pass in Congress, said Congressman Adam Smith. As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental assistance skyrockets in times of economic downturns, and we need a system that can rapidly deploy support to ensure vulnerable families at risk of displacement continue to have access to stable housing. Housing insecurity affects far too many families as is, and this bill would provide an automatic safety net to those most in need during a crisis. Even before the COVID-19 outbreak, the United States had an affordable housing crisis, which puts more families on the brink of displacement. The pandemic has further highlighted the heightened vulnerability of families in the case of economic crises in the future. There is currently no housing support program that is automatically triggered when a natural or economic disaster occurs, and this bill would remedy that gap. The Crisis Housing Act would automatically provide low-income families and individuals with rental assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) when either: the Stafford Act is invoked during a natural disaster, or when the state unemployment rate suddenly increases by a specific amount. This legislation is the House companion bill to the Crisis Housing Act introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). You can read a one-pager of the billhere and the full bill texthere. Statements of Support: One of the fundamental lessons of this pandemic is how important housing assistance is in a crisis or disaster, said Stephen Norman, Executive Director of the King… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2689 | DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | DelBene Announces 2020 Congressional App Challenge Winner f t # e Kirkland, WA, December 29, 2020 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today announced the winner of the 2020 Congressional App Challenge from Washington's 1st Congressional District. The winning app, called Distancing Camera, was created by Pierce Zhang, Sidharth Ganesh, and Trung Pham of Tesla STEM High School. Their app is designed to make social distancing easier by warning users if others are too close. The app uses a phone's camera to measure the distance between the phone and other people or the distance between two people in its view. The app alerts the user if social distancing is being violated in either case. A demo of Distancing Camera can be found here. As a tech leader before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative entrepreneurs, said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students from Washington's 1st Congressional District for their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work with us. This year's winner designed and created a useful tool with timely application to the current public health crisis. Congratulations on all your hard work. The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges. Distancing Camera will now go on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts. DelBene has been a Co-chair of the Congressional App Challenge since 2018. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law | Rep. Schriers VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | legacy | ISSAQUAH, WA CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week, said Rep. Schrier. Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus. In addition to theVACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loansfor businesseswith more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Employee Reten… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-vaccines-act-and-bill-protect-salmon-signed-law | Rep. Schrier’s VACCINES Act and Bill to Protect Salmon Signed into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced today that her VACCINES Act and a bill to protect salmon were included in the government funding and COVID-19 relief package that was signed into law by the President on Sunday. "I am proud to have had eight bills signed into law during my first term in office, including two bills this week," said Rep. Schrier. "Vaccines were one of the greatest medical accomplishments of the 20th century and remain one of our greatest public health tools to prevent devastating diseases. My VACCINES Act is more important than ever. As we roll out the COVID-19 vaccines, we need to address misinformation about immunizations and increase confidence in the vaccines in order to stop this virus." In addition to the VACCINES Act (Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety Act), Rep. Schrier had a second bill get signed into law with the government funding package. HR 7657, introduced with Rep. Rick Larsen, will ensure projects benefiting salmon and steelhead receive equal consideration under a federal law. The package also included provisions to help families and small businesses struggling to weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions will: Provide up to $600 stimulus checks for individuals earning up to $75k and phasing out at $87k. Married filers with incomes up to $150k would receive $1,200, which phases out at incomes of $174k. Individuals with children will receive $600 per child. Increase unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week through March 2021, including for the self-employed, independent contractors, and individuals who have exhausted their state benefits Support small businesses with $284 billion for a second round of forgivable PPP loans for businesses with more than a 25% drop in revenue Ensure businesses can still deduct expenses on their taxes if paid for using PPP and EIDL funds Simplify PPP loan forgiveness application to one page for PPP loans under $150k Expand Emp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-house-passage-bill-increase-direct-cash-payments-2000 | Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. "I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. "Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-successful-veto-override | Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. "Today the House reiterated - in a resounding, bipartisan way - that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. "Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful - not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=20B09D74-4F1E-448D-B943-784FA5971061 | Smith Statement on Successful Veto Override | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the House voted to override the President's veto of the Conference Report for the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 by a vote of 322 to 87. Today the House reiterated in a resounding, bipartisan way that our service members and national security are more important than politics. By overriding the President's veto, the House prioritized compromise and sound policy over legislative nihilism and blind political loyalty. By overriding the President's veto, the House asserted the role of the legislative branch and underscored the importance of our constitutional separation of powers. But most importantly, today's veto override ensures that our service members and their families have the resources they need to continue to execute their missions and defend our country. Following today's vote in the House, I urge Leader McConnell to move swiftly in the Senate. While procedural hurdles remain, I am confident that the veto override vote will ultimately be successful not because of politics, but because of the NDAA's merits. It is Congress' constitutional duty to provide for the common defense, and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=7E45B39F-A742-420D-875B-9FEA776E9D69 | Rep. Smith Applauds House Passage of Bill to Increase Direct Cash Payments to $2,000 | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act, a stand-alone bill to increase the economic impact payments in the COVID relief bill from $600 to $2,000. I am proud to support passage of the CASH Act today, which would provide $2,000 direct cash payments as an economic lifeline for millions of Americans. After Congress and the Trump Administration reached an agreement on a COVID-19 relief and appropriations funding package, President Trump suddenly decided he would delay signing the bill into law, further exacerbating the struggles facing individuals and families across the country. Democrats have long pushed for increased direct payments, but House and Senate Republicans and the Trump Administration have opposed higher payments at every step of the negotiations. Now the President suddenly claims he supports $2,000 direct payments. If the President wants to follow through on his support for $2,000, he would demand that Senate Republicans bring this bill up for a vote immediately. Republicans have repeatedly failed to work with Democrats to provide the health and economic relief needed during this crisis. Signing this bill into law would help families struggling to put food on the table or make next month's rent payment. We will continue to fight to provide Americans with the substantial support they need during this pandemic and economic crisis. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2442 | Larsen Votes to Override President Trump’s Veto of the National Defense Authorization Act | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to override President Trump’s veto of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted by proxy after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus last week. “I voted to override the president’s veto to support the women and men of the military and strengthen national security,” said Larsen. “The NDAA increases pay for servicemembers, establishes changes to rename military bases after American heroes instead of Confederate traitors, and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts.” The NDAA includes provisions that benefit Northwest Washington’s military families, installations, communities and veterans. Supporting Servicemembers, Military Families The NDAA gives servicemembers a 3 percent raise. The bill includes Larsen’s solution to ensure sailors are paid Family Separation Allowance while under orders to remain on board a ship while at home port. The NDAA also ensures all federal employees benefit from paid parental leave policies. Last year’s NDAA excluded the women and men who work at the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as other civilian employees. Protecting Communities from PFAS Larsen is committed to ensuring families living on or around Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) and the Outlying Landing Field in Coupeville have access to safe and clean drinking water. The NDAA takes steps to further protect military communities from PFAS, including $1.4 billion for environmental cleanup. Mitigating Jet Noise In communities surrounding military installations like NASWI, aviation noise is a frequent concern. Larsen secured $4 million for jet noise reduction research. Larsen also worked with Senator Maria Cantwell to ensure a 12-month extension of the ongoing real-time sound monitoring study at NASWI. Boosting Impact Aid Impact Aid is important for military students and schools that serve them, including several in Nor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwells-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-signed-into-law | Cantwell’s Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.28.20 Cantwell's Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Signed into Law Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. Comprehensive bipartisan, bicameral aviation safety legislation written and negotiated by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders was signed into law by President Trump last night. The Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes, including strengthening the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implementing new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, requiring aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implementing new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-president-trumps-harmful-ndaa-veto | Smith Statement on President Trump's Harmful NDAA Veto | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C.- Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. "By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. "The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=8207C760-DF86-4430-A465-762B4B98AAAE | Smith Statement on President Trump’s Harmful NDAA Veto | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump vetoed the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 335-78-1 and in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 84-13. By choosing to veto the NDAA, President Trump has made it clear that does not care about the needs of our military personnel and their families. If the FY21 NDAA does not become law, more than 100,000 federal employees will be deprived of the paid parental leave benefits they deserve, necessary military construction projects will not move forward on schedule, and our service members who are in harm's way defending our country's principles will not have access to the hazard pay they are owed. The FY21 NDAA passed with overwhelming, veto-proof support in both the House and Senate, and I remain confident that Congress will override this harmful veto. While the President may not care about our service members and their families, Congress still places an immense value on their service and sacrifice. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-bill-to-rename-bremerton-post-office-after-distinguished-us-navy-sailor-signed-into-law | Kilmer’s Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.23.20 Kilmer's Bill to Rename Bremerton Post Office After Distinguished U.S. Navy Sailor Signed Into Law Washington, D.C. On December 21, Representative Derek Kilmer's legislation to rename the Bremerton Post Office in honor of John Henry Turpin, a distinguished U.S. Navy sailor, was signed into law by the President. The legislation, which passed the House and the Senate unanimously this fall, honors the lifelong resident of Bremerton, who is believed to be the first Black American to qualify as a Master Diver, in a civilian capacity, and was one of the first Black Americans to achieve the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. His thirty-year career in the U.S. Navy included service during the Spanish-American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. John Henry Turpin's outstanding legacy of service to our country is made even more significant by the era of prejudice and discrimination during which he served. said Rep. Kilmer. Turpin repeatedly answered the call of duty to his country, served with great distinction, and rose in rank throughout his Navy career. His life-long and selfless commitment to the defense of America, American values, and the American way of life is worthy of our recognition and praise. I'm proud that the bill passed through Congress with the support of Democrats and Republicans and I'm thrilled to see it signed into law. We are proud and incredibly honored to have our historic downtown post office named after John Henry Turpin, said City of Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler. His courage and his incredible dedication to our nation and to the U.S. Navy set an example for those that served with him and would follow in his footsteps. We are pleased that we can recognize Turpin's extraordinary life and legacy in his home community of Bremerton. The renaming of the downtown Bremerton post office is an important opportunity to recognize and memorialize a man who was a trailblazer in his field. Bremerton has a very rich history and it's exciting to have this recognition of Mr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=07DC4A12-79B0-40E6-A14C-F0B9A6E8D6A7 | Murray Strengthens Investments in Mental Health Crisis and Opioid Epidemic, Stresses Need for Action Given COVID-19 Crisis | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Appropriations bill includes nearly $4 billion to respond to the opioid epidemic, over $1 billion for mental health care Murray: Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to fight the opioid epidemic and mental health crisis she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. The COVID-19 crisis has been incredibly hard on so many families, but especially people who were already fighting addiction or dealing with mental health issues. Our ongoing work to end the opioid epidemic and support those across the country who are struggling with mental health issues has been made all the more urgent by this pandemic. I have not, and will not, lose sight of the mental health crisis we are facing as a country. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for this important work, and will be continuing to push for further action as well. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill provides $3.95 billion in HHS to address opioid abuse, an increase of $84.6 million over fiscal year 2020 levels. This funding includes: $1.5 billion to states to address the opioid epidemic; $91 million for medication assisted treatment; $476 million for opioid overdose surveillance and prevention at CDC; $80 million to address the needs of children affected by the opioid crisis; and $100 million to help affected rural communities. The bill also includes over $1 billion to improve mental health access, including $250 million for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, a $50 million increase; $757.6 million for the mental health block grant, a $35 million increase for states to create crisis care programs; $8 million for infant and early childhood mental health; and $107 milliona $5 million increasefor Project AWARE, which w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2E69D55A-F19D-4A41-A8AC-95375179DC1F | Senator Murray Secures Billions to Make Child Care More Affordable and Accessible, Will Continue Fight to Help Every Family Get Quality Child Care | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $85 million increase in funding to help states make child care more affordable and accessible in the year-end spending package. The bill provides $5.91 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant, $85 million more than fiscal year 2020, to help states continue to improve the quality and affordability of local child care programs so parents can go to work knowing their children are safe and learning the skills they need to succeed later in life. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $10 billion in emergency relief to support the child care sector during this crisis. While $10 billion marks an historic investment in our child care sector, significantly more funding is needed to stabilize our child sector that has been rocked by COVID-19 and ensure that every single family has access to child care going forward. We have long had a child care crisis in this countryand it has always hit families of color and working families the hardest. And now, as our economy is rocked by the impact of the coronavirus, our child care sector is struggling to even keep its doors open, leaving parents in a totally impossible situation. We absolutely cannot overlook the critical role child care will play in our nation's ability to recover from the current COVID-19 crisis. Frontline workers need access to child care to stay on the job, and families across the country need child care to return to once our economy opens up. This is a step in the right direction, but we've got a lot more to do to make sure parentsespecially women and in particular women of colordon't have to struggle even more to handle both work and family care. We not only need to make sure that we avoid mass closures of child care providers due to COVID, but we need to make access to affordable, quality child care a reality for every family going forward. I will continue to fight to expand access to quality, affordable ch… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=51AA0155-88E9-4ED0-8420-1D048E674B63 | Senator Murray Celebrates Senate Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray has long fought for changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which was included in the year-end funding package that the Senate passed today Senator Murray championed the inclusion of provisions that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country and address other Washington state water infrastructure priorities ICYMI: Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the Senate passage of the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The WRDA agreement was included in the year-end appropriations bill that the Senate passed today, and was passed by the House earlier this month. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad we'll be able to finally make these changes, and I look forward to the bill being signed into law. Once signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF will significantly … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7740DC3F-376D-43FB-A9AA-45C10B2B6156 | Murray Wins Increased Investments for Medical Research, Public Health, and Global Health Security | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Murray: We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for medical research, public health preparedness, and global health security which she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. This pandemic has underscored just how important it is we make sustained investments to keep our country and the world prepared for whatever public health threats may emerge. We know diseases aren't stopped by borders or wishful thinkingthey are stopped by medical discoveries, by the hard work of public health experts, and by global collaboration to quickly identify and stop emerging threats. I'm glad we were able to increase funding for programs that are critical to these efforts for the year ahead. However, the work of ensuring we are prepared for public health emergencies is never done. Public health infrastructure saves livesand the better funded and prepared our public health system is before a crisis, the more lives it will be able to save during one. That's why I'm also going to continue pushing to pass a bill that provides dedicated, annual funding to build our public health infrastructure. Senator Murray also continues to push for dedicated, annual funding to build the nation's public health infrastructure, as she outlined earlier this year when she released the Public Health Infrastructure Saves Lives Act. The Fiscal Year 2021 bill includes the following: Medical Research: The bill provides $42.9 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including $404 million from the 21st Century Cures Act, representing an increase of $1.25 billion over the fiscal year 2020 level and $4.12 billion more than the President's request. It provides an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8757159E-F74E-4D2E-87A9-9B9FC7023001 | Senator Murray Secures Much Needed Assistance for Families and Small Business Owners in Washington State, Pushes for More COVID Relief in New Year | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | The approximately $900 billion COVID-19 relief legislation passed the Senate 91-7 as part of a year-end funding bill In bipartisan package to address coronavirus pandemic, Senator Murray successfully fought to include immediate relief for families and small businesses SMALL BUSINESS: $325 billion in federal grants, loans, and assistance to support struggling small businesses RENTAL ASSISTANCE: $25 billion for states, tribes, and territories to provide assistance to those struggling to make rent Senator Murray: My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winter Senator Murray: While these steps we voted on today will provide near-term relief, I will fight harder than ever in the coming months for strong policies like those I and Democrats have laid out over the last year (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democratic appropriator and the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, issued the following statement on her vote in support of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, long overdue legislation to provide much-needed relief to families, workers, and small business owners in Washington state and across the U.S. My vote for this bill is a vote to get families and small businesses in Washington state and nationwide some relief this winterand then to double down in the year ahead on fighting for policies that truly reflect the depth of the crisis we're facing, and help us dig out of this pandemic and come back stronger and fairer. As I've said since the start of the pandemic in Washington state nearly a year ago, we need to be squarely focused on addressing the underlying public health crisis and on helping communities deal with the economic devastation we're seeing. I'm glad that over the next few tough months, workers' unemployment insurance will be extended and more families will be able to stay in their homes and get help putting food… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=96D48676-D3FA-43B0-A5C3-F86FC8857201 | Murray, Cantwell Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Following a call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes on the vacant BPA Administrator position, Senators Murray and Cantwell made clear a candidate with knowledge of the Pacific Northwest and vast experience in utility management is required to successfully run BPA In a break from norms, Department of Energy has not consulted Senators Murray and Cantwell on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries. I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, Senator Murray said. So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominating Greg Zerzan would be disastrous for the BPA and the millions of families that rely on the affordable energy and power it provides. Unlike in years past, this consideration process has lacked transparency, and I strongly urge the Department of Energy to follow its historic precedent and nominate a candidate with the experience and independence required to successfully lead BPA and ensure it remains a valuable public asset. BPA Administrator is one of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=A4CF44FE-70C9-4623-923B-B31308CA9F10 | Murray Secures Key Investments For Families In End-of-Year Funding Bill | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more Bill increases funding for public schools, Head Start, child care, and the maximum amount students can receive through Pell grants Agencies charged with securing workers' wages, and ensuring safe workplaces would also get funding boost Deal increases funding for workforce training and program to help struggling families pay their energy bills Full omnibus also includes bipartisan deal to end surprise billing, fund community health centers Murray: Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. Murray: While this bill provides needed investments and certainty in a time of chaos, I don't think anyone would say our work is done. Not by a long shot. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), top Democrat on the Senate AppropriationsSubcommitteeon Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement on the LHHS Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill which passed as part of the larger spending and COVID-19 relief omnibus today. Now more than ever, our focus has to be on what we can do to help families and communitiesand by that simple, critical standard this bill represents meaningful progress and we need to get it signed into law as soon as possible. As our country fights COVID-19, this bill would increase investments in key global health, public health, and preparedness programs as well as medical research. Funding from this bill won't only bolster our efforts against COVID-19, but against other public health crises, like opioid addiction, the HIV epidemic, and our nation's abysmally high maternal mortality rate. This bill would also increase support to schools, students, and parents across the country after this tumultuous year. It… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D20BE9D2-4E82-449E-A7A6-E5F36A7466EC | Senate Murray Secures Washington State Transportation, Housing, and Agriculture Priorities in End-of-Year Package, Emphasizes More Work Ahead in New Year | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | The bipartisan spending deal addresses crucial priorities for Washingtonians, including college affordability, infrastructure funding, and critical agricultural research, among others LHHS Appropriations bill includes increased investments for medical research, public health, maternal mortality, mental health, and more MORE HERE The package includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief funding, and Senator Murray called for additional funding in the new year MORE HERE Senator Murray: Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, acknowledged that as Congress passed bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state, there is still much work to be done to help those who are struggling in Washington state and across the country make it through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which also included COVID-19 relief legislation, will keep the government funded through the 2021 fiscal year. The bill now heads to the President's desk. Every day I hear from people in Washington state who are struggling to get by, and our federal budget should reflect the enormity and breadth of the challenges that they and our whole country face. I'm glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan agreement that includes much needed relief for families, workers, and small business owners who are just scraping by and makes critical investments in public health, college affordability, access to quality, affordable child care for our servicemembers and their families, and repairing our aging infrastructure. And I'm pleased we were able to get funding for a number of key Washin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=E20601DA-A4C5-41C1-85DD-C5276AB714AA | Senator Murray Secures Billions to Improve Educational Opportunities for K-12 Public School Students Across the Country | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray secures over $40 billion in year-end spending deal, and $54.3 billion in COVID emergency funding for public schools Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their harmful privatization agenda (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, praised the $500 million in increased investments in the nation's public schools, totaling over $40 billion, in the must-pass year-end spending bill. Of the $40 billion, $16.5 billion is for Title I-A grants to local educational agencies to assist nearly sixty percent of the nation's schools in their efforts to raise student achievement.Thesefunds help provide extra academic support to help students, particularly those in high-poverty schools, meet college and career-ready state academic standards, including through preschool programs for eligible children. The agreement also includes an increase of $181 million$13.8 billion in allfor special education state grant programs. The bill also includes increases for a range of other important programs, including $52 million more for Career and Technical Education state grants, $10 million more for English Language Acquisition State grants, and $5 million more for Education for Homeless Children and Youth. Additionally, the COVID relief bill included $54.3 billion in emergency relief for an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. In addition to all of the uses of funds authorized under the CARES Act, this funding can also be used to address learning loss and school facilities improvements necessary for health measures. States will also need to report how they are using funds, including how they are using funds to address the full scope of learning loss due to COVID. Additionally, Senator Murray stopped Republican efforts to advance their school privatization agenda and create private school vouchers, by instead providing states with funding to provide services to private school students related to public health protocols, educa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=F283A988-C459-4F71-90A1-C2F162161FF6 | Murray Increases Investments in Fight Against Maternal Mortality, Will Continue Efforts to Improve Maternal Health | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Appropriations bill includes $62 million for initiative created to address maternal mortality crisis, an increase of $9 million Efforts to include bipartisan maternal mortality provisions first agreed to 18 months ago in the Lower Health Care Costs Act were torpedoed by Republicans at the last minute Murray: It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding to address maternal mortality she fought to include in the end-of-year spending bill which passed the Senate today. It's a tragedy that we have the highest maternal death rate in the developed world, and an outrage that this crisis not only exists, but is even worse for women of colorwith Black women more than three times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy. While we were able to push for and win increased investments in stopping this crisis, I'm frustrated that other bipartisan steps were not included in this package and I will keep fighting to get them over the finish line. For example, we need to make sure medical professionals receive bias training in order to combat differences in quality of caresomething we know is important to help Black women and other women of color get quality care, as studies suggest they often aren't trusted about their own levels of pain or their symptoms. We also need to improve maternal care and access in rural communities where it is too often lacking. It's critical we collect more data so we can better understand and tackle this problem across demographics as well. None of these steps are one bit controversialin fact, they've already received strong bipartisan support. I'm frustrated that Republicans once again listened to their far-right special in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=FCC6640B-672D-4750-B5F9-8F981F38BE4C | Senator Murray Secures Funding Increases for Workforce Training to Help People Get Back to Work | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Murray: Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on the increased funding for workforce and career training education programs included in the year-end spending package. As we continue navigating the economic consequences of the COVID crisis, millions of workers across the country are facing unemployment and struggling to find new jobs. We owe each of these workers the chance to gain the skills and training they need to get back on their feet. Strengthening investments in our nation's workforce and career training programs is a good first stepbut with an unemployment crisis this devastating, we've got a lot more work to do. Expanding and investing in our federal workforce programs can change lives and boost our economyand I'll keep fighting to help workers recover from this pandemic and get back to work. In the end-of-year spending bill, Senator Murray secured $9.4 billion, an increase of $100 million, for the Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, which includes: $2.85 billion, an increase of $26 million, for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants to support the national system of education, skills training, and employment services for workers, $185 million, an increase of $10 million, for the Registered Apprenticeship Program, rejecting President Trump's proposal to create a lower quality, non-registered apprenticeship program that would open the door to low wage, lower quality programs. $45 million, an increase of $5 million, for the Strengthening Community College Training Grants program. $316 million, an increase of $5 million, for Veterans Employment and Training programs. $100 million, an increase of $2 million, for the Reentry Employment Opportunity program. $97 mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-statement-decade-after-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell | Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. "Ten years ago, the repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security - all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. "The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era ‘trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. "Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=80A5ABE7-283E-49AE-B41D-FD9745BD42D8 | Smith Statement a Decade After Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement on the 10th anniversary of the end of the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy. Ten years ago, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' allowed tens of thousands of LBGTQ service members to serve openly for the first time. Our men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security all Americans owe them, and their families, a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice. The repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell' affirmed that we, as a nation, respect and honor the service of these patriotic men and women, no matter who they love. The last decade has shown us that the diversity of our military is a point of strength and has proven when service members serve openly, our national security benefits. Despite the progress we have made these last ten years, working to create a more diverse and inclusive military, there is still much to be done. Because of the Trump Administration's hateful policies, thousands of transgender service members cannot serve openly. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deserve the same honor and respect as their cisgender peers, for their service and sacrifice is no different. Thankfully, President-elect Biden has made it clear he intends to reverse the Trump-era trans ban' immediately so that these patriots can continue to serve their nation as their authentic selves. Today is a day to reflect on our progress and reaffirm our commitment to LGBTQ Americans. Our next task must be enactment of the Equality Act, so that the LGBTQ community is protected from discrimination and prejudice. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2441 | Larsen Statement in Response to Oil Train Derailment in Whatcom County | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, issued the following statement in response to the oil train derailment in Whatcom County: “I am concerned about the oil train derailment in Custer, WA. I worked closely with the Obama administration to create strong rules to make the transport of oil by rail safer. Clearly there may be more work to do. “Thank you to the first responders on scene working to assess the situation and to keep communities safe. My staff are gathering more information from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Governor’s office, Whatcom County Emergency Management, BP, and BNSF Railway. I will continue to monitor the situation and await the findings of NTSB’s investigation.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-congressional-aviation-leaders-applaud-comprehensive-bipartisan-bicameral-aircraft-safety-and-certification-reforms-passed-as-part-of-omnibus-funding-bill | Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act will strengthen FAA oversight of aircraft manufacturers, reform aircraft certification process, increase Congress' oversight of the certification process, and provide new resources to address emerging technology WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and other congressional aviation leaders applauded the passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will implement needed new aircraft safety and certification reforms made clear in the wake of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. The legislation will strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) direct oversight of aircraft certification, implement new integrated systems analyses of new and derivative aircraft, require aircraft manufacturers to disclose technological changes to their aircraft, and implement new safety reporting requirements and whistleblower protections. The legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress last night and it and now heads to the President's desk. A summary of the bill can be found HERE. In addition to Cantwell, the legislation was also negotiated by Commerce Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D, OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R, MO-06). It's so important that we make safety the number one priority in the United States. If we want to be number one in aviation, you have to be number one in aviation safety. Chairman Wicker and I worked with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to produce important legislation that improves the safety reforms n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-call-on-department-of-energy-to-only-consider-qualified-experienced-candidates-for-bpa-administrator- | Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Cantwell, Murray Call on Department of Energy to Only Consider Qualified, Experienced Candidates for BPA Administrator In a break from norms, DOE has not consulted Senators Cantwell and Murray on potential BPA Administrator candidates WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) made clear their expectations for candidates the Department of Energy (DOE) is considering to head up Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and voiced their displeasure with the lack of transparency in the selection process for BPA Administrator candidates during a Friday call with Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Mark Menezes. The senators also emphasized to Deputy Secretary Menezes that they would not support candidates who do not possess the necessary experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. The call came following a news report that the DOE was moving quickly to fill the current BPA administrator vacancy and considering an unqualified candidate, Gregory Zerzan, who is the current Principal Deputy Solicitor at U.S. Department of the Interior and a former lobbyist for Koch Industries. BPA Administrator is one of the Pacific Northwest's toughest jobs. The position requires a deep knowledge of our unique grid, strong relationships with regional stakeholders, and an understanding of how to balance the needs of hydropower, agriculture, and salmon. Now more than ever we need an Administrator that can hit the ground running and ensure our region continues to receive the affordable and reliable electricity supplies that have powered our economy for decades, Senator Cantwell said. I've worked for years to make sure that Bonneville Power Administration maintains the flexibility needed to provide quality, low-cost power to Washington state and the Pacific Northwest,Senator Murray said.So I am not speaking lightly when I say that nominat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-critical-funding-for-washington-small-businesses-in-covid-stimulus-bill-targeted-relief-for-smallest-businesses-in-underserved-communities | Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Cantwell Secures Critical Funding for Washington Small Businesses in COVID Stimulus Bill; Targeted Relief for Smallest Businesses in Underserved Communities Bill includes more than $284 billion for PPP, including $35 billion set aside for smallest businesses WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) highlighted the inclusion of key small business priorities she championed and pushed for in the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus bill that passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives overwhelmingly last night. The bill provides $284.5 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. The bill extends PPP through March 31, 2021 and enables small businesses and nonprofits to apply for a 2nd PPP loan of up to $2 million if they have 300 or fewer employees and have experienced a revenue loss of at least 25% between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. I'm very glad that we were able to get the PPP program that helps small businesses, so that they can continue to try to make ends meet as we continue to work our way through this pandemic, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor on Monday night. Important Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The bill expands the types of expenses that are allowable and forgivable to include: Payment for any software, cloud computing, and other human resources and accounting needs. Costs related to property damage due to public disturbances that occurred during 2020 that are not covered by insurance. Expenditures to a supplier pursuant to a contract, purchase order, or order for goods in effect prior to taking out the loan that are essential to the recipient's operations at the t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-supported-provisions-in-covid-relief-bill-will-provide-critical-relief-to-hard-hit-music-venues-theaters-museums- | Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Cantwell-Supported Provisions in COVID Relief Bill Will Provide Critical Relief to Hard-Hit Music Venues, Theaters, Museums Without relief, 63% of independently-owned clubs in the state would have to permanently close WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauded the inclusion in the COVID relief bill of provisions she pushed for that would provide $15 billion in grants to live venues, movie theaters, and museums in Washington state and across the country. The bill also includes a set aside of $2 billion for entities with no more than 50 employees. This achievement builds off of the Save Our Stages Act, legislation Cantwell cosponsored along with Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to provide desperately needed aid to smaller, independent live venues. Without this relief, 63% of Washington state's independently owned clubs would have to permanently close, according to a survey by the Washington Nightlife Music Association. Cantwell spoke about the urgent need to provide relief for these venues at a Commerce hearing earlier this month, saying in part: You'd think this would just be a slam dunk, that we could just, if nothing else, just go ahead and pass legislation. For us, it's 38,000 Washingtonians, about a $2.4 billion music industry overall. So we don't want to see permanent closure, because it's very hard to start these again We have got to get our colleagues to understand, we need to act now on this legislation. Video from the hearing is HERE. Steven Severin, the President of the Washington Nightlife Music Association (WANMA), said: This is a huge win for us. The fact that nobody knew our names or the phrase Independent Venues' and then you have people like Sen. Cantwell talk about WANMA and Save Our Stages in a D.C. hearing?... I'm ecstatic. I'm in tears. I'm exhausted. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-biggest-advancements-to-nations-energy-policies-in-over-a-decade- | Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation’s Energy Policies in Over a Decade | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Cantwell Touts Biggest Advancements to Nation's Energy Policies in Over a Decade Cantwell's Grid Modernization Act and Smart Building Acceleration Act incorporated into landmark package WASHINGTON, D.C.Sweeping bipartisan energy legislation was included in the year-end COVID-19 relief and omnibus bill passed by the Senate last night, including many provisions Senator Cantwell authored and introduced while she served as Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the 114th and 115th Congresses. The legislation authorizes over $35 billion for research and development over the next decade in critical areas including renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies, all of which will be essential to decarbonizing our nation's energy system and addressing the climate crisis. The legislation also reforms the energy loan guarantee program, extends the weatherization program, and provides new tech transfer tools for Energy Department Laboratories like the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL). Modernizing our nation's energy grid will make America's electricity supplies more secure, abundant, and affordable, said Senator Cantwell. Making our nation's buildings smarter and more efficient will lower utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions from a sector that accounts for 40 percent of all U.S. energy use. All told, these energy provisions are the most progress we've made to our nation's energy policies in a decade. Two bills authored by Senator Cantwell were incorporated into the landmark package, including Senate Bill 2332, the Grid Modernization Act of 2019, which authorizes over $2.2 billion over the next decade to fund R&D and programs at the Department of Energy aimed at modernizing our nation's electricity grid. Provisions include a grant program aimed atdemonstratingthe value of modernizing our nation's… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-19-package-includes-cantwell-collins-provision-to-make-medical-expense-deduction-permanent | COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 COVID-19 Package Includes Cantwell, Collins Provision to Make Medical Expense Deduction Permanent WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the government funding legislation that passed Congress and will now be signed into law. Companion legislation was sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Katie Porter (D-CA) and David Schweikert (R-AZ). For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, this provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act, Senators Cantwell and Collins introduced in 2019, will allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. The medical expense deduction provides much-needed financial relief for Americans with high medical bills, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. The extension we secured is critical for more than 200,000 Washingtonians who claim the deduction in order to lower their health care costs and help pay for unexpected medical expenses and life-saving treatment, said Senator Cantwell. The medical expense deduction is a lifeline for Americans struggling with high medical costs, particularly seniors and individuals with disabilities, said Senator Collins. By making this deduction permanent, our legislation will help provide certainty for those with pre-existing conditions and support millions of Americans with large medical bills. AARP applauds Congress for making permanent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-long-overdue-passage-covid-19-relief-package | Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: "Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. "First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. "This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed - this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. "Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additiona… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=49A194FD-3583-4475-A84B-AD8BB998DEE3 | Rep. Smith Statement on Long-Overdue Passage of COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the COVID-19 relief bill: Today the House came to an agreement and passed a COVID-19 relief package that will be a public health and economic lifeline to families and businesses that have been reeling due to the pandemic. However, this is nowhere near the amount of support that Americans need right now. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and President Trump have blocked a more robust relief package for seven months as thousands of Americans die every day from COVID-19. We passed this bill to get immediate relief to the people that desperately need it, but we must do more to provide support to struggling families and businesses. First and foremost, this package includes significant resources to help combat the pandemic. It includes critical funding for accelerating vaccine distribution that will help make the vaccine free and widely accessible and communicate to the public about the importance of the vaccine. The package also includes funding for local public health departments who are on the frontlines of COVID-19 response and on the brink of cutting staff and services. This bill also adds additional economic support for families that are struggling to pay rent, unable to put food on the table, or who are unemployed. The bill makes a significant investment in additional funds for rental and housing assistance while also extending the eviction moratorium through the end of January 2021. It provides direct cash payments of $600, and we successfully fought to expand eligibility to mixed status families who were kept out of direct payments under the CARES Act. The pandemic and economic downturn have caused millions of people to become unemployed this bill gives an additional $300 per week to each recipient and extends the enhanced pandemic unemployment programs through March 31, 2021. Food insecurity has grown significantly during the pandemic and this bill includes additional fund… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2688 | DelBene Shapes Bipartisan COVID-19 Deal, Calls for More Relief | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that several of her priorities were included in the bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal that was reached between House and Senate leaders over the weekend. The House approved the legislation today with DelBene's support. Compromise is difficult but in a time of divided government, it's the only way we get things done. This important deal will provide meaningful relief to Americans during this challenging time and I secured several provisions in the package. It is only a portion of what is needed to help families across the country and for what our economy is facing, said DelBene. This virus will not simply vanish starting next year and additional relief must be Congress' top priority going forward. As the incoming Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I am ready to work with congressional leaders and a new, engaged White House to craft additional relief legislation immediately. DelBene's priorities have been centered around providing relief to workers, families, small businesses, and strengthening our public health response. Provisions she secured in the deal include: Incentivize the hiring and retention of workers through a 70 percent credit on up to $10,000 of wages per employee per quarter by enhancing the Employee Retention Tax Credit and allow the credit to work with Paycheck Protection Program loans. DelBene has been pushing to expand the credit to help keep businesses open and workers off unemployment. Providing more money to families by allowing them to use their 2019 earnings when calculating their 2020 Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. DelBene is a lead sponsor of legislation that would also increase the Child Tax Credit amount and provide payments monthly. Creating over 130,000 more affordable homes by making these housing developments more financially secure. DelBene introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase affordable housing production by expanding on the proven success of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-for-critical-covid-19-relief-secures-funding-for-regional-priorities | Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Kilmer Votes for Critical COVID-19 Relief, Secures Funding for Regional Priorities Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support an COVID-19 relief and omnibus spending bill (omnibus) consisting of all 12 fiscal year 2021 appropriations bills, coronavirus relief, and authorizations. The legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Package Today's legislation included $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Over the last nine months, I have spoken with folks across our region who have lost jobs, lost their small businesses, and lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People in our region need help. With that in mind, this new bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill is progress, said Rep. Kilmer. This bill will help make a down payment on giving our communities resources they need to help beat back this virus and distribute vaccines, and provide vital support to families and local employers. Having said that, we know more is needed to help people who are hurting. People shouldn't have to risk losing their homes, going hungry, or having their utilities shut off, due to something that's not their fault. I'll keep working to make sure that the federal government steps up to have the backs of folks in our neck of the woods. Among its provisions, the bill provided billions in funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines to as many Americans as soon as possible, to implement a national testing and tracing strategy, and to support health care workers and providers on the frontlines. The legislation also included critical support for Washington's small businesses, including minority-owned businesses and nonprofits. The bill includes over $284 billion for first and second forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, expanded PPP eligibility for nonprofits and local newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, key modifications to PPP t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmers-committee-to-fix-congress-extended-to-117th-congress | Kilmer’s Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Kilmer's Committee to Fix Congress Extended to 117th Congress House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Praises Kilmer's Integrity & Vision; Calls Him a Leader and Innovator Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (Select Committee), led by Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), will be extended through the 117th Congress. Created by an overwhelming bipartisan vote at the beginning of the 116th Congress, the Select Committee (often referred to as the Fix Congress Committee) was tasked with crafting recommendations to make Congress work better. Over the last two years, Democrats and Republicans on the Select Committee have worked together to pass 97 recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient, accessible, and transparent for the American people. Speaker Pelosi's announcement today ensures the committee's bipartisan work can continue. As Speaker of the House, it is a privilege to once again appoint Congressman Derek Kilmer as Chairman of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress where he will continue his respected, effective work For The People, said Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Chairman Kilmer is a leader and innovator, whose integrity and vision have guided the Select Committee in its efforts to advance bipartisan solutions to make the House more transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of our communities. Strengthened by the historic diversity and dynamism of the 117th Congress, Chairman Kilmer and Members of the Select Committee will continue to champion the best ideas that ensure that the People's House can carry on its vital work now and for years to come. Through bipartisan collaboration and a commitment to reform, I'm proud that this Committee has approved nearly 100 recommendations over the course of the last year and a half to make Congress work better for the American people. But our work is only getting started, said Chair Kilmer. I'm grateful for the Speaker's sup… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2439 | Larsen: Pandemic Relief is a Down Payment to Protect Washingtonians’ Health, Economic Security | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to deliver much needed relief to families and small businesses in Northwest Washington who continue to struggle from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, this long-overdue pandemic relief package addresses the continued public health crisis and delivers relief for Washingtonians. While the bill does not include every one of my priorities, it serves as a down payment to protect Washingtonians’ health and economic security.” “The public health response will lead to economic recovery. I will continue to work with community leaders, the incoming administration and Washington state’s congressional delegation to deliver real relief for Washingtonians in the new year.” The bipartisan package addresses several of Larsen’s priorities based on conversations with Second District families, business owners and community leaders. Support for Equitable Vaccine Distribution The arrival of the first vaccines doses in Washington state is a light at the end of the tunnel. More than 26,300 people in the five counties of the Second District tested positive for COVID-19 and nearly 800 died since the pandemic began. The virus continues to disproportionately affect BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities. The relief package includes $69 billion for COVID-19 vaccine development and equitable distribution, virus testing, contact tracing and mental health programs. Unemployment Benefits, Direct Payments During the week of December 6, nearly 3,000 people who live in the five counties of the Second District filed an initial claim for unemployment. The relief package includes a $300 per week increase in federal unemployment benefits to help unemployed Washingtonians pay bills and put food on the table. The bill also includes $600 direct economic impact payments for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for married couples making up to $150,000 per year, including checks for mixed-status… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-statement-covid-19-relief-package | Rep. Schriers Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC CongresswomanKim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-statement-covid-19-relief-package | Rep. Schrier’s Statement on COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement about the COVID-19 relief package and government funding bill: "My constituents and the American people have been hurting and needing assistance for months. This package does not go far enough. But it has some very important wins for families and small businesses, and we should never let perfect be the enemy of good. Among other wins, this bill will protect patients from surprise bills, one of the many issues I have been fighting for this Congress. This package will also fund the government through September 2021, averting a shutdown like the one we had two years ago. I will be voting in support of this package later today. Over the coming months, the House, Senate, and President-elect Biden must do everything we can to provide meaningful aid, kickstart our economy, get children back into school, and allow our country to build back better." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-provision-to-increase-affordable-housing-production-in-covid-relief-bill_ | Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Cantwell Secures Provision to Increase Affordable Housing Production in COVID Relief Bill Provision could build more than 130,000 affordable homes in the next decade; more than 6,300 additional units in Washington WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) announced the inclusion of a key provision to increase affordable housing production in the COVID-19 relief bill. The provision establishes a permanent 4 percent floor under the Affordable Housing Tax Credit, which will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictability and flexibility in Housing Credit financing. Cantwell's provision could increase affordable housing production by at least 130,000 affordable homes over the next 10 years and build more than 6,300 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington. This would create 170,000 jobs and inject $18.5 billion into the economy. The COVID-19 relief bill also includes a one-month eviction moratorium and $25 billion for rental assistance, of which Washington state will receive $508,706,000. The Affordable Housing Tax Credit (also called the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, or LIHTC) is responsible for funding 90 percent of the federally-funded affordable housing construction in our country, and has financed over 3 million affordable homes, including nearly 75,000 in Washington state, since its creation in 1986. The number of affordable housing units the Affordable Housing Tax Credit has built in each Washington state county can be found here. Establishing the 4% floor for the Affordable Housing Tax Credit could help us build more than 6,000 additional affordable housing units in the State of Washington and more than 130,000 affordable homes across the nation in the next decade, said Senator Cantwell. It will help close the funding gap for affordable housing projects and provide more predictabil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/covid-relief-bill-includes-1-billion-for-tribal-broadband-and-250-million-for-fcc-telehealth-program-in-provisions-sought-by-cantwell | COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell Bill represents first significant package to address Tribal broadband gap WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today hailed the inclusion of key broadband priorities in the bipartisan Senate COVID-19 relief bill. This package provides money for broadband connectivity and is one of the only broadband packages to specifically address the critical connectivity needs of Tribes, including in the State of Washington. This package also provides additional funding to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for its COVID-19 Telehealth Program, which was first authorized under the CARES Act. This legislation that we're going to be voting on includes $7 billion dollars for more broadband priorities; $1 billion dollars for connectivity issues for Tribal country, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. Indian Country needs a lot of connectivity. So getting more broadband into those communities will be very helpful. The COVID package also contains money for telehealth. Telehealth is a critical path during the COVID crisis to make sure that communities have the ability to get expert advice into our homes, into our communities, to connect people with information. So this telehealth grant is a very important program in the State of Washington. According to a report issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May 2019, less than half of households in Indian Country have access to high-speed broadband service. This represents a nearly 27-point gap compared to non-Tribal rural areas. According to the same report, this gap only widens when compared to the country-wide average; 31 percent of households on Tribal lands lack access to high-speed … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/federal-support-for-former-boeing-intalco-workers-approved-in-covid-19-relief-package | Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Federal Support for Former Boeing, Intalco Workers Approved in COVID-19 Relief Package Extension of Health Coverage Tax Credit could help thousands of Trade Adjustment Assistance-eligible workers in WA who have been laid off, covers 72.5% of COBRA health care premiums WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) helped secure a provision in the COVID-19 relief bill that provides a one-year extension of the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which helps individuals eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) reduce their health care costs. The credit covers a significant portion of health care premium costs for those enrolled in TAA. Thousands of former Boeing workers who were or could be laid off between May 2019 and May 2021, and more than 700 workers who were laid off from Alcoa's Intalco plant in Ferndale, are eligible for TAA. We've been able to expand the COBRA tax credit program to help people who have been unemployed continue health insurance. This is very important for laid off workers in the State of Washington like the aerospace workers, Senator Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor this evening. COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that allows individuals and their immediate family members to stay on their employer-sponsored health coverage for up to 18 months after the individual leaves their job or is laid off. Individuals enrolled in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), including former Boeing and Intalco workers, are eligible for a Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC), which covers 72.5% of their COBRA health care premiumsapproximately the amount that would have otherwise been covered by their employer. The HCTC extension in the COVID relief bill will save thousands of formerly employed Boeing and Intalco workers in Washington state from having to pay the majority of their health care premium c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/local-news-outlets-made-eligible-for-relief-funds-to-keep-journalists-on-the-job-report-news_cantwell-ppp-fix-included-in-covid-stimulus-bill | Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News – Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Local News Outlets Made Eligible for Relief Funds to Keep Journalists on the Job, Report News Cantwell PPP Fix Included in COVID Stimulus Bill Cantwell fix would make more than 100 WA newspapers and broadcasting stations eligible for PPP funding, more than 2,000 newspapers, 3,384 TV and radio stations, and hundreds of public broadcasters newly eligible nationwide WASHINGTON, DC A provision authored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and included in the bipartisan COVID stimulus package would make thousands of small local newspapers, radio, and television broadcasters, and hundreds of public broadcasting stations that produce and distribute local news and emergency information, eligible for emergency federal support under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The bill provides $284.5 billion for the entire Paycheck Protection Program, a new infusion of cash for a program that has been a lifeline for small businesses across the country, including 108,000 Washington state small businesses and nonprofits who received $12.5 billion in PPP loans. Cantwell's provision makes over 100 newspapers and broadcasting stations throughout Washington newly eligible for PPP funding, and more than 2,000 newspapers and 3,384 TV and radio stations newly eligible nationwide. During this pandemic, local newspapers and broadcasters must continue to communicate vital COVID health data, including lifesaving information about public health guidance, the vaccines, and vaccine distribution, said Senator Cantwell. Local news is essential. It makes our communities and our country stronger by asking important questions, providing accurate facts, and countering misinformation and disinformation. This bill will make more newspapers, TV and radio stations, and public broadcasters eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program so local reporters can keep us informed. Jon Schleuss, President of the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=7D866A29-3F6D-4C29-B95F-17838B5367CC | Senator Murray Negotiates Wins To Make College Affordable and Accessible to More Students | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | 555,000 additional students will be eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, each year Senator Murray: Every single person in this country should be able toaccessand affordaqualityhighereducationand today we move substantially closer to that goal. (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, negotiated wins in a bipartisan, bicameral higher education proposal that will be included in the must-pass year end spending bill to make college more affordable and accessible to more students. Senator Murray successfully fought to significantly expand who is eligible for financial aid, remove barriers students face in accessing financial aid, provide financial relief for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and better support working students, working families, students with low-incomes, and student parentsall of which Senator Murray has long fought for. Each year, an additional 555,000 students will be newly eligible for the Pell Grant, and 1.7 million more grant recipients will be newly eligible for the maximum Pell Grant, as a result of this legislation. Specifically, Senator Murray secured policies that restore Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals, students who have been defrauded, and students with drug-related offenses; significantly expand who is eligible to receive Pell Grants and the maximum award; simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); make the financial aid process easier to navigate for students experiencinghomelessness and students formerly in foster care; forgive outstanding debts of HBCUs that received loans under the federal HBCU Capital Financing Loan Program; increase support for working students and families by reducing the work penalty threshold for financial aid; and takes steps to ensure students with low-incomes and student parents can access programs that support their basic needs. Every single person in this country… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-sponsored-bipartisan-nasa-authorization-bill-unanimously-passes-senate- | Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate Cantwell: With this legislation our state is poised to be a key part of NASA's return to the Moonmaybe even with a woman from Washington taking that historic first step. WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, passed the Senate by unanimous consent. The NASA Authorization Act of 2020 provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance the nation's space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier. The State of Washington has played a key role in American space exploration since NASA was first founded. The Lunar Roverthe first and only crewed surface transportation system designed to operate on the Moonwas designed and built in Kent, WA. Three of the Kent-built Lunar Rovers remain on the Moon today. And earlier this month, NASA announced that two women from WashingtonKayla Barron and Anne McClainwere among the 18 astronauts chosen for its Artemis mission, which seeks to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. Washington state is home to more than three dozen space-related companies and over 1,400 aerospace companies. The space industry employs more than 6,200 workers in Washington and generates $1.78 billion in economic activity throughout the state. Because of the state's leadership, Forbes in 2016 called Seattle a silicon valley for space. "Congress just took a big step forward in authorizing the Artemis Program, which will send women to lead our next mission to the Moon, Senator Cantwell said. It also includes authorizations for continued space exploration and growing the space economy, including extending the International Space Station and suppo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-selected-serve-powerful-house-energy-and-commerce-committee | Rep. Schrier Selected to Serve on Powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) today announced that she has been selected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 117th Congress. The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest continuous standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and has the broadest jurisdiction of any authorizing committee in the House. It legislates on many issues including health care, climate change, energy policy, environmental protections, medical research, and telecommunications. "I am honored and thrilled to serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee next Congress," said Rep. Schrier. "As our country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I am eager to put my two decades of health care experience to work overseeing our public health response. As the only woman doctor and first pediatrician to serve in Congress, I look forward to being a voice for America's 74 million children and to continue my work to lower health costs for families, expand health care access for children and to improve vaccine confidence and coverage. This committee provides the platform to address many of the issues that matter most to my constituents—like rural health care, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, progress toward a carbon neutral future, closing the digital divide and supporting the innovators and job creators in our state's strong digital, commercial aerospace, and life sciences sectors." Rep. Schrier will be the first Washington Democrat to serve on the committee since Governor Jay Inslee in 2012. Rep. Schrier has been a member of the Education and Labor Committee and the Committee on Agriculture for the last two years. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2685 | Congress Passes DelBene, Cantwell’s Landslide Preparedness Bill | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congress passed the National Landslide Preparedness Act (H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in the House of Representatives and Washington Senator Maria Cantwell in the Senate. This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The 2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Act will help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property, said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have, Senator Cantwell said. This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion in damage in the U.S. annually, according to the U.S. Geological Service and National Research Council. These… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-to-hold-end-of-year-telephone-town-hall | Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.16.20 Kilmer to Hold End of Year Telephone Town Hall Internationally Renowned Vaccine Expert Dr. Larry Corey to Join Conversation Tacoma, WA On Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) will hold a telephone town hall to provide an update on the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer questions from constituents. In addition to a discussion on the legislation passed by Congress to support workers and families,Dr. Larry Corey, an internationally renowned expert in virology, immunology and vaccine development at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the co-leader of the vaccine testing program for the COVID-19 Prevention Network, will join the conversation to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and the road ahead. Even though we can't meet in person right now, it's important for me to hear from as many constituents as possible across our region, said Rep. Kilmer. I hope folks will be able to join the town hall to learn more about COVID-19 recovery, my ongoing efforts to ensure the federal government steps up to lend a hand to families and local employers, and to get your questions answered. Rep. Kilmer has held town halls so far in the 116th Congress in Port Angeles, Quilcene, Tacoma, Belfair, Poulsbo, Kingston, Gig Harbor, Montesano, Westport, Forks, over the phone, and on Facebook. Press are welcome to join. COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall Tuesday, December 22, 6:00pm PT WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer, Residents of the 6th Congressional District WHAT: Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19 WHEN: Tuesday, December 22 at 6:00pm PT WHERE: Residents of the 6th District can call to join the town hall using the following information or listen over the internet at www.Facebook.com/Derek.Kilmer Town Hall Telephone Number: 877-229-8493 PIN to Access Live Event: 111435 ### Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/congress-passes-cantwell-delbene-landslide-preparedness-bill | Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.20 Congress Passes Cantwell, DelBene Landslide Preparedness Bill WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congress passed theNational Landslide Preparedness Act(H.R. 8810), bipartisan legislation that will help save lives, protect communities and property, and improve natural disaster emergency preparedness by targeting key gaps in science and mapping critical to understanding landslide hazards. The bill was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01). This information will help communities plan for and respond to natural hazards, update the nation's topographical maps, and inform public safety, national security, planning, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, and natural resource management. The2014 landslide near Oso, Washington, which took the lives of 43 people and devastated a community in about two minutes, and the recent landslide in Haines, Alaska, both highlight the urgent need to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards. Six years after the Oso landslide, everyone in the State of Washington remembers the devastating impacts landslides can have,Senator Cantwell said.This bill would dramatically increase our use of LIDAR data needed to map, identify, and track landslide risk areas. Employing our best science and mapping technologies will help communities across our state save lives, safeguard property, and improve our emergency planning and response. Washington state knows too well the devastating impact landslides and natural disasters can have in the blink of an eye. We must do all that we can to safeguard our communities and honor those that we lost. The National Landslide Preparedness Actwill help us better prepare for and mitigate future events by collecting invaluable data that will protect lives and property,said DelBene. The next natural disaster should not become our next national tragedy. Landslides kill 25 to 50 people and cause between $1.6 billion and $… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2684 | DelBene, Nadler, Sensenbrenner, & Davis Reintroduce Bill to Bring Email Privacy Into 21st Century | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI-05), and Rodney Davis (IL-13) reintroduced the Email Privacy Act, bipartisan legislation that would create 21st Century protections for personal emails and other digital records. Currently, law enforcement can seize any email older than 180 days without a warrant. The bill would require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to access emails and other digital records and allow providers to notify customers when government agencies request their data. Updating our laws to reflect the way the world works in the 21st Century is one of my top priorities in Congress. When laws protect a letter in a filing cabinet more than an email on a server, it's clear our policies are woefully outdated, said DelBene. The Email Privacy Act is a powerful step forward toward enhancing Americans' civil liberties. A broad range of civil liberties and technology industry stakeholders have supported this legislation in the past. DelBene is a champion of personal data privacy and updating antiquated technology laws. She is also the sponsor of the Information Transparency and Personal Data Control Act (H.R. 2013), which would give people control over their most sensitive information. The text of the Email Privacy Act can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-on-covid-19-exposure | Rep. Heck on COVID-19 Exposure | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement regarding his potential exposure to COVID-19: "I was recently informed that my wife, Paula, and I were exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Subsequently, Paula tested positive and is experiencing mild symptoms. I tested negative. We are quarantining separately in accordance with CDC guidelines. I will continue fulfilling my duties remotely and cast any votes this week via proxy." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1BEB80AB-3513-4510-95B5-59A6613D285B | Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | FDA granted an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine last Friday Reporting revealed the Trump Administration turned down an option this summer to pre-order additional doses of Pfizer's vaccine Senators: We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. Senators: the Administration must be more transparent about its preparations, as well as how much funding is available, and is needed, to purchase, distribute, and administer sufficient vaccine to end this pandemic. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, and 16 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, sent a letter to Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, asking about recent reports that earlier this year the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine when given the opportunity. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. In their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines. We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=691B511E-5080-4002-83AB-631C6DDFE3E4 | Murray, Cantwell Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued. The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and Rural Housing Service. The letter also included specific program guidance to ensure the funds would put much-needed housing assistance funding in the hands of people significantly impacted by fire; help incentivize and prioritize affordable housing rebui… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6708AB1-9AF3-4062-BD0B-5DA145BF8166 | Murray: FDA Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine Good News But Far From Mission Accomplished | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Murray: To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. Murray: The undertaking ahead is enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. Murray: States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. Murray cites work ahead to provide PPE, manage the cold chain, promote vaccine confidence (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant an emergency use authorization for Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. I'm grateful to the researchers and experts who have worked tirelessly to develop this vaccine and evaluate its safety and efficacy. But while this is good news for the world, it is far from mission accomplished. To go from vaccines on shelves to vaccinations in arms, we are going to have to roll up our sleevesliterally and figuratively. The undertaking aheadrapidly and equitably distributing and administering this vaccine across the nation at no cost to patientsis enormous, and I remain deeply concerned the Trump Administration's preparations so far are not adequate for the task at hand. The fragments of a plan we've seen from them don't come close to the comprehensive national vaccines plan I have called for, and leave far too many unanswered questions about what happens next. Will we be able to get enough PPE? How can we store, transport, and distribute vaccines at super cold temperatures most efficiently? What are we doing to promote vaccine confidence? States and Tribes need more leadership from the federal government, as well as serious funding from Congress dedicated specifically to vaccine distribution. They've gotten very little of either so farand I'm not going to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-push-senate-leadership-to-provide-housing-assistance-to-communities-impacted-by-2020-wildfires | Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.20 Cantwell, Murray Push Senate Leadership To Provide Housing Assistance To Communities Impacted by 2020 Wildfires More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season, including more than 800,000 in Washington state WASHINGTON DC U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other Western U.S. Senators in pushing Senate leaders to deliver critical housing assistance to Americans struggling to find reliable shelter in the wake of catastrophic wildfire damage in Washington state and across the Western U.S. This year alone, fires in the West have burned over 5.8 million acres, including more than 800,000 in Washington state; claimed over 30 lives; and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. The current wildfires will further exacerbate an already critical affordable housing shortage impacting western states. Oregon, California, and Washington are short over 1.2 million affordable rental housing units, and have an average of 75% of extremely low income renter households dealing with severe cost burden, the senators wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby and Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy. State resources and funding were already seriously strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now completely depleted by weeks of fighting some of the most dangerous and widespread fires on record. With nowhere else to turn, western states are looking to the Senate to deliver critical housing relief, the lawmakers continued. The senators' request includes $15 billion for Community Development Block Grants, $3 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund, $2 billion in Emergency Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Funding, and $1 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Developme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=2CE2212B-98F4-457A-838A-EDC88CD48C61 | Senator Murray Announces Bipartisan Deal to Protect Patients, End Surprise Medical Bills | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | New bipartisan legislation would build on strong state laws like Washington state's to expand protections and end surprise medical bills for all patients, without increasing premiums Murray on the need to swiftly pass surprise billing legislation: Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have seen during this pandemic just how devastating it is for patients to get a surprise bill they didn't expect and can't afford, for lifesaving care they thought was covered. Savings from proposal would allow Congress to fund community health centers and other critical primary care programs for four years (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA),top Democrat on the Senate health committee,released the following statement regarding a bipartisan deal she brokered with her colleagues in the House and Senate on legislation to end surprise medical bills. Senator Murray has been working to end surprise billing, and raised the issue at one of the first in a series of HELP Committee hearings on lowering health care costs back in 2018. I've heard from so many patients who have gotten exorbitant surprise bills for out-of-network medical careeven when they made sure to go to an in-network facility. Today I'm thrilled to be able to tell them that we have reached a bipartisan agreement that will end the practice of surprise billing once and for all.As with any compromise, this isn't the bill I would have written on my ownbut I'm pleased to say that it meets all of the principles I have been focused on from the start. It protects patients from surprise medical bills, without increasing their premiums or interfering with strong state-level solutions to this problemlike Washington state's. In fact, it builds on and expands the ban on surprise medical bills to more people in our state. I'm going to be doing everything I can to make sure we go from an agreement to legislation that is passed and signed into law as soon as possible. Getting this done is especially important right now, because we have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C14B45C0-5486-441D-8E05-7BAA1A5AD087 | Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray: As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA) passing the Senate by a vote of 84-13. Senator Murray voted in favor of the bill. I'm glad that the Senate and House were able to come together on a bill that takes some important steps to support our brave servicemembers at home and abroad, continues the fight against sexual assault in the military, begins reckoning with our nation's history of racial injustice in the military, and authorizes additional funding for military child care centers. There is no question, however, that we have much more work ahead of us to ensure every one of our servicemembers and military families can trust their country will honor their sacrifices. We need to ensure members of the transgender community who want to serve their country are able to do so, that all our servicemembers and their families have a fair shot at accessing retirement benefits they've earned, and that we address the growing issue of food insecurity for military families. Additionally, we have more to do to stop weapons of war and federal law enforcement from being used against Americans exercising their First Amendment rights. As a voice for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families in Washington state and across the country, I will continue working to ensure their needs, and the needs of our country in this moment, are met. Senator Murray is a former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and a longtime advocate for veterans and those actively serving in the military, workingto bolster federal support for military child care center construction and other critical services for servicemembers… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-hosts-congressional-briefing-rapid-inexpensive-covid-19-testing | Rep. Schrier Hosts Congressional Briefing on Rapid, Inexpensive COVID-19 Testing Technology | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently hosted a briefing for her colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition with Dr. Michael Mina, of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, on rapid, low-cost COVID-19 tests intended for frequent at-home use. This is a way to catch asymptomatic people before they can spread the virus to others. The test measures whether a person is contagious by testing for the presence of the virus in their nose. "Even with a vaccine on the way, it will be months before we will be able to return to our normal lives," said Rep. Schrier. "Too many people are waiting days or over a week for test results. Not just that … if we don't test people until they are symptomatic, and then get results back 24 – 48 hours later, we have already missed most of the time frame when they are most contagious to others. That is too late to stop the spread and makes contact tracing very challenging. We need more solutions. People need to know, on any given day, whether they are contagious to others. This type of test is a critically important tool that is not yet being deployed at scale in this country." These rapid paper-strip tests are a public health tool that, if scaled properly, can help people make informed choices and prevent outbreaks. "If we could get buy in from 50% of a community or 50% of households to use this test twice a week, we could significantly reduce the spread of the virus in 3-4 weeks. The goal is to meet infectious people where they are at (at home) and provide them with a reliable, quick test so they can know if they are safe to roam the world. If we can get these tests out to enough people in the community then we can achieve herd effects- where the cases stop growing and start falling, with fewer outbreaks," added Dr. Mina. Stopping outbreaks and community spread will put us on a faster path to normalcy, allowing us to quickly and safely keep schools and the rest of our economy open. Rep. Schrier is looking for pathways to get these tests into all of our h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-statement-removal-electron-dam | Rep. Schrier Statement on Removal of Electron Dam | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA -- Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) issued a statement today calling for the removal of the Electron Dam. Following a pollution incident in July, in which vast quantities of discarded athletic turf were used to line a diversion dam in an unprecedented, unpermitted, and haphazard manner, and which resulted in 600 square yards of turf and at least 4-6 cubic yards of crumb rubber pollutants for miles downstream, Rep. Schrier has been meeting regularly with permitting agencies, the Puyallup Tribe, and other involved stakeholders. In October, Congresswoman Schrier visited Electron to receive an update on pollution mitigation efforts. This summer's incident, which threatens already devastated salmon runs, has given Rep. Schrier the opportunity to learn more about this facility, the river, and the unique opportunity at Electron to return a healthy salmon population to the Puyallup River. The DOJ has opened an investigation at the request of the EPA into extensive potential violations over the incidents in July, but that investigation will not address the future of the dam. Rep. Schrier said, "After months of listening and meeting with stakeholders, it is clear to me that this dam should be removed from the Puyallup River. The benefits from this facility are minimal, and the costs have been catastrophic for salmon and the surrounding ecosystem. Regardless of the outcome of the current investigation by the EPA into this summer's pollution incident, the long-term ecological health of the Puyallup River is jeopardized by the continued presence of this dam. After 116 years, it is time to restore the Puyallup River for our salmon and community, for the threatened orca population, and to honor our treaty agreements. Electron Dam has been detrimental to fish for decades, killing an estimated 40% of juvenile chinook salmon, and blocking upstream migration of adults, while providing only a small amount of power. When I visited the site, I was struck by the power and beauty of this river. I also learned that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-touts-wins-for-washington-environment-coast-guard-as-final-ndaa-bill-passes-the-senate | Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.20 Cantwell Touts Wins for Washington, Environment, Coast Guard as Final NDAA Bill Passes the Senate Legislation formally authorizes six icebreakers, three of which Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) authored and helped secure a number of provisions to help Washington state, protect the environment, and support Coast Guard members and their families in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which passed the Senate today by a vote of 84-13. Cantwell's Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which was passed by the Senate Commerce Committee last July and is included in this year's final NDAA, formally authorizes six polar icebreakers (three of which the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle), establishes new protections for Southern resident orcas, strengthens oil spill prevention measures, and enacts provisions to protect the environment and promote the recruitment and retention of women in the Coast Guard. The NDAA passed the House of Representatives earlier this week by a vote of 335-78. Provisions Cantwell helped secure as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act will: Authorize six icebreakers and advance U.S. Arctic leadership The legislation authorizes three heavy icebreakers that the Coast Guard intends to homeport in Seattle. It also formally authorizes three additional icebreakers for the first time, for a total of six icebreakers. Building the icebreaker fleet will help improve American competitiveness in the Arctic. Shipping via the Northern Sea route can decrease shipping transit times by as much as two weeks. Icebreakers in Seattle ensure that the State of Washington continues to play a leadership role in Arctic exploration, trade, security, and environmental protection. The reality is, there is a race on for the Arctic passageway, and we need to be ready, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=13DCFDDE-86B8-4583-9DE1-40017B374BC6 | Senator Murray Secures Relief for Washington State Veterans and Their Families In End-of-Year Veterans Package | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | A longtime champion for veterans, servicemembers, and their families, Senator Murray successfully included her VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Actin a package of veterans legislation that passed the Senate yesterday Senator Murray's VANET Act would ensure that VA fulfills its duty to pay for medically-necessary emergency transportation for newborns of veterans Senator Murray: I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular ICYMIfrom January 2020: Senator Murray's Legislation to Help Provide Relief to Veterans with Newborns in Need of Emergency Treatment Passes Senate Committee MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) Yesterday, the Senate unanimously passed an end-of-year veterans package, H.R. 7105, that included U.S. Senator Patty Murray's (D-WA)VA Newborn Emergency Treatment (VANET) Act, as well as provisions Senator Murray fought to include that would provide assistance to veterans and their families on child care, fertility services, and more. The legislation now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote before heading to the President's desk. We make a promise as a nation to take care of our veterans and their families, and that means making sure they know that their country will have their backs every step of the way. When I heard from veterans in Washington state and across the country about VA leaving them to foot the bill for transporting their babies in an emergency, about how hard it is to find quality, affordable child care, I knew we had to take action,Senator Murray said.I'm glad we've taken these steps to help provide some relief and peace of mind to veterans who are having or have had children, and women veterans in particular. It's the least we can do for their courageous service. A longtime advocate for veterans and their families, and a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Murray proposed the VANET Act after hearing stories from veterans that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=766D84AE-A3C8-4648-9F05-8F87CD0DE4B0 | Murray, Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | More than 9.5 million acres burned to date in 2020 fire season Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll WASHINGTON DC This week, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package. A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres. The members' letter calls for: Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources; Investments in fire risk mitigation, such as establishing a 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps to restore forest health and making investments in vital Forest Service programs that assist with forest management, such… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-discusses-vaccine-distribution-challenges-stresses-importance-of-equitable-delivery-to-hard-to-serve-populations | Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.20 Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations Cantwell: You have to have the infrastructure to deliver the vaccine WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, attended today's Transportation and Safety Subcommittee hearing titled The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine and spoke about the need to make sure our transportation infrastructure is up to the task of delivering COVID-19 vaccines safely and effectively around the country. We're really trying to pay attention to what we need to help people dealing with this unbelievable COVID pandemic that's increasing in impact right now at a very critical moment, Cantwell said in her questioning with witnesses. So I wanted to ask a question about what we're doing to help states and municipalities on the delivery system. I've heard from my mayors, I've heard from our health officials, you know, this is a very intense operation on the ground and they're going to need help and resources in the delivery system. Mr. Wesley Wheeler, President of Global Healthcare at UPS, responded to Cantwell's concerns about states and municipalities having adequate support saying, We [UPS] got pretty good at this with the test kits. So when we started testing and moving laboratory samples from patients to lab companies, we got very, very familiar with the state governments, the state jurisdictions, and the health authorities there. And we were helping a lot of the states to do that. And we still are. And that allows us to give you help wherever you need it. Cantwell also stressed the importance of ensuring rural and Native communities get equitable vaccine distribution: I want to make sure that that we're thinking about how you give equitable access. I heard some of the discussion about nursing home… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-attempted-bombing-at-spokane-county-democrats-hq | Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.20 Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement in response to the attempted bombing and fire at the Spokane County Democrats headquarters: No one should fear for their safety for participating in our political process. I condemn this attack and call on leaders at every level and from all sides to join me in working to help bring our communities together to end hate. ### Cantwell Statement on Attempted Bombing at Spokane County Democrats HQ | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2682 | Defense Authorization Bill Passes with DelBene’s Aluminum Amendment | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (H.R. 6395) yesterday, a bicameral compromise of Congress' annual defense authorization bill. This bill includes a key amendment sponsored by Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) to strengthen the domestic aluminum industry. The amendment requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on how the Defense Production Act could be used to increase the refining, processing, and manufacturing of aluminum. The 2021 NDDA includes an important provision that will support our nation's aluminum industry, which is vital to our national security, said DelBene. This policy will encourage the federal government to propose investments in domestic aluminum production and support good-paying jobs here at home. The House first passed the NDAA in July and this bill reflects a bipartisan compromise with the Senate. More information about the FY 2021 NDAA can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-colleagues-call-for-wildfire-relief-funds-to-be-included-in-next-covid-19-relief-package | Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.20 Cantwell, Murray, Colleagues Call for Wildfire Relief Funds to be Included in Next COVID-19 Relief Package Letter calls for investments in fire risk mitigation, federal support of fire response efforts, assistance for impacted communities to ensure firefighters and first responders remain on payroll WASHINGTON DC This week, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) joined U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D, CO-02), and a bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a bicameral letter to House and Senate leadership requesting that funds for wildfire risk mitigation and recovery efforts be included in the next COVID-19 relief package. A record 2020 wildfire season forced thousands of evacuations, threatened air and water quality, and destroyed homes and businesses across the West, the members wrote. Communities that have been fighting the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19 are now also now beginning the long journey of recovering from catastrophic wildfire. Congress has the power to not only help these communities recover, but also to make federal investments in sustainable forest management to ensure they are better prepared for the next season. We urge you to consider the timely need for wildfire mitigation, suppression, and recovery in the next COVID-19 stimulus package. The 2020 wildfire season has been one of the worst in more than two decades. According to the most recent Incident Management Situation Report from the National Interagency Coordination Center, this year's wildfires have burned a total of 9,539,554 acres. The members' letter calls for: Local economic relief to assist cash-strapped cities and towns originally excluded from the CARES Act in order to ensure firefighters and first responders can remain on payroll and have access to needed staff and resources; Investments in fire risk mitigation… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0CA1C4E5-3C25-4819-BB9D-B5FACFAFEECC | Senator Murray Highlights Urgent Need for Pandemic Aid to Washington State Business Leaders | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Today Senator Murray addressed the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Washington Businesses about her efforts to secure federal relief for workers, families, and small business Senator Murray also answered questions about relief for small businesses and child care providers Senator Murray: Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke virtually to members of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Association of Washington Businesses today about her efforts to get federal relief to those who are struggling across Washington state during the COVID-19 pandemic. During both virtual events, Senator Murray said that she has been listening to the many families, workers, and small business owners across the state who have gone without new federal relief since April, and she is fighting to get them the assistance they need. A lot of people in our state are sufferingfrom small business owners struggling to stay afloat, to families who can't make their next rent payment, to people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are worried about federal unemployment benefits running out. I have been in touch with people in every corner of Washington state and every community, and this crisis is getting dramatically worsenot betterand doing less as communities need more just doesn't make any sense to me. Senator Murray told the member of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. I really believe that Congress has an urgent, moral obligation to do everything we can to make sure families and communities have the support they need to make it through this really difficult, uncertain time. Senator Murray highlighted that while House Democrats passed comprehensive relief legislation such as the H… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=4A8C78C7-403F-4398-9160-D778F295D37F | Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray led full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor Letter urges approval of Governor Inslee's September request for a federal emergency disaster declaration to address wildfire destruction in Whitman County that destroyed community of Malden, other areas in Eastern Washington Spokesman-Review: Malden, Pine City residents wait to rebuild as federal aid stalls MORE HERE Members: For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have watched as FEMA trailers assist those in neighboring states but have seen no federal aid coming their way [] 83 days is too long to sit in limbo after experiencing such a damaging wildfire season Members: Malden has met the threshold for Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance but none can be provided until the Governor's requests are approved WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led the full Washington state congressional delegation in writing a third letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's devastating wildfires. The Governor's request includes Individual and Public Assistance for eligible communities across Eastern Washington, including the town of Malden, where wildfires destroyed 80% of homes and businesses leaving most of its residents unable to return. Other Western states ravaged by wildfires this year, such as Oregon and California, have received essential federal assistance provided under major disaster declarations, but the thousands of Washingtonians forced to evacuate remain without aid as the Governor's request still awaits approval. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA, 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA 3rd), Suzan DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th), Dan Newhouse (R-WA, 4th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=6ACF302C-0A3F-4226-8607-9FD3A00FB4AC | Senator Murray Applauds House Passage of Funding Increase for Washington State Ports | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray has long fought for the proposed changes to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) in this year's Water Development Resources Act (WRDA), which passed the House of Representatives today New bill includes proposals Senator Murray has championed that would increase funding to ports in Washington state and across the country ICYMI: Senator Murray, Senate Democrats Push to Equitably Fund U.S. Ports MORE HERE Senator Murray: This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passing the House-Senate conference agreement on the Water Development Resources Act (WRDA) 2020, which includes provisions Senator Murray has long fought for to reform the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) and to more equitably distribute money from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) for maintenance projects at America's ports. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate for a vote. For too long, the existing system has forced Washington state ports to operate at a competitive disadvantage, stifling our state's potential for economic growth and threatening thousands of good paying jobs Senator Murray said. This bill takes critical steps to secure the long-term financial outlook of the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, among others, keep jobs in Washington state, and fix this broken system. As a champion for our ports I'm glad to see it pass the House and I look forward to voting in favor of it in the Senate. If signed into law, the provisions of the WRDA bill relating to the HMTF would significantly increase investment in ports in Washington state and across the country, which in turn will support American jobs and help U.S. ports maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly global maritime economy. The legislation would incorporate long sought after formula changes … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-house-passage-fy21-national-defense-authorization | Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: "Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. "I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. "The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=55F6CB7E-924C-45E3-890E-3250AB8848A3 | Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of FY21 National Defense Authorization Act Conference Report | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6395, the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 with strong bipartisan support: Today the House sent a strong, bipartisan message to the American people: our service members and our national security are more important than politics. By passing the FY21 NDAA conference report with a veto-proof majority, the House has proven to be capable of legislating and reaching compromise that results in good policy outcomes. I was proud to work closely with Vice Chair Anthony Brown, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to take bold steps to promote diversity and inclusion and help address systemic racism in our military institutions. Provisions in the bill will remove all names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia across the military that honor or commemorate the Confederacy and will create a Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense to ensure our military reflects our country's diversity. The bill adds $20 million in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and directs the Secretary to partner with minority institutions of higher education and public and private sector organizations to diversify and strengthen the national security workforce. The FY21 NDAA also takes important steps to promote the wellbeing of servicemembers and their families, veterans, and the entire federal workforce. It provides a long-sought after benefit for tens of thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who are struggling with health complications after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving their country. The bill will permit most federal employees to carry over an additional 25% of annual leave into 2021 in recognition of their dedicated service during the pandemic. To help protect civilian employees across the federal gover… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-support-servicemembers-and-military-families | Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.08.20 Kilmer Votes to Support Servicemembers & Military Families Washington, D.C. Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the conference report on H.R.6395, the William M. Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (NDAA). The bipartisan, bicameral compromise report authorizes funding for national defense for Fiscal Year 2021.The conference report passed the House 335 to 78. If you serve this country, Congress should have your back. This bipartisan legislation makes vital investments in service members and their families, including a number of measures that I championed,said Rep. Kilmer. In addition, in our region, we also have talented civilians doing critical work to keep our country safe, so I'm glad that we were able to include measures that benefit those workers and our region's economy. Supports Servicemembers and Federal Workers The conference agreement retained several key measures championed by Rep. Kilmer in the House passed bill to improve benefits for American service members and their families, including a 3% pay increase for all service members as well as provisions to improve the oversight and management of housing for military personnel and their families and to address the shortage in military child care. The bipartisan agreement also includes numerous provisions to support federal workers. Of importance to Kitsap County, the bill includes a five-year extension of the rate of overtime pay authority for Department of Navy employees performing work aboard or dockside in support of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier forward deployed in Japan. Kilmer said, When our region's shipyard workers work overtime, they should get paid overtime including when they're overseas. It shouldn't take an act of Congress to make that the case and for the next five years, it won't. This year's NDAA conference report also includes a measure championed by Rep. Kilmer to allows federal workers to carry over excess leave accrued during the COVID-19 pande… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-sen-cantwell-sen-murray-secure-vital-support-for-washingtons-maritime-industry | Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington’s Maritime Industry | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.08.20 Rep. Kilmer, Sen. Cantwell, Sen. Murray, Secure Vital Support for Washington's Maritime Industry Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06), along with U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), announced they secured vital support for Washington's maritime sector through a key provision they championed in the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which will provide dedicated financial relief to maritime dependent businesses and communities during a national emergency, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters. The Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act (MTSERA) will establish a comprehensive new program under the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to provide financial assistance to eligible entities which includes state and local governments, port authorities, and private vessel operators to maintain the stability and reliability of the U.S. Maritime Transportation System (MTS) in the event of a national emergency or disaster, including, the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This emergency funding is critical to supporting businesses like the Black Ball Ferry Lines that have been forced to reduce or suspend operations due to the current public health crisis. Having grown up in Port Angeles, I'm conscious of how critical the Black Ball ferry is to our local economy. It's helped Port Angeles become the gateway for tourists and supported so many local businesses. But, as has been the case for so many things during the COVID-19 public health crisis, it's been really challenged during this difficult time, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I've been working with our partners on the ground and Senators Cantwell and Murray to protect vital regional assets like the Black Ball ferry. I'll keep working to ensure the federal government steps up during this unprecedent crisis. Maritime transportation is a critical part of our way of life in the State of Washington. As we co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-s-priorities-help-firefighters-military-spouses-pass-house-final | Rep. Schriers Priorities to Help Firefighters, Military Spouses Pass House in Final 2020 Defense Bill | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.'s (WA-08) priorities to help local firefighters and military spouses passed the House today as part of the final Defense bill of the year, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is annual legislation to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate later this month. This is the 60th NDAA to pass the House of Representatives. As we saw this fall, Washington state's wildland firefighters are being asked to fight increasingly extreme wildfires with limited budgets, said Rep. Schrier. The Department of Defense has two programs that transfer excess equipment like tools, trucks, and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. My amendment will ensure these programs work better for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue agencies in Washington State by making them more accessible and taking community need and risk into account. The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment to states and other qualified entities. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take community need and risk into account. Rep. Schrier's amendment requires an analysis of the program to ensure equipment is distributed efficiently where it is needed most. It also requires DOD to consult with State Foresters and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rep. Schrier's other amendment makes job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work because of frequent relocations. Rep. Schrier continued, Military spouses continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. My amendment addresses issues and concerns from a series of military and veteran spouse listening sessions held throughout the state in 2019 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington State … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-priorities-help-firefighters-military-spouses-pass-house-final | Rep. Schrier’s Priorities to Help Firefighters, Military Spouses Pass House in Final 2020 Defense Bill | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D.'s (WA-08) priorities to help local firefighters and military spouses passed the House today as part of the final Defense bill of the year, the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is annual legislation to maintain military readiness, enhance capabilities, and prioritize technological security. It is expected to pass the Senate later this month. This is the 60th NDAA to pass the House of Representatives. "As we saw this fall, Washington state's wildland firefighters are being asked to fight increasingly extreme wildfires with limited budgets," said Rep. Schrier. "The Department of Defense has two programs that transfer excess equipment like tools, trucks, and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. My amendment will ensure these programs work better for volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue agencies in Washington State by making them more accessible and taking community need and risk into account." The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment to states and other qualified entities. Equipment is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take community need and risk into account. Rep. Schrier's amendment requires an analysis of the program to ensure equipment is distributed efficiently where it is needed most. It also requires DOD to consult with State Foresters and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rep. Schrier's other amendment makes job opportunities more accessible to military spouses, who often have a difficult time finding long-term work because of frequent relocations. Rep. Schrier continued, "Military spouses continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. My amendment addresses issues and concerns from a series of military and veteran spouse listening sessions held throughout the state in 2019 by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washing… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-larsen-provision-to-extend-growler-noise-monitoring-passes-house-as-part-of-final-ndaa | Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Extend Growler Noise Monitoring Passes House as Part of Final NDAA | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.08.20 Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Extend Growler Noise Monitoring Passes House as Part of Final NDAA Legislation extends noise monitoring of flights over Whidbey Island, Olympic National Park for 12 months, requires data be made available to the public WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, a provision introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) to extend real-time noise monitoring at two West Coast Navy installations and make the data publicly available passed the House of Representatives as part of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The provision extends the program, first created after Cantwell and Larsen secured its passage in last year's NDAA, for an additional 12 months. Real-time noise monitoring of Growler activity over Whidbey Island and Olympic National Park is crucial to ensure local communities have accurate information, Senator Cantwell said. I am pleased this provision has been extended, and I will continue to work to ensure the Navy conducts the monitoring and is fully transparent with the state and local communities on the issue. Having reliable data on aviation noise is essential to keeping communities informed and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of operations, said Representative Larsen, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the conference committee responsible for negotiating a final bill. I am glad the final conference report study will extend the study and I will continue conducting oversight to ensure transparency and proper implementation. Last year, the Navy added 36 Growler aircraft to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The additions increased airfield activity by up to a third. Cantwell and Larsen's provision requires the Secretary of the Navy to conduct real-time monitoring of noise from flights at two West Coast Navy installations, including the field carrier landi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washington-state-lawmakers-continue-to-seek-major-disaster-declaration-after-devastating-wildfires- | Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.08.20 Washington State Lawmakers Continue to Seek Major Disaster Declaration after Devastating Wildfires Cantwell, Murray lead full WA congressional delegation in letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and the entire Washington state congressional delegation in writing a third letter to President Trump and FEMA Administrator Gaynor in support of Governor Jay Inslee's request for a statewide federal emergency disaster declaration in response to this year's devastating wildfires. The Governor's request includes Individual and Public Assistance for eligible communities across Eastern Washington, including the town of Malden, where wildfires destroyed 80% of homes and businesses leaving most of its residents unable to return. Other Western states ravaged by wildfires this year, such as Oregon and California, have received essential federal assistance provided under major disaster declarations, but the thousands of Washingtonians forced to evacuate remain without aid as the Governor's request still awaits approval. In the five day period from September 7th to the 11th, an estimated 626,982 acres burned throughout the state the lawmakers wrote. In particular, the town of Malden, a small, rural community in Whitman County, saw most of their community reduced to ashes. An estimated 80 percent of homes and other structures in the town including the town's only post office, town hall, fire station, food bank, and library were destroyed or seriously damaged. Individual and Public Assistance for this town would provide critical support, particularly for eligible individuals who evacuated and are unable to return to their community. 83 days have passed since the Governor requested federal assistance, the lawmakers added. For 83 days, thousands of displaced Washingtonians have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-ruling-court-case-restore-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals | Rep. Smith Applauds Ruling in Court Case to Restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | 2020-12-06 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after a federal court ordered the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to its original form in the Batalla Vidal v. Wolf case. "The ruling is a major victory not just for immigrant youth and their families but for all Americans. By upholding this critical program, we are restoring the values that America should reflect and instilling hope for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and future DACA recipients who call America home. From the first attempt by the Trump administration to end DACA in 2017, immigrants have been subjected to the Trump administration's xenophobic policies. This win was made possible by the tireless efforts of countless DACA recipients and advocates who made their voices heard while their livelihoods were under attack. "The ruling reopens DACA to first-time applicants, restores work authorization and renewals to two years, and makes travel on advance parole more widely available to DACA recipients so they can feel safe and live without fear of being separated from their families and communities. While we celebrate this victory, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the new administration under President-elect Biden to sign into law permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. This is a long overdue step in the fight for a more fair and just immigration system." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=E0C6F68C-B0EB-49E3-A642-77AB08985875 | Rep. Smith Applauds Ruling in Court Case to Restore Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals | 2020-12-06 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after a federal court ordered the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to its original form in the Batalla Vidal v. Wolf case. The ruling is a major victory not just for immigrant youth and their families but for all Americans. By upholding this critical program, we are restoring the values that America should reflect and instilling hope for the hundreds of thousands of Dreamers and future DACA recipients who call America home. From the first attempt by the Trump administration to end DACA in 2017, immigrants have been subjected to the Trump administration's xenophobic policies. This win was made possible by the tireless efforts of countless DACA recipients and advocates who made their voices heard while their livelihoods were under attack. The ruling reopens DACA to first-time applicants, restores work authorization and renewals to two years, and makes travel on advance parole more widely available to DACA recipients so they can feel safe and live without fear of being separated from their families and communities. While we celebrate this victory, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the new administration under President-elect Biden to sign into law permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients. This is a long overdue step in the fight for a more fair and just immigration system. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2676 | House Passes Legislation to Decriminalize Marijuana and Expunge Federal Convictions | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3884) with the support of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01).The MORE Act would: Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level. Allow federal marijuana-related convictions and criminal records to be expunged, resentenced, and sealed. Invest in communities that have been disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs. This is the first time either house of Congress has voted to decriminalize marijuana. In 2017, police made 659,700 arrests for marijuana-related violations. That is over 21 percent higher than the total number of people arrested for violent crimes (518,617) in the same year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The MORE Act would expunge low-level federal convictions, which have been selectively enforced against people of color, especially Black men. The bill would also grant state governments full jurisdiction over marijuana policy, ensuring that the statewide legalization of marijuana, like Washington did in 2012, no longer conflicts with federal law. States like Washington have been at the forefront of removing antiquated marijuana laws that have historically targeted communities of color. The MORE Act is an opportunity to reinvest in these communities, expunge drug convictions to give people a second chance, and allow states to make the decisions that best serve their residents, said DelBene. DelBene is a cosponsor of H.R. 3884. The full bill text is availablehere. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2678 | Reps. DelBene and Schrier Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Kim Schrier (WA-08) led the Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in the state. In a letter, the delegation highlighted that families are being forced to pay back money they no longer have as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests. The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources that could be better used to ensure timely and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2437 | Larsen Outlines Priorities for Next COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Bill | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) urged Congress to address the continued public health crisis and deliver real relief for Washingtonians, families and small businesses. In a letter to House and Senate leadership, Larsen outlined his top priorities for any upcoming pandemic relief legislation. “With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, passing a comprehensive federal relief package grows more urgent by the day,” Larsen wrote. “Limits on gatherings and economic activity are necessary to protect public health and save lives but continue to cause real hardship for families nationwide. A strong public health response will enable a sustainable economic recovery.” You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer: With a third wave of COVID-19 spreading across the country, passing a comprehensive federal relief package grows more urgent by the day. Limits on gatherings and economic activity are necessary to protect public health and save lives but continue to cause real hardship for families nationwide. A strong public health response will enable a sustainable economic recovery. Given the breadth of the challenge posed by COVID-19, an effective relief bill will need to be comprehensive, like the two versions of the HEROES Act the House has already passed. Based on my conversations with local families, business owners and community leaders, my priorities for a long-overdue relief bill are: • Increased federal unemployment assistance The $600 increase in federal unemployment benefits in the CARES Act was a lifeline for millions of out-of-work Americans. The additional weekly payments helped families afford rent and mortgage payments and keep food on the table. As cases are projected to continue to rise, more Americans will likely face layoffs or reduced hours without knowing when they may be able to return to work. Congress must reinstate increased and expanded federal unemployment ass… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schrier-and-delbene-lead-wa-delegation-calling-worker-protections | Reps. Schrier and DelBene Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | ISSAQUAH, WA – Today, Congresswomen Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led the entire Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in Washington state. In a letter, the delegation noted families are being forced to pay back money they have already spent to make ends meet as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, "This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests." The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, "We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schrier-and-delbene-lead-wa-delegation-calling-worker-protections-overpaid | Reps. Schrier and DelBene Lead WA Delegation in Calling for Worker Protections for Overpaid Benefits | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | legacy | ISSAQUAH, WA Today, Congresswomen Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led the entire Washington state congressional delegation in asking House leadership to include protections in a future COVID-19 relief package to help unemployed residents in Washington state. In a letter, the delegation noted families are being forced to pay back money they have already spent to make ends meet as a result of a new administrative requirement. The delegation said, This new requirement places a heavy administrative burden on states still struggling to help millions of workers get needed benefits on time and in full. It also puts workers at risk of having to repay benefits that they were entitled to just because they are confused by new administrative requests. The CARES Act, which was passed in March, created Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) for workers who are ineligible for traditional state Unemployment Insurance (UI) but still needed financial support because of the pandemic. These workers include contractors, temporary workers, and self-employed workers. Washington set up this new program and began paying benefits as quickly as possible. Neither the CARES Act nor initial Department of Labor (DOL) guidance required individuals receiving PUA benefits to re-certify their eligibility weekly. Later, however, states were instructed by DOL to require weekly certifications and contact all current and former PUA recipients to tell them they must submit weekly certifications dating back to the beginning of the PUA program. If they did not do so, all the benefits they received would be treated as overpayments that must be repaid. If individuals do not understand and comply, states are required to recover the already-paid benefits. The delegation added that by fixing this problem, We can ensure Americans struggling to make ends meet during this pandemic are not faced with an unreasonable requirement to pay back funds they properly received and have already spent. We can also avoid diverting state resources that co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/washington-members-send-letter-dhs-inspector-general-inhumane-treatment | Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Denny Heck (WA-10), and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. "For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC," wrote the members. "Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC." "Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC," the members continued. "With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC." You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to bring your attention to the human rights conditions at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=BD07627F-C608-4EE4-BAA0-E3D2F64F81FD | Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Denny Heck (WA-10), and Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC, wrote the members. Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC. Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC, the members continued. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC. You can read the full letter here and below: Dear Inspector General Cuffari: We write to bring your attention to the human rights conditions at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-heck-delivers-farewell-remarks | Rep. Heck Delivers Farewell Remarks | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House for the final time before his retirement from Congress at the end of this session. A transcript of his remarks follows: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on this floor for the last time. My purpose is to convey two simple thoughts. First, an expression of gratitude, foremost to my wife Paula. We're newlyweds we have only been married 44 years and to my two sons. Their support has been the only reason I have been able to do this. I have been absent. I am sorry. I promise to do better. Thank you as well to my staff. Every member here knows full well we ain't nothing without them. We are just the ornament on the hood of the car, and they are the engine. They have both my undying love and gratitude. Thank you to my colleagues. My life is enriched and I am a better person for having known you. And a very special call out to my dear, dear friend albeit messy roommate and an outstanding legislator, Derek Kilmer. And last, thank you to the people of the 10th Congressional District of Washington, whom I affectionately but sincerely refer to as my bosses. You sent me here to represent a newly created congressional district. It was truly my privilege. Thank you. Second, a plea. A plea to all those who follow here: please, please work to nurture this institution. Institutions sustain us, be they our houses of worship for our faith or this secular equivalent for our democracy. They get us through hard times, but only if we tend to them. Citizens in a democracy have rights and responsibilities. Members of this institution, this body likewise. We are all too aware of our rights here, but it is the responsibilities that bear emphasizing. We have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a civil fashion. It is self-evident that civic discourse in America has degraded. Some would say that it has even become vulgar. It is hard to reach agreement with a colleague tomorrow whom we have character assassinated today. So, let us … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-slams-trump-administrations-lame-duck-rush-to-sell-oil-drilling-rights-in-arctic-refuge- | Cantwell Slams Trump Administration’s Lame-Duck Rush to Sell Oil Drilling Rights in Arctic Refuge | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.20 Cantwell Slams Trump Administration's Lame-Duck Rush to Sell Oil Drilling Rights in Arctic Refuge WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration will seek to sell oil drilling rights in the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in an auction on January 6, before President-elect Biden is sworn into office: Six decades after President Eisenhower enacted permanent protections for the irreplaceable Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, President Trump is announcing he will sell the rights to drill and destroy this fragile million year-old ecosystem. This lame-duck Interior Department attack on our environment ignores the fact that major oil companies are not interested in spending billions for the chance at extracting expensive Arctic oil a decade from now. Every major U.S. bank has vowed to not finance Arctic Refuge development. And the incoming administration has promised to permanently protect the Arctic Refuge for future generations. Hopefully the courts will overturn this reckless lease sale based on the Interior Department's purposeful suppression of science and procedural shortcuts. Cantwell has been the leading congressional champion of the Arctic Refuge and repeatedly fought back against efforts to drill in the pristine wilderness throughout her time in office. Last month, Cantwell blasted the Trump administration's last-ditch rush to approve drilling leases in the ANWR before President-elect Biden is sworn into office. In September 2019, Cantwell introduced legislation to permanently protect the refuge from oil and gas drilling. She has repeatedly voiced support for protecting the refuge and has cosponsored multiple bills to designate its coastal plain as a wilderness area. In December of 2005, Cantwell led a historic filibuster that reversed a backdoor maneuver in the Senate to allow drilling in the refuge. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-washington-members-send-letter-to-dhs-inspector-general-on-inhumane-treatment-of-immigrants-at-the-northwest-detention-center | Cantwell, Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.20 Cantwell, Washington Members Send Letter to DHS Inspector General on Inhumane Treatment of Immigrants at the Northwest Detention Center WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Denny Heck (D, WA-10), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Cuffari about the treatment of individuals at the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC). The letter comes after a troubling report was released by the University of Washington Center for Human Rights on the misuse of solitary confinement at the NWDC. For years, we have raised concerns about reports of inadequate health care, medical neglect, and the inhumane treatment of individuals detained at the NWDC, wrote the members.Due to the demonstrated lack of transparency, accountability, and decency documented in the Center for Human Rights report and past reviews conducted by your office, we request an immediate investigation into the recent allegations of violence against detained immigrants and a comprehensive review of the use of solitary confinement at the NWDC. Solitary confinement is not the only pressing issue at the NWDC, the members continued. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading to record levels, including in Pierce County, individuals in immigration detention centers remain extremely vulnerable to outbreaks. Several individuals detained at the NWDC are reportedly on hunger strikes in protest of inadequate policies and a lack of communication regarding the spread and prevention of COVID-19. In addition, our offices have been made aware of serious allegations of violence and abuse against detained immigrants in recent weeks. These recent allegations are even more alarming given the history of retaliation, the significant use of solitary confinement, and a lack of transparency at the NWDC. The full text of the letter is available below andHERE: Dear Inspector Genera… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2675 | DelBene Elected Chair of Moderate New Democrat Coalition | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | DelBene Elected Chair of Moderate New Democrat Coalition f t # e Washington, DC, December 1, 2020 Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) was unanimously elected Chair of the New Democrat Coalition for the 117th Congress. The coalition is comprised of the moderate members of the U.S. House of Representatives who represent the purple districts that are the key to maintaining the Democratic House majority. New Dems will be essential to moving legislation in the next Congress because of their close alignment with the incoming Biden-Harris administration. The New Democrat Coalition has a unique opportunity to deliver real change in the 117th Congress and I look forward to leading this diverse coalition during this pivotal time. New Dems and its policy ideas are closely aligned to the incoming Biden-Harris administration and we will be a key partner in building the coalitions necessary to address the multiple crises the nation is currently facing,said DelBene. One of the top things I hear from constituents is that they want governance to work again. After years of gridlock and obstructionism, I'm focused on getting to yes' on the biggest issues before us including additional pandemic relief, better health care for all Americans, getting the middle class back to work with living wages, and investing in new, green infrastructure. DelBene has been a member of the New Dems since arriving in Congress in 2012. She is currently the coalition's Vice Chair for Policy Coordination and has served in other leadership roles. She will take over from Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and is the first woman to serve in this role since 2009. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-request-extension-of-covid-19-pandemic-unemployment-support-programs | Cantwell, Colleagues Request Extension of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Support Programs | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.20 Cantwell, Colleagues Request Extension of COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Support Programs WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined 31 of her colleagues in urging Senate leaders to include an extension of two critical financial lifelines for Americans affected by the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in any upcoming relief package. Currently, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program which provides unemployment assistance to domestic workers, freelance workers, contractors, and other workers in alternative work arrangements and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program which temporarily provides a 13-week extension of benefits for those whose regular unemployment benefits have expired but are still struggling to find employment during the pandemic are set to expire on December 26th, just one day after Christmas. However, these programs are still as vital as ever as the country faces more than five times the number of COVID-19 cases as in the spring. Currently more than twice the number of Americans are participating in these programs as in the regular state unemployment system. According to data from the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), 464,884 Washingtonians claimed unemployment benefits during the week of November 15-21. As the virus surges going into the winter months, the loss of benefits at this time is particularly cruel. A recent report from The Century Foundation suggests that nearly 12 million workers could lose coverage once these programs expire over the holiday. In other words, roughly 12 million American workers will lose benefits this season for a job they lost through no fault of their own, the senators wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. What's more, the loss of emergency benefits compounds the hardships many families are already facing in this economy. Since May, researchers have found that roughl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pebble-mine-permit-denied_-cantwell-continues-push-for-permanent-protections-for-critical-watershed | Pebble Mine Permit Denied - Cantwell Continues Push for Permanent Protections for Critical Watershed | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 11.25.20 Pebble Mine Permit Denied - Cantwell Continues Push for Permanent Protections for Critical Watershed WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after the Army Corps of Engineers denied a permit for the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska: The science is clear: the Pebble Mine could have destroyed the Bristol Bay ecosystem and the millions of wild salmon that depend on it. So I'm pleased but not surprised the Corps finally denied the permit for this ill-conceived megaproject. I look forward to working with the incoming administration and the Alaska delegation to establish permanent protections for Bristol Bay and promote more sustainable economic opportunities for the local communities living around these irreplaceable lands. Healthy salmon runs are the backbone of our fishing and outdoor economy throughout the region, and we must do everything we can to protect it. Today's decision comes after the Army Corps of Engineers decided inAugustthat the Pebble Mine project could not move forward as proposed due to the substantial adverse environmental impacts the project could have on the Bristol Bay watershed. Senator Cantwell has been leading the fight to protect Alaska's Bristol Bayone of the largest salmon fisheries in the worldand the fishermen and industries that rely on these salmon. The seafood sector makes up 60 percent of the 30 billion dollar maritime economy in Washington state, which as a whole supports over 146,000 jobs. Cantwell has been vocal about the devastation that Pebble Mine could bring to the Pacific Northwest, repeatedly criticizing various members of the administration for downplaying the threat of the mine. In September, Cantwell called for a Department of Justice investigation to examine discrepancies between what company executives promoting the Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska, said in leaked tapes and how th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ADFF19A7-E4B7-4DE4-881F-8076E2C4811A | Senator Murray Announces Support for Independent Restaurant and Music Venue Pandemic Relief Bills | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | This week, Senator Murray voiced her support for two bipartisan bills, the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, which would support independent restaurants and music venues that are struggling during the pandemic Senator Murray has previously supported House Democrats' HEROES 2.0 relief bill, which includes both of these pieces of legislation Senator Murray: The Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians (Washington, D.C.) This week, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), signed on to the RESTAURANTS Act and Save Our Stages Act, two bipartisan pieces of legislation to provide independent restaurants and live music venues that are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic with the resources they need to stay afloat. This pandemic has been devastating for so many small and independent businesses across Washington state, and restaurants and music venues are no exception, Senator Murray said. These bipartisan proposals would provide much-needed relief to struggling businesses, and the Senate should move forward on these measures, as part of a comprehensive COVID relief bill, in order to alleviate the economic pain this crisis has inflicted upon Washingtonians. The RESTAURANTS Act would establish a Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) at the Department of the Treasury with $120 billion in funding left over from the CARES Act, and provide independent Washington state restaurant owners with the financial support they need to rehire workers and deal with the long-term ramifications of COVID-19. Awards would be one-time grants valued to cover the difference between revenues from 2019 and projected revenues through 2020, with a maximum grant of $10 million. Restaurants would not need to pay back their grants and could use the funding for payroll, benefits, mortgages, rent, utilities, maintenance, supplies, protective equipment, cleaning materials, food, and any other expenses deemed es… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-conflict-ethiopia | Rep. Smith Statement on the Conflict in Ethiopia | 2020-11-24 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the ongoing conflict in Tigray. "The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is extremely concerning. It is imperative that Prime Minister Abiy's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front reach a ceasefire in the near term and engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute peacefully. Tens of thousands of people have already been displaced from their homes, at least hundreds have died, and humanitarian access to the region has been nearly impossible. It is critical that all parties involved work with partners to immediately open humanitarian access to ensure food, water, and supplies can reach the region. "Further military action is not the solution to this conflict, and I urge the United States to continue to press Prime Minister Abiy to participate in ongoing negotiation efforts led by the African Union. We must work with regional partners and all parties to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and open up access to humanitarian organizations. Without immediate de-escalation, the livelihoods of millions of people will be further jeopardized, and the conflict threatens to spiral into an even wider regional crisis." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=435B2A62-7E91-4E1B-B424-8D52B11D05DC | Senator Murray to GSA Administrator: Put Our Nations Health and Safety Ahead of Political Loyalty and Begin a Formal Transition Immediately | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | In a letter, Senator Murray urged GSA Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and end the unprecedented delay in transition that is undermining our federal response to COVID, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives ICYMI: Senator Murray Calls on Trump GSA Administrator to End Unprecedented Delay & Provide Critical Transition Resources to President-Elect Biden MORE HERE Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy: It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis. (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, called on General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Emily Murphy to put politics aside and begin a formal transition of power to provide President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with the resources they need to combat COVID-19. In a letter, Senator Murray stressed that Administrator Murphy's unprecedented delay is undermining critical work to keep communities safe and support students, workers, and families in Washington state and across the country during this crisis. You are choosing to put political loyalty ahead of public health and safety by refusing to make a determination of ascertainment to begin a formal transition of power to the President-elect, wrote Senator Murray to Administrator Murphy. By delaying the start of the formal transition, you are impeding the ability for the incoming administration to receive access to resources and personnel. Such a delay could hamper the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has already claimed over 250,000 lives. It is completely unacceptable to delay the critical work to save lives, improve educational opportunities for students, or ensure workers are safe and healthy and families are able to make a living during this crisis, continued Senat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-applauds-bidens-key-national-security-and-foreign-policy-appointments | Rep. Smith Applauds Biden's Key National Security and Foreign Policy Appointments | 2020-11-23 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after President-elect Biden announced appointments for key roles in national security and foreign policy. "President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have started to assemble stellar and historic national security and foreign policy teams that are well respected both at home and abroad. These leaders with diverse backgrounds and decades of experience will without a doubt be ready to hit the ground running on day one. "The incoming administration will undertake the monumental task of repairing the damage left behind from the Trump Administration, restoring America's global leadership, and advancing a foreign policy that reflects our values and the interest of the American people. The nominees share the understanding that to address the challenges facing the world today, we must work with our allies and partners. From human rights to climate change and the refugee crisis, I am confident these nominees are prepared to help lead the U.S. on the many complex challenges we face. "Congratulations to nominees Antony Blinken, Secretary of State; Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations; Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence; Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Special Envoy for Climate; and Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor. I look forward to working with these nominees to advance our shared interests here and around the world." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
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