Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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920 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "WA" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-introduces-legislation-to-support-veterans-right-to-build-their-own-homes | Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Introduces Legislation to Support Veterans’ Right to Build Their Own Homes | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Reps. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Owner-Builders’ Rights Act to expand VA home loans and provide rural veterans with the ability to use a VA home loan to build their own homes. This bill would establish a five-year pilot program under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make direct housing loans to veterans in rural areas for the construction of new homes. As the U.S. continues to face a shortage of starter homes, giving veterans the flexibility to build a home creates a new path to home ownership. In rural communities especially, housing demand frequently outpaces construction. Many veterans already have the skills and knowledge to build a home, but without benefits that give them the freedom to use those skills, they don’t have an opportunity to build. This means veterans are forced into a narrow band of options for how to use VA home loans. As a result, only about 30% of veterans use VA home loans. Owner-builder opportunities, like the ones this bill creates, simultaneously build wealth for veterans and their families, while adding to the overall housing supply. Specifically, this legislation would: Create a new direct home loan program at VA for rural veterans who want to build their own homes, utilizing the framework and eligibility requirements of an existing VA direct home loan program; Provide blueprints with American wood sourcing and manufacturing requirements to stimulate domestic timber economies; Streamline the permitting application process by requiring permit furnishment within 45 days of submission and covering all associated fees; Provide technical assistance for veterans through the VA or a contracted third party related to the skills necessary to construct or repair a home, as well as for the permit application process; and Safeguard against home-flippers by requiring the veteran to live in the home for at least two years, or otherwise accelerate repayment of their loan. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez meets with … | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bill-bolster-clean-affordable-hydropower-energy-and | Congresswoman Schrier’s Bill to Bolster Clean, Affordable Hydropower Energy and Enhance River Health Signed Into Law | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that her Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law. The bipartisan legislation supports Washington’s clean, affordable hydropower and the healthy management of rivers by enhancing efficiency and transparency for parties involved in the hydropower dam licensing process. Congresswoman Schrier introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01). “I am thrilled to announce that my bipartisan Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act was signed into law,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This law will bring transparency and clarity to the licensing process, better informing our communities and dam operators on license status and providing Congress with tools to further streamline the licensing process. I look forward to continuing this work to reduce energy costs, manage river resources, and cut red tape." The legislation is supported by the National Hydropower Association, American Whitewater, and American Rivers. "I am proud to see the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act signed into law. This is an important piece of legislation that will effectively cut federal red tape around hydropower relicensing applications. With nearly 600 water storage dams across Idaho, we must focus on efficient licensing processes to keep our dams running and support clean energy growth," said Congressman Fulcher. “Hydropower provides 30 million Americans clean, reliable power; it's the shock absorber of the grid, delivering 24/7 power when other resources can't. It also provides other public benefits like flood control, irrigation, and recreation. The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act shines an important light on our broken permitting process. I commend Representatives Schrier and Fulcher and Senators Cortez Masto and Daines for leading the charge,” said National Hydropower Association President and CEO Malcom Woolf. “We thank Representatives Schrier and Fulcher for their leadership in advancing greater transparency in the hy… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prohibit-firearms-at-polling-places-nationwide-protecting-voters_election-workers | Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit Firearms at Polling Places Nationwide, Protecting Voters & Election Workers In early 2026, 32% percent of local election workers experienced threats or harassment; 52% concerned for staff safety WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined her colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to protect voters and election workers from intimidation and threats of violence at polling places. “It is deeply troubling that now more than half of local elections officials worry about the safety of their colleagues, and a third have experienced threats or abuse. The officials and volunteers who run our free and fair elections deserve to be and feel safe at work – and voters need to be able to visit their elections office without worrying about their safety,” Sen. Cantwell said. The Freedom from Intimidation in Elections Act would help further ensure that every voter has the right to cast their ballot and every election worker can conduct their official duties free from fear and intimidation. It would strengthen existing anti-intimidation provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to limit the presence of visible firearms at locations where voters cast their ballot or election workers perform their official duties, empowering poll workers and election officials to continue safely administering elections. In Washington state, firearms are already prohibited at ballot counting centers, voting centers, student engagement hubs, and county elections and voter registration offices, as well as any facility being temporarily used for those reasons. The right to vote is fundamental to American democracy, but rising threats of political violence against voters and election workers threaten election security. As of April 2026, 32% of local election workers have reported experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse. Armed groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were involved in the January 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol have threatened to… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-celebrates-new-amtrak-trains-for-the-pacific-northwest | Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Celebrates New Amtrak Trains for the Pacific Northwest Cantwell championed a record-high Amtrak investment in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is funding new Airo trains WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, celebrated the debut of new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades ahead of the first passenger service on September 30. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law keeps paying dividends,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The state-of-the-art Airo trainsets replace much older cars, making travel on Amtrak’s Cascades route more convenient, accessible, and reliable for riders across the Pacific Northwest. The Airos also have nearly twice as many seats, helping to meet growing demand on this routinely sold-out route.” Sen. Cantwell led passage of the largest bipartisan investment in passenger rail in history, including $22 billion for Amtrak, through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, Pacific Northwest customers will be the first in the nation to experience Amtrak’s newest trains. Amtrak’s Airo trains produce 90% less particulate emissions than their predecessors. Redesigned interiors will offer improved accessibility and comfort in state-of-the art train interiors. In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced that Amtrak would invest nearly $300 million in major upgrades to Seattle’s King Street Station rail yard. The upgraded railyard supported the introduction of the new Airo trains and operates without the use of fossil fuels for heating. | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-colleagues-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-wa-servicemember-killed-in-operation-epic-fury | Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor WA Servicemember Killed in Operation Epic Fury WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) in introducing bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission. Maj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. “Captain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Cemetery will ensure their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Captain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,” said Sen. Murray. “Capt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident—Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-her-vote-directing-trump-to-end-his-war-in-iran | Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement on Her Vote Directing Trump to End His War in Iran WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted 49-50 against a concurrent resolution directing President Trump to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran, after nearly seven months of war. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) voted for the resolution and gave the following statement: “The costs of President Trump’s unnecessary war with Iran continue to mount, and the American people want it to end. We have lost valuable lives, and the conflict is compounding the burden of high gas and grocery prices at home.” Last week, Sen. Cantwell joined 45 Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding a full accounting of the costs of the war with Iran. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the senators criticized the Department of Defense for withholding information from Congress and the American public, even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to rise. This week, partial information provided to Congress showed that the war cost at least $43.6 billion by September 3 – three weeks ago – as the Trump Administration has requested $67 billion more for the war. Moreover, as the senators’ letter notes, the war has also cost American consumers an extra $100 billion just in higher gas and diesel costs, and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets, among others. On June 23, she issued a statement after voting for a War Powers Resolution measure to end the war. Congress passed the resolution – rejecting President Trump’s war with Iran – in a bipartisan vote. On June 18, she issued a statement on President Trump’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran, saying, “The President’s war with Iran was a mistake. The MOU is the price the President must pay to get us out of this unauthorized war before it further damages our economy and costs more lives.” On March 15, she issued a statement after six U.S. service members – including Captain Ariana G. Savino from Coving… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell/randall-bill-to-restore-lower-elwha-klallam-tribal-lands-unanimously-passes-senate-heads-to-president-for-signature | Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell/Randall Bill to Restore Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Lands Unanimously Passes Senate, Heads to President for Signature The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act is one of the last steps of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dam removal project & will help restore fisheries; Bill now heads to President’s desk to become law WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), former chair and longest-serving member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06), who serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, to transfer federal land back to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe after decades of work to restore the Elwha River. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, having previously passed the House, now goes to the President’s desk for his signature. “Today, Congress took a historic step to strengthen salmon and habitat recovery and help fulfill a decades-old vision to restore the Elwha River and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe’s connection to lands that have sustained them since time immemorial. I’m thrilled we got this bill across the finish line and look forward to the President signing it into law,” Sen. Cantwell said. "Today, we took an important step in upholding our treaty obligations by passing legislation to transfer land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. As a freshman member of Congress who represents — alongside their elected Tribal leaders — over 15,000 Tribal members, this significance is not lost on me,” said Rep. Randall. “Now signed into law, this bill will help ensure we meet our trust responsibilities to restore Tribal lands.” “It is a great honor to be trusted to steward these lands again, it continues to be a great part of our healing from the dam removal projects. We continue to see slow but persistent growth in our river and the return of the salmon. This has been a long process, and we a… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-protect-college-sports-act-77-22 | Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22 | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act 77-22 Landmark bill enshrines into federal law rights and health and safety protections for college athletes, protects athletes from predatory agents, & secures the future of women’s and Olympic sports; Legislation moves to House for consideration WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, celebrated the overwhelming, bipartisan Senate vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act. "There are several things in this bill that are really important to enshrine into federal law at this time. First and foremost, the federal right to NIL [Name, Image, and Likeness]," Sen. Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor ahead of the vote. "But compensation on revenue sharing is probably the most important thing we could possibly enshrine in federal law today. This is [Congress] saying, for the first time, that an athlete gets a percentage of the media rights, the ticket sales, and the sponsorship." She continued: "We also believe in a health and safety standard in federal law, one that protects the athletes beyond the way the law works today and gives them the right to sue and hold these people accountable for any kind of health and safety violations [...] And then medical coverage for five years post eligibility, and capping agents’ [fees] at 5%." "We need to stop stealing money out of college [and] university institutions for education, for tuition, for professors, and putting it into an arms race on sports," Sen. Cantwell said. "It is putting a pin in the problems to stabilize the loss of women’s and Olympic [sports] and to create the opportunity to discuss the larger structure moving forward. That is why I think we have so much support." Video of Sen. Cantwell’s floor speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE. The final vote was 77-22. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. The next scheduled H… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-delegation-in-supporting-governors-request-for-major-disaster-declaration-for-individual-assistance-for-devastating-wildfires-in-washington-state/ | Murray Leads WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for Devastating Wildfires in Washington State | 2026-09-28 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ICYMI: Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Wildfires in Spokane ICYMI: Senator Murray Vows to Get Spokane and WA Federal Resources for Wildfire Response and Recovery ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to help families recover and repair damage due to the devastating wildfires that swept through Central and Eastern Washington from July 23 through August 31. For the first time, on August 1, the National Weather Service upgraded a Red Flag Warning for fire weather conditions to a Particularly Dangerous Situation, which is very rare and typically reserved for extreme fire weather conditions. Three massive fires broke out and tore through neighborhoods across Spokane, the Old Trails Fire burned in northwest Spokane, the Autumn Lane Fire burned near Nine-Mile Falls, and the Fairview Fire burned in Mead. The Spokane Complex Fires forced 67,000 people to evacuate, burned nearly 10,000 acres, with damages predicted to exceed $1 billion. This was one of Washington state’s worst wildfire seasons on record, with fires causing severe damage and threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock. In Okanogan County, the Kaiser Canyon, Modrite, and Sinlahekin fires burned over 350,000 acres total. “As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state’s September 28th request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating wildfire damages incurred from July 23 through August 31. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Senator Murray and other members of the delegation wrote. “A record-setting drought and an unusually small snowpack contributed to numerous l… | 1 | 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z | 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/26/ranking-member-jayapal-statement-on-trumps-pocket-rescissions/ | Ranking Member Jayapal Statement on Trump’s Pocket Rescissions | 2026-09-26 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, released the following statement regarding Trump’s pocket rescissions, targeted primarily at immigration services. “Congress has the power of the purse, the constitutional authority to appropriate funding. Trump’s pocket rescissions are illegal and further proof that he has no regard for the Constitution of the United States. “This illegal rescission is a continuation of Trump’s cruel mass deportation and anti-DEI efforts that whitewash American history and make certain communities targets of hate. He has illegally refused to carry out Congress’s authorizations for critical essential services for immigrants, including assistance for unaccompanied children, legal services for people working to obtain citizenship, and assistance in integration efforts, as well as essential education programs that help us ensure equity and inclusion of all our communities. Meanwhile, even as he cuts these essential programs for working people across our country, he has continued to enrich himself and his family to the tune of billions of dollars — all while driving up gas prices and grocery prices, slashing healthcare and mocking the idea that life under Trump is completely unaffordable. “Congress must reclaim our constitutional authorities from this out-of-control administration. I will do everything in my power to prevent these illegal recissions and stand up for Congress’s sole Article 1 powers to appropriate funds.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/25/reps-jayapal-larsen-and-sen-markey-announce-legislation-to-expand-workforce-opportunities-for-communities-impacted-by-substance-use/ | Reps. Jayapal, Larsen and Sen. Markey Announce Legislation to Expand Workforce Opportunities for Communities Impacted by Substance Use | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – In recognition of National Recovery Month, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the reintroduction of the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act, legislation that would strengthen and expand grants for community partnerships that promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and support communities affected by widespread substance use. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) lead the legislation in the House of Representatives. “Addiction and substance use are deeply tied to economic instability and the shortage of behavioral health professionals,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “Our bill takes these issues head on by investing in local organizations that help those affected by substance use gain employment and empower more people to pursue the behavioral health field. By promoting economic stability and increasing the number of healthcare specialists, we can get to the root of the substance abuse crisis and help communities across the country.” “For National Recovery Month, we celebrate those working to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction, and everyone who helped them along the way. Especially as families struggle to get ahead, it’s more important than ever that we help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation will strengthen community partnerships that connect people with good jobs, peer support, and mentorship, supporting lasting recovery and helping communities heal.” “The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation would break down barriers to employment for people in recovery and fund local organizations to address the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage. I will keep working to get this bill over the finish line and to regain momentum in the fight against the opioid crisis.” “Substance use disorder has become a far too common barrier to employment,” said Cole… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4271 | Larsen Reintroduces Bill to Expand Workforce Opportunities for Communities Facing Substance Use Disorders | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act to promote employment opportunities for workers in recovery and provide support to communities impacted by widespread substance use. “The opioid epidemic continues to devastate communities in Northwest Washington,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation would break down barriers to employment for people in recovery and fund local organizations to address the nationwide behavioral health workforce shortage. I will keep working to get this bill over the finish line and to regain momentum in the fight against the opioid crisis.” “For National Recovery Month, we celebrate those working to achieve and maintain recovery from addiction, and everyone who helped them along the way. Especially as families struggle to get ahead, it’s more important than ever that we help people in recovery overcome barriers to employment,” said Senator Markey. “This legislation will strengthen community partnerships that connect people with good jobs, peer support, and mentorship, supporting lasting recovery and helping communities heal.” “Addiction and substance use are deeply tied to economic instability and the shortage of behavioral health professionals,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Our bill takes these issues head on by investing in local organizations that help those affected by substance use gain employment and empower more people to pursue the behavioral health field. By promoting economic stability and increasing the number of healthcare specialists, we can get to the root of the substance abuse crisis and help communities across the country.” The Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act would reauthorize and expand a pilot grant program first authorized in the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and later extended by the 2018 SUPPORT Act. The bill would authorize a total of $187.5 million over six years to continue this lifesaving … | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-improve-life-saving-newborn | Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Life-Saving Newborn Health Screenings | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | September 25, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the Surge to Save Newborns Act alongside Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23). This legislation would provide states with federal resources to implement newborn screening for conditions included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), ensuring more newborns benefit from early detection and timely care. “As a pediatrician, I’ve taken care of patients whose conditions were discovered early on their newborn screen. Because we had the resources to screen for these diseases, we were able to help babies right away and save lives. However, states often lack the resources to screen for each condition listed on the recommended panel, which puts our children at risk,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that newborns in Washington state and across the country are screened for all of these treatable conditions at birth.” BACKGROUND: Newborn screening helps identify certain serious health conditions shortly after birth so that affected children can receive appropriate follow-up care. The federal government maintains a Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), which identifies conditions recommended for inclusion in state newborn screening programs. However, adding a condition to the federal recommended panel does not necessarily mean that every state immediately implements screening for that condition. The Surge to Save Newborns Act would provide states with dedicated federal resources to help implement newborn screening for conditions included on the RUSP. However, it can still be a challenge for children to access primary care. This legislation would address this issue by bolstering the pediatric vaccine delivery system and supporting primary care physicians who participate in the program. The Surge to Save Newborns Act would: Help states move recommended newborn screening conditions from federal recommendation to implementation. Provide dedicated reso… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-lead-colleagues-in-demanding-vought-abandon-any-and-all-plans-to-exert-political-control-over-nih-funding/ | Murray, Baldwin Lead Colleagues in Demanding Vought Abandon Any and All Plans to Exert Political Control Over NIH Funding | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers emphasize need for Republicans to join Democrats and support new guardrails in law to protect the integrity of NIH’s grantmaking process following long line of politically motivated attacks on NIH ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump’s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research ICYMI: Murray on Trump Admin Scrapping Plans for Executive Order to Empower Russ Vought to Kill NIH Research Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, led 29 of their colleagues in demanding White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought halt any plan to exert political control over the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) grant-making process. The Trump administration considering an executive order to establish an external committee of unqualified political appointees empowered to veto any awards selected by NIH and panels of scientific experts is just the latest example and highlights the need for Congress to intervene. In their letter, the lawmakers underscore that the executive order is just the latest way OMB has sought to undermine NIH and the scientific peer review process that is the foundation of biomedical advancements and innovation. Backtracking on a new executive order or not, the Trump administration has shown time and again it wants to use NIH funding to pursue political agendas and vendettas, at the expense of life-saving research, treatments, and cures for millions of Americans. “Decisions about which National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grants to fund should be guided only by science, and what research is most likely to advance new treatments and cures, or the next breakthrough to save or improve a patient’s life. The Trump administration considering, at the highest level, an Executive Order to exert unprecedented political control over NIH’s grant-making by establishing a… | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-slams-trump-for-illegal-impoundment/ | Murray Slams Trump for Illegal Impoundment | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s illegal attempt to do an end run around Congress with a “pocket rescission.” While the president has called out over $800 million in federal funding that he intends to impound, Senate Appropriations Committee Democrats have identified additional funding that the Trump administration is on track to either illegally impound or spend in defiance of Congress. That includes additional funding for critical health research, funds to combat the international illicit narcotics trade, and more. “This is theft from the American people, plain and simple. These are funds Congress has delivered on a bipartisan basis and should be helping people—not cut off by a president more focused on building a ballroom than investing in families. Every Republican who voted for these bills should be furious because Vought is saying their votes don’t count. “In negotiations over the recently enacted CR, Democrats fought to include language to prevent the Trump administration from once again usurping Congress’ power—but for the second time in a year, Republicans refused to take common sense action and prevent this from happening. While Trump spends tax dollars on ads promoting himself, Congress needs to reassert its powers to help people, and it’s past time Republicans join us in that fight. Russ Vought’s message to Congress is that your votes don’t count, and your laws are optional. It is now time for my Republican colleagues who said they would never let this happen to stand up and join us to stop this, and remind this administration this is not how this works.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-26T09:43:57Z | 2026-09-26T09:44:55Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/25/reps-jayapal-tlaib-pressley-and-sens-markey-merkley-reintroduce-legislation-to-halt-government-use-of-facial-recognition-and-other-biometric-technology/ | Reps. Jayapal, Tlaib, Pressley and Sens. Markey, Merkley Reintroduce Legislation to Halt Government Use of Facial Recognition and Other Biometric Technology | 2026-09-25 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Bill Text (PDF) Washington (September 25, 2026) – Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced the reintroduction of the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, legislation to prohibit the government from using facial recognition and other biometric technologies. The legislation responds to the federal government’s growing use of biometric recognition technology, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mobile facial recognition app, which has been used to target immigrants and intimidate communities across the country. Research shows that nearly half of U.S. adults’ faces are already stored in facial recognition databases, and that Black, Brown, and Asian individuals are up to 100 times more likely to be misidentified by a facial recognition algorithm than white men. “We have to stop the constant, nonconsensual state of surveillance that we live in, and that starts with placing a moratorium on our government’s use of facial recognition technology,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “Black and Brown people are more likely to be misidentified and wrongfully put in jail because of this unregulated technology, and our government has used it to unjustly target protestors and immigrants. Putting the brakes on this technology is necessary to protect civil rights and ensure public safety.” “Facial recognition technology is racist, misidentifying Black, Brown, and Asian residents and pinning them as suspects in crimes they did not commit,” said Representative Tlaib. “When such flawed and biased technology is used to invade our privacy, we are all less safe. I’m proud to reintroduce this bill that will ban facial recognition technology and protect all our civil liberties.” “Facial recognition and other biometric technologies in the hands of government agencies have become tools of authoritarianism. Agencies such as ICE and… | 1 | 2026-09-27T10:23:37Z | 2026-09-27T10:25:08Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-announces-2026-bigleaf-maple-big-leaf-contest | Gluesenkamp Perez Announces 2026 Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced her fourth annual Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest to encourage residents of Washington’s Third District to get out in the woods and find the biggest Bigleaf Maple leaf they can. Last year’s winner, James Owen, shows off his 21in leaf found in east Lewis County Previous winners have included Maynard M. with an 18.5in leaf found in Curtis in 2024, and Dirk and Dixie H. who found a 23.5in leaf in Randle in 2023. Last year brought in an impressive 21in leaf, found by James Owen from Raintree Nursery. “This competition started when I found out the largest maple leaf on record in the congressional library was tiny and from Kentucky. And I was like ‘We can’t have that. There are bigger leaves than that in the woods by my house.’ We’re so lucky here in Southwest Washington to have some of the most beautiful trees in the country–and this competition is about bringing that pride of place to the U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “So go, get out in the woods, enjoy a fall day with your family, find some really big honking leaves and just have fun! I promise you’ll learn so much about the woods we’re so lucky to share.” Bigleaf Maple trees are found all over the Pacific Northwest, and the showcase spurs folks to get outside, enjoy our woods, and learn about the challenges facing the Bigleaf Maple. The biggest leaf will be displayed for visitors to see in the Congresswoman’s office and showcased online. Constituents can learn how to enter here, and they should submit an image of their leaf by October 23rd, while preserving the original. ### | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-introduces-the-students-not-profits-act/ | Jayapal Introduces the Students Not Profits Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SEATTLE, W.A. – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced the Students Not Profits Act to protect students and taxpayers from corporations and private-equity firms abusing our federal student aid system. “Higher education is inaccessible to Americans in every corner of this country as astronomical student loan debt weighs on millions. Congress must act to protect students from the exploitative practices of for-profit corporate universities that prey on vulnerable students,” said Rep. Jayapal.“The Students Not Profits Act is a major step toward putting an end to the exploitative habits of these institutions that prey on disadvantaged students working to earn their degree.” Research has shown that the for-profit higher education industry continues to fail students. On average, students attending for-profit programs earn no more than if they had not attended college at all, while incurring costs at four times the rate of a public college. For-profit colleges account for only about 13 percent of enrollment but nearly 50 percent of all loan defaults, as well as the vast majority of college closures from 2014-2019. To protect students from this harmful, predatory sector, the Students Not Profits Act would: Ensure taxpayer dollars are going towards providing quality, affordable education for students, not into the coffers of private companies by ending taxpayer subsidies to for-profit colleges; Establish a transparent process for approving the conversion of a for-profit school to a nonprofit school, including requiring institutions to certify that: The institution is a nonprofit, and maintains 501(c)(3) status with the IRS; Assets and services acquired from previous owners of the institution were not acquired for more than their fair value, demonstrated by a third-party appraisal, independent financing of the acquisition or full and open competition in the acquisition process; No member of the board or person with the power to appoint board members receives any economic benefit from the institution;… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-statement-on-senate-blocking-war-powers-resolution/ | Jayapal Statement on Senate Blocking War Powers Resolution | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted 49-50 to block her War Powers Resolution, which passed the House of Representatives in July by a bipartisan vote of 214-208. “The Senate’s failure to pass my War Powers Resolution is a slap in the face to the millions of American people who want this war to end. The Senate had the opportunity to send a clear message to this administration that they would not stand for another day of his war of choice. Instead, a majority of Senate Republicans acted as a cult party and stood by Trump’s unpopular and devastating war. “In the House, we will continue to pass these resolutions and demand an end to the war. It is time to reassert Congress’s constitutional authority to declare war.” | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/24/jayapal-warren-lawmakers-announce-reintroduction-of-comprehensive-stop-wall-street-looting-act/ | Jayapal, Warren, Lawmakers Announce Reintroduction of Comprehensive Stop Wall Street Looting Act | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Text of bill can be found here. Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), , Jesús “Chuy” García (D-Ill.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), reintroduced the Stop Wall Street Looting Act, comprehensive legislation to fundamentally reform the private equity industry and level the playing field by forcing private investment firms to take responsibility for the outcomes of companies they take over, and by empowering workers and protecting investors. The legislation would make private equity firms responsible for the debts of the companies they control, while cracking down on practices that allow private equity firms to load companies with debt, extract profits from them, and walk away scot-free when those companies fail. The bill would also strengthen protections for workers and consumers, require private equity firms to disclose more information about the management and advisory fees they charge, and place guardrails on firms that receive taxpayer funds. Finally, it would limit the role of real estate investment trusts (REITs) in health care and eliminate certain tax benefits for REIT investors. This re-introduction follows the landmark bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act’s becoming law this summer – the first-ever legislation to rein in private equity. The law stops private equity and other corporate landlords from buying up single-family homes. “Too many companies that people love and depend on, including nursing homes and grocery stores, have fallen victim to private equity,” said Representative Jayapal. “Wall Street private equity firms claim to improve efficiency, but often they rip apart brands, wrack up debt, and abando… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-senators-murray-and-cantwell-introduce-bill-honor | Congresswoman Schrier, Senators Murray and Cantwell Introduce Bill to Honor Captain Ariana Savino, Zeus 95 Crew | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Zeus 95 Memorial Act alongside Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15). The bill honors the crew of Zeus 95, who died on March 12, 2026, while supporting Operation Epic Fury against Iran, including Captain Ariana Savino of Covington, Washington. The bill honors six servicemembers: Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, AL; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, WA; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, KY; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, IN; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, OH; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, OH. The Zeus 95 Memorial Act would establish a monument in or near Arlington National Cemetery in honor of the fallen crewmembers. “I remain heartbroken that the crew of Zeus 95, including Captain Savino of Covington, died last spring in flight operations over Iraq. I will continue my efforts to honor their bravery and sacrifice, and am profoundly grateful that these crewmembers chose a life of service to our nation,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “Captain Savino’s passion, leadership, and bravery will be forever remembered by the people of Washington state and all Americans. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of Captain Savino and the entire Zeus 95 crew. I send my deepest condolences to them, and pray for the safety and health of all of our servicemembers.” “Captain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,” said Senator Murray. “Capt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident—Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our se… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-and-colleagues-push-trump-to-negotiate-ai-guardrails-with-xi-jinping | Cantwell & Colleagues Push Trump To Negotiate AI Guardrails With Xi Jinping | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell & Colleagues Push Trump To Negotiate AI Guardrails With Xi Jinping Senators’ letter calls for global cooperation on AI development to preserve public safety and human control; Cantwell-led bill established the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee; Last year, Cantwell halted an effort to impose a 10-year moratorium on states establishing AI regulations WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 16 of her colleagues in calling on President Donald Trump to negotiate a formal agreement between the U.S. and China on guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of frontier Artificial Intelligence (AI) models with Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We write concerning public reporting that your administration plans to have discussions about artificial intelligence with China during the upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping currently planned for September 24, 2026. We support this dialogue and encourage you to have those discussions at the highest level. As extraordinary as the promise of some of AI’s advanced capabilities are, safety incidents make clear that both national and international infrastructure is threatened by unregulated testing and release of AI models. It is incumbent upon both governments to discuss necessary guardrails and global standards for the development, testing, and use of AI in order to mitigate the risks of unfettered advancement,” the senators wrote. They continued: “The conversations should include specific focus on the standards needed for development and testing processes, oversight and monitoring of models, enforcing human control over the use of autonomous systems, and technological verification of any agreed upon terms to ensure that an agreement is being enforced. Protecting American safety and leadership in AI will require international cooperation with many countries… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-cantwell-moreno-schrier-call-for-memorial-at-arlington-national-cemetery-to-honor-fallen-zeus-95-servicemembers/ | Murray, Cantwell, Moreno, Schrier, Call for Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery to Honor Fallen Zeus 95 Servicemembers | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Representatives Kim Schrier (D-WA 08), Joyce Beatty (D-OH 03), and Mike Carey (R-OH 15), introduced bicameral legislation, the Zeus 95 Memorial Act, to establish a memorial at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) honoring the six Zeus 95 servicemembers who perished on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 during an Operation Epic Fury mission. Maj. John A. Klinner, (33, Auburn, AL); Capt. Ariana G. Savino, (31, Covington, WA); and Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, (34, Bardstown, KY), were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Capt. Seth R. Koval, (38, Mooresville, IN); Capt. Curtis J. Angst, (30, Wilmington, OH); and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, (28, of Columbus, OH) were assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio. In the House, the bill is also cosponsored by Representatives Suzan DelBene (D-WA 01), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA 05), and Marilyn Strickland (D-WA 10). “Captain Ariana G. Savino represents the absolute best of Washington state and our country. I will forever be grateful for her bravery and sacrifice,” said Senator Murray. “Capt. Savino and the other five courageous Air Force Airmen put their lives on the line to keep our country safe—they should be honored. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragic incident—Congress should pass this bill immediately to establish this memorial. We have a commitment to honor our servicemembers not only with words but by supporting the families they leave behind—making sure the federal government is there for our military families will continue to be a top priority for me. To the families, friends, and fellow Airmen who loved the Zeus 95 crew, you have my most sincere condolences.” “Captain Savino and the five heroes of ZEUS 95 gave everything in service to our country. A memorial at Arlington National Ce… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-presses-fda-nominee-heidi-overton-on-her-anti-abortion-extremism-and-fdas-failures-to-keep-food-safe/ | Murray Presses FDA Nominee Heidi Overton on Her Anti-Abortion Extremism and FDA’s Failures to Keep Food Safe | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Overton refuses to say whether mifepristone is safe and effective; Overton refuses to say that IUDs and contraception are NOT abortion ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning*** Washington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Heidi Overton to be Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, grilled Overton on the FDA approval of mifepristone and the safety of medication abortion, the mass foodborne illness outbreaks over the summer, and extreme claims that birth control is abortion. [MEDICATION ABORTION] Senator Murray began by questioning whether Overton agreed that mifepristone was safe and effective, something decades of research has consistently affirmed. MURRAY: Dr. Overton, do you do agree with the FDA approval of mifepristone, which means the agency deems it safe and effective? OVERTON: Thank you for the question. I look forward to getting to meet with you next week and talk in more detail. Mifepristone was approved by the FDA, as having met its safety and efficacy standards. MURRAY: I know what the FDA has done. I asked if you agree with the FDA, that it is safe and effective? OVERTON: Senator, as the nominee for the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, my job would be to abide by the statutory standards set out for safety and efficacy. And when a product is before the agency and has met those standards, I would agree with the statutory standards of safety and efficacy. MURRAY: So, you do believe it’s safe? OVERTON: I know that it has met the safety and efficacy standard according to the FDA review. MURRAY: Well, despite what FDA says, and what decades of science says, you actually published an article three years ago that incorrectly described medication abortion as “dangerous to women.” The fact that you would blatantly contradict decades of high-quality scientific evidence, and millions of patients use it, … | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senators-murray-hirono-cortez-masto-reintroduce-bill-to-expand-coverage-of-birth-control-in-america-and-sound-the-alarm-on-trumps-relentless-attacks-on-contraception-family-planning/ | Senators Murray, Hirono, Cortez Masto, Reintroduce Bill to Expand Coverage of Birth Control in America and Sound the Alarm on Trump’s Relentless Attacks on Contraception & Family Planning | 2026-09-24 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray: “Trump administration officials literally asserted birth control caused abortion, and wanted to set it on fire—seriously!” ICYMI: Murray Leads Colleagues in Calling on RFK Jr. to Reinstate 50+ Recently Cancelled Teen Pregnancy Prevention Grants ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks and the full press conference*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a press conference with Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) on the reintroduction of their bicameral Affordability is Access Act. Senator Murray was also joined by Dr. Serina Floyd, Chief Medical Officer for Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Daria Neal, Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, Audrey Ann Ross, Senior Manager of Communications and Policy at AccessMatters, and Dana Singiser, Co-Founder of Contraceptive Access Initiative. The legislation is also led by Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA-06), and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14) in the House of Representatives. The Affordability is Access Act would require insurers to fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs, once it’s FDA-approved. The legislation also includes a new provision to require health insurance to cover every FDA-approved contraceptive drug or drug-led combination product without cost sharing unless the health plan also covers a therapeutically equivalent generic without cost sharing—this would significantly eliminate barriers that some patients face in accessing contraceptives prescribed by their provider. This reintroduction comes as the Trump administration continues their senseless attacks on reproductive care, family planning, and contraception. Throughout the press conference, speakers discussed the administration’s moves to cancel teen pregnancy… | 1 | 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4269 | Larsen Fights for Guardrails on Data Centers | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined 110 House Democrats in a letter to tech industry leaders last Friday demanding that all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes. “Data center projects and the energy systems and infrastructure that support them must be built and operated responsibly with a commitment to high-quality construction, good jobs, strong environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with the communities they serve,” wrote the Members. The lawmakers stated that they would oppose new data center construction projects that failed to incorporate strong labor standards, negotiate community benefits agreements with local leaders, and mitigate impacts on local air quality, drinking water and utilities costs for residents. “At a time when the nation's power grid, roads, bridges, schools, and other public infrastructure require significant investment, data center development must strengthen rather than strain, these systems,” the Members continued. “Developers must also invest responsibly in grid infrastructure, including new generation and grid upgrades, to protect ratepayers from bearing the costs of data center projects' energy needs.” The full text of the letter to tech industry leaders can be read here. Larsen Holds Data Centers Accountable Last week, Rep. Larsen voted for legislation to protect families from higher electricity bills because of data centers in their communities (the Ratepayers Protection Act). Rep. Larsen also cosponsors the Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act to roll back tax breaks for large AI data centers in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law. Rep. Larsen supports tough, upfront restrictions on data centers: No high electric bills for local families and small businesses; No federal tax breaks; No construction without community approval and union labor; Data centers must pay their fair share to connect to and use the grid; and Data centers must use closed loop water systems. A one-pager on Re… | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-on-trump-admin-scrapping-plans-for-executive-order-to-empower-russ-vought-to-kill-nih-research/ | Murray on Trump Admin Scrapping Plans for Executive Order to Empower Russ Vought to Kill NIH Research | 2026-09-23 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ICYMI: Senator Murray on Trump’s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on news breaking today that plans to issue an executive order to establish an external review committee empowered to veto National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards are being scrapped. “It shouldn’t take public outcry to prevent President Trump and Russ Vought from laying waste to the NIH and defunding lifesaving research because they think it’s ‘woke’ or want to extort a university. This president is on a mission to shred patients and families’ hopes for new treatments and cures. “While this specific scheme may now be on ice, make no mistake: President Trump and Russ Vought are already playing politics with lifesaving NIH funding and will continue to do so, with or without a new Executive Order. What’s sorely needed are more protections in law to actually put an end to that—to stop funding and staffing cuts, prevent political appointees from meddling in decisions about lifesaving research, and ensure grantmaking is guided only by what gives us the best chance at the next medical breakthrough. I’ve been pushing to do much more in our spending laws, but we need Republicans to finally agree to put real checks on President Trump and Russ Vought.” Senator Murray has raised alarms and fought back against this administration’s nonstop efforts to politicize, cut, and defund all manner of lifesaving medical research—including by pushing for new guardrails in the HHS spending law. She and her Democratic colleagues in Congress also successfully fought to secure language in the recently enacted continuing resolution (CR) to block the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) attempt to politicize every aspect of the federal grantmaking process. ### | 1 | 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z | 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-daines-lead-wa-mt-and-ak-lawmakers-in-letter-to-rfk-jr-defending-top-nw-organ-donation-group | Cantwell, Daines Lead WA, MT, & AK Lawmakers in Letter to RFK Jr. Defending Top NW Organ Donation Group | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell, Daines Lead WA, MT, & AK Lawmakers in Letter to RFK Jr. Defending Top NW Organ Donation Group LifeCenter Northwest, the primary organ procurement organization in Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, threatened with decertification due to CMS criteria that disadvantages geographically large and sparsely populated service areas; “Decertification would create unnecessary risk for our region - jeopardizing timely access to organ transplants and undermining support for donor families” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) led 17 House and Senate members from western states in sending a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz expressing support for recertification of the regional organ donation group, LifeCenter Northwest – as well as concern that the HHS and CMS criteria used to evaluate the organization’s performance may undervalue organizations that serve large, rural areas. Organ procurement organizations, or OPOs, are responsible for helping recover organs from deceased donors and getting those organs to patients who need transplants. Under the framework established by CMS in 2020, OPOs are assessed on two measures: How many potential donors become actual donors, and how many organs from those donors are ultimately transplanted. But in January, the Trump administration proposed major oversight and accountability changes that will determine whether OPOs may continue operating during the 2026 recertification cycle. If these changes are finalized, it is estimated that approximately 75% of OPOs could be at risk of decertification. “LifeCenter Northwest plays a vital role in sustaining organ donation and transplantation across a uniquely large and complex donation service ar… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-senate-floor-murray-ticks-through-trumps-most-wildly-out-of-touch-economic-quotes/ | On Senate Floor, Murray Ticks Through Trumps Most Wildly Out-of-Touch Economic Quotes | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray: “It is everything. It is health care costs—which Trump has sent higher. It is child care—which is out of control. It is goods across the board—which are up due to Trump’s insane trade wars. It is gas—which Trump launched to new heights with his Iran war. Trump just does not get it. He has no idea what Americans are going through.” ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full speech*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor slamming Trump for the many wildly out-of-touch statements he’s made about the economy and working families. In addition to ticking through ten of Trump’s most out-of-touch takes, she discussed how Trump and Republicans’ policies are making gas, groceries, health care, and child care more expensive for working families while pouring trillions into illegal wars. Senator Murray focused her discussion on Trump quotes below: “I love the inflation.” “’Groceries,’ it’s a very simple word. ‘Groceries.’ Like almost—you know, who uses the word?” “Affordability is a hoax…” “I don’t think that a beautiful baby girl needs…to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls…” “I always say tariffs is the most beautiful word to me in the dictionary.” “I found health care sort of like not of tremendous interest…” “We can’t take care of day care. We’re a big country. We have 50 states. We have all these other people. We’re fighting wars. We can’t take care of day care.” “I don’t want to drive housing prices down. I want to drive housing prices up for people that own their homes.” “Wars can be fought ‘forever’…” Reporter: “I wonder what grade would you give your economy?” Trump: “A plus. A plus, plus, plus, plus, plus, plus.” Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “As President Trump himself has admitted: ‘I’m not so careful with what I say.’ And: ‘Americans’ financial situation? I don’t think about anybody.’ “No kidding—we noticed! “And when it comes to the economy, President … | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/trump-admin-set-to-impound-or-redirect-billions-of-dollars-in-foreign-policy-investments-congress-made/ | Trump Admin Set to Impound or Redirect Billions of Dollars in Foreign Policy Investments Congress Made | 2026-09-22 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray, Schatz respond as President Trump and Secretary Rubio refuse to follow the law and deploy resources Congress provided to combat international fentanyl and narcotics trafficking, counter Russia, protect against global health threats, and more Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, issued the following statement on the Trump administration’s refusal to spend foreign assistance investments Congress made as intended as the end of the fiscal year quickly approaches on September 30. “Cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, countering Putin, protecting Americans from global health threats—these are priorities just about everyone supports. But instead of spending funding Congress provided to support these common-sense objectives, the Trump administration is on track to permanently impound nearly a billion dollars and to commit billions more to pay for its brazen dismantlement of USAID instead of following the law that Congress passed and using those funds to save lives and advance bipartisan U.S. foreign policy objectives. “Far from cutting wasteful spending, the Trump administration has created more of it. This administration is now using funding Congress provided for countering health threats and autocrats alike to cover legal bills Trump and DOGE incurred from illegally razing USAID to the ground and cutting off lifesaving work in the blink of an eye. “Congress passed a law to invest in saving lives, protecting the American people, and advancing our interests abroad; it did not hand Trump a checkbook to spend on whatever he pleases while blocking funding for everything else. The Trump administration needs to rework its plans and spend these resources as Congress intended, and we need Republicans in Congress to finally join us in insisting that happens.” When Congress provides federal funding, it specifies how long t… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4460 | New K-12 Education Package Would Better Support Students, Families, Teachers | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) cosponsored the introduction of the Transforming Education for the Future Act, a comprehensive legislative package authored by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to modernize and strengthen K-12 education to help our kids have a brighter future. The American education system has experienced significant turbulence during the past decade, including the Trump administration’s mismanagement and dismantling of the Department of Education, learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, increased use of technology and social media, the rise of generative AI, increased teacher burnout, and the reduction of federal support for public schools. The Transforming Education for the Future Act will help address these critical issues and more. “We have a fundamental responsibility to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education,” said DelBene. “From funding rollbacks to learning setbacks, our public schools are facing tighter budgets and increased challenges. This bill contains several meaningful reforms to strengthen public education, including restoring and increasing funding, expanding school meal programs, and implementing universal preschool. I thank Rep. Bonamici for her leadership in modernizing public education and making a difference in the lives of our students and teachers.” “For decades, public schools have been asked to do more with less. Add to that the fact that we have seen many new and complicated challenges over the past ten years,” said Bonamici. “Circumstances have changed, but the American system of public education has not yet adapted. We need a public education system that meets the moment for today’s students and tomorrow’s. We need an education system that prepares students not to pass a test, but to think critically and build a future. We need to support the educators who make that possible. And we need to remove those barriers that stand between children and opportunity. The Transforming Education for the Future Act is a blueprint for doing ju… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-bilirakis-degette-announce-rep-schriers-appointment-co-chair | Reps Bilirakis, DeGette Announce Rep. Schrier’s Appointment to Co-Chair the Congressional Diabetes Caucus | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) – Co-Chairs of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus – announced that Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), the first pediatrician elected to Congress, will serve as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Caucus in the 120th Congress. Representative Schrier will join Co-Chair Bilirakis in leading the 246-member Diabetes Caucus, one of the largest and most influential bipartisan member organizations in Congress. “As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes, it is a priority of mine in Congress to help patients with diabetes manage their condition and afford their medications,” said Rep. Schrier. “I am extremely excited to co-chair the Congressional Diabetes Caucus alongside Congressman Bilirakis. Congresswoman DeGette has championed the Diabetes Caucus for over twenty years, and I am honored to continue her work to bolster diabetes research, lower costs for patients, and ensure quality care for all Americans.” “I am proud to announce my friend, Rep. Kim Schrier, as the incoming Democratic Co-Chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus,” said Rep. DeGette. “Diabetes impacts millions of Americans across every district in this country, crossing all political lines. Those who live with diabetes in this nation need strong advocates on their behalf in the years to come. Rep. Schrier brings her expertise as a pediatrician and as someone with direct personal experience with diabetes to her work every day. She is a tough, practical legislator and will drive bipartisan work to expand access to life-saving treatments, bring down insulin costs, and fund the biomedical research that will ultimately lead to a cure.” “Diana is a dear friend and one of the fiercest advocates I have ever had the privilege of working alongside,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “For years, we have put politics aside and worked together toward a shared goal: improving the lives of Americans living with diabetes and, ultimately, finding a cure. Her leadership, tenacity and compassion have… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-final-approval-of-25m-federal-grant-for-new-lummi-island-ferry-and-dock-upgrades | Cantwell Hails Final Approval of $25M Federal Grant for New Lummi Island Ferry and Dock Upgrades | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Hails Final Approval of $25M Federal Grant for New Lummi Island Ferry and Dock Upgrades WASHINGTON, D.C. – Whatcom County and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have announced they have finalized a $25 million federal grant that will allow Whatcom County to replace the 64-year-old Lummi Island ferry with a state-of-the-art vessel and rebuild the aging ferry terminal. The grant came from DOT’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program, which was championed by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee. “This federal investment will allow construction to begin to replace a 64-year-old ferry used by over 175,000 passengers each year as the only link between Lummi Island and mainland Whatcom County,” said Sen. Cantwell. “Now and for decades to come, residents will have a reliable way to get to the mainland for vital services like jobs, groceries, education, and health care.” Sen. Cantwell visited Lummi Island and rode the existing ferry when the grant was first announced back in summer of 2022. Photos of her visit are available HERE, b-roll of Sen. Cantwell stepping off the Lummi Island Ferry is available HERE, and a transcript of her remarks is available HERE. Lummi Island is a rural community, with the ferry producing the only connection between the island and the mainland of Whatcom County. The Lummi Island Ferry is located on Lummi Nation land. The Lummi Island Ferry is one of the state’s oldest vessels and is well past the end of its useful life. The RAISE grant for the Lummi Island Ferry Replacement and System Modernization Project will help replace the ferry with a battery-hybrid vessel that would reduce emissions and increase ridership capacity to meet future growth. This funding comes following a letter of support written by Sen. Cantwell and Sen. Patty Murray to then-Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in March 2022… | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-demand-answers-on-trump-admins-rapid-sweeping-changes-to-nuclear-safety-measures-putting-workers-and-the-public-at-risk/ | Murray, Kaptur Demand Answers on Trump Admin’s Rapid & Sweeping Changes to Nuclear Safety Measures, Putting Workers and the Public at Risk | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Ho K. Nieh about the broad changes being made at the NRC to regulations, security, organizational structure, and more, which could threaten worker safety at nuclear facilities and impair independent oversight. The NRC has been quickly making these changes and rehauling the organization without providing time for public input or transparency. NRC, a statutorily independent agency, has been undertaking wholesale revision of its regulations, guidance, oversight processes, and organizational structure pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14300, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” that President Trump signed on May 23, 2025. These sweeping changes encompass 47 regulations, 27 rulemakings, and 71 guidance documents. “The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is undertaking wholesale revision of its regulations, guidance, oversight processes, and organizational structure,” write Murray and Kaptur. “We support efforts to ensure that the NRC’s regulatory framework is efficient, risk-informed, and capable of supporting the safe and secure deployment of nuclear energy. However, the breadth of the changes currently underway raises significant questions about whether the NRC has adequately evaluated the cumulative effects of these reforms on nuclear safety, security, independent oversight, and public confidence.” Murray and Kaptur express deep concern for NRC plans to remove “as low as reasonably achievable” (ALARA) radiation safety requirements, endangering workers’ safety: “We are particularly concerned about the proposed revisions to the NRC’s radiation protection framework. The NRC proposes to remove regulatory requirements implementing the ‘as low … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-trumps-latest-plan-to-politicize-lifesaving-nih-research/ | Senator Murray on Trump’s Latest Plan to Politicize Lifesaving NIH Research | 2026-09-21 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s latest reported plans to issue an executive order to establish an external review committee empowered to veto any awards selected by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to receive funding. “Whether lifesaving medical research gets funded or not should be determined by experts at the NIH—not a panel of lackeys chosen by Donald Trump and Russ Vought. Under this scheme, a single political appointee could kill a cancer study or an Alzheimer’s trial with no scientific reason at all. “Only one question should decide which research gets funded: is this good science that could save lives? Trump wants to answer a different question: does this help me settle a score? NIH funding doesn’t belong to Donald Trump—it belongs to the patients and families waiting on the next medical breakthrough. “President Trump will stop at nothing to defund medical research that fundamentally changes the lives of patients and families across the country, and Republicans need to join us to put a stop to any effort by this administration to politicize what groundbreaking new treatments and cures we decide as a country to invest in—whether that’s an OMB rule or a new executive order. “Breast cancer patients shouldn’t be denied hope of a new lifesaving treatment because Russ Vought thinks women’s health research is woke. Researchers at UW, Fred Hutch, and labs across Washington state and the country are working on cures that families are counting on; I’m going to fight this corrupt heist every step of the way.” Senator Murray has raised alarms and fought back against this administration’s nonstop efforts to politicize, cut, and defund all manner of lifesaving medical research. She and her Democratic colleagues in Congress also successfully fought to secure language in the recently enacted continuing resolution (CR) to block the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) attempt to … | 1 | 2026-09-22T09:42:49Z | 2026-09-22T09:44:35Z |
| https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-merkley-lead-bicameral-resolution-honor-americas-lgbtq-veterans-and | Randall, Merkley Lead Bicameral Resolution to Honor America’s LGBTQ+ Veterans and Servicemembers | 2026-09-20 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Emily Randall | R000621 | randall.house.gov | randall | https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Congresswoman Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution recognizing September 20, 2026, as National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day. National LGBTQ+ Servicemembers and Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in 2011 and recognizes the courage and contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans who have served our nation. It is estimated that more than 100,000 servicemembers were discharged from the Armed Forces on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity between World War II and 2011. “Service members and Veterans who’ve proudly served our country deserve respect and care no matter who they are or who they love. But this Administration continues to push out trans and queer service members using discriminatory policies that don’t make our military more prepared or our nation more secure. Unacceptable,” said Rep. Randall. “Today, on the 15-year anniversary of the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,’ – the long-standing policy that kept LGBTQ+ service members in the closet – we honor all LGBTQ+ Americans who have bravely served our country. Today we recommit to fighting for every veteran to receive the dignity, support, and benefits they’ve earned.” “America’s servicemembers and veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share a common commitment to serve our nation,” said Sen. Merkley. “These heroes put on their uniform knowing their country would likely ask them to hide who they are, deny who they love, or punish them simply for living openly. For generations, LGBTQ+ Americans have answered the call to serve, and we should honor their service and acknowledge the discrimination they endured.” The resolution calls for greater awareness of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discriminatory military policies, unjust discharges, and bans on transgender military service and health care. It also urges the federal government to support LG… | 1 | 2026-09-21T10:25:24Z | 2026-09-21T10:26:54Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-celebrated-by-southwest-washington-ukrainian-community-upon-returning-home | Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Celebrated by Southwest Washington Ukrainian Community Upon Returning Home | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | VANCOUVER, WA — Upon her return to PDX International Airport late in the evening on a school night, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez was welcomed by a large crowd of local Ukrainian American families to celebrate her recent vote to pass additional harsh sanctions targeting Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine and to thank her for being one of only two Democrats to vote to ensure this sanctions package reached the House floor. On Tuesday, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez cast the deciding vote on the motion that brought the Russia sanctions package to the House floor. In recent months, Russia has targeted Ukrainian population centers with relentless waves of drone attacks. This sanction package targets Russia’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine by penalizing the biggest buyers of Russian oil. On Wednesday, the sanctions bill passed in the House 262-159, with 58 Democrats supporting. The legislation previously passed the United States Senate on a bipartisan basis 86-11 on August 7, 2026, including support of both U.S. Senators from Washington, and the President is expected to sign the bill into law soon. Video of her arrival can be watched HERE. Members of the Southwest Washington Ukrainian community thank Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez for her vote of support. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez is greeted by Mikhail Pavenko, a volunteer Chaplain serving alongside the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez hands out sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine, gifted to her by the delegation. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is greeted by Ihor Levkiv, President of the Ukrainian-American Cultural Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez greets local constituents of Ukrainian heritage. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez is welcomed by constituents thanking her for her support of the Ukrainian community. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez discusses support for Ukraine with a constituent at PDX. A folder with the above images for download can be found HERE. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez is a proud supporter of Ukraine’s… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/18/jayapal-wilson-booker-introduce-legislation-to-combat-high-rate-of-heart-disease-in-south-asian-americans/ | Jayapal, Wilson, Booker Introduce Legislation to Combat High Rate of Heart Disease in South Asian Americans | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Joe Wilson (SC-02) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) are reintroducing the bipartisan South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, landmark legislation to both raise awareness about the alarming rate of heart disease for South Asians across the United States and put resources and strategies toward reversing this deadly trend for all communities. “As the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, I’m fully committed to increasing understanding of heart disease and the unique risk factors in the South Asian community while ensuring that all those living with it get the resources, treatment, and support they need,” said Rep. Jayapal. “Heart disease has been the leading cause of death for over a century, and it is even more dire in the South Asian community. The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act is essential legislation that ensures that we have the research, resources, and treatments to prevent heart disease cases and deaths in the South Asian community and beyond.” “Heart disease disproportionately affects certain populations such as the South Asian community, and this bill will expand research and education to benefit those communities. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill passed the House in multiple previous Congresses, and I look forward to its final passage into law,” said Rep. Joe Wilson. “Heart disease is taking South Asian Americans from their families at rates the medical community still doesn’t fully understand,” said Senator Booker. ” This bill puts real research dollars behind the risk factors hiding in plain sight, so doctors can catch what they’ve been missing. Every community deserves to have its heart health taken seriously, not treated as an afterthought.” Studies show that South Asians in the United States – people who immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal – are experiencing a dramatic r… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-schrier-led-patients-first-act-and-five-other-healthcare-bills-featured | ICYMI: Schrier-Led Patients First Act and Five Other Healthcare Bills Featured During Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined her colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for a health subcommittee hearing titled “Examining Legislative Proposals to Reform Medicare Provider Payment and Bolster Health Care Cybersecurity.” During the hearing, Congresswoman Schrier advocated for six of her bills – including her bipartisan Patients First Act that aims to establish comprehensive Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) reform. During the hearing, Congresswoman Schrier said: “It’s time for Congress to right the ship and to enact long-term reform to physician payment. We can’t pass another short term fix, and leave everyone on edge until the end of the year like we’ve done for so many years. Without Patients First, physician practices will continue to close or be bought out by large hospital systems, private equity, or insurance companies, and that just raises the cost of care for everyone.” “And without support for primary care, we can expect to see fewer and fewer medical students pursue that path. I urge this committee to move this legislation to straight markup. We need to pass the Patients First Act immediately," Schrier continued. More information on Schrier’s six bills that were featured in today’s hearing can be found below: H.R. 9693, The Patients First Act of 2026 (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), and Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03)) H.R. 8163, The Provider Reimbursement Stability Act of 2026 (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03) and Brad Schneider (IL-10)) H.R. 4331, The Access to Claims Data Act(Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13)) H.R. 9908, The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act (Led by Reps Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Erin Houchin (IN-09)) H.R. 1254, The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act (Led by Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Young Kim (CA-40), and Dan Meuser (PA-09)) H.R. 7905, The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026… | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schatz-shaheen-reed-warner-coons-statement-on-deadly-iranian-wedding-strike/ | Murray, Schatz, Shaheen, Reed, Warner, Coons Statement on Deadly Iranian Wedding Strike | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | “Reports that a strike on a home in Kuhestak, Iran that killed four civilians, including women and a child, and injured more than 60 others was likely caused by an errant U.S. bomb are shocking and deeply troubling. This is not the first time that U.S. strikes have resulted in civilian casualties during this war of choice, and it once again raises grave concerns about the Trump administration’s disregard for protecting civilian life. This incident must be fully and impartially investigated, and the full investigation must be shared publicly with Congress and the American people. We have yet to receive the full investigation of the Pentagon’s inquiry into a February 28th strike on a school in Minab that killed 175 civilians, mostly children. The public deserves to know what led to these failures and what is being done to prevent similar incidents in the future. This war must end.” | 1 | 2026-09-19T09:11:33Z | 2026-09-19T09:12:45Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4461 | DelBene, LaHood Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Encourage Prepared Meal Donations | 2026-09-18 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene and Darin LaHood (IL-16) introduced the bipartisan Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act. This legislation would encourage restaurants and retail food establishments to donate prepared meals to charitable organizations serving communities across the country by creating new tax incentives for donations. Currently, businesses and individuals can receive tax deductions for bulk food donations. However, no deduction or credit exists for prepared meals donated to nonprofit organizations that takes into consideration the added costs of food preparation. The Meals for Communities Tax Credit Act establishes a new nonrefundable credit for eligible businesses that donate prepared meals to charitable organizations. Specifically, the bill would: Provide a 50% tax credit for the fair market value of qualified prepared meal donations, with a maximum credit of $7 per meal, adjusted to inflation; Cap the credit at $50,000 per year; Include guardrails to prevent businesses from double dipping by claiming both the prepared meal credit and the existing charitable deduction for any food donation; and Retain the same health and food safety standards for kitchens and donated meals as already required for commercial restaurant service. “Millions of families across the country are struggling to reliably put food on the table because of rising grocery bills and a more expensive economy. Our food pantries and local nonprofits are stretched thin and cannot meet the demand in their communities. Meanwhile, restaurants are also contending with higher overhead costs and fewer customers,” said DelBene. “This legislation helps address both problems by providing restaurants with incentives to donate prepared meals directly to nonprofits serving hungry families. It will support restaurants, their workers, and families who don’t have enough to eat.” “Restaurants and food retailers in Illinois and throughout the country have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their communities by donating pr… | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/17/jayapal-hosts-hearing-on-big-tech-and-surveillance-ai/ | Jayapal Hosts Hearing on Big Tech and Surveillance AI | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | The full hearing can be watched HERE. WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), co-chair of the Monopoly Busters Caucus, hosted a hearing on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy as Big Tech monopolists aim to take over the industry and find new ways to profit off the surveillance of Americans. Surveillance AI is rapidly becoming more dangerous, with whistleblowers sounding the alarm that it could pose a serious threat to human life. Yet the powerful companies building AI are being left to write their own rules. This hearing examined the harms of surveillance AI and Members heard testimony from Dr. Jason Sattizahn, a former Meta employee and whistleblower; Leila Turner-Scott, a mother whose son died after following so-called safety guidance from ChatGPT; Amba Kak, the Co-Executive Director of the AI Now Institute and former Senior Advisor on AI at the Federal Trade Commission and; and Eliza Pan, the co-founder of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice. “This hearing could not be more timely. After months of communities speaking out and organizing across the country against data centers and threats of artificial intelligence, now top researchers and even CEOs from those AI companies are also beginning to speak out about their own concerns that artificial intelligence is advancing so rapidly and recklessly that even they believe it could lead to the extinction of humanity. These companies do not exist in a vacuum. They come from a world in which Big Tech corporations and large AI companies backed by those same corporations wield enormous power over the entire AI stack, whether it is the advanced chips, cloud computing, or the models themselves. This has created a closed loop of a few interdependent giants. Before we let this industry lock in its current shape for good, we need real structural solutions to break this oligopoly control and surveillance regime. That’s why I will soon be releasing a bill that would establish a national federal charter for AI companies, just like we do… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-hails-historic-opportunity-to-codify-athletes-rights-in-protect-college-sports-act | Cantwell Hails Historic Opportunity to Codify Athletes’ Rights in Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Hails Historic Opportunity to Codify Athletes’ Rights in Protect College Sports Act “We can recognize [these rights], enshrine them today, and make sure that these athletes are protected forever.”; Protect College Sports Act creates historic federal rights and protections for student athletes and secures the future of women’s and Olympic sports; aims to rein in runaway spending on athletics that’s harming colleges & students; Today, the Senate advanced the bill 77-22, picking up 4 votes -- 3 Democrats and 1 Republican WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, urged her colleagues to support her bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, a historic opportunity to enshrine athletes’ rights to name, image, and likeness (NIL) revenue – as well as important health and safety protections – into federal law. “We can recognize [these rights], enshrine them today, and make sure that these athletes are protected forever, including the rights to not have their contracts screwed with, their rights to not have their school override them, the rights to have any amount of money that some business wants to pay them, as long as it is for a valid business purpose,” said Sen. Cantwell said in a speech on the Senate floor. Sen. Cantwell also outlined the importance of stabilizing college sports. “I want these rules put in place because sports is about any given Saturday,” she said. “It is not about whether you have a billionaire in your backyard. It is about whether you can coach and recruit and develop and maintain and have academic performance and have fairness … and have everybody compete and keep the ecosystem in place. But that fairness does not exist today without this bill.” Sen. Cantwell noted that the runaway spending on athletics threatens opportunities in women’s and Olympic sports. “I am not going to have women's and Olympic sports undermined by this system. In… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-colleagues-in-demanding-answers-from-hegseth-on-cost-of-iran-war | Cantwell Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Joins Colleagues in Demanding Answers From Hegseth on Cost of Iran War Pentagon greatly underestimates cost of Iran war to taxpayers & families, senators write in letter to SecDef Hegseth WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined 45 of her colleagues in the Democratic Senate caucus in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a full accounting of the costs of the ongoing war with Iran. The letter also criticized the Department of Defense for withholding basic budget information from Congress and the American public even as U.S. casualties and taxpayer costs continue to increase. “Meanwhile, at home, American taxpayers have already paid an extra $100 billion out of their pockets for higher gas and diesel prices alone and at least another $60 billion in higher costs for things like groceries, mortgages, and plane tickets as a result of the war,” wrote the Senators. “Now you are asking that they pay again to fund a war of choice that Congress never authorized and the President launched with no strategic plan.” The United States is now more than six months into a conflict President Trump initially said would last six weeks. Eighteen American servicemembers have been killed and more than 820 wounded, and over 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East. In the letter, the senators note that deployments, including for the USS Abraham Lincoln and the 82nd Airborne, have been repeatedly extended, and that their offices have heard directly from military families worried about loved ones serving in the conflict. The aircraft carrier – which the Navy recently indicated is likely coming to Bremerton – was at sea for 286 days, a modern record, and concerns were raised by the crew and their families. In their letter, the senators highlight the contrast between the current Pentagon’s transparency record with past wartime pra… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4462 | DelBene’s Bill to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights Passes House, Heads to Senate | 2026-09-17 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) Taxpayer Advocate Participation Act (TAPA). This bipartisan legislation, led with Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17), authorizes the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) to file amicus briefs in federal tax cases on issues that may broadly affect taxpayer rights. The NTA is currently barred from submitting amicus briefs in federal tax litigation, even in major precedent-setting cases. “American taxpayers deserve to have an independent voice represent them in court, especially in cases that could impact them and their tax bill. This bipartisan bill will allow the National Taxpayer Advocate to weigh in on behalf of millions of Americans in these vital cases,” said DelBene. “I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their efforts to get this through the Ways and Means Committee and now the House so we can better advocate for taxpayers.” “American taxpayers deserve someone in their corner when their rights are at stake in federal court,” said Steube. “The National Taxpayer Advocate already fights for taxpayers across the country, but current law does not authorize the Advocate to weigh in on court cases that could impact millions of Americans. My bill closes that gap and makes sure the taxpayer’s voice is heard. I’m pleased to see the House pass TAPA, and I urge the Senate to get it to President Trump’s desk.” The bill does not authorize the NTA to represent individual taxpayers, but ensures the Advocate’s systemic expertise can inform judicial proceedings. | 1 | 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z | 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-missed-votes | Congressman Smith Statement on Missed Votes | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 16, 2026) – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) released the following statement" "Over the past few weeks, I have been dealing with some medical issues and was scheduled to have a procedure. Unfortunately, this procedure was postponed, causing me to miss several votes in the House over the past few days in session. "My top priority is representing my constituents back in Washington. To do so, I also need to take care of my health and recovery to best serve those in the Ninth District. Thank you for your support and I look forward to getting back to work." | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4454 | Ways & Means Republicans Continue Covering Up Harms of Trump’s Medicare AI Experiment | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) forced a vote on an amendment during a Ways & Means Committee markup that would require the Trump administration to release yet-unseen information about the WISeR program. The program pays private companies to use AI to delay and deny care to seniors in Washington and five other states. Since the program began in January, patients have been left in severe pain and unable to access the care prescribed by their doctors. In June, DelBene announced that Virtix, the company administering WISeR in Washington, was ordered to submit a corrective action plan for delays in reviewing claims after a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) audit of its performance. Neither document has been released to Congress or the public. The amendment would force CMS to release any audits or corrective action plans for WISeR-participating companies within 3 months. It would also direct the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission to analyze the impacts of Medicare Advantage plans’ red tape on patients and providers. Ways & Means Republicans rejected the amendment by an 18-19 vote. “It’s clear why the administration is doing everything they can to conceal these documents. The more that Americans learn about WISeR, the more outraged they get at the Trump administration for jeopardizing their care and trying to privatize Medicare,” said DelBene. This effort was informed by a bombshell report released by the Electronic Frontier Foundation that revealed widespread delays and denials of care, operational chaos, and reports of patient harm. The report contains nearly 1,000 pages of documentation, including contracts with participating companies, internal reports, and health care providers’ complaints about the program, that were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and lawsuit. It also sheds light on the CMS’ plan to expand WISeR to cancer treatments and other types of care. DelBene introduced legislation last November to repeal WISeR and has led multiple other legislati… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-votes-to-support-ukrainian-defense-and-sanction-russia | Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Votes to Support Ukrainian Defense and Sanction Russia | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez reaffirmed her commitment to the Ukrainian community in Southwest Washington by voting for a comprehensive package of sanctions targeting Russia and anyone who facilitates sanctions evasion. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is a critical effort to cripple funding for Russia’s War in Ukraine by penalizing countries that buy Russian oil. The bill was voted on in the Senate earlier this year, where it passed 86-11. The bill went on to pass in the House 262-159. This package includes a number of sanctions, specifically it would: Imposes blocking and entry (visa) sanctions on specified Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin and senior political and military leaders, oligarchs who haven’t opposed the war or continue to benefit from ties with the Russian government, executives/controlling owners of major Russian energy projects, foreign companies supporting Russia’s defense industrial base or military, and persons engaged in corruption, money laundering, or sanctions evasion for the Russian government. Imposes sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels and supporting entities used to transport Russian oil and other goods while concealing ownership or transactions to circumvent sanctions. Imposes sanctions on the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, VTB Bank, Gazprombank, and other covered Russian financial institutions. Foreign financial institutions engaging in significant transactions with sanctioned Russian institutions shall also be sanctioned. Imposes sanctions on entities in which the Russian government holds a controlling/majority interest or that are otherwise government-affiliated, and restricts U.S. financial institutions from processing specified transactions involving the Russian government, government-owned entities, or Russian officials. Restricts certain Russian securities from U.S. exchanges; prohibits new U.S. investment in Russia and its energy sector and transfer of U.S.-produced energy … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4261 | Larsen’s Water Resources Bill Passes House | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)’s Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026) passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415 to 9. The bipartisan, biennial bill protects Northwest Washington’s environment, supports Columbia River Treaty negotiations and authorizes critical investments in Northwest Washington ports, inland waterways, flood management systems and other water resources infrastructure. “Today’s House passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 is great news for ports, harbors and inland waterways in the Pacific Northwest and across the country,” said Rep. Larsen, who is the top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “From expanding funding opportunities to restore ecosystems on Spencer Island to authorizing a study to mitigate Nooksack River flooding, WRDA 2026 continues bipartisan efforts to improve water resources infrastructure, create good-paying jobs and protect communities from natural disasters. I look forward to working with the Senate to pass a final WRDA 2026 into law.” Since 2014, Congress has enacted a water resources development bill every two years to help improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, aquatic ecosystems and other aspects of water resources infrastructure. WRDA 2024 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and included many of Rep. Larsen’s local priorities, including funding environmental infrastructure assistance to Western Washington state communities and expanding the Tribal Partnership Program (TPP) to make it easier for the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with Northwest Tribes on projects. Washington State Wins in WRDA 2026 WRDA 2026 invests in Washington state priorities, including restoring the Puget Sound, addressing Nooksack River flooding and ensuring that critical Corps projects across the state can continue. Wins for Washington in WRDA 2026 include: Nooksack River Flooding: Authorizes a new feasibility study for flood … | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4263 | Larsen Votes to Protect Families from Data Centers Raising Costs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to pass the Ratepayers Protection Act 417 to 3. “I voted for the Ratepayers Protection Act to protect families from higher electric bills,” said Rep. Larsen. “This legislation is only a start, and there is a lot more work to do. I support tough, upfront restrictions on large data centers: no high electric bills for local families and small businesses, no federal tax breaks, and no construction without community approval and union labor. Data centers must pay their fair share to connect to and use the grid, and they should be required to use closed loop water systems. I support the ability of local jurisdictions to enact temporary moratoriums to give themselves time to decide how they want to manage large data centers.” The Ratepayer Protection Act requires state regulators to consider directing data centers to pay the full cost of connection to the grid, protecting ratepayers from footing the bill for data centers’ power consumption. In 2024, the Department of Energy projected that the percentage of U.S. electricity demand from data centers could grow from 4.4 percent in 2023 to 12 percent by 2028. Rep. Larsen also cosponsors the Big Ugly Tax Breaks for Data Centers Act to roll back tax breaks for large AI data centers in Republicans’ Big Ugly Law. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4264 | Larsen Votes No on More Trump Tariff Powers | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I support Ukraine. I always have, and I always will. But this sanctions bill isn’t necessary. “President Trump already has authority to impose sanctions on the Russian officials and companies that are fueling the brutal war in Ukraine. And yet he has chosen to sanction only two Russian officials with that authority. “Congress has already allocated $400 million for assistance to Ukraine. Instead of using these existing powers and dollars, the Trump Pentagon has refused to release that money to help the Ukraine military. “President Trump is going easy on Putin and blaming Ukraine for surging diesel prices. This sanctions bill doesn’t do anything to help Ukraine that this President can’t already do.” The House of Representatives today voted to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by a vote of 262 to 159. Rep. Larsen is a strong advocate for a free and independent Ukraine. In June, he helped pass the Ukraine Support Act, which would impose tough sanctions on Russia and provide additional security assistance to Ukraine. Rep. Larsen is a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA), an organization made up of delegates from all 32 NATO member countries with a mission to engage in dialogue over transatlantic security issues. Rep. Larsen is also a leader in opposing the Trump administration’s tariffs and a member of the New Democrat Coalition Trade and Tariffs Task Force. In February, the House passed with bipartisan support a resolution that Larsen co-led to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-murray-grills-trump-nominees-on-ai-denying-seniors-health-care-abortion-bans-killing-women/ | At HELP Hearing, Murray Grills Trump Nominees on AI Denying Seniors’ Health Care & Abortion Bans Killing Women | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full questioning*** Washington, D.C. — Today—at a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) hearing to consider Trump’s latest slate of nominees for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the HELP committee, grilled Trump’s nominees on the harmful WISeR model that is denying seniors doctor recommended care and on how Republican abortion bans are putting women with ectopic pregnancies at life threatening risk. [AI DENYING SENIORS’ CRITICAL HEALTH CARE] Senator Murray began by questioning Chris Klomp, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of HHS, on the WISeR model—which uses artificial intelligence to deny seniors’ health care—and the private companies doing the prior authorization assessments profiting from the denials. MURRAY: Mr. Klomp, I’ll start with you and I want to start with the WISeR model, that as you know is a program CMS is using to implement AI prior authorization in Traditional Medicare in several states, including in my home state of Washington. Do the contractors in the model—who are the private companies conducting the prior authorization assessments—make more money if they deny care? Just yes or no? KLOMP: My understanding is no. MURRAY: Well, the answer actually is yes. We already know these companies are paid based on the number of claims they deny. And we also know that the CMS Office of the Actuary literally said in a memo, “model participants will have an incentive to deny as many claims as possible.” And what do you know? In the first three months of this year, the Washington state contractor denied more requests than they approved. So, Mr. Klomp, you’ve said prior authorization was one of the first things you wanted to focus on at HHS, saying it needs to be fixed so it’s “invisible to the patient.” KLOMP: Yes ma’am. MURRAY: I’m telling you, it is not invisible for the seniors in my state who’ve had to wait weeks in pain as their doctors battled with these… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-sound-alarm-on-trump-admins-plans-to-siphon-away-likely-impound-healthcare-research-funds/ | Murray, Baldwin Sound Alarm on Trump Admin’s Plans to Siphon Away & Likely Impound Healthcare Research Funds | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Lawmakers demand immediate information about plans to award tens of millions in AHRQ funding set to expire September 30, after HHS informed them it plans to transfer some funding to other agencies Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, demanded Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. release information about HHS’ plans to spend down tens of millions of dollars in funding Congress approved for lifesaving and cost-cutting healthcare research at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)—all of which is set to expire come September 30 if it is not awarded. President Trump and Secretary Kennedy have worked to systematically dismantle AHRQ since taking office and are on track to impound—or transfer away to other agencies—a significant portion of the agency’s budget for the current fiscal year. This comes after AHRQ terminated approximately 150 grants totaling $94 million earlier this year and impounded $80 million in fiscal year 2025 funding after failing to award grants last year. “It is increasingly clear that once again, your Department intends to ignore the law and—through a combination of gross negligence and intentional sabotage—will refuse to spend millions of taxpayer dollars that should be funding research to lower costs in the health care system and protect patients’ safety,” write Murray and Baldwin. “Research funded by AHRQ grants has saved tens of thousands of lives and billions of dollars in health care costs, but once again, instead of getting these funds provided by Congress out the door as is required by law, this administration is on track to impound these resources and kill lifesaving research,” they continue. In the letter, Senators Murray and Baldwin state that HHS recently informed them that it plans to award just 90 grants this y… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-kaptur-demand-energy-department-restore-eliminated-safety-rules-justify-rewrite-of-dozens-of-critical-safety-and-accountability-measures/ | Murray, Kaptur Demand Energy Department Restore Eliminated Safety Rules, Justify Rewrite of Dozens of Critical Safety and Accountability Measures | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, sent a letter to Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling out the dozens of changes being made to operating directives at the Department of Energy (DOE), which is jeopardizing the safety of work being done at DOE labs, plants, and sites, reduces transparency and Federal oversight, and risks wasting taxpayer dollars. DOE made these sweeping changes without meaningful engagement with workers, labor unions, and other stakeholders. Murray and Kaptur are demanding DOE immediately restore three of the cancelled orders and justify the other forty-six changes. Those orders required DOE to track safety incidents and worker injuries across its labs and sites, and let workers formally challenge technical decisions they believed put safety at risk. “We are deeply concerned that the scope and pace of these simultaneous changes will weaken critical safety protections, reduce independent Federal oversight, impair public visibility into departmental operations, and transfer significant responsibility from Federal officials to contractors without adequate safeguards in place,” write Murray and Kaptur. “In short, we are worried the rollback of these changes could jeopardize the safety of work being conducted across the DOE enterprise and waste taxpayer dollars.” Murray and Kaptur further detail the importance of independent oversight, quality assurance, nuclear facility safety reporting, and worker training—and call out the Trump administration for claiming to support “performance-based accountability” and strong safety and security standards, while also eliminating reporting requirements and rewriting regulations that do just that. Murray and Kaptur continue by responding to DOE’s decision to flat out cancel several orders, “D… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/on-senate-floor-murray-calls-on-republicans-to-end-trumps-trade-war-republicans-ignore-rising-costs-block-bill-to-end-tariffs/ | On Senate Floor, Murray Calls on Republicans to End Trump’s Trade War—Republicans Ignore Rising Costs & Block Bill to End Tariffs | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray: “We have a bill today that could actually save families thousands of dollars. All we need is for Republicans to join us, stand up to Trump, and pass this bill that will end Trump’s deranged trade wars.” ICYMI: Murray Introduces Bill to End Trump’s Trade War with Canada & Lower Costs, Slams Trump’s Latest Tariffs as “Economic Arson” ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full speech*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke on the Senate floor urging Republicans to pass her End Trump’s Tariff Tax Act, legislation that would end Trump’s global tariffs and 50% tariffs on Canada, and stop him from waging his unilateral trade war. Following Murray’s speech, Senate Republicans blocked a request by Democrats to pass the bill through unanimous consent, despite Trump’s tariffs costing the average family nearly $2,000. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “In the face of the skyrocketing prices Trump has caused with his own policies, he has been trying to sell voters a new empty promise about $5,000 checks that everyone knows are never coming. “But we have a bill today that could actually save families thousands of dollars. All we need is for Republicans to join us, stand up to Trump, and pass this bill that will end Trump’s deranged trade wars. It is quite literally a bill to cut taxes—so Republicans should be all for it. “And it will save families big time. After all, we know Trump’s tariffs cost the average family nearly $2,000 last year. Two thousand dollars! Think about that. That is money families should have in their pockets. It could help with months of groceries, or cover rent. It could help fund home or car repairs in a pinch. It could be a family vacation. “But instead—that money got burned up by Trump’s trade war. “Now, I hear from folks back in Washington state about this about every time I’m home. They have not been shy about saying just how damaging Trump’s trade war has been. Business owners cannot build a long… | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/16/jayapal-statement-on-vote-for-ratepayer-protection-act/ | Jayapal Statement on Vote for Ratepayer Protection Act | 2026-09-16 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after voting for the Ratepayer Protection Act. “I voted for this bill because there is nothing objectionable in it, and at least it makes slight headway in proposing regulatory standards for data centers to operate and not push costs onto consumers. But I want to be clear: this bill has no teeth to it—it does not require states to do anything. It is merely a suggested standard that states are not required to adopt. It does absolutely nothing to address the very real concerns that voters have around AI, data centers, and the safety and accessibility of their water and air. And importantly, it does nothing to actually hold AI companies responsible for the havoc that they are wreaking on communities across the country. “Let’s remember that Donald Trump continues to call the threats of AI a ‘hoax’ and that this Administration — right now — has laws that could be enforced against the AI companies to hold them accountable for the threats they have unleashed in surveillance, scraping knowledge, and creating models that could very seriously cause the extinction of the human race, in the words of their own researchers and CEOs. “We need real solutions to rising costs of energy, like the Energy Bills Relief Act, rather than backroom deals that help to shield big polluters and data centers while doing very little to address the affordability crisis that people are facing. I intend to continue doing that work.” | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-9-15-rule-vote | Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on 9/15 Rule Vote | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | I’m proud to represent one of the largest Ukrainian communities in America-people who have lost fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in the fight to defeat fascism. I’ll always stand with my community’s values, and I am grateful for the 86 senators who voted to send this bill to the house. My vote today gets us one step closer to enacting these sanctions into law and I look forward to voting tomorrow to cut off the flow of Russian oil money fueling this war. | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/15/meng-jayapal-and-south-asian-members-of-congress-denounce-racist-post-targeting-ut-austin-students/ | Meng, Jayapal, and South Asian Members of Congress Denounce Racist Post Targeting UT Austin Students | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Grace Meng (NY-06), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Ami Bera (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Shri Thanedar (MI-13) issued a joint statement condemning a racist post by Texas Republican Bo French that included a photo of South Asian students celebrating at a University of Texas football game: “We are outraged by the blatantly xenophobic social media post made by Bo French, Republican candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, attacking students celebrating at the University of Texas football game. These were young students in a moment of joy and celebration. “This is a part of a broader rise of attacks made towards the South Asian American community. In fact, 71 percent of all anti-Asian threats of violence between August 2024 and December 2025 were directed at South Asians, making them the most targeted Asian regional subgroup in online spaces associated with targeted violence. Hateful and racist attacks like this have no place online, or in our communities. We must continue to speak out against this sort of rhetoric, and we must demand better of candidates and elected officials. No one’s Americanness should be judged based on the color of their skin.” | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4258 | Larsen Statement on Joint U.S.-Canada Oil Spill Response Exercise | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “On September 2, my staff observed a joint exercise between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Canadian Coast Guard designed to simulate response efforts and coordination between our two countries in the event of an oil spill in shared waters. “This type of collaboration across the border between the U.S. and Canada is even more critical because of Canada’s plans to ship more oil in the Salish Sea with the proposed new Alberta to B.C. pipeline. “I have concerns about the potential impacts of this proposed pipeline, including on tanker traffic in the Salish Sea, and I am glad that my staff could observe the exercise to ensure that there are relationships and procedures in place that benefit both countries in the event of a disastrous spill. “I will continue to work with federal agencies to ensure their oil spill prevention and response plans account for increased tanker traffic, identify federal actions to reduce the risk of a spill and engage my Canadian Government counterparts on the concerns people I represent have about the pipeline.” On September 2, the U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard participated in a joint exercise designed to coordinate oil and hazardous spill responses in shared Pacific waters such as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Georgia Straits and Boundary Bay. These exercises occur every other year under the Canada-United States Joint Marine Pollution Contingency Plan. On July 2, the Government of Alberta announced a proposed new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific Ocean that would transport 1 million barrels per day to an export terminal at Roberts Banks in British Columbia located just north of the Canada-U.S. border. The new pipeline is anticipated to significantly increase tanker traffic in Haro Strait and Boundary Bay in the Salish Sea, and with it the risks for catastrophic oil spills impacting sensitive marine environm… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4259 | Larsen Applauds $4.2 Million for Local Salmon Passage Restoration | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative (Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community) for restoring fish passage to support Similk Estuary Chinook salmon. “This is great news for fish!” said Rep. Larsen. “This funding will give the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community the resources they need to improve fish passage and foster salmon recovery. I will keep working closely with local leaders and Tribes to bring home federal dollars to protect salmon habitats and Northwest Washington’s environment.” NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program provides technical assistance and funding to partners implementing habitat restoration projects in coastal communities around the country. These projects recover and sustain fisheries in the United States by ensuring that fish have access to high-quality habitats. NOAA selected only 16 projects out of 350 proposals for this round of funding under the program. “These funds from NOAA Fisheries provide much needed support for the Similk estuary habitat restoration project,” said Fred Cayou, Board Chair of the Skagit River System Cooperative. “This high priority project benefits SRSC member Tribes and local communities by helping to recover Chinook salmon populations while also reducing flood risks.” The Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group from Washington state also received $7.2 million from NOAA to restore floodplain habitat for Chinook and steelhead in the Mid-Columbia River. Larsen Continues to Champion Northwest Washington’s Environment Rep. Larsen is a strong advocate for protecting Northwest Washington’s environment. He leads annual efforts to fund Washington’s Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups (RFEGs). Last year, he joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) in leading members of the state’s Congressional delegation in a letter urging the Department of Interior to reverse … | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-supreme-courts-ruling-that-blocks-us-postal-service-from-interfering-with-vote-by-mail | Cantwell Statement on the Supreme Court’s Ruling That Blocks U.S. Postal Service From Interfering With Vote-by-Mail | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement on the Supreme Court’s Ruling That Blocks U.S. Postal Service From Interfering With Vote-by-Mail WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released this statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s refusal to reverse a lower-court ruling that blocked the Postal Service from implementing requirements that would have interfered with vote-by-mail in Washington state and nationwide: “This close to the election we need stability, not disenfranchisement and confusion. I’m glad a majority of the Supreme Court Justices rejected Trump’s mail-in ballot scheme that would have created chaos and denied many Americans the right to vote. I still encourage Washingtonians to stay vigilant, vote early, and use drop boxes when possible to avoid delays in the postal system.” On September 8, Sen. Cantwell joined 260 of her colleagues – including all Senate Democrats and current and former members of the House of Representatives – in filing a bipartisan, bicameral amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case. Together, the lawmakers argued, “As current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States — including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do.” The lawmakers argued, “The district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imp… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/runaway-athletics-spending-threatens-the-financial-health-of-americas-colleges-cantwell-snapshot-report-shows | Runaway Athletics Spending Threatens the Financial Health of America’s Colleges, Cantwell Snapshot Report Shows | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Runaway Athletics Spending Threatens the Financial Health of America’s Colleges, Cantwell Snapshot Report Shows 94% of Division I programs are in the red, spending more than they generate; schools faced approx. 300% higher costs for recruiting, equipment, and coaching since 2005; Universities and state governments are footing the bill, boosting spending by $520 million across 53 Power Four athletic programs alone in 2025 vs. 2015; Senate voting today on advancing Cantwell’s bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, which would stabilize college sports WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Finance Committee, released a new snapshot report on how runaway athletics spending is harming the financial health and broader missions of U.S. colleges and universities – and hitting students with record-high fees. “This report demonstrates how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying the broader financial pressures on colleges and universities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We're seeing universities transfer general fund money to cover athletic department deficits, dip into endowments to sustain their general funds, and beg state legislatures for even more sports dollars. We must rein in runaway athletics spending or face the consequences of a brain drain that threatens our global leadership in science and technology.” The report contains a new analysis of the increase in government and institutional support to our leading public universities. According to this analysis, leading universities now contribute a half-billion dollars more towards athletics each year than they did ten years ago. Contributions from general funds to support athletics among Power Four schools have nearly tripled from 2015-2024, increasing from $445 million to $1.2 billion. Other findings outlined in the report: 94 percent of all Division I athletics programs now spend more than they generate in athleti… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-votes-74-24-to-advance-cantwells-bipartisan-protect-college-sports-act | Senate Votes 74-24 To Advance Cantwell’s Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Senate Votes 74-24 To Advance Cantwell’s Bipartisan Protect College Sports Act The Protect College Sports Act creates federal rights and protections for student athletes and secures the future of women’s and Olympic sports; Today, Cantwell’s office published a snapshot report detailing how runaway spending on athletics is harming colleges & students WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted 74-24 to invoke cloture on the Motion to Proceed to the Protect College Sports Act, a bipartisan bill authored and introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), the committee chair. Following today’s vote, the bill now awaits additional votes in the Senate. If passed by the Senate, the legislation would then be considered by the House of Representatives. In a speech on the Senate floor before the vote, Sen. Cantwell said: "This bill brings order to [college sports]. It helps women and Olympic sports, and it sets up a commission to look at the real future, which I think should include collective bargaining [...] Let's bring some sanity. Recognize that athletes do deserve revenue sharing, and that this bill will put that into law for the first time." Video of her speech is HERE; a transcript is HERE. Today, Sen. Cantwell’s office also released a snapshot report detailing how the unsustainable growth in spending on college sports is amplifying financial pressures on colleges and universities. That report can be read in full HERE. Yesterday, Sen. Cantwell joined current college athletes, coaches, and senators from both parties for a press conference at the U.S. Capitol to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act. That press conference, which also included Gonzaga University head men’s basketball coach Mark Few, can be watched in full HERE. The Protect College Sports Act: PROTECTS ATHLETES: First-ever NIL Right Grants student athletes a new federal right to earn compensation for their Nam… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-introduce-privileged-resolution-seeking-answers-on-west-bank-violence/ | Murray, Colleagues, Introduce Privileged Resolution Seeking Answers on West Bank Violence | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | The Senators’ resolution – introduced Monday night – would require a report on increasing violence in the West Bank, including deaths of American citizens Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and 19 of their Senate colleagues in introducing a 502B privileged resolution requiring the Department of State to report to Congress on increasing violence in the West Bank, including the killings of Americans in the West Bank. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank in recent years – and more detained – and none have received accountability or justice from either the Israeli or United States governments. The Senators’ resolution would require the Department of State to provide information and assessments related to investigations of the killing of United States citizens by violent Israeli settlers or Israeli security forces in the West Bank, as well as an assessment of the human rights situation in the West Bank, specifically related to the detention of Palestinian children. They were joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Peter Welch (D-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). “The increasing violence in the West Bank is horrifying and unacceptable. Nine Americans have been killed in the West Bank since 2022 and their families deserve clarity and accountability. Two constituents from Washington state have been killed by Israeli forces with no answers and no justice—that can’t go unanswered. Additionally, the reports of detained Palestinian children are absolutely heartbreaking—those families des… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-rallies-with-bipartisan-members-of-congress-advocates-parents-against-trumps-attacks-on-head-start/ | Senator Murray Rallies with Bipartisan Members of Congress, Advocates, Parents Against Trump’s Attacks on Head Start | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray: “Trump wants to turn Head Start into a Dead End.” ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Trump’s Latest Attack on Head Start, Calls on Teachers and Parents to Protect the Program ICYMI: Senators Murray, Luján, and Advocates Sound the Alarm on Trump’s Latest Attack on Head Start, Vow to Save Head Start ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined a bipartisan group of members of Congress, child care advocates, and parents, to sound the alarm on the damaging new proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that if finalized could gut Head Start by shredding basic standards that keep kids safe and advances their education. The proposed rule removes most of Head Start’s 133 pages of requirements for class sizes, discipline, medical screenings, home visits, hours of service, staff qualifications, and more. In her remarks, Senator Murray highlighted how vital Head Start is for families in Washington state and across the country, and how important it is to preserve the strong, consistent standards and comprehensive services that Head Start provides for communities. In her remarks, she also called on families to make their voices heard and participate in the ongoing public comment period. Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below: “Last month, President Trump, the billionaire who thinks we cannot afford child care but who does thinks we can always find money for war and billionaire tax cuts, well as you know, he launched his latest attack on working families: it is a proposal that will rip the heart out of our Head Start program, by shredding over a hundred and thirty pages of rules that help our kids stay safe and make sure they do get a quality education. “No one is falling for Trump’s spin here, no one. Are you? No! In just about every way you can think of—this rule would tear Head Start down. “Now, Trump wants to tear down g… | 1 | 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z | 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-on-new-report-finding-trump-wasted-billions-in-taxpayer-dollars-to-force-out-essential-federal-workers-most-expensive-way-imaginable-to-make-government-worse/ | Murray on New Report Finding Trump Wasted Billions in Taxpayer Dollars to Force Out Essential Federal Workers: “Most expensive way imaginable to make government worse.” | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today finding the Trump administration spent $9.5 billion paying federal workers not to work as part of its sweeping campaign to reduce the federal workforce. In many cases, after pushing out federal workers and paying them not to work, the Trump administration proceeded to rehire for their roles, and those new hires have been less qualified than the staff they replaced. “After promising to cut waste, Trump instead set billions upon billions in taxpayer dollars on fire to quite literally pay people not to do jobs they loved—from researching cancer cures to taking care of our National Parks, and so much else. “Trump spent billions to push out experienced and badly needed experts across government—this was the most expensive way imaginable to make government worse. “Seniors, veterans, and families will wait longer for the help they count on for years to come, all thanks to Trump’s reckless mass firing campaign, which was endorsed by Republicans in Congress who cheered these cuts and refused to join Democrats to put a stop to it.” Vice Chair Murray and Senate Democrats have fought to put a stop to President Trump’s sweeping efforts to fire all manner of essential federal workers, including in negotiations over annual spending bills. But Republicans have rejected Democrats’ efforts to put a permanent stop to mass firings and workforce reductions through spending measures and voted against a number of amendments Democrats proposed to protect staffing levels in critical areas. ### | 1 | 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z | 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/15/jayapal-raskin-fletcher-liccardo-durbin-blumenthal-padilla-whitehouse-introduce-cra-resolution-of-disapproval-regarding-regulation-that-changes-how-international-students-journalists-main/ | JAYAPAL, RASKIN, FLETCHER, LICCARDO, DURBIN, BLUMENTHAL, PADILLA, WHITEHOUSE INTRODUCE CRA RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL REGARDING REGULATION THAT CHANGES HOW INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & JOURNALISTS MAINTAIN IMMIGRATION STATUS | 2026-09-15 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), and Sam Liccardo (CA-16) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval regarding a regulation, entitled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media,” which changes how international students and journalists maintain their immigration status. For more than 40 years, F-1 visa students, J-1 visa exchange visitors, and I visa international journalists have been permitted to remain in the U.S. for as long as they engage in the activity that qualifies them for the visa, a practice known as “duration of status.” However, on July 17, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule that eliminates duration of status and requires recipients of F-1 student visas and J-1 exchange visas to enter the U.S. for a fixed admission period capped at a maximum of four years; similarly, recipients of I visas would be admitted for the length of their project in the U.S. or a maximum of 240 days. The rule also includes significant limitations on transfers and changes of educational objectives for student visa recipients. Educational institutions, labor unions, and medical associations have raised serious concerns about this rule’s impacts on the nation’s ability to attract the best and brightest students to U.S. universities and to retain doctors in American communities that desperately need them. The rule is scheduled to go into effect on September 15. “International students make our institutions of higher learning better for all students and create pipelines to ensure the best and brightest le… | 1 | 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z | 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/gluesenkamp-perez-announces-mobile-office-hours-in-thurston-and-lewis-counties | Gluesenkamp Perez Announces Mobile Office Hours in Thurston and Lewis Counties | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | TENINO AND RANDLE, WA – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced her office will be holding mobile office hours in Thurston and Lewis Counties. Residents of Washington’s Third District will be able to walk in to get assistance with federal agencies like the VA, IRS, and State Department. The Congresswoman’s team will be available on Wednesday, September 16th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tenino City Hall Meeting Room 149 Hodgden St S, Tenino, WA 98589 and on Wednesday September 23rd, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Timberland Library Meeting Room 10111 US-12, Randle, WA 98377. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has held thirty mobile office hours in every county in Washington’s Third District where she doesn’t have an office, as a part of her commitment to ensure every community can access her services. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has already recovered more than $16.2 million for over 3,800 constituents owed to them by federal agencies. “My bipartisan team is working each day to directly assist folks across Southwest Washington with federal agencies – whether it’s recovering Social Security checks, tax refunds, or veterans benefits you’re owed,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our services shouldn’t be any less accessible because of where you live – so I’ve made it my priority to bring mobile office hours to every county across Southwest Washington. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to stop by, and I’ll keep working to ensure we can reach more of our rural communities.” Constituents looking to receive updates about future office hours in their communities can follow Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez on Facebook, X, Instagram, or Threads or subscribe to her newsletter. Those not able to make it can always reach out online, by phone at (360) 695-6292, or in person at the Congresswoman’s Vancouver or Kelso offices. Examples of how Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has assisted constituents across Southwest Washington can be found here. #### | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-joins-gonzagas-mark-few-current-college-athletes-and-other-coaches-speaking-in-support-of-protect-college-sports-act | Cantwell Joins Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Current College Athletes & Other Coaches Speaking in Support of Protect College Sports Act | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Joins Gonzaga’s Mark Few, Current College Athletes & Other Coaches Speaking in Support of Protect College Sports Act CANTWELL: “I'm asking my colleagues to join us in fixing what's wrong with college sports today.”; FEW: "We really, really need help, and we need it from Congress.”; Cantwell’s bipartisan Protect College Sports Act ensures federal rights and protections for athletes and secures the future of women’s and Olympic sports; vote on legislation expected this week WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined Gonzaga University head men’s basketball coach Mark Few, current college athletes, other coaches, and senators from both parties to speak in support of the Protect College Sports Act. "[The Protect College Sports Act] is a first-time federal statute on the rights of students to earn NIL and revenue sharing. So, a historic recognition of both of those rights," said Sen. Cantwell. "This is [also] about reining in the bad practices that are happening in college sports today, the runaway costs that are sending people to the state legislature, asking for bailouts from taxpayers to pay for sports ... because of the runaway arms race in sports spending," she added. "I'm asking my colleagues to join us in fixing what's wrong with college sports today." "We really, really need help, and we need it from Congress," said Coach Few. "This bill might not be perfect, but it's far and far away the best thing we got out there right now." "I'm so proud of both Senator Cantwell working with her over all these years, but just teaming with Senator Cruz," he added, "it really, really gives you a great feeling and great encouragement of just how Washington does really work for all of us." Speakers at today’s press conference included current college athletes, current college coaches and bill cosponsors from both parties. COLLEGE ATHLETES Diego Diaz, Fa… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-trump-plan-to-eliminate-epa-limits-on-power-plant-pollution | Cantwell Statement On Trump Plan To Eliminate EPA Limits on Power Plant Pollution | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement On Trump Plan To Eliminate EPA Limits on Power Plant Pollution WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Trump administration officials announced a plan to remove the existing pollution caps placed on power plants in the United States, changing a longtime policy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and threatening to increase the level of greenhouse gases pumped into our atmosphere. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, senior member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, made the following statement: “Rolling back carbon pollution limits from power plants is a step in the wrong direction. Rather than abandoning public health standards and the fight against climate change, the way to keep electricity prices down is to invest in cleaner, more efficient energy technologies.” In the United States, the power sector is already the second-largest producer of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, behind only the transportation sector. According to data recently released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July 2026 was the hottest on record for the contiguous U.S., with an average temperature of 76.9*F – a full 3.3*F hotter than the 20th century average, and the hottest in 132 years of record keeping. Climate change is already costing American consumers, with one study published earlier this year finding U.S. households paying an average of $400 to $900 more per year because of climate change, and more than $1,300 in some parts of the country. Sen. Cantwell has been a strong advocate of polices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple sectors and industries. As then-chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, she secured $297 million for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Low-Emissions Aviation Technology Grant Program, now known as the Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, which was enacted in the Inflation Reduction Act.… | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-patty-murray-statement-on-pete-serranos-nomination-for-u-s-attorney-in-the-western-district-of-washington/ | Senator Patty Murray Statement on Pete Serrano’s Nomination for U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington | 2026-09-14 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — In response to Pete Serrano’s nomination for U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Washington, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has issued the following statement. “Pete Serrano is not qualified to serve as U.S. Attorney and his extreme right-wing views are completely out of touch with the priorities of Washington state. His record hasn’t changed—he tried to rewrite the history of the violent January 6th insurrection and sides with anti-abortion extremists. “Let’s be clear about what a sham this is: after federal judges declined to appoint Serrano in Eastern Washington, this administration invented a workaround to install him anyway. Now they want to permanently install Serrano in the Western District. When the federal judges in the Western District appointed a highly qualified prosecutor unanimously—this President fired him within an hour for no cause. “The people of Washington state deserve a serious U.S. Attorney who will follow the law, not a political loyalist who thinks the law is whatever the President says it is. I will be using every tool I have to block this nomination.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z | 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lopez-island-food-center-breaks-ground-with-1m-cantwell-supported-federal-investment | Lopez Island Food Center Breaks Ground With $1M Cantwell-Supported Federal Investment | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Lopez Island Food Center Breaks Ground With $1M Cantwell-Supported Federal Investment The 6,000-square-foot facility will help local farmers connect directly with food-insecure families & workers, & provide needed infrastructure; Cantwell & Larsen helped secure a $1 million federal grant for the project EDMONDS, WA – Yesterday, leaders in the San Juan Islands celebrated the groundbreaking of the Lopez Food Center, a 6,000-square-foot facility that once completed will house a food share, job training, storage space and farm stands for local farmers, a commercial kitchen, and more. The project was funded in part by a $1 million federal grant secured by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) through an FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request. “Too many families on Lopez Island struggle with food insecurity while San Juan County farms need access to markets, employees, and infrastructure which are all harder to find on the islands than on the mainland. This 6,000-square-foot community space will connect families in need, local farmers, and community organizations and create new opportunities for workers and businesses," Sen. Cantwell said. "The Lopez Food Center is exactly the kind of grassroots solution we should be investing in, and that’s why Congressman Larsen and I worked to secure $1 million in federal funds toward this groundbreaking." The project will construct a multi-use building in the "main square" of the island focused on two issues: fighting high levels of food insecurity, which impacts approximately 40% of Lopez Island residents, and increasing economic development opportunities for island farms and restauranters. Once completed, the center will provide a safe and accessible home for the Lopez Food Share, a food share that currently serves 1,123 low-income adults and children each month. The new space will double the number of people who can be served and allow the food share to create a hot meal program and expand its prepared food offeri… | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murrays-statement-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/ | Senator Murray’s Statement on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 | 2026-09-11 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9/11. “Today, on the twenty fifth anniversary of September 11th , we remember the innocent lives that were taken from us, and we pause to honor the bravery and selflessness of every single person who stepped up in the face of unthinkable tragedy. We will never forget the loved ones we lost, the courage of our first responders and servicemembers—nor will we forget how our country came together with an outpouring of unity in the aftermath to grieve and heal together. On that terrible day, there were countless individual acts of courage, kindness, and solidarity and unlikely heroes stepped up from all walks of life. These Americans exemplify the very best of our country and a quarter century later, they continue to inspire us. I hope all of us can remember that there will always be more that unites us as Americans than divides us, despite what some would tell us.” In 2022, a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Murray helped pass the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act unanimously in the United States Senate which would expand Post-9/11 combat veterans’, including those suffering from conditions caused by toxic exposures, access to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care. Senator Murray also helped pass the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act (PACT Act) as a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. In 2019, Senator Murray voted to reauthorize the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund for the next 73 years, which provides financial support to help pay the health care bills for first responders and survivors of the attack on 9/11. ### | 1 | 2026-09-12T09:02:30Z | 2026-09-12T09:03:27Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-gluesenkamp-perez-testifies-on-her-bills-to-clean-up-congress | Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez Testifies on Her Bills to Clean Up Congress | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC — Last week, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez attended a hearing held by the House Committee on Rules to advocate for changes to House rules for next Congress. She urged the committee to enact a number of reforms within the U.S. House of Representatives. Among these reforms were an effort to create cognitive standards for members of the House, to form a Select Committee to explore Electoral Reform options, allow for remote committee testimonies, and to expand the code of conduct to ban Members of Congress from sleeping with House staff. Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez testifies in front of the Rules Committee Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez opened her testimony asking committee members to consider the adoption of her BRIDGE to Congress Resolution to allow remote witness testimony at Congressional hearings. The Congresswoman noted that for too long everyday people and people who live far from the Capitol face significant burdens in coming to DC to speak in front of their representatives. This provision hopes to bring local issues into committee spotlights and reduce the influence of lobbyists and paid policy professionals. “For a constituent in Southwest Washington, testifying in person can mean taking time off work, finding child or elder care, and paying for a plane ticket and hotel in Washington, D.C. Most working families I know simply can’t afford that,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, “The result is a witness pool that lacks geographic, economic, and lived-experience diversity. Instead of hearing directly from a fisherman in Pacific County or a shop teacher in Skamania County, Congress gets a feedback-loop from people paid to discuss policy. That leads to bad policy and erodes public trust.” The Congresswoman continued her testimony by urging the adoption of her resolution establishing a bipartisan Select Committee on Electoral Reform. Throughout her time in congress, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has pursued options for making Congress a more representative body to the average American. The Electoral Reform Se… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-the-eve-of-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-9/11-terrorist-attacks | Cantwell Statement on the Eve of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement on the Eve of the 25th Anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) made the following statement: “Our hearts are mourning for all those lost on September 11, 2001. We remember the victims as well as the heroism of first responders, the service members who continue to protect us, and the incredible unity we felt as a nation in the aftermath of the attacks. “On that terrible day, America came under attack. The world rallied around us. This anniversary is a call to rededicate ourselves to these shared values that have always defined us as a nation. | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-senator-murray-visits-pnnl-in-sequim-vows-to-protect-federal-funding-for-national-labs/ | ICYMI: Senator Murray Visits PNNL in Sequim, Vows to Protect Federal Funding for National Labs | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***PHOTOS HERE*** Sequim, WA – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) Sequim campus, which houses the only marine research facilities in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) national lab complex. The Sequim campus is focused on marine-based research that helps the nation achieve energy innovation and maintain robust, secure coasts. PNNL’s testbed in Sequim Bay is an ideal testing location for a variety of technologies—from new energy systems to AI-enabled maritime technologies—that link Sequim Bay through an energetic tidal channel to the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the Puget Sound. Senator Murray toured PNNL’s new Bench to Bay Deployment and Applied Sciences Laboratory. This lab allows scientists to engineer lab equipment and deploy it directly into marine environments, a unique capability in the national lab complex. Senator Murray secured $21.3 million in FY24 through DOE’s Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) to directly support the construction of this new facility. “Trump has launched an all-out attack on science and research in this country—and I’m doing everything I can to stop it,” said Senator Murray. “PNNL does critical work to study marine environments, develop new renewable energy technology, and keep Washington state and the country safe from threats by securing our coasts. This is exactly why investing in research matters. I will continue to push back against the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to research at our national labs.” PNNL is one of the national lab complex’s top labs for research funding through the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). NNSA’s nuclear nonproliferation work and EERE programs have both been targeted for elimination or draconian cuts by both the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress. Thanks to Senator Murray’s leadership on the Energy and Water Development (EWD) Appropriations Subcom… | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senators-murray-coons-shaheen-klobuchar-slotkin-statement-on-president-trumps-trade-war-with-canada/ | Senators Murray, Coons, Shaheen, Klobuchar, Slotkin Statement on President Trump’s Trade War with Canada | 2026-09-10 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s continued imposition of new tariffs on Canada: “The states we represent rely on Canada as a key trading partner and our primary export market. We have deep ties with our neighbors to the north, and we share one of the world’s most enduring defense partnerships. We have built two powerful nations over many decades by working together, growing our economies together, and securing our homelands together. Our countries have achieved great things by working closely together, and we still can. “Instead of working with our neighbors, President Trump is doubling down on a pointless trade war. His tariffs will squeeze our states’ small businesses and farmers harder and drive costs up for working families. They will raise the cost of the lumber, plywood, and construction equipment we need to build new housing. They will hurt our workers and businesses who manufacture autos, aircraft, and machinery. They will drive up the prices consumers pay for everyday basics like milk, clothing, and paper products. “President Trump’s tariffs have already cost American families as much as $5,000 in some states, and his senseless trade war with Canada will only grow that number. While American families and businesses suffer from President Trump’s trade wars, partners around the world, including Canada, are increasingly looking to diversify away from the United States and deepen trade ties with other countries including China. Congressional Republicans need to stand up to the president and do their part to give families and businesses on both sides of the border relief from this insanity.” ### | 1 | 2026-09-11T09:25:29Z | 2026-09-11T09:27:08Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4257 | Larsen Pushes Back Against Trump’s Voter Suppression Efforts | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “President Trump’s U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail-in voting rule is an effort to suppress the right to vote. There is no evidence that mail-in ballots result in widespread voter fraud in our elections, no matter what the President claims. “For instance, during a recount of ballots mailed in Whatcom County for last month’s primary, election workers confirmed that 100% of the ballots were counted accurately. Local election officials know how to administer free and fair elections. “I am challenging Trump’s voter suppression efforts. I will keep supporting all efforts to defend Washington’s secure vote-by-mail system and protect the right of every eligible citizen to cast a ballot and have that ballot counted.” Yesterday, Rep. Larsen joined 260 of his House and Senate colleagues in sending an amicus brief to the Supreme Court arguing against the legality of Trump’s USPS mail-in voting rule. The court case challenges a USPS rule issued because of President Trump’s executive order this past March that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail. Rep. Larsen is a co-founder of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. To read the full amicus brief, click here. | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-22-2-rate-increase-for-washingtons-2027-exchange-health-insurance-market/ | Senator Murray Responds to 22.2% Rate Increase for Washington’s 2027 Exchange Health Insurance Market | 2026-09-09 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington’s Office of Insurance Commissioner Says Republicans Refusing to Extend ACA Tax Credits is Key Driver of New Premium Hike ICYMI: New Report Shows Health Care Premiums Doubled for Over 200,000 Washingtonians Thanks to Trump and Republicans’ Health Care Cuts Washington, D.C. — Today—nearly a year after Republicans refused to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits—the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State announced that a 22.2% average rate increase was approved for insurance providers who will sell individual health plans on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange in 2027. In response, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement. “This massive rate increase is a direct result of the health care crisis that Republicans have created by prioritizing billionaires over American families. Costs are skyrocketing while patients are losing health coverage—and it didn’t have to be this way. We know exactly how we got here: last year, Republicans passed the single largest cut to health care in our country’s history, and they blocked every Democratic effort to extend the ACA tax credits,” said Senator Murray. “Trump and Republicans would rather give trillions in tax breaks to billionaires and endlessly fund Trump’s war with Iran than help families afford their doctor appointments and prescriptions. Republicans chose to put billionaires and foreign wars ahead of health care for the American people—but the people can have the last word using their voice and their vote.” In August, a new report was released detailing how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—which cut over $1 trillion from health care to fund tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires—has caused 50,545 Washingtonians to lose their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage they relied on to receive health care. Republicans also refused to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, which caused premiums to double for 226,813 people across… | 1 | 2026-09-10T09:25:58Z | 2026-09-10T09:27:09Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4255 | Everett’s Maritime Institute Recognized as Leader in Maritime Workforce Education | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that the Maritime Institute in Everett was one of sixteen maritime workforce centers designated as a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education in 2026. “The maritime economy is alive and well in Washington state,” said U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees MARAD. “The Maritime Institute’s national recognition as a MARAD Center of Excellence is proof positive of that. I will keep working to support the Maritime Institute and expand the local maritime economy and the jobs that come with it in the Pacific Northwest.” A MARAD CoE designation recognizes that a Center is making a notable contribution to the growth, sustainability, and competitiveness of the maritime sector and workforce in the United States. The 48 CoEs across the U.S. are organizations identified as key to building the maritime workforce and providing the necessary infrastructure for the United States to mobilize the required workforce in times of national need. They may be eligible for up to $30 million in federal funding specifically allocated to CoEs in 2027. “Maritime Institute is incredibly proud to be designated as a Center of Excellence by the U.S. Maritime Administration,” said Dave Abrams, CEO of the Maritime Institute. “This designation honors the dedication of our team to provide the highest quality training to mariners in the State of Washington and across the U.S. Our mission is to train people to build, repair, and operate vessels safely; we hope that this designation will eventually provide funding for additional resources to support that mission and our continued expansion in Everett, while helping to grow Washington’s maritime workforce.” "It’s an honor to hear our partners at Maritime Institute have been recognized as a Center of Excellence by MARAD,” said Lisa Lefeber, Port of Everett CEO/Executive Director. “This is a testament to the importan… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4256 | Larsen Joins 167 Lawmakers Demanding the Trump Administration Halt its Roadless Rule Rollback | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined a bipartisan coalition of 167 Members of Congress last Friday in urging the Trump administration to abandon its proposal to rescind the Roadless Rule, a longstanding and successful conservation guardrail protecting 44 million acres of iconic landscapes and National Forest System lands. The letter underscores the Rule’s broad, bipartisan support, as well as its critical role in safeguarding clean drinking water, wildlife habitats, carbon storage, and outdoor recreation economies across 37 states. “Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states. These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities,” wrote the Members. “The enduring support for the Roadless Rule is rooted in its clear and measurable benefits. Over the past 25 years, the rule has helped protect watersheds, biodiversity, and ecosystem integrity by limiting road construction and large-scale logging in undeveloped areas.” In the letter, the lawmakers criticize their lack of meaningful public engagement, calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the comment period, hold in-person public meetings, and conduct full Tribal consultation. The lawmakers also demanded the Trump administration halt its rescission effort and instead focus on successful implementation of this bedrock policy. The full text of the letter can be read here and below. Dear Secretary Rollins and Chief Schultz, As Members of Congress representing a broad range of communities, stakeholders, and outdoor interests, we write in strong support of the U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Area Conservation Rule (“Roadless Rule”) and in firm opposition to the Department of Agriculture’s proposal for rescission. We urge the Department to halt this effort and instead focus on effective implementation of this l… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-seattle-senator-murray-spotlights-bills-to-combat-child-labor-wage-theft-and-strengthen-workers-rights-in-the-face-of-trumps-anti-worker-agenda/ | In Seattle, Senator Murray Spotlights Bills to Combat Child Labor, Wage Theft, and Strengthen Workers Rights in the Face of Trump’s Anti-Worker Agenda | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Senator Murray secured $2 million for MLK Labor’s Union Hiring Hall ICYMI: Murray Introduces Legislation to Protect Kids as Child Labor Violations Surge and Trump Undermines Enforcement ICYMI: Murray Reintroduces Bicameral Legislation to Combat Wage Theft, Strengthen Workers’ Rights ***PHOTOS OF EVENT HERE*** Seattle, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), held a roundtablewith labor leaders from across King County to discuss the dangers of Trump’s anti-worker agenda and why it is more important than ever for Congress to focus on a pro-worker agenda. This Congress Murray has introduced a host of labor bills to crack down on child labor violations, wage theft by giant corporations, and to strengthen workers’ rights overall. “We’re living through a moment in time where AI companies are pretty much all forecasting major disruption—major job loss. Well, I can’t think of a time when a union contract and strong labor laws would matter more! We can’t let a handful of companies redefine the economy on their own terms—this is a moment in history where we have to make sure workers have their say in the future of work,” said Senator Murray. “This administration doesn’t care what happens to working people as long as the ultra-rich can get richer. We need to consider what a healthy economy really means—it’s not just the stock market, it’s whether regular people can afford their groceries, a home, retirement—a good life. That’s what I’m fighting for.” Senator Murray also met with workers who found jobs through MLK Labor’s Union Hiring Hall, a centralized website to find and apply for good-paying union jobs in King County—which Senator Murray secured $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for in FY23. Last year, MLK Labor was unable to receive the CDS funds due to the Trump administration slow walking the award, but Senator Murray stepped in and was able to restore the funding. Since the Union H… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/its-not-1950-senator-murray-on-trumps-outrageous-and-backwards-move-to-siphon-child-care-funding-away-from-single-parents-and-working-families/ | “It’s not 1950”: Senator Murray on Trump’s Outrageous and Backwards Move to Siphon Child Care Funding Away from Single Parents and Working Families | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s reported plans to tap funding provided by Congress to help working families afford child care through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and establish the first federal subsidy to incentivize parents to leave the workforce and raise their own kids. The plan would siphon funding away from an already-underfunded program specifically designed to help working families afford child care as the Trump administration seeks to promote “traditional family values.” “It’s not the 1950s in America—our government shouldn’t punish people for being single parents or choosing not to marry. There are hundreds of thousands of families stuck on waiting lists who are eligible for very limited federal child care subsidies—you don’t get to skip the line because you have a marriage certificate. I will not allow this President to tell single moms that their kids matter less. This is an illegal and backwards move to deny single parents and unmarried couples federal funding they should be entitled to.” “There are hundreds of thousands of working families who qualify for federal child care assistance on waiting lists—I’m ready to pass a bill that delivers enough funding so that every working family in America can afford child care. Instead, Trump is taking money away from those families and pushing for an obscene half trillion increase for his so-called Department of War. Nobody cares what JD Vance thinks constitutes a ‘real’ family—single parents and parents who aren’t married pay taxes, too. Raiding an underfunded program solely to score culture war points is not pro-family—it’s a wasteful grift that I will fight every step of the way.” Senator Murray has led the fight in Congress to make affordable child care a reality for every working f… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-tours-harborview-in-seattle-sounds-alarm-on-republican-health-care-cuts-raising-costs-for-patients-straining-hospitals-across-wa-and-nationwide/ | Senator Murray Tours Harborview in Seattle, Sounds Alarm on Republican Health Care Cuts Raising Costs for Patients, Straining Hospitals Across WA and Nationwide | 2026-09-08 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE*** Seattle, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), toured Harborview Medical Center and discussed the new challenges health care providers are facing over a year after Republicans passed the largest health care cuts in history in their Big Ugly Bill. Senator Murray also held a roundtable discussion and heard from providers and Medicaid patients about the impact of the Republicans’ cuts to Medicaid and their failure to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits—causing massive premium hikes for families in Washington state and rising uncompensated care for hospitals and clinics. The Republican reconciliation bill, which was signed into law in July 2025, cut more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and the ACA over the next 10 years and will make health care more expensive and harder to access. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Republicans’ health care cuts will terminate health insurance for roughly 15 million Americans nationwide. “Harborview is the only Level I adult and pediatric trauma and burn center across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. When the worst happens anywhere in this region—this is where people come. That safety net runs on Medicaid. And whether or not people realize it: Republicans in Congress have cut almost $1 trillion out of it to pay for tax breaks for billionaires,” said Senator Murray. “Over 50,000 people in our state have already lost their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage—and Washington hospitals and clinics stand to lose between $31 and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next decade. 37 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes across Washington state are at risk, cutting services, or have already closed. Uncompensated care is up 5.6 percent, and Harborview absorbs more of that than anyone. I will fight to repeal Trump’s Medicaid cuts and make health care the priority it should be in Congres… | 1 | 2026-09-09T09:27:09Z | 2026-09-09T09:29:04Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/04/jayapal-demands-answers-on-reports-ice-is-weakening-safety-standards-at-private-for-profit-detention-centers/ | Jayapal Demands Answers on Reports ICE is Weakening Safety Standards at Private, For-Profit Detention Centers | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, is demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as reporting indicates that ICE is weakening detention safety standards, even as 56 people have died in these facilities under ICE’s watch. Loosening standards will allow for-profit, private prison operators to continue cutting corners on food, medical care, and safety. ICE Acting Director David Venturella is the former Vice President of GEO Group, the largest of these private, for-profit prison corporations. Reporting suggests that these private contractors were consulted in the adoption of these new standards. “Detention standards are meant to guide the entities operating immigration detention centers – they should not be written by them. And yet, it appears that that is precisely what occurred here,” wrote the Members. “At a time when there are numerous documented cases of abuse and neglect within the immigration detention system, when deaths of detained people, including at least one homicide, have more than doubled from previous years, and when the oversight mechanisms within the system have been gutted, we should not be lowering detention standards, especially not to pad the bottom line of companies getting rich off of taxpayer funds and human suffering.” Since the start of the second Trump administration, over 400,000 people have been arrested and sent to immigration detention facilities. From these facilities, there have been reports of inadequate medical care, spoiled food, overcrowded cells, and physical beatings. Guards beat one teenager so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Pregnant women have miscarried inside detention centers because of the appalling conditions, with some reporting receiving no medical care after miscarrying. Lowering already failing standards will make these facilities less safe and increase profits for the contr… | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/icymi-senator-murray-meets-seadoc-researchers-and-orca-tracking-dog-eba-in-bellingham/ | ICYMI: Senator Murray Meets SeaDoc Researchers and Orca Tracking Dog, Eba, in Bellingham | 2026-09-04 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | ***PHOTOS HERE*** Bellingham, WA – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, met with SeaDoc Society scientists to learn more about their research on Southern Resident Killer Whales. Senator Murray secured $850,000 in FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for SeaDoc to continue their work and support the recovery of endangered orcas. The SeaDoc Society was founded in 2000 to conduct and sponsor scientific research in the inland waters of the Salish Sea. SeaDoc also uses an orca tracking dog named Eba, who stands on the bow of the boat and can detect an orca’s fecal sample by smell up to a mile away. Fecal tracking and collection are crucial to the research team’s mission of understanding and protecting orcas. When Eba successfully tracks down an orca, she gets to play with her rope toy as a reward. “Orcas are not just whales, they are foundational to the identity and culture of the Pacific Northwest,” said Senator Murray. “SeaDoc is doing incredible work to study orcas and develop new systems to share data across research institutions and government agencies so we can all do our part to protect this amazing species. So many endangered species, like orcas, are the heartbeat of our native cultures and coastal economies—and I will keep doing all I can to save our orcas, our salmon, and everything that makes the Pacific Northwest so special.” A large population of Southern Resident Killer Whales once thrived in the Salish Sea, but a sharp decline in Chinook salmon, their primary food source, along with rising toxin levels and disruptive vessel noise, has pushed them to the brink of extinction. Their population has fallen nearly 20 percent since the late 1990s. Many established tracking and research techniques for orcas are highly invasive, but Eba, a scent-detection dog, can detect the scent of fecal matter from a great distance, allowing the research team to work non-invasively and stay away from the whales so as not to trigger a stress response. Whale scat alone … | 1 | 2026-09-05T08:49:07Z | 2026-09-05T08:50:44Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-988-mental-health-crisis | Congressman Smith Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster 988 Mental Health Crisis Response | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) introduced the 988 Crisis Response Act, bipartisan legislation to fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources. Congressman Smith is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and David Valadao (CA-22) as part of the larger 988 Implementation Act. “When someone has a mental health crisis, they deserve timely, comprehensive treatment — not just a trip to an overcrowded emergency room,” said Congressman Smith. "I've witnessed the important work of our mobile crisis response teams and broader behavioral health workforce in King County, and I appreciate their dedication to providing critical care to our community's most vulnerable. This bill will provide the reliable funding needed to strengthen these teams and help expand this model of care nationwide. Everyone deserves the right help, in the right setting, at the right time. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this effort.” BACKGROUND: The 988 Crisis Response Act provides sustainable funding streams for mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) and other elements of the crisis care continuum. This includes Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers, MCRTs, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) recommendation that insurers cover all three pillars of the crisis care continuum. The bill also provides grant funding to build MCRT capacity. Specifically, this bill: Authorizes $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers. Teams must respond to people in crisis and provide immediate stabilization and referral to behavioral health … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4449 | New Documentary Highlights Need for Reauthorized Federal Landslide Prevention Programs to Save Lives | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | A new WCNC documentary, “Lost Ground: The Hidden Danger Beneath Us,” chronicles the aftermath of deadly landslides that have devastated communities across the country. It also highlights the need to close the gaps in science and mapping to better understand and prepare for landslide hazards to protect at-risk communities across the country. On March 22, 2014, a massive landslide near Oso, Washington killed 43 people, destroyed 42 homes, and severely damaged public infrastructure and private property. The documentary features stories from Oso, Hurricane Helene, and other landslides. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) speaks in the documentary about the importance of Congress reauthorizing federal landslide preparedness programs that expired in 2024. In 2021, the National Landslide Preparedness Act, authored by DelBene, was passed into law and created the first-of-its-kind federal landslide program. “The legislation to reauthorize has passed in the Senate. We’re working to get that through the House, so the program will be reauthorized and can continue going forward,” said DelBene. “We’ve had strong bipartisan support. Communities across the country are vulnerable. This is about all of us coming together and making sure we're doing everything possible to prevent a national tragedy.” DelBene is featured in the following portions of the documentary: From 35:38: DelBene discusses the Oso landslide and her legislation to improve landslide preparedness From 40:04: DelBene discusses the importance of mapping landslides and reauthorizing the National Landslides Hazards Reduction Program From 47:41: DelBene discusses the need for proactive policies and how communities can stay alert | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-bolster-988-mental-health | Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Bolster 988 Mental Health Crisis Response | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the 988 Crisis Response Act, bipartisan legislation to fund professional mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) dispatched by 9-8-8 Lifeline operators and establish Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers and resources. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and David Valadao (CA-22) as part of the larger 988 Implementation Act. “As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how severe our youth and adult mental health crisis has become,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “It is so important that when our family members, loved ones, and neighbors are in crisis, they can get immediate help. Mobile crisis response teams, with licensed counselors, physicians, crisis workers, and paramedics, dispatched by 988 save lives, deescalate dangerous situations, and keep us all safe. We need to make sure these teams are always available for every American as a reliable resource when our community members need help.” BACKGROUND: The 988 Crisis Response Act provides sustainable funding streams for mobile crisis response teams (MCRTs) and other elements of the crisis care continuum. This includes Medicaid reimbursement for crisis call centers, MCRTs, and crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, in line with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) recommendation that insurers cover all three pillars of the crisis care continuum. The bill also provides grant funding to build MCRT capacity. Specifically, this bill: Authorizes $100 million for the Mental Health Crisis Response Partnership program for communities to create or enhance existing mobile crisis response teams, composed of licensed counselors, clinical social workers, physicians, paramedics, crisis workers, and/or peers. Teams must respond to people in crisis and provide immediate stabilization and referral to behavioral health services and supports. Makes permanent the 85% federal… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-bill-cap-cost-insulin-35-all | Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cap Cost of Insulin at $35 for all Americans | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan INSULIN Act to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35, or 25% of the list price per month, for all Americans with diabetes. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Reps. Diana Degette (CO-01), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), and Angie Craig (MN-02). “As a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin – especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.” Background: Currently, insulin costs are capped at $35 per month for people on Medicare, and nearly 30 states have separate price caps for state-regulated and private plans. The INSULIN Act would limit out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes by ensuring that group and individual market health plans waive any deductible and limit cost-sharing to no more than $35 or 25% of list price per month for at least one insulin of each type and dosage form. The bipartisan bill would also: Require a study report on uninsured Americans who use insulin, including where they live, why they’re uninsured, and demographic and income data. Create a new expedited FDA approval pathway to get biosimilar insulin to market more quickly. Establish an insulin resource center and hotline to connect uninsured diabetes patients with diabetes resources and programs. “Insulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It’s a life-or-death issue,” said Rep. DeGette. “I have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. … | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-leads-bicameral-letter-urging-trump-administration-not-to-axe-protections-for-americas-remaining-wild-public-forests | Cantwell Leads Bicameral Letter Urging Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America’s Remaining Wild Public Forests | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Leads Bicameral Letter Urging Trump Administration Not to Axe Protections for America’s Remaining Wild Public Forests Popular Roadless Rule conservation measure protects 44 million acres of pristine U.S. Forest Service lands from destructive and expensive roadbuilding, logging, and supports outdoor recreation economy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, led 39 Senators and dozens of House members in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to end its efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has shielded approximately 44 million acres of the most pristine and treasured areas within the National Forest System from roadbuilding and logging. “Since its adoption in 2001, the Roadless Rule has served as a cornerstone of public lands conservation, now protecting approximately 44 million acres of National Forest System lands across 37 states,” wrote the Senators. “These areas provide clean drinking water, critical wildlife habitat, carbon storage, and world-class recreation opportunities. Iconic landscapes such as the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the Gila National Forest in New Mexico, and the George Washington National Forest in Virginia exemplify the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of these lands.” The letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz goes on to note the habitat protection, wildfire mitigation, and economic benefits of the Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule enjoys strong public support, as evidenced by the overwhelming majority of 2.5 million comments submitted on the Roadless Forest Protection Rule since it has been enacted — more than 95%— were in support of protecting roadless areas. A March 2019 poll by the Pew Charitable Trusts found that three out of four respondents said they supported keeping roadless forest protec… | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-after-attending-unveiling-of-mariners-tribute-to-2001-statue | Cantwell Statement After Attending Unveiling of Mariners’ Tribute to 2001 Statue | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | Cantwell Statement After Attending Unveiling of Mariners’ Tribute to 2001 Statue SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) attended a ceremony at T-Mobile Park for the opening of Legacy Plaza, which includes a Tribute to 2001 Statue commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11th. The statue depicts Mariners players Mike Cameron and Mark McLemore raising an American flag after the team’s win and clinch of their division on Sept. 19, 2001, eight days after the terrorist attacks. Sen. Cantwell released this statement: ”In the wake of the horrific 9/11 attacks, with our region still in shock, Mike Cameron, Mark McLemore and the 2001 Mariners created an iconic moment of healing and unity. The statue unveiled today depicts their unforgettable flag raising, honors the victims of 9/11, and will remind generations of baseball fans of the pervading sense of community that Americans felt in the aftermath of the attacks.” | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-on-pentagon-efforts-to-rob-nih-funding-for-its-own-use/ | Senator Murray on Pentagon Efforts to Rob NIH Funding for Its Own Use | 2026-09-03 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on the Department of Defense (DOD) inking an inter-agency agreement (IAA) with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which enables DOD to siphon billions of dollars away from NIH to support DOD initiatives instead of funding lifesaving medical research that Congress specifically set aside resources for. “As if cancelling lifesaving medical research and clinical trials and firing cancer researchers en masse were not bad enough, the Trump administration is now trying to rob NIH of billions of dollars that Congress provided for medical research so that it can pad the Pentagon’s budget. “This outrageous agreement must be terminated immediately, and we need Republicans in Congress to join us in using their power to ensure that happens. We cannot allow this administration to shred patients’ hopes of new, lifesaving cures and treatments so that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth can secretively fund their own priorities in defiance of Congress.” The new agreement, which was not proactively shared with Congress, establishes a framework for DOD to potentially tap billions of dollars in funding that Congress provided specifically for NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in order to fund DOD initiatives instead. The arrangement could mean that a substantial portion of NIAID’s overall budget is not spent on NIAID programs, but Pentagon priorities, which should be considered through the deliberative annual appropriations process. ### | 1 | 2026-09-04T09:19:37Z | 2026-09-04T09:20:58Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cast-but-never-counted-cantwell-and-secretary-of-state-hobbs-say-trumps-usps-suppressing-wa-mail-in-voting-by-postmarking-or-delivering-ballots-after-election-day | “Cast, But Never Counted”: Cantwell & Secretary of State Hobbs Say Trump’s USPS Suppressing WA Mail-In Voting by Postmarking or Delivering Ballots After Election Day | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | cantwell | https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | “Cast, But Never Counted”: Cantwell & Secretary of State Hobbs Say Trump’s USPS Suppressing WA Mail-In Voting by Postmarking or Delivering Ballots After Election Day New snapshot report shows rejected primary ballot rates more than doubled in 19 WA counties compared to 2024, and more than quadrupled in 2 counties; Cantwell: “Washingtonians need to know: The Post Office is taking your ballot as a piece of mail but not stamping it that day.”; Cantwell calls on Homeland Security Committee to bring in USPS leadership for questioning SEATTLE, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs held a press conference in Seattle, together with Seattle King County NAACP President Hayward Evans and League of Women Voters Snohomish County President Brenda Mann Harrison, to warn Washington voters about Administration efforts to undermine their right to vote. Sen. Cantwell and Secretary Hobbs released a new snapshot report showing that late-postmark rejection rates have more than doubled in 19 counties compared to the 2024 primaries – with rural counties worst affected -- following a new Trump Administration policy that can delay postmarking of mail-in ballots by several days. According to the University of Washington’s April 2026 Vote-By-Mail Research Report Series, more than one-third of voters in the State of Washington returned their ballots through the mail and 95% of general election ballots arrived by Election Day between 2020 and 2024. Nationwide nearly 47 mail ballots were safely and securely cast and counted in the 2024 general election, rather than voting in person at a polling place. That included nearly 4 million Washingtonians. “I’m calling on my colleagues in the United States Senate to do their oversight job and hold hearings as to why the President of the United States and the Postal Service is disenfranchising voters across the United States with policies that are leaving them with a ballot that was cast, but never counted,” Sen. Cantwell said. “That’s what Was… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-bellingham-senator-murray-hears-how-trumps-trade-war-with-canada-and-war-in-iran-are-driving-up-costs-for-the-maritime-industry-murray-pushes-bill-to-end-trade-war-with-canada-continues/ | In Bellingham, Senator Murray Hears How Trump’s Trade War with Canada and War in Iran Are Driving Up Costs for the Maritime Industry; Murray Pushes Bill to End Trade War with Canada, Continues to Press for Votes to End War with Iran | 2026-09-02 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | Senate | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | murray | https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Murray: “More fish—fewer tariffs and fewer wars.” ICYMI: Murray Introduces Bill to End Trump’s Trade War with Canada & Lower Costs, Slams Trump’s Latest Tariffs as “Economic Arson” Murray has been a longstanding champion of the maritime industry, consistently securing key federal funding increases under tough fiscal conditions; Murray also recently established the first-ever seafood liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thanks to Trump’s war with Iran, national average diesel has climbed past $5 a gallon—up nearly $2 from a year ago—and fuel can account for as much as 40 percent of the operating costs of a fishing trip ***PHOTOS AND B-ROLL HERE*** Bellingham, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a maritime roundtable discussion in Bellingham with the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, commercial fishermen, shellfish growers, maritime workforce leaders, and the Port of Bellingham to hear directly about how President Trump’s chaotic trade war, his war in Iran, and his deep cuts to federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service are raising costs and threatening jobs across Washington state’s working waterfronts. “Our maritime industry and our ports power the economy in Washington state—our fish and shellfish travel far on their own, but our fishermen and our ports are the reason they’re famous worldwide,” said Senator Murray. “And this administration’s reckless and unpredictable tariffs have been nothing short of a disaster for them—driving up costs and making it impossible for any small business to plan. Let’s just acknowledge how Trump’s decision to pursue an all-out trade war with Canada—Washington state’s biggest trading partner and our country’s closest ally—is beyond stupid and counterproductive, fraying partnerships north of the border that have spanned lifetimes. Trump’s war in Iran has made fuel far more expensive for fleets already running on razor-… | 1 | 2026-09-03T09:29:33Z | 2026-09-03T09:31:32Z |
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4446 | DelBene: Voluntary Commitments to Reduce Health Insurance Paperwork Not Good Enough, Congress Must Pass Bipartisan Legislation | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan K. DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | delbene | https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 | scraper | Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement on UnitedHealthcare’s announcement that it will voluntarily reduce prior authorization requirements. This follows last year’s industry pledge to reduce prior authorization requirements. “While it’s encouraging to see health insurance plans acknowledge that their unnecessary prior authorization requirements are preventing patients from getting the care they need, these announcements shouldn’t replace or delay much-needed legislative reforms. “Voluntary commitments aren’t enforceable and can be changed at any time. The way we truly reform this deeply flawed practice that worsens health outcomes is to pass the overwhelmingly bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act. This legislation would ensure that all insurers are playing by the same rules, modernize and speed up the frustrating prior authorization process, and create the necessary transparency and accountability for those who fail to meet these new standards.” Background | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/posts/rep-marie-gluesenkamp-perez-statement-on-september-1st-rule-vote | Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Statement on September 1st Rule Vote | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Marie Gluesenkamp Perez | G000600 | gluesenkampperez.house.gov | gluesenkampperez | https://gluesenkampperez.house.gov/press | scraper | Sunday night my son pulled his first fish out of the Columbia River. What the DC bubble doesn’t get is that working waterfronts require working people. Nature is not a terrarium–and you don’t get effective environmentalism without the input of people who make their livelihoods and heritage on the water-whether we’re talking about lobsters or sea lions–working people need a seat at the table and electeds need to listen to them, not data from the 1990s. | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/01/ranking-member-jayapals-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-trumps-immigration-dragnet-and-republican-threats-to-defund-local-police/ | Ranking Member Jayapal’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump’s Immigration Dragnet and Republican Threats to Defund Local Police | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Washington, D.C. (September 1, 2026)—Today, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, delivered opening remarks at a hearing on Republicans’ efforts to force state and local police to carry out the Trump Administration’s chaotic mass deportation agenda, diverting limited resources from fighting crime and making communities less safe. Below are Ranking Member Jayapal’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing. WATCHRanking Member Jayapal’s opening statement. Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Hearing on “Sanctuary Policies: Tragic Consequences” September 1, 2026 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, we are here to talk about the tragic consequences of policy decisions. Unfortunately, the erratic, disturbing policy decisions of the Trump Administration have left countless tragedies in their wake. Right now, in Donald Trump’s America, people are dying from a disease we declared eliminated in 2000, because his Secretary of Health and Human Services cannot stop spreading lies about vaccines. 18 service members have died, and over 700 were injured as a result of Trump’s illegal war of choice against Iran that has no strategy, no exit plan and has driven up gas and grocery prices for Americans at a time when too many are already struggling. Service members have had to fend off attacks from foreign governments as well as our own government. After enduring nine months of the horrifying conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln that drove another sailor to attempt suicide, Joshua Aviles—who is risking his life to serve our country—learned that Trump’s ICE had detained his father. Donald Trump’s out of control ICE has also deported seven spouses of active-duty service members. Meanwhile, federal agents have killed people who are simply driving home after celebrating their birthdays, like Ruben Ray Martinez, or driving to work, like Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Joan Sebastián Guerrero, or… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://jayapal.house.gov/2026/09/01/wyden-and-jayapal-call-for-gao-investigation-of-dhs-surveillance-courts-must-protect-public-from-subpoena-abuses-and-government-intimidation-tactics-used-to-keep-surveillance-of-americans-secret/ | Wyden and Jayapal Call for GAO Investigation of DHS Surveillance; Courts Must Protect Public from Subpoena Abuses and Government Intimidation Tactics Used to Keep Surveillance of Americans Secret | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Pramila Jayapal | J000298 | jayapal.house.gov | jayapal | https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ | scraper | Private companies and other entities often receive subpoenas from federal law enforcement containing vague, boilerplate nondisclosure provisions that can carry threats of legal consequences for noncompliance Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., called for an investigation into decades-long abuses of authority by federal law enforcement agencies to coerce silence from subpoenaed private companies and on federal courts to protect the public from misleading demands for secrecy related to government surveillance. In a letter to Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS), John Roberts, and Acting Comptroller of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Orice W. Brown, Wyden and Jayapal requested action to address federal agencies’ abuse of subpoena powers to surveil Americans. It has been the routine practice of federal law enforcement agencies to demand secrecy from companies that have received government subpoenas for customer records. But under federal law, only courts have that power. The agencies may not gag recipients of subpoenas, except in a few limited circumstances in which a court order is granted. “While these secrecy demands carry no force of law, their coercive effect is extremely successful,” Wyden and Jayapal said. “This leaves customers entirely in the dark about government incursions into their personal data.” Unfortunately, this practice has become institutionalized across multiple agencies including: Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Association (DEA), and Department of Justice (DOJ). ICE frequently makes boilerplate requests for indefinite silence through its administrative subpoenas, including its customs summons and immigration subpoenas. For example, on July 8, 2025, Harvard University received three immigration subpoenas from ICE regarding international students with boilerplate requests for silence. The next day, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release celebrating the same enforce… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-expand-veteran-mental | Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Veteran Mental Health Services | 2026-09-01 | 2026 | 2026-09 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently introduced the Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act to expand access to mental health counseling for Veterans and their families. This bill aims to ensure that underserved areas, including areas of Central and Eastern Washington, are eligible for additional VA Vet Centers to provide in-person mental health care. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Sean Casten (IL-06), and Steve Cohen (TN-09). “We have a clear responsibility to make sure that those who have served and protected our country receive the best service and care possible. Recent tragedies in Washington state and Veterans mental health crises across our country are stark reminders of why we need to address the Veteran mental health care gap,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “For rural communities in Washington state, Vet Centers are often hours away and understaffed. We need to do more to ensure Veterans have accessible care that works for them. This bill will ensure that Veterans and their families can easily access centers and mental health resources, improving the health of our entire communities and supporting those who have served our country.” Around a third of returning service members have reported experiencing symptoms of depression, and the Veterans suicide crisis is severe. In 2023, suicide rates among Veterans were 35.2 per 100,000 – compared to 16.9 per 100,000 for non-Veteran American adults. The Vet CENTERS for Mental Health Act would ensure a Vet Center or outstation is established for either every 55,000 Veterans or every 30,000 square miles. Vet Centers provide a range of services to Veterans and their families, including mental health counseling to combat Veterans and those who suffered military sexual assault, and bereavement services. Vet Centers’ practice of providing services to families in addition to the affected Veterans is also unique in the VA Veteran care space. “Vet… | 1 | 2026-09-02T09:19:58Z | 2026-09-02T09:20:51Z |
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