Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
- url
- Link to the original release on the member's official site
- text
- Extracted body text (may be empty if the page could not be fetched)
- has_text
- 1 if body text was successfully extracted
- date_source
- How the publication date was determined
- bioguide_id
- Bioguide ID of the member
459 rows where party = "Republican", state = "WA" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending
This data as json, CSV (advanced)
| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-reichert-op-ed-tacoma-news-tribune-daca | In Case You Missed It: Reichert Op-Ed in the Tacoma News Tribune on DACA | 2017-12-28 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - In case you missed it, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) published an op-ed in the Tacoma News Tribune on the pending deadline for DACA recipients. "This issue transcends politics. It is about these children, their hope and their opportunity for a better life - a life free from uncertainty." Read the rest of the article HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-kilmer-call-defense-secretary-mattis-immediately-implement-inspector-general | Reichert, Kilmer Call on Defense Secretary Mattis to Immediately Implement Inspector Generals Recommendations to Comply with FBI Background Check Reporting Requirements | 2017-12-27 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Following the report earlier this month from the Department of Defenses Inspector General showing that the Military Services did not consistently submit convicted offenders fingerprint cards and final disposition reports to the FBIs Next Generation Identification Database, Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Derek Kilmer (D-WA) issued a letter asking the Secretary of Defense James Mattis to immediately implement the OIGs recommendations to prevent future reporting lapses. The bipartisan pair also requested an outline of the DODs plan to correct previous reporting errors. As a former Sheriff and law enforcement officer for 33 years, I know how important it is to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm, said Rep. Reichert. It is why we should do all we can to make sure our federal background check system is strong and effective, including ensuring relevant information is in the system. I am proud to join with Rep. Kilmer to urge the Department of Defense to quickly improve their background check reporting practices and to request specific information on how they plan to ensure no individual slips through the cracks. The Texas mass-shooting, like too many other acts of gun violence, was preventable, but the government failed to do the simple paperwork required to keep guns out of the hands of convicted criminals, Rep. Kilmer said, Everyone I have talked to in our community wants to see guns kept out of the hands of dangerous convicted criminals. Background checks are useless if the databases designed to prevent convicted violent criminals from getting guns arent up to date. Secretary Mattis shouldnt waste another second to implement the Inspector Generals recommendations which could prevent future tragedies. The OIG found that the militarys failure to report convictions and to deliver fingerprints to the FBI was systemic. The OIG has conducted regular investigations identifying this issue since 1997. This most recent report found 601 of the 2502 fingerprint cards that the DOD was … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-promise-kept-reducing-tax-burdens | COLUMN: Promise Kept on Reducing Tax Burdens | 2017-12-25 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | For hard working families and entrepreneurs in Central Washington, keeping more of your own paycheck was my goal in supporting historic legislation approved by Congress, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The last time the nations federal tax system was overhauled was in 1986, under President Ronald Reagan. But with the leadership of President Trump and Republicans in the Senate and House, and with my support, we succeeded in pushing major tax reform for American families and businesses across the finish line. Reducing the rate for American corporations and small businesses has already begun to have a positive impact for workers. Instead of the 35 percent rate that sets the U.S. apart as one of the highest in the industrialized world, we succeeded in reducing the corporate rate to 21 percent so that American companies no longer face a disadvantage. After passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, companies such as AT&T, Comcast, and others announced rounds of Christmas bonuses and benefits for workers. A major employer in Washington State, Boeing, even announced $300 million dollars in employee-related and charitable investment as a direct result of the approval of tax reform. I hope to see even more companies step up and invest in workers and communities here at home. In the 4th Congressional District, 80 percent of filers file using the standard deduction. Our reform doubles the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000 and $12,000 to $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. It also doubles the child tax credit, from $1,000 to $2,000, to help families with the cost of raising children. 88 percent of taxpayers in Washington who pay the individual mandate make $75,000 or less. The tax penalty of the Affordable Care Acts individual mandate is also eliminated by our reform. These changes alone will help the vast majority of families in Central Washington. Returning more of your own paycheck to you used to be a goal that crossed party lines. As difficult as it might be to remember considering todays sometim… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399092 | Herrera Beutler: Tax bill will help all in S.W. Washington | 2017-12-24 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Its been 10 years since the start of the Great Recession where so many Americans lost jobs, savings and even their homes. While Wall Streets economy may have improved, when I talk to people, I ask them whether they feel recovered. Do you make enough money to cover your bills? Is there enough left over to put in savings? Are there other jobs out there offering you better pay? Usually, the answer is not even close. share: f t Its been 10 years since the start of the Great Recession where so many Americans lost jobs, savings and even their homes. While Wall Streets economy may have improved, when I talk to people, I ask them whether they feel recovered. Do you make enough money to cover your bills? Is there enough left over to put in savings? Are there other jobs out there offering you better pay? Usually, the answer is not even close.Southwest Washington residents deserve a real economic recovery that leaves them with more money in their pockets, bigger paychecks and better job opportunities. Fortunately, Congress just passed a tax cut and jobs bill that will help. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reforms the tax code to allow the average family of four in our region to keep $2,385 more of what they earn. People across all income levels will benefit from this tax relief. Additionally, independent economic entities like the Tax Foundation verify that reforming our broken, overly complex tax code will lead to more jobs and bigger paychecks. How? By empowering small businesses which create two out of every three new jobs in Southwest Washington to grow their operations. The tax bill lowers small-business taxes, specifically incentivizing them to invest in new equipment and skills training. For instance, craft breweries will have their excise tax cut in half. Businesses that make and keep more profits usually expand, and require more workers to help. Corporate tax reform will help, too. This is hardly a conservative Republican idea; Presidents Clinton and Obama reg… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399091 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Votes to Extend Funding for Vital Childrens Health Insurance Program | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler voted to extend funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a provision that was included in a stopgap spending bill the U.S. House passed today. The funding provides $2.8 billion for CHIP to operate through the end of March so every state, including Washington, can continue to provide vital care to low-income children without disruption. share: f t U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler voted to extend funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a provision that was included in a stopgap spending bill the U.S. House passed today. The funding provides $2.8 billion for CHIP to operate through the end of March so every state, including Washington, can continue to provide vital care to low-income children without disruption. Last month, Jaime voted in support of a bill that passed the U.S. House to reauthorize CHIP funding for five years, but that bill stalled in the U.S. Senate. The short-term spending bill the House passed today will now head to the Senate for a vote. While I fought to include a longer-term fix for the Childrens Health Insurance Program similar to the five-year extension I helped the U.S. House pass in November, the three-month funding patch I supported today will ensure the health care of nine million vulnerable children who rely on CHIP doesnt lapse, said Jaime. Providing quality care for low-income children has always been a top priority of mine and I wont let up in my efforts to extend CHIP long-term so that their health isnt jeopardized. This spending bill also extends funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and Community Health Centers, such as the Cowlitz Family Health Center, Valley View Health Centers, and SeaMar Clinicsthrough March. Background: FQHC are community-based health care providers that provide vital primary care services in underserved areas.They offer low-cost health care options to individuals who are uninsured, on Medica… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-vote-keep-government-open | Reichert, House Vote to Keep Government Open | 2017-12-21 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Today, the House passed a continuing resolution (H.R. 1370) to extend funding to keep critical government programs fully operational through January 19, 2018 and avert a government shutdown. Today, I voted to keep the government open as Congress continues to craft a long-term solution to government spending, said Rep. Reichert. While this discussion is vitally important, it must not come at the expense of critical programs that provide for our national defense, veterans, children, and Americans across the country. In particular, as Co-Chair of the Childrens Health Care Caucus, I am pleased that we provided additional funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers. We cannot allow a shutdown of programs on which so many rely while we determine a longer-path forward. Todays bill includes funding for all government programs through January 19, 2018 in addition to supplemental funds for missile defense and vital Navy ship repairs. In addition, the bill provides additional funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Community Health Centers through March 31, 2018. The bill also extends Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities to January 19thand provides additional funding for the Veterans Choice Program. Importantly, the bill includes a waiver to the Pay-Go requirements for the tax bill that passed Congress. This means the Pay-Go rules automatic spending cuts will not occur. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399090 | Pacific County deserves better healthcare options | 2017-12-20 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Beginning Jan. 1, residents of Southern Pacific County enrolled in Premera health insurance plans will face a healthcare crisis. share: f t Beginning Jan. 1, residents of Southern Pacific County enrolled in Premera health insurance plans will face a healthcare crisis. In 2018, residents here will no longer have access to essential health care services in nearby Oregon towns. Instead, if youre a Premera customer in Ilwaco, youll face a 67-mile one-way drive into Longview to see a cardiologist; a 70-mile drive to Aberdeen for a pediatrician or to deliver a baby; or that same 70 miles to see a psychologist. These plans are wholly inadequate to offer people the health services they need, yet they were approved by Washingtons insurance commissioner. Its well established that even when individuals have insurance, geographic barriers prevent folks from receiving potentially lifesaving healthcare. For individuals with a limited income, children, a job, or a disability, a 90-minute trip just to reach an appointment may force them to postpone a cervical cancer screening, avoid regular mental health treatment, or skip a diabetes checkup. With winter approaching, those trips become even more difficult. How did we get here? Unfortunately, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rural residents have seen healthcare options dwindle while premiums and costs continue to climb. The looming crisis for Premera customers in Pacific County began when Premera filed its plans and the restricted networks they now offer with Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidlers office in the spring of 2016. Staunch defenders of the ACA often point to the election of President Trump or congressional efforts to replace the law as the causes but these explanations dont reflect the facts. When Premera filed these plans, the 2016 presidential campaign was still under way, and President Obama was still in office vetoing any attempt to alter the ACA. And the crisis continues to play out throughout r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399088 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Supports Tax Cuts for Middle-Income Southwest Washington Families; Boost to Economy, Paychecks, Jobs | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler supported the final tax cut bill expected to be signed into law this week that will allow Southwest Washington residents to keep more of their money and earn bigger paychecks. share: f t Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler supported the final tax cut bill expected to be signed into law this week that will allow Southwest Washington residents to keep more of their money and earn bigger paychecks. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approved by the U.S. House today represents a compromise between the U.S. House- and Senate-passed tax cut bills.The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the bill this evening and send it to the Presidents desk. Once this tax cut bill is signed into law, the average Southwest Washington family of four will keep $2,385 more of what they earn, said Jaime. The bill we passed today improves on the earlier version I voted for in several measurable ways for folks in all phases of life from those preparing to begin their careers, to those in retirement. It protects virtually every middle-class homeowner by raising the mortgage interest deduction to $750,000, it expands vital relief for those families with high medical expenses, it doubles the child tax credit, and reinstates protection for all state and local taxes up to $10,000.Im pleased that graduate students preparing to enter the workforce will have reduced tuition exempted from taxes another improvement from our earlier bill. For those planning for retirement, popular savings accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s are preserved, and relief from the death tax that inhibits passing small family businesses and farms to the next generation is doubled.For the 75 percent of Southwest Washington taxpayers who use standard deduction, they will now see nearly double the amount of their money protected from taxes, and even more taxpayers will now be able to take advantage of the standard deduction. Importantly, this bill will boost the econo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-house-passes-tax-cuts-jobs-act/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement as House Passes Tax Cuts & Jobs Act | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 19, 2017) Minutes ago, the House passed the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act(H.R. 1) to provide tax relief to families in Eastern Washington and across the country. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) took to Facebook Live to discuss the importance of this bill and the benefit it will bring to hardworking families around the country. In case you missed it, you can see herstatement here: For people in Eastern Washington, I often hear families and individuals say that they feel like they are working harder and harder but falling behind, said McMorris Rodgers. Im excited about what the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act means for them. This evening, the Senate will take up this legislation for consideration. You can find details about the Congresswomans priorities for the final version of theTax Cuts & Jobs Act here, and go to Fairandsimple.GOP for resources on tax reform and what it means for the American people. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reducing-tax-burden-american-families | Reducing the Tax Burden on American Families | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting in favor ofthe House and Senate conference report on The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, which provides the first major reform to the federal tax code in 31 years: As Republicans, we promised a unified plan to reduce the burden of taxes and government mandates on American families and businesses, and that is exactly what we have delivered, said Rep. Newhouse. Today, we passed the first major pro-growth, pro-family tax reform in 31 years. Doubling the standard deductionwhich is used by eighty percent of filers in the Fourth Congressional Districtand increasing the child tax credit will provide real relief for working families in Central Washington. Additionally, this bill is a win for small businesses and farmers by allowing them to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment and increasing those who are shielded from the unfair death tax which allows more family farms and small businesses to pass on the success of a lifetime of hard work to the next generation. We promised to remove the individual mandate, which is an unfair tax penalty that hits middle-income families in the Fourth District. With this major reform, that Obama-era burden will be removed once and for all. WATCH: Rep. Newhouse Q&A with House Ways and Means Chairman on How Tax Reform Legislation Affects Central Washington In Washington State, 88% of taxpayers who pay the Obamacare individual mandate penalty tax make $75,000 or less: Click to see the percentage of taxpayers who pay Obamacares individual mandate penalty tax in each county in the Fourth Congressional District: Adams, Benton, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Okanogan, Walla Walla, Yakima. Click here for recent tax return information, including the average itemized deductions of filers, in Adams, Benton, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Okanogan, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties. Congressional district tax return data available here. According to the House Committee on Ways and Means, a median income married-cou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/historic-day-house-passes-tax-reform | A Historic Day - House Passes Tax Reform | 2017-12-19 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today the House passed by a vote of 227-203 the final version of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With passage in the Senate, this legislation will be sent to the Presidents desk for a signature. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released this statement following final passage. Today is truly historic, Rep. Reichert said. We accomplished something that has not been successfully done since 1986. We passed a tax bill to make our tax code work for the American people. It puts more money in your pocket through lower tax rates and an increased standard deduction. To grow wages and jobs here at home, we provide tax relief for businesses big and small.While I know these provisions will benefit the American people, I am deeply disappointed that this Conference report rejected my request to remove drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from the bill. Through my years on the Ways and Means Committee, I have consistently evaluated each tax proposal on what it would mean for families and for our economic growth. I am proud to support this bill because it passes this test and I look forward to seeing America better off for it. The final text of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found HERE. Policy highlights of the bill can be found HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-listen-local-voices-preserving-dams | COLUMN: Listen to Local Voices on Preserving Dams | 2017-12-18 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Even well-intentioned crusades in the name of the environment can cause real economic consequences for communities on our side of the Cascade divide. I was disappointed that Governor Jay Inslee recently chose to side with west-side interest groups that are seeking to increase spill or even breach the federal dams on the lower Snake River. Our Mid-Columbia communities would pay the price. The stakes for our region are too high for preserving the dams on the Columbia and the Snake rivers to be approached in a partisan way. In response to a federal judges misguided order in 2016 that threatens our dams, I joined my congressional colleagues in the Pacific Northwest earlier this year to introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R. 3144. Our bill would preserve the 2014 Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (BiOp), negotiated under the Obama administration, until 2022, which would prevent the breaching of our dams. Dont just take my word for it: Stakeholders and residents in central Washington are raising their voice after the Governor announced his opposition to our legislation: Eastern WA irrigation farmers are discouraged by the direction that the Governor is taking with the dam issue. Our congressional representatives see the need for the dams to stay in place, and their position is not political; it is based on actual facts in regards to hydropower, flood control, and irrigationwhich are reflected in the current BiOp.My fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation family farm will not survive another generation without these dams. If the farms fail, so will our communities. I encourage the Governor to help us do what is best for our state and allow the dams to continue to do the job they were originally intended to do and support what is right for Washington state. Michele Kiesz, Farmer, Ritzville I am disappointed in the position taken by the Governor. It is obvious to me that he is being influenced by west side special interests. Its too bad he has failed to grasp the importance of hydropower in the Pacific N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399087 | Reps. Herrera Beutler, Kilmer Introduce Legislation to Extend Vital Protection of Fishing Boats, Small Vessels from Overly-Broad Discharge Rule | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced legislation yesterday to extend an exemption for fishing boats and small vessels from EPA incidental discharge regulations so they can continue to operate without facing financial costs and delays. share: f t U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) introduced legislation yesterday to extend an exemption for fishing boats and small vessels from EPA incidental discharge regulations so they can continue to operate without facing financial costs and delays.Their bill, Fishing and Small Vessel Relief Act, extends the current exemption by three years, relieving small boats under 79 feet from EPAs vessel incidental discharge permitting requirements. This protection has long-standing bipartisan support, and Sen. Maria Cantwell has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. Science has shown that incidental discharge from small fishing boats and other undersized vessels those under 79 feet do not present significant environmental risks. These boats have been given an exemption from EPA-mandated vessel incidental discharge permitting requirements. Unfortunately, that exemption is set to expire on December 18, which would leave fishermen and small vessels at sudden risk of being in violation of a federal rule from which they've long been exempted. Fishermen, shellfish growers and small vessel operators are key economic contributors to our Pacific County communities; their livelihoods represent thousands of paychecks, Herrera Beutler said. These requirements were only ever meant for larger vessels, but if Congress doesn't act soon, the small boats will take a serious hit. I'm hopeful this bipartisan solution will be included in any end-of-year legislation to give our fishing businesses relief and certainty. This is a commonsense solution to shield our small business owners from a regulation that was not intended to target them, Kilmer sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-tax-cuts-jobs-act-conference-report/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement on the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act Conference Report | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 15, 2017) Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House-Senate conference committee released the conference report for the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (H.R. 1). At every step in this process, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been written to improve the lives of everyday Americans and their families by creating more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. With this pro-economic growth and pro-family tax plan, we are significantly increasing the standard deduction, lowering rates across the board, and making it easier for everyone to file their taxes. In fact, the average family of four making $73,000 a year will receive a tax cut of more than $2,000. Im also proud to say this plan carries on the legacy of the ABLE Act with my legislation to help families with children with disabilities. It allows families to roll over funds from a 529 college saving account to an ABLE account so they can pay medical bills and other living expenses. It also includes the ABLE to Work Act that would allow individuals to save more of their own money so they can explore the workforce and find a good-paying job. I would like to congratulate the House and Senate conferees and thank them for their hard work. I am particularly pleased that they came together on solutions to protect the tax exempt status of graduate student tuition waivers and Private Activity Bonds to fund the construction of low-income housing units. Americans sent us here to do big things, and overhauling our broken tax code for the first time in 31 years is at the top the list. This is our once-in-a-generation chance to change the status quo and help everyone reach their full potential in a stronger economy with more opportunities to succeed. I look forward to sending this bill to the Presidents desk by Christmas. You can view the full conference report here. NOTE: During the conference committee process, the Congresswoman repeated her priorities for the final bill including protec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-conference-committee-report-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act | Reichert Statement on Conference Committee Report on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-12-15 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released this statement following the release of the Conference Committee's Report on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. With todays release of the final tax bill, we are moving closer to reforming our tax code for the benefit of the American people," said Rep. Reichert. "As I review this bill, I will continue to hold it to the standards I have considered throughout this process.The final result must create jobs in America, increase paychecks, and put more money in the pockets of hard working Americans. While we have made important improvements to the tax provisions of the bill for American families along the way,I am deeply disappointed the Conference Committee rejected my request to remove language that opensthe Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-fcc-net-neutrality-vote/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement on FCC Net Neutrality Vote | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 14, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the Federal Communication Commission’s vote to roll back heavy-handed Title II regulations put into place by the Obama administration. “I support an open Internet, but there is a better way to ensure consumer protections without disrupting the free flow of information and innovation that has made it a cornerstone of the 21st Century economy,” said McMorris Rodgers. “The heavy-handed rules from the Obama administration stifled investment in rural communities, like those in Eastern Washington, and created uncertainty for ISPs in meeting the requirements of those rules. What I want is for everyone to come to the table to find a bipartisan, legislative solution that will protect consumers while not harming investment, innovation, and free-market principles.” NOTE: The Obama-era rules reclassified Internet governance as a utility according to a 1934 statute. The vote today by the FCC will return Internet governance to the way it was prior to 2015, under which the Internet grew and expanded and became what it is today. In a recent letter from 63 small broadband providers around the country, they said: “Since the Commission reclassified broadband as a public utility in 2015, investment has been heading in the wrong direction.” The Obama-era rules created significant regulatory uncertainty for the companies deploying and maintaining broadband networks. In fact, when asked by members of Congress, former FCC Chairman Wheeler could not clearly identify what a violation of the rule’s general conduct standard would be. This uncertainty resulted in less consumer choice, less innovation, and less broadband development. According to a recent economic analysis, domestic broadband capital expansion declined by $3.6 billion in the years since these heavy-handed regulations were implemented, a 5.6 percent decline relative to 2014 levels. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-fcc-net-neutrality-vote | Reichert Statement on FCC Net Neutrality Vote | 2017-12-14 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Reichert Statement on FCC Net Neutrality Vote Dec 14, 2017 Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote on net neutrality this afternoon. "While we share the goal of maintaining an open Internet, I am concerned about the FCC’s decision to eliminate the bright-line rules that have prohibited the blocking of legal content, slowing down of services, and the creation of paid fast lanes," said Rep. Reichert. "These net neutrality principles have helped to keep the Internet a source of communication, creativity, learning, and job creation for every American. Congress should work on a bipartisan basis to ensure the Internet remains open, free from interference, and a source of innovation." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kennewick-students-win-congressional-app-design-challenge | Kennewick Students Win Congressional App-Design Challenge | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the winners of the Fourth Congressional District’s App Challenge, an app competition for K-12 students. Three Kennewick high school students of Tri-Tech Skills Center: Seth Florman, Damon Fuller, and Kyler Zimmerman, have been named the competition winners for their app named “Powerhouse,” which enables the user to take on the role of business owner of an energy company. These young men designed the app to illustrate an energy company’s responsibilities to communities and to draw attention to the challenges energy providers face when balancing production, operating expenses, and environmental decisions. You can see a preview of the app by clicking here. WATCH Rep. Newhouse speak on the floor of the U.S. House to congratulate the winners. Transcript of Rep. Newhouse’s remarks: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three high school students from Kennewick, Washington as the winners of Washington’s Fourth District’s 2017 Congressional App Challenge. Seth Florman, Damon Fuller, and Kyler Zimmerman spent many hours creating and refining an app they named Powerhouse, which enables the user to take on the role of business owner of an energy company. These students designed the app to illustrate an energy company’s responsibilities to communities and to draw attention to the challenges energy providers face. Thank you to our panel of judges and to the engineers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory who will be providing the winners with a tour of their great facility. The Congressional App Challenge highlights the value of computer science and coding, and I am proud to represent Central Washington, where schools and teachers are dedicated to encouraging students to excel in STEM education. This year, the Fourth Congressional District’s App Challenge had the highest number of entries since my office began participating in the contest, which is a testament to the creativity of our young people. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Seth, Damon, and Ky… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-lays-wreath-tomb-unknown-soldier | Newhouse Lays Wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | 2017-12-13 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families. “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is hallowed ground,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The Old Guard keeps 24-hour vigil over the site, 365 days per year to honor all American service members who have fallen but who have not been identified. I was honored to lay a wreath today on behalf of the people of the Fourth Congressional District. Especially during this holiday season, we pay our respects and demonstrate that we never forget the heroes who have fallen in defense of our nation.” Click here for more information on Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Click here for high resolution photos. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-let-wish-friends-happy-hanukkah/ | McMorris Rodgers: “Let me wish all my friends a most Happy Hanukkah!” | 2017-12-12 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 12, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement at the start of Hanukkah: “Let me wish all my friends a most Happy Hanukkah! “The Festival of Lights comes each year as winter’s dark days are closing in on us. Now is the time to gather family close, feast on latkes, play dreidel, and light the candles. “History teaches us that in 200 B.C.E. the Maccabees rebelled when King Antiochus banned Jewish worship in Jerusalem, the capital city where the holy Temple was built. This year, we can celebrate a little extra, to be living in a country that is unafraid to say out loud what two thousand years of history has been unable to erase– that Jerusalem was and remains Israel’s capital! “We’re blessed to live in a country where our religious freedom is constitutionally guaranteed; where we see menorahs alongside Christmas trees. That liberty, which so many sacrifice to preserve, is something we must never take for granted. “The miracle of Hanukkah came when the lamps in the Temple shone for eight days – but that wasn’t possible until the people had the courage and determination to stand up for their freedom. So today, when you light the Hanukkah candles, may you bask in the warm glow of celebration with your family, and also remember the courage of the Maccabees for the example they set for generations to come. “Happy Hanukkah from my family to yours.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-introduces-ensuring-patient-access-healthcare-records-act/ | McMorris Rodgers Introduces Ensuring Patient Access to Healthcare Records Act | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 11, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) introduced the bipartisan Ensuring Patient Access to Healthcare Records Act, which gives medical record clearinghouses the ability to provide patients with their own comprehensive healthcare records, and allows them to analyze claims data for the good of public health. “Even in the age of technology, it can be difficult for patients to obtain their comprehensive health records. Whether it’s because of a move to a new state, switching providers, an unexpected visit to the emergency room, or a new doctor, patients must track down their own records from numerous different sources based on what they can or cannot remember,” said McMorris Rodgers. “It shouldn’t be this burdensome. Our bill gives patients the ability to see a snapshot of their health records at just a simple request, allowing them to make better, more informed healthcare decisions in a timely manner.” NOTE: Each year, healthcare clearinghouses process hundreds of millions of transactions safely and securely from more than 5,000 hospitals, 900,000 doctors, 66,000 pharmacies and 20,000 labs across the country. These records include information about the provider, the diagnosis, and the treatment for each episode of care. Today, clearinghouses have the capability to link this data and build longitudinal health records to provide patients with a comprehensive health record. Clearinghouses can also analyze this data to provide real-world solutions to address important public policy goals through tracking patient outcomes and broad-based analysis of readmissions, comorbidities, and adverse outcomes across the entire continuum of service providers; near real-time tracking of significant disease outbreaks or epidemics; and improving and allowing for greater access to new drugs and therapies. Regrettably, clearinghouses are currently unable to offer this transformative service to patients and other stakeholders due to the administration’s rules implemen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-jerusalem-capital-israel | COLUMN: Jerusalem, Capital of Israel | 2017-12-11 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | By the rivers of Babylonwe sat and wept when we remembered Zion.If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forgetits skill! The words of the psalmist in Psalm 137 evoke the longing that the Jewish people felt during their captivity in Babylon for the ancient city of Jerusalem, the site of the original Temple of Solomon. The historic and spiritual link between Jerusalem and Israel harkens back thousands of years to biblical times. It is the location of the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Second Temple and the holiest site in Judaism. Last week, President Trump announced that his administration would fulfill his promise to relocate the U.S. embassy in Israel from modern Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, officially acknowledging that the capital of our closest Middle East ally is indeed the ancient city. The Israeli legislature, supreme court, and executive branch are based in Jerusalem. The Presidents announced shift would begin to treat Israel the way we treat every other sovereign nation in relation to its official seat of government. President Trumps announcement seems at first glance to be a momentous step, but in reality it complies with longstanding U.S. foreign policy. Since 1995, when the Jerusalem Embassy Act passed on bipartisan votes of 93-5 in the Senate and 374-37 in the House, U.S. law has provided for the relocation of the U.S. Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. Subsequent presidents of both parties have chosen to request waivers for the embassys relocation. President Trump has chosen to end that practice and finally implement this over-20-year-old law. The fulfilment of the longstanding U.S. promise to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem should not be used to negatively impact the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians. In no version of a peace agreement has Jerusalem not been recognized as Israels capital, so this recognition should not be considered a concession, nor should it in any way be considered a deal breaker in the peace process. The American people remember and respect Israels histor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-renegotiation-columbia-river-treaty/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement on Renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty | 2017-12-08 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 8, 2017) – Yesterday evening, the Department of State announced its intentions to move into renegotiations of the Columbia River Treaty beginning in early 2018. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement in response: “The Columbia River Treaty and the relationship between the U.S. and Canada play an indispensable role in the livelihoods of those in the Pacific Northwest,” said McMorris Rodgers. “But we must move forward with renegotiations to ensure this agreement remains mutually-beneficial. I’ve had a number of conversations with Secretary Tillerson to urge the State Department to renegotiate, and I’m pleased to see that effort move forward. By addressing the ‘Canadian Entitlement’ and other issues we can form a treaty that will serve both nation’s for generations to come.” NOTE: The Congresswoman has played a major role in urging the past two administrations to reopen the conversation on the Columbia River Treaty. In February of 2016, her and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), as Co-Chairs of the Northwest Energy Caucus, wrote a letter to President Obama in which they said, “The agreement between Canada and the United States serves as a framework for the mutual benefit of both countries, providing low-cost hydropower generation, flood control, and economic growth.” In October of this year, the Congresswoman led a letter with a bipartisan group of Pacific Northwest Representatives to Ambassador David MacNaughton to urge renegotiation. The letter states, “The 1964 treaty has been in place for fifty-three years and has surpassed its balance. Specifically, there is an imbalance of benefits between our two nations in regards to the “Canadian Entitlement”, which requires Pacific Northwest electricity consumers to pay Canada for downstream power benefits. It is estimated that our constituents overpay this entitlement by ten times the reciprocal benefit.” Earlier this year, the Congresswoman also spoke directly to Secretary of State Rex Ti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399084 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Requests Relief for Pacific County Residents Who Will Lose Accessible Health Care Options in 2018 | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler urged Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler this week to take immediate action to remedy the looming health care crisis many residents of Pacific County are facing due to a reduction in health care coverage. share: f t U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler urged Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler this week to take immediate action to remedy the looming health care crisis many residents of Pacific County are facing due to a reduction in health care coverage. Residents of rural Pacific County currently enrolled in Premera insurance plans – plans approved by the commissioner’s office – will no longer be able to access health care providers across the river in Oregon beginning January 1. Instead of a roughly 30-minute drive, they will have to travel nearly one and a half hours to receive critical health care from cardiologists, pediatricians, psychologists, or to deliver a baby. In a letter sent to the commissioner yesterday, Jaime expressed her concern for residents in rural counties and requested the commissioner work with health insurance companies to help individuals continue to have access to timely and adequate health care in 2019. “It’s worth noting that these plans – and the restricted networks they now offer – were filed with your office in the spring of 2016,” Jaime wrote in her letter. “Any effort to shift the blame for these changes to the new presidential administration or congressional efforts to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would not reflect the facts.” The full text of the letter follows and a PDF version is available here. Dear Commissioner Kreidler, I am writing today to express my deep concern over your approval of insurance plans that will require many residents of rural Pacific County to travel more than an hour and a half one-way to access essential services like maternity care, or see specialists such as pediatricians, ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399085 | Reps. Herrera Beutler and DeFazio Applaud Unanimous ITC Vote to Protect U.S. Softwood Lumber Market | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) final 4-0 vote confirming that the U.S. softwood lumber industry is materially injured by unfairly subsidized Canadian imports. share: f t Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today applauded the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (ITC) final 4-0 vote confirming that the U.S. softwood lumber industry is materially injured by unfairly subsidized Canadian imports. “Today’s announcement by the ITC is a clear sign that the U.S. is committed to protecting our timber jobs on the international stage,” said Reps. DeFazio and Herrera Beutler. “The U.S. has repeatedly tried to settle this issue with Canada at the negotiating table, but once Canada refused to meet our reasonable demands, this was the only path available to protect U.S. interests. We’re grateful to the Department of Commerce for their thorough investigation into this matter and the ITC’s subsequent affirmative ruling, and will continue to work together to protect manufacturing jobs in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the United States.” Because of the difference in timber pricing and market structures between the two nations—most of the United States’ timberlands are privately owned, while the majority of Canadian timberlands are owned by the provincial government —the two nations have a long-standing series of trade agreements, or Softwood Lumber Agreements (SLA) between them. The United States and Canada have been trying to negotiate a new Softwood Lumber Agreement, but those talks fell through last month. Today’s ruling will activate final antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports as determined by the Department of Commerce earlier this year. The application of these duties will provide much-needed relief to Oregon and Washington mills. In November, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its fina… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-concealed-carry-reciprocity-act-vote | Reichert Statement on Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act Vote | 2017-12-07 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017. Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement following the vote: “As the former Sheriff of King County and law enforcement officer for 33 years, I understand the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm. I voted to maintain Second Amendment rights and make critical improvements to our national background check system,” Rep. Reichert said. “Now, after passing a federal background check and meeting a state’s legal requirements for possessing a firearm, an individual will be able to carry their firearm in any state. This bill also makes much needed improvements to the FBI’s background check system through increased accountability with federal agencies, to ensure no individuals slip through the cracks.” Rep. Reichert has fought continuously throughout his career, from his time in law enforcement and now as a Member of Congress, to crack down on gun and gang-related violence, including supporting programs such as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring program. These programs are often targeted for elimination or funding cuts during the appropriations process. Rep. Reichert has championed the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, a federal grant program to combat gang violence and gun-related crimes. In September, the House passed his amendment to increase funding for this program to $20 million for fiscal year 2018. In addition, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced that PSN will be the centerpiece of their initiative to combat violent crime and gun violence. To support the COPS Hiring Program, as co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Rep. Reichert, along with his co-chair, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), sent a bipartisan letter to President Trump outlining the importance of the program. Rep. Reichert and Rep. Pascrell also sent a bipartisan letter to the Appropriations Committee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399082 | Jaime Herrera Beutler to Host Telephone Town Hall on December 12 | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Jaime Herrera Beutler to Host Telephone Town Hall on December 12 f t # e Washington, D.C., December 6, 2017 U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hosting a live telephone town hall on December 12 at 5:30pm Pacific Standard Time. All residents of Southwest Washington’s third congressional district are invited to join Jaime for a conversation about tax cuts, tolling and whatever else is on their mind. share: f t U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler will be hosting a live telephone town hall on December 12 at 5:30pm Pacific Standard Time. All residents of Southwest Washington’s third congressional district are invited to join Jaime for a conversation about tax cuts, tolling and whatever else is on their mind. Southwest Washington residents can sign up to receive a call to join the telephone town hall by visiting this link and entering their contact information. They can also contact Jaime’s Vancouver office to be placed on the call list by calling (360) 695-6292. Residents can also call in to join the telephone town hall at any point during the event by calling 1-877-229-8493 and using the passcode 116365. During the live telephone town hall, Jaime will be giving a brief update about her work in Congress, and then taking questions from participants. Event: Jaime Herrera Beutler telephone town hall Date: Tuesday, December 12, 2017 Time: 5:30-6:30pm PST How to participate: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-urges-swift-daca-legislative-solution | Reichert Urges Swift DACA Legislative Solution | 2017-12-06 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA), released the following statement after sending a letter to Congressional Leadership, urging the House of Representatives to take up a legislative solution to address the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before the end of the year. “I am proud to join with my Republican colleagues to urge swift passage for a permanent legislative fix for the DACA program,” Rep. Reichert said. “It is essential that we find a solution before the end of the year. These children were brought to this great country by no fault of their own. It is not right to punish them for this - it is against the American DNA. This issue transcends politics. It is about these kids and the certainty they need to hope and dream for a brighter future. The clock is ticking. We must act now.” Rep. Reichert has been a strong advocate for protecting DACA recipients. This year alone, he has cosponsored several pieces of legislation and signed letters urging Congressional Leadership and the Administration to give DACA recipients certainty and the chance to remain in the country they know. Rep. Reichert is a cosponsor of the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act, which allows individuals who meet the standards of the DACA program to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation for three years while Congress works toward a more permanent solution. Additionally, he cosponsored the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act – a proposed solution to the impending deadline that would give DACA participants a chance to earn legal status. Lastly, Rep. Reichert cosponsored the Encourage New Legalized Immigrants to Start Training (ENLIST) Act that allows undocumented immigrants who served in the Armed Forces to become lawful permanent residents and apply for citizenship. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/34-house-republicans-urge-daca-fix-end-year | 34 House Republicans Urge DACA Fix Before End of Year | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, 34 House Republicans, including several members of the Republican Main Street Caucus, sent a letter urging Speaker Paul Ryan to put a permanent solution for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives before the end of the year. Although the current DACA program is set to expire in March, about 22,000 DACA individuals were unable to renew their status this year, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Without a replacement legislative solution, more than 700,000 young people face an uncertain future in the United States. The letter was led by Scott Taylor (R-Va.), Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), and members of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Click here to view the letter. “This letter shows many Republicans are serious about finding a permanent solution to solving the DACA issue as President Trump has urged Congress to do,” said U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus. “However, we want to work with leadership to craft a solution that will pass, not play political games or hold government funding hostage like some of our Democrat counterparts. I appreciate the leadership of Main Street members Taylor, Newhouse, and Denham because it’s important we address this issue now, rather than later.” “Dreamers did what their government asked them to do. They came out of the shadows, paid a fee, passed a background check, and got a job or enrolled in school. They are making real contributions to the only country they have ever known to be home. Congress has an obligation to resolve this issue, and it needs to happen now,” said Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.). “For thousands of DACA recipients across the nation, including 17,000 in my home state, every day without a legislative solution brings more uncertainty about their future. DACA recipients should not be a political football. Rather than delaying until next year or pushing unrealistic partisan legislation that has no hope of being signed into law by… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-praises-interior-decision-maintain-hanford-reach-national | Newhouse Praises Interior Decision to Maintain Hanford Reach National Monument | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after U.S. Secretary of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke released the final report outlining recommendations he made to the President on some national monument designations under the Antiquities Act. “In June, I shared my concerns with Secretary Zinke and the administration that no modifications should be made to the Hanford Reach National Monument,” said Rep. Newhouse. “I am pleased that after today’s report by the Interior Department, this national treasure will continue to be open to public access for future generations to enjoy.” "The monument review was about hearing local voices and the people of Washington, along with Rep. Newhouse, made it clear where they stand,” said Sec. Zinke. “I'm grateful for their continued participation in the review and look forward to visiting Washington again sometime soon." Click here to view the June 30th letter sent to Secretary Zinke by the Congressional Western Caucus that includes Rep. Newhouse’s recommendation on the Hanford Reach National Monument. Background: President Clinton established the Hanford Reach National Monument in 2000, which includes the last free-flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River in the U.S., as well as a biologically diverse landscape and wide spectrum of scientific and historic objects. More than 10,000 years of human history are preserved throughout the monument and Hanford Reach is a treasure that merits the protection and preservation provided by its designation as a national monument. In July, Sec. Zinke announced that the protected status of the Hanford Reach National Monument was no longer under federal review, and that no alterations were to be made to the monument’s boundaries. The monuments were under review in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s April 26, 2017, executive order. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-vote-go-conference-tax-bill | Reichert, House Vote To Go To Conference On Tax Bill | 2017-12-05 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to send H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to conference with the Senate, following Senate passage of their version of tax reform late last week. During this time representatives from both chambers will have the opportunity to resolve the differences between the two plans. “Now that the Senate has passed their version of the tax plan, I am pleased we are moving forward to reform our tax code to ensure it works for the American people," Rep. Reichert said. It is my hope that there will be a robust conference discussion and in working through the differences between the two plans, improvements will be made. This includes protecting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. The plan must also create jobs in America, increase paychecks, and put more money in the pockets of hard working Americans. I remain committed to a final plan that allows Washingtonians and Americans across the country to keep more of their hard earned money and gets our economy booming again.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-go-conference-committee-tax-cuts-jobs-act/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Go to Conference Committee on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 4, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement on the House’s motion to go to conference on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), legislation the House and Senate have passed to reform our broken tax code. “We are on track to send a pro-growth and pro-family overhaul of our nation’s tax code to the President’s desk by Christmas. The work to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions will begin soon. Just like at every other key stage in this process, we will continue to put Americans first with meaningful reforms that empower families, including those who have children with disabilities, to save and plan for their future.” NOTE: Rep. McMorris Rodgers is working to ensure the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is written with families who have children with disabilities in mind. Key provisions of McMorris Rodgers’s “ABLE 2.0” legislative package are included in both the House and Senate versions of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, including the ABLE to Work Act and ABLE Financial Planning Act. ABLE to Work Act: This legislation would allow an ABLE beneficiary who earns income for a job to save up to the Federal Poverty Level, which is currently at $11,770, in addition to their annual contribution limit of $14,000. This is targeted to assist only those disabled individuals who cannot contribute to an employer retirement saving plan. ABLE Financial Planning Act: This legislation allows for rollovers from a 529 to a 529A account, but still maintains the annual contribution limit of $14,000. This would allow individuals who may have been saving for their child’s college tuition, which is now no longer needed, to rollover up to the maximum contribution each year until the 529 account has been depleted. The Congresswoman has also made clear the areas where she’d like to see changes to the House-passed version of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act during the conference committee process. Specifically, she has previously st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-raise-standard | COLUMN: Raise the Standard | 2017-12-04 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | The recent cases of sexual harassment allegations against lawmakers and their staff, past and present, demand a strong response from Congress. Our bosses are you, the American people, and you deserve accountability. Staff working in the U.S. Capitol, just like employees in the private sector, deserve to work in a professional environment that is safe. Investigations begun by the bipartisan Ethics Committee are appropriate because this is an issue that should go beyond partisan politics. While ethics investigations are important, Congress should also make immediate legislative changes to end special treatment that would never be permitted in the private sector. Congress must be held to a higher standard and act to create a safe working environment. As a first step, the House unanimously approved legislation, House Resolution 630, last week. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), requires all representatives and their staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. Congress should not stop there, but we must continue to act quickly to further address this serious matter. This week, the House Administration Committee will hold a hearing to discuss updating the Congressional Accountability Act, which provides rules for workplace safety for Congress, and necessary reforms to the complaint process for victims. This is not a partisan issue, and changes need to provide the accountability that Americans expect of elected representatives. This week, I have also signed on to cosponsor legislation introduced by Rep. Ron DeSantis, (R-FL) called the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act. This legislation ends the hush funds that have used taxpayer dollars to pay settlements for harassment or assault claims. It would unseal records so that the public know who settled and for what reason. The bill promotes transparency and sheds light on workplace safety in Congress while protecting victims. Victims names would be redacted to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399077 | Jaime Herrera Beutler: Southwest Washingtons Regional Transportation Committee Must Speak Up Now to Prevent Unfair Tolling Plan by Oregon | 2017-12-01 | 2017 | 2017-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler urged the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) to formally weigh in on Oregon’s tolling plan at their committee meeting next week. Her letter pressed the RTC to help prevent Oregon from developing tolls that will unfairly punish Southwest Washington commuters. share: f t Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler urged the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Committee (RTC) to formally weigh in on Oregon’s tolling plan at their committee meeting next week. Her letter pressed the RTC to help prevent Oregon from developing tolls that will unfairly punish Southwest Washington commuters. Below is the text of the letter Jaime sent to RTC board members ahead of their Tuesday, December 5 meeting. “It makes little sense to delay weighing in with Oregon until tolling cameras are mounted over every lane of I-5 and I-205 and our money is in Oregon’s treasury,” said Jaime. “Southwest Washington residents are extremely concerned about Oregon’s tolling plan, and they’re carefully watching the actions – and inaction – of the individuals and groups who are supposed to be representing their interests. If RTC wishes to strengthen the transportation system in our region going forward – including on I-5 – it should win the trust of its stakeholders and stand up for them now.” The text of the letter follows and a PDF is available here. Dear RTC Board Members: As you know, the Oregon Department of Transportation is currently developing a proposal to toll on I-5 and I-205 – vital roadways used by 74,000 Washington residents each day. During this planning phase, I urge the RTC Board to weigh in decisively on behalf of Southwest Washington to help prevent Oregon’s proposal from imposing disproportionate and negative impacts on the thousands of Washingtonians who utilize our interstate highways every day. The debate that led up to and passage of Oregon’s tolling legislation, and Oregon’… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-reauthorization-brownfields-program/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement on Reauthorization of Brownfields Program | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 30, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3017, the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) would extend the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program which aids in the redevelopment of closed properties and other commercial sites like the Spokane Riverfront Park in Spokane, Washington. “With brownfields in every Congressional district, this program impacts communities all across the country. We’ve seen the benefits right here in Eastern Washington. The grants from this program can revitalize and renew old properties, create jobs, grow the local economy, and retain some of the great history throughout our communities. Thank you to Rep. David McKinley for leading in this effort that touches each and every corner of America.” NOTE: In May of 2017, Spokane’s Riverfront Park received a $600,000 grant from the Brownfields Program to assist in environmental related cleanup efforts. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/november-wins-eastern-washington-mcmorris-rodgers-passes-3-bills-welcomes-va-chairman-spokane/ | November Wins for Eastern Washington: McMorris Rodgers Passes 3 Bills, Welcomes VA Chairman to Spokane | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 30, 2017) – In a productive month, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) ushered an impressive three pieces of legislation through the U.S. House of Representatives. She also welcomed House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN) to Spokane to meet with veterans and develop action items for the next year to help get Eastern Washington veterans the best care imaginable. By bringing more doctors to help rural and urban underserved areas, encouraging the expansion of clean, renewable energy through hydropower, and providing options for families of children with disabilities, the Congresswoman is leading and getting things done on issues that matter to the people of Eastern Washington she has the honor of representing. PASSED: Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2017 On November 3rd, the House passed a package of legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that included legislation from the Congresswoman to extend the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program, which supports programs like the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic and many others across the country. Not only did McMorris Rodgers’ bill extend the program, it doubled funding to preserve current programs and provide for the expansion of new programs in Eastern Washington and across the country. Find more information here. PASSED: Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017 On November 8, the Congresswoman’s bill to promote clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable hydropower passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 257-166. Hydropower provides roughly 70 percent of the energy in Washington state, and this legislation would streamline the hydropower relicensing process to encourage continued use and expansion of hydropower resources. People all across Washington state, including Avista Corp. supported this bill. Read more about this effort here. PASSED: ABLE Financial Planned Act On November 16, when the House passed th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hanford-senators-murray-cantwell-and-rep-newhouse-highlight-milestone | HANFORD: Senators Murray, Cantwell and Rep. Newhouse Highlight Milestone in Hanford Cleanup, Urge Continued Federal Work to Fulfill Obligation to Tri-Cities Community | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today joined Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) to recognize Hanford workers for completing cleanup that began in 2009 on a high-hazard waste site, known as the 618-10 Burial Ground. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the burial ground once contained some of the most hazardous waste on the nuclear reservation in southeast Washington. The Congressional members commended this milestone and the employees who worked diligently to complete this project, while urging federal officials, including Energy Secretary Rick Perry, to continue the Department’s work on a long list of cleanup projects on the Central Plateau that involves about 1,000 waste sites, 500 facilities, and contaminated soil and groundwater. Earlier this year, the members urged the Trump Administration to provide strong funding for Hanford cleanup in order to reduce risks and long-term costs, meet Tri-Party Agreement milestones, and protect the health and safety of the Tri-Cities community, as it puts together its annual budget requests. “I applaud the thousands of men and women who show up to Hanford every day and who made this milestone possible,” said Sen. Murray. “They are carrying out critical work, and in turn, the federal government must always fulfill its obligation to ensure workers and the entire Tri-Cities community have the resources they need to continue cleanup in a safe, efficient manner that leads to everyone’s ultimate goal of this land being restored to its natural state.” “Cleaning up the 618-10 burial ground was a massive undertaking. The Energy Department’s Richland Office has done an incredible job of decontaminating, demolishing, removing waste and remediating the river corridor,” said Sen. Cantwell. “While this is an important milestone, the Hanford cleanup project still remains one of the largest cleanup projects in the world. I will continue to fight to make sure progress continues at Hanford and the Energy Department lives up to the commitment … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/yakima-basin-plan-newhouse-testifies-hearing-support-legislation | Yakima Basin Plan: Newhouse Testifies at Hearing to Support Legislation Authorizing Next Phase | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) testified at a House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans hearing on legislation sponsored by Rep. Newhouse and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), H.R. 4419, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act. H.R. 4419 would streamline the Bureau of Reclamation’s and Bureau of Indian Affairs’ environmental planning and study process for new water projects and authorize the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The bill would apply the same streamlined water project development process used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Water Resources Reform Development Act of 2014 to the Bureau of Reclamation and to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to facilitate the construction of new or expanded surface water, storage, infrastructure, and recycling projects. H.R. 4419 broadens the legislation to include additional surface water storage projects, water infrastructure projects, rural water projects, water recycling, and Title XVI water projects. The legislation authorizes Phase III of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, an initiative to better accommodate the water needs of the agricultural community, conservationists, residents, and other stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin region. Click here to watch Rep. Newhouse testify in support of legislation authorizing the third phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan Transcript of Rep. Newhouse’s testimony: Thank you, Chairman Lamborn, Ranking Member Huffman, as well as Members of the Subcommittee for inviting me to testify before you today on H.R. 4419, the “Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act.” This legislation exhibits years of hard work, determination, and certainly collaboration. I’d like to begin by extending my sincere thanks to Chairman Bishop and his staff, as well as Speaker Ryan and his staff, for working with me to help move this legislation forward. I’d also … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-fitzpatrick-and-costello-lead-letter-leadership-arctic-national-wildlife | Reichert, Fitzpatrick, and Costello Lead Letter to Leadership on Arctic National Wildlife Refuge | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, Republican Members of Congress sent a letter to Speaker Ryan and Senate Majority Leader McConnell urging them to prevent consideration of any proposal that would allow oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. “As a life-long resident of the Pacific Northwest, I have a great appreciation for and interest in protecting our nation’s wilderness, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,” said Rep. Reichert. “For many years, the Refuge has been the target of new oil drilling opportunities. This threatens the home of countless animal and plant species that depend on this unique environment to survive. For these reasons, we should continue fighting for the protection of this land. Protecting these natural gems for future generations to use and enjoy has and always will be one of my top priorities.” “Serving as good stewards of our environment is something each and every one of us are called to do. Protecting our nation’s open spaces and wild places unites us as Americans,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in support of this and urge others to join us in the defense of America’s wilderness.” “There has been a long history of bipartisan conservation and stewardship efforts to protect the Refuge, and I call upon Congress to maintain these efforts and not include any changes in the tax bill,” said Rep. Costello. This letter has been supported by several groups. “We applaud these House champions for standing up for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and, in the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt, continuing the historic and steadfast bipartisan opposition to drilling in this iconic wild place,” said Adam Kolton, Executive Director of Alaska Wilderness League. “It is clear that using tax legislation to push drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is increasingly unpopular in Congress and it has long been opposed by a majority of Americans. Arctic Refuge drilling should not be a part of any final tax bill.” “We applaud these Representatives for recognizing t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-meets-mexicos-secretary-economy | Reichert Meets with Mexico's Secretary of the Economy | 2017-11-30 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Yesterday afternoon, Representative Dave Reichert (R-WA) met with Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal along with Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady. Following the meeting, Rep. Reichert shared: “I had the pleasure of meeting with Secretary Guajardo to discuss the important friendship and economic relationship we have with Mexico. As Chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, I am committed to strengthening this partnership, creating new opportunities for U.S. exports, and expanding the trade ties between our countries. As we work with the administration to update NAFTA, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Washington State and America's interests with our neighbors.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-require-congressional-staff-members-undergo-yearly-sexual-harassment-training/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Require Congressional Staff and Members to Undergo Yearly Sexual Harassment Training | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 29, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed H.Res. 630 – Requiring each Member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities each session of each Congress, and for other purposes. This important legislation requires all Members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. “I’m deeply troubled by the reports of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. This behavior is unacceptable in any form, and I’m glad the House is taking steps to make sure our work environments are safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you to Rep. Comstock for putting forward a resolution that holds Congressional workplaces to the highest of standards.” This morning, during a press conference on Capitol Hill, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke in support of this resolution. You can watch her remarks here: She said, “Like many Americans, I’m troubled by the reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior in the workplace. It’s rocking Capitol Hill as well as elsewhere around the country. This is not who we are. We can and we must do better. “We need to take a step back to the larger issue of civility and how we treat each other in this country. There are many genuinely good people serving in Congress as the trusted representatives of the people, and we should be leading by example and we should be held to a higher standard. We must walk the talk, and at the end of the day this is about respect and a commitment to civility to everyone. Each one of us must be doing our part to lead by example and rebuild the moral fabric of our country. This is about the Golden Rule. This is about restoring trust.” NOTE: This resolution changes the rules that govern exclusively the House of Representatives, so it will take effect immediately and does not need to go before the Senate… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-unanimously-pass-law-enforcement-mental-health-and-wellness-act | Reichert, House Unanimously Pass Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act | 2017-11-29 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, the House passed H.R. 2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, which would help agencies create and improve mental health services for law enforcement officers. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Val Demings (D-FL), Doug Collins (R-GA), and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). As co-chair of the Law Enforcement Caucus, Rep. Reichert is dedicated to ensuring that our law enforcement is taken care of and given the resources they need to do their jobs and maintain their health. “Having served in law enforcement for 33 years, I know first-hand the importance of providing critical mental health and wellness services for our first responders,” said Reichert. “Our nation’s law enforcement face significant trauma on a regular basis as they dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. We have seen how these services help our military members, and now it is time that we provide the same help for those who serve us here at home. I am proud that the House of Representatives passed this essential bipartisan legislation today to bring much needed health care to those who put their lives on the line each day for our safety.” “Our police officers face a culture of silence when it comes to mental health challenges, and they need better access to mental health services to help them cope with unforgettable situations,” said Brooks. “In the Fifth District, Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen’s daughter, also a police officer, tried to take her own life because she was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after responding to a case involving the murder of a mother and her 4-year-old son. Nielsen’s daughter did not have access to services that could help her process and cope with the horrific situation she faced that day. The passage of the Law Enforcement Mental Wellness Act through the House of Representatives today ensures that we are one step closer to supporting the men and women in law enforcement with t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399073 | Herrera Beutler, Kaptur lead lawmakers in bipartisan letter urging Administration to fund mental health and substance use programs | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led a bipartisan group of 11 lawmakers urging the Office of Management and Budget to provide robust funding in 2019 to programs that address mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorders. share: f t Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) and Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led a bipartisan group of 11 lawmakers urging the Office of Management and Budget to provide robust funding in 2019 to programs that address mental health, suicide prevention and substance use disorders. “We are committed to building better futures for individuals and families affected by mental illness and serious mental illness. Unfortunately, stories of families who have suffered attempting to find care for a loved one are all too common. The opioid crisis has exacerbated and exhausted the attempt to find solutions on mental health and substance use disorders,” said the Members in their letter. “We strongly support investments in research, prevention, and treatment programs that will reach populations in need and increase coordination across the federal government. Promoting evidence-based programs at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will help those with mental illness rather than hinder them,” the Members continued. “We ask that you prioritize robust funding for programs that focus on mental illness, substance use disorder, and suicide prevention. We look forward to your response and partnering with you on this critical issue,” the Members concluded. Reps. Palazzo (R-MS), Sinema (D-AZ), Blumenauer (D-OR), Vargas (D-CA), McCollum (D-MN), Peter King (R-NY), David Young (R-IA), Knight (R-CA) and Paulsen (R-MN) also signed the letter. Read the full letter here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-announces-new-staff-member-based-walla-walla/ | McMorris Rodgers Announces New Staff Member in Walla Walla | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 28, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced the hiring of a new southern district representative to serve in her Walla Walla office. Victor Valerio will join the Congresswoman’s team beginning next Monday, December 4, and will oversee the Walla Walla regional office and outreach efforts throughout Walla Walla, Columbia, Asotin, Garfield, and Whitman Counties. “I’m so excited to have Victor join our team so we can continue the great work that’s been happening in the southern part of Washington’s Fifth Congressional District,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Victor’s unique life experience will be a great addition to our team and I look forward to him getting to work next week as a resource to people and groups in the Walla Walla Valley and beyond.” ABOUT VICTOR VALERIO: Victor was born in Mexico and immigrated to the United States in 2004. His family settled in Milton-Freewater where he attended McLoughlin High School. Victor became a U.S. citizen in 2014. Most recently, he served as a patient care coordinator for Providence Medical Group in their pediatric outreach clinic. Victor will serve as a permanent staff member in the Congresswoman’s Walla Walla regional office (26 E. Main Street, Suite 2) where he will provide direct support to people in the community who need assistance or want to have their voice heard. He will also serve as a representative on the Congresswoman’s behalf to many groups and community events through these five counties. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-net-neutrality | Reichert Statement on Net Neutrality | 2017-11-28 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Reichert Statement on Net Neutrality Nov 28, 2017 Washington, DC - Representative Dave Reichert released the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent announcement on net neutrality. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently supported the principle of net neutrality," Rep. Reichert said. "To me this principle means Washingtonians and their families are free to make their own decisions when using the Internet not having their choices limited by the slowing down, degradation, or blocking of online content by outside groups. As the FCC moves forward it is my hope that any action taken will preserve these protections for online consumers and keep the Internet open, free from interference, and make sure it stays a source of innovation and job creation.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-doj-cops-hiring-program-funding | Reichert Statement on DOJ COPS Hiring Program Funding | 2017-11-22 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that $98 million in grants will be awarded to 179 law enforcement agencies across the country through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. In response, Congressman Dave Reichert, a law enforcement veteran of 33 years, released the following statement about the COPS Hiring Program - a program he has consistently championed and fought to protect from elimination throughout his career. “I am proud that today law enforcement agencies across the country will find out they can now hire the officers they need through the COPS Hiring Program,” Rep. Reichert said. “I know firsthand how important community policing is to reducing crime, improving quality of life, keeping officers safe, and maintaining relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. These community oriented policing grants are essential to bridging the ever widening gap between police officers and their communities." "This is why I have fought to fund this program and keep it focused on supporting the cops on the street and not on local immigration politics. Grant standards based on federal immigration policies ultimately punish cops by withholding federal grant money in an effort to force local governments to change immigration policies. Through this grant funding, law enforcement departments across the country will be able to hire new personnel to assist with the ever-increasing work load these officers face. It is essential that we continue to provide our law enforcement officers and first responders with the resources they need to continue protecting our communities and keeping our families safe.” To learn more about the COPS Hiring Program, see the Attorney General’s release here. Rep. Reichert has fought continuously throughout his career for funding of the COPS Hiring Program to ensure it is regularly protected and strengthened. This program is often times targeted for elimination or funding cuts during the appropriations proces… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-newhouse-introduce-legislation-authorize-key-phase-yakima-basin-integrated | Reichert, Newhouse Introduce Legislation to Authorize Key Phase of Yakima Basin Integrated Plan | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced H.R. 4419, the Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act of 2017, to reform the Bureau of Reclamation’s and Bureau of Indian Affairs’ environmental planning and study process for new water projects and to authorize the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The legislation authorizes a Phase III of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, an initiative to better accommodate the water needs of the agricultural community, conservationists, residents, and other stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin region. “After years of discussion with local stakeholders, I am proud that we have finally come together on a forward-thinking plan that will work to protect the future economic health of the Yakima Basin and the surrounding regions. It does so by providing the water needed for our agricultural, irrigation, environmental, and tribal interests; local businesses; and communities to thrive,” said Rep. Reichert. “There is more work to be done to perfect this plan. I am committed to achieving a final product that will give agricultural producers the confidence they need to continue operating and expanding in the area, while also addressing the concerns of conservationists and local residents. I look forward to continued work with Congressman Newhouse and the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan to move this legislation through Congress and to the President’s desk.” “I am grateful to Speaker Paul Ryan and House Natural Resource Committee Chairman Rob Bishop for working with me and Rep. Dave Reichert to craft this legislation that streamlines the process for new water infrastructure projects and authorizes the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Updating and modernizing our water supply infrastructure is critical to meet the current needs and future growth of communities across the nation. The Yakima Basin Plan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-statement-icicle-work-group | Reichert Statement on Icicle Work Group | 2017-11-17 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Rep. Reichert released the following statement about the Icicle Work Group. "As the Congressman for Washington’s 8th Congressional District, I have met and continue to work with the Icicle Work Group, hearing more about their goals and all their work throughout the district. Convened in 2012, this group of diverse stakeholders, from around the state, has come together through several meetings to find collaborative and lasting solutions for water resources in Icicle Creek that will meet the needs of all involved. The goals of the work group include protecting fishing for all parties and improving stream flow, sustainability at the federal fish hatchery, supply of domestic water, and reliability of agricultural producers and stream habitat. Through the Yakima Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan Work Group, we have seen how important it is to work with a diverse group of stakeholders, participate in a community-driven dialogue, and have a process to address water resource needs. I encourage all the local stakeholders to continue engaging and talking with one another to find a path forward with the Icicle Work Group that accomplishes these goals as well as ensures environmental protections remain to preserve our pristine wilderness and precious wildlife habitat for future generations.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399065 | Kilmer, Herrera Beutler, Urge Inclusion of Fisheries Funds in Administrations Disaster Relief Request | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led a bipartisan letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a supplemental funding request to address the multiple fishery disaster declarations that have impacted Washington State’s commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. share: f t Yesterday, Representatives Derek Kilmer (WA-06) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) led a bipartisan letter urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to develop a supplemental funding request to address the multiple fishery disaster declarations that have impacted Washington State’s commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. In their letter, addressed to OMB Director Mick Mulvaney, the lawmakers said: “As we continue to assist those who have been so severely impacted by our unprecedented national disasters, we must not forget those who have suffered no less under previous disaster declarations. We strongly urge you to work with these communities to ascertain and fully address the unmet economic damages caused by these past disasters as an additional supplemental request is developed.” Since 2014, the region’s fisheries have been devastated by multiple natural disasters including persistent harmful algal blooms and a devastating pocket of warm water, known as “the blob”, which has been attributed to devastating fish and bird die-offs, whale strandings and other environmental consequences. These natural disasters have caused severe economic hardship in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and California, where the lives and livelihoods of local communities depend on the health of these fisheries. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, commercial and recreational fishing supports an estimated 16,374 jobs and $540 million in personal income. This funding request seeks to build on the $20 million the lawmakers secured when the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3354, the Make America Secure an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-give-tax-relief-eastern-washington-families/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Give Tax Relief to Eastern Washington Families | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 16, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), the House plan to provide tax relief to millions of hardworking families and create more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. “This is a historic moment. It’s been 31 years since the tax code was fundamentally reformed,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We’re looking out for middle class families who deserve the same chance as everyone else to get ahead. The hardworking men and women of America deserve a tax code that puts them first. We’ve created a plan that rewards hard work, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and levels the playing field so that everyone plays by the same rules. “Our plan to lift the tax burden off Americans puts more money back in people’s paychecks and helps Americans go from garage to global success. We’re bringing jobs back from overseas and strengthening Main Street. Our plan simplifies the tax code, closes loopholes, and creates peace of mind for Americans everywhere. “Thank you to all of the House Ways and Means members, and especially Chairman Brady, for putting forth a plan that delivers significant tax relief and rewrites the tax code to put hard working Americans first.” NOTE: This morning, Rep. McMorris Rodgers joined America’s Newsroom to preview today’s historic vote on pro-family, pro-growth tax reform and President Trump’s visit to Capitol Hill. Watch the full interview here. To learn more about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, visit FairandSimple.gop or text “Tax Reform” to 50589. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-reichert-introduce-legislation-streamline-new-water-projects | Newhouse, Reichert Introduce Legislation to Streamline New Water Projects, Authorize Key Phase of Yakima Basin Integrated Plan | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced H.R. 4419, Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Project Streamlining Act of 2017 to streamline the Bureau of Reclamation’s and Bureau of Indian Affairs’ environmental planning and study process for new water projects and to authorize the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The bill would apply the same streamlined water project development process used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the Water Resources Reform Development Act of 2014 to the Bureau of Reclamation and to the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to facilitate the construction of new or expanded surface water, storage, infrastructure, and recycling projects. H.R. 4419 broadens the legislation to include additional surface water storage projects, water infrastructure projects, rural water projects, water recycling, and Title XVI water projects. The legislation authorizes a Phase III of the Yakima River Basin Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, an initiative to better accommodate the water needs of the agricultural community, conservationists, residents, and other stakeholders in the Yakima River Basin region. “I am grateful to Speaker Paul Ryan and House Natural Resource Committee Chairman Rob Bishop for working with me and Rep. Dave Reichert to craft this legislation that streamlines the process for new water infrastructure projects and authorizes the next phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Updating and modernizing our water supply infrastructure is critical to meet the current needs and future growth of communities across the nation. The Yakima Basin Plan is a national model for collaborative water infrastructure planning, taking into consideration the needs of agriculture, conservationists, residents, and a diverse group of stakeholders. We need to get this done.” “After years of discussion with local stakeholders, I am proud that we have finally come together on a forward-thinking … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/real-tax-relief-families | Real Tax Relief for Families | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | https://newhouse.house.gov/sites/newhouse.house.gov/files/4th%20District%20Tax%20Numbers%20by%20County.pdfWASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1, The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, to provide historic reform that cuts taxes and simplifies our nation’s tax code: “I was proud to cast my vote today for historic tax reform that provides a simpler and fairer system for families and businesses in Central Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This reform flattens rates and lifts burdens from taxpayers, and it unleashes American businesses, large and small, to better compete. About eighty percent of filers in the Fourth District use the standard deduction, so doubling it will provide real tax relief for the majority of families. Reform will boost manufacturers by allowing small businesses and farmers to immediately write off the full cost of new equipment. Reform will repeal the unfair death tax, which hinders family farms and small businesses from passing on the success of a lifetime of hard work on to the next generation. As this process continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to send legislation to President Trump for his signature.” Click here to WATCH Rep. Newhouse Floor Speech in Support of H.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Click here for recent tax return information, including the average itemized deductions of filers, in Adams, Benton, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Okanogan, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties. Congressional district tax return data available here. A recent analysis by the non-partisan Tax Foundation found that the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will add an estimated 19,968 new full time jobs to Washington State’s economy and increase after tax income for middle-income families by $2,672. Fast facts on H.R. 1: Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle- income Americans to zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6% for high-income Amer… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-pass-tax-bill-will-help-families-energize-our-country-and-get-our | Reichert, House Pass Tax Bill That Will Help Families, Energize Our Country, and Get Our Economy Booming Again | 2017-11-16 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – This afternoon, Rep. Reichert and his colleagues in the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “Today, we passed more than a tax bill. We passed a bill to allow families across Washington keep more of their hard-earned money and to give businesses the chance to grow and hire more workers. We are providing more opportunities for the apple grower in Wenatchee, the tech entrepreneur in Issaquah, and the growing family in Maple Valley. They all deserve a tax code that works for them. A tax code that is simpler and fairer,” Rep. Reichert said. “Throughout this process, I have held every proposed idea to the standard of will this plan create jobs in America, increase paychecks, and put more money in the pockets of hard-working Americans. I am proud to say, this plan meets this high-standard and as a result it will change lives, energize our country, and get our economy booming again.” Under this plan, a median income family of 4 in Washington’s Eighth District, will be receiving a $3,654 tax cut. And in Washington State as a whole, the Tax Foundation has found that 19,968 new full-time jobs will be created. To see Rep. Reichert’s floor speech on H.R. 1 click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399064 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Supports Lowering Taxes for Southwest Washington Residents | 2017-11-15 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced her support for the U.S. House’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that will allow residents across Southwest Washington to keep more of their money and earn bigger paychecks. share: f t Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler announced her support for the U.S. House’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that will allow residents across Southwest Washington to keep more of their money and earn bigger paychecks. For instance, a family of four in Southwest Washington making a median salary of $83,874 will get to keep $1,929 more of their money instead of paying it in taxes; and independent studies show 19,968 more jobs will be created in the state of Washington and middle-income families will see on average $2,672 more in their paychecks due to economic growth. “This bill is a good deal for Southwest Washington taxpayers,” said Jaime. “While portions of our economy have seen a boost since the recession, the take-home pay, salary increases and raises of actual workers have not – and Congress has an opportunity to change that by passing this tax cut bill. These tax cuts will nearly double the amount the IRS can’t touch from your paycheck each year, from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and from $12,700 to $24,000 for married folks. Seven out of ten Southwest Washington taxpayers already use this ‘standard deduction’ to calculate their tax bill – and with it doubling, even more people here will use it to pay a lower, simpler tax bill, which will leave more money in their wallets. “For individuals who rely on relief from their mortgage interest payments, property tax payments or costs of raising kids, those deductions and credits are largely preserved and even strengthened. For instance, a new ‘family credit’ provides a $300 boost for each parent to help with everyday expenses. If you’re a family of four in Vancouver and you earn around $84,000 – the mean family salary in our region – you will keep about $1,929 mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399063 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Presses Oregons DOT to Clarify Authority, Public Engagement of Tolling Advisory Committee Ahead of Nov. 20 Meeting | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler formally requested Oregon’s Department of Transportation to answer questions regarding the authority and public outreach of its tolling advisory committee. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Monday 8:30 A.M., November 20 in Portland. share: f t Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler formally requested Oregon’s Department of Transportation to answer questions regarding the authority and public outreach of its tolling advisory committee. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for Monday 8:30 A.M., November 20 in Portland. The text of Jaime’s letter follows and a PDF version is available here. Matthew Garrett, Director Oregon Department of Transportation 355 Capitol St. NE, MS 11 Salem, OR 97301-3871 Dear Director Garrett, As an elected representative of the citizens of Washington who are among the heaviest users of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205, I write to seek clarification on the process by which Oregon will finalize the tolling plan called for in Oregon’s House Bill 2017. It is my understanding that Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) will develop the final detailed proposal for the tolls on I-205 and I-5. OTC has created the Portland Region Value Pricing Policy Advisory Committee, and has allotted three slots of the 20 person committee for Washingtonians. The Advisory Committee’s first meeting is quickly approaching on Monday, November 20. My questions are: - What statutory authority does the Advisory Committee have, if any? - Is there any statutory requirement that the OTC must adhere to any of the advisory committee’s conclusions? - If OTC disagrees with those conclusions, does it have the authority to disregard them? - Is there any statutory requirement for OTC to consider any minority/dissenting opinions from the committee? - How did OTC determine that three representatives from the state from which a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-putting-americans-safety-security-first/ | McMorris Rodgers: “We are putting Americans’ safety and security first” | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 14, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement after the House passed the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 2810). This bill rebuilds our military through equipment modernization and improves readiness. It also reforms the way that the Pentagon does business and gives them the tools they need to make better, more responsible decisions. “After a half-decade of cuts, we are strengthening our military readiness and restoring our military might. The men and women who keep us safe are our country’s most valuable asset, and we have a responsibility to provide them the resources, care, and pay raise they need, earned, and deserve,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We are putting Americans’ safety and security first by providing much-needed resources to effectively defend our country.” NOTE: This legislation provides troops with the biggest pay raise in 8 years, permanently preserves Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) to more than 60,000 surviving military spouses, reinvests in our military readiness and troops, and implements new oversight tools as the Department of Defense undergoes its first audit. This legislation passed the House today by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 356 to 70. This legislation is now one step closer to the President’s desk. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-conference-report-national-defense | Newhouse Applauds Passage of Conference Report for National Defense Authorization Act | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the Conference Report to accompany H.R. 2810 - National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation authorizes funding for national defense and national security programs of the Department of Energy and now heads to President Trump for signature into law. “It is our solemn responsibility in Congress to provide for the national defense, and I was proud to support this legislation to invest in our military,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This legislation authorizes the largest increase in pay for our troops in eight years and equips the Armed Forces to do its job on our behalf. NDAA authorizes vital investment for Hanford cleanup to fulfill the moral and legal obligation of the federal government to fulfill its promise to our community. I am pleased that this legislation also includes authorization to improve firefighting capabilities at the Yakima Training Center.” The conference report for NDAA authorizes funding at $755,563,000 for the Richland Operations Office (RL), an increase from the President’s Budget Request of $716,192,000, and $1,504,311,000 for the Office of River Protection (ORP). Click here for a summary on the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Click here for top facts to know about FY 2018 NDAA. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-house-pass-national-defense-authorization-act | Reichert, House Pass National Defense Authorization Act | 2017-11-14 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – This evening, Congressman Reichert joined his colleagues on both sides of the aisle in passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018, which authorizes funding for Department of Defense (DoD) programs, equipment, and personnel for the next fiscal year. “Today, the House upheld its constitutional responsibility to defend and ensure freedom for the American people by passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA gives our troops the essential resources they need to protect both themselves and our great country,” Rep. Reichert said. “As threats continue to change and grow around the world, we must support our military by making sure our service members are fully equipped with the proper tools they need to keep us safe. This year, I am proud that our troops will receive the largest pay raise in eight years, surviving military spouses will be provided for, and crumbling infrastructure will be restored.” “We must recognize the sacrifices made by our soldiers who put their lives on the line every day to protect our freedoms and their families who sacrifice so much. This is why I consistently vote to provide our troops and their families with the necessary resources and care they have earned and deserve. It is essential that we continue to support those who bear the burden of keeping our country safe and protecting our national security. I applaud my colleagues for passing this critical legislation as we send a clear message to the world that we will remain the world’s strongest military force.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/op-ed-after-30-years-time-simplify-tax-code | Tri-City Herald Op-Ed: After 30 Years, Time to Simplify the Tax Code | 2017-11-13 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Have you met anyone who thinks the current federal tax code is simple or fair enough? As your congressman, I haven’t either. Clocking in at more than 70,000 pages, the current federal code is packed with confusing provisions and loopholes that tend to favor special interest groups and those lucky few “in the know.” The maze-like complexity of our current tax code renders it all but impenetrable to American families and business owners who do not have the resources to hire a specialist to decode it for them. The status quo is simply unfair. Reform is long past due. It has been over 30 years since we have enacted major tax reform, and we now have the opportunity to clear the cobwebs and dust off provisions to reduce the burden on taxpayers while spurring economic growth. I have listened to many stories from constituents across Central Washington about how the current tax code negatively affects families and businesses. Filing returns should not require hours of time and stress just to ensure that Uncle Sam is not taking an unfair chunk of your paycheck. Small businesses that are striving to expand and succeed should no longer be penalized with unfair rates. Family-owned farms and businesses should no longer be taxed twice, or even three times, after the passing of a loved one by an onerous death tax. No American should worry about whether a neighbor is paying less in taxes simply because they hired a better accountant. We need a tax code that is both fair and simple. This week, the House of Representatives is considering the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is our plan for historic tax reform. While I believe this plan will benefit the whole country, it is important to understand how it will affect families in Central Washington. First, this plan is pro-taxpayer. The tax brackets are simplified and reduced for low- and middle-income Americans, allowing more people to keep more wages, while maintaining the 39.6 percent bracket for top earners. According to the Internal Revenue Service, over 80 percent of taxpayers in Wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-able-financial-planning-act-included-tax-cuts-jobs-act/ | McMorris Rodgers’ ABLE Financial Planning Act Included in Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement after her ABLE Financial Planning Act was included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed the House Ways and Means Committee this afternoon. “This is must-pass legislation to provide tax relief to families and I’m so pleased to see my legislation, the ABLE Financial Planning Act, included in the bill that passed today out of Ways and Means,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This means that people who have been saving for their child’s college tuition can rollover that money into a savings account specifically created for individuals with disabilities. We need to be empowering those with disabilities and their families to save and invest in their futures, and that’s exactly what this bill will help do.” NOTE: In April, the Congresswoman introduced a bipartisan package of legislation known as ABLE 2.0. This package included three bills, one of which was the ABLE Financial Planning Act (H.R. 1897). This legislation allows for rollovers from a 529 to a 529A account, but still maintains the annual contribution limit of $14,000. This would allow individuals who may have been saving for their child’s college tuition, which is now no longer needed, to rollover up to the maximum contribution each year until the 529 account has been depleted. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-holds-subcommittee-hearing-newhouse-costa-proposed-legislation | House Holds Subcommittee Hearing on Newhouse-Costa Proposed Legislation | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – The Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing this morning to examine a Discussion Draft of the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act. The proposal is for bipartisan legislation lead by Congressmen Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4) and Jim Costa (D-CA-16) that would amend the citizen suit provision of the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) with respect to agricultural operations. The Newhouse/Costa Discussion Draft of the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act aims to protect farmers, who are trying to do the right thing and comply with applicable requirements, from citizen lawsuits if the state or Environmental Protection Agency is already actively working with the agricultural operation through a civil, criminal, or administrative action to address identified problems. “This legislation is straightforward and limited in scope to the citizen suit provisions under RCRA. Simply put, this legislation covers only the agricultural activities that are already exempt under EPA’s RCRA regulations,” said Rep. Newhouse, who is sponsoring the bill. “I firmly believe farmers have and must continue to lead the charge on good stewardship and conservation. The discussion draft before you today seeks to protect farmers who are trying to do the right thing with state or federal agencies to address nutrient management issues.” “Farmers, ranchers, and dairymen know better than anyone just how much they depend on the land for their livelihoods, and they have always been some of our best environmental stewards,” said Rep. Jim Costa, a Democratic cosponsor of the bill. “My home state of California produces more food and fiber than any other state, all while complying with some of the most rigorous environmental regulations in the world. Farmers acting in good faith to improve their environmental practices should not be targeted by lawsuits while they are actively working to meet regulations. This commonsense legislation would go a long way to both improve the environment and allow our San … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-gop-members-congress-urge-action-daca | Newhouse, GOP Members of Congress Urge Action on DACA | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) led a press conference in the U.S. Capitol with 13 House GOP Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Joe Barton (R-TX), Susan Brooks (R-IN), Ryan Costello (R-PA), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), John Faso (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Peter King (R-NY), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Erik Paulsen (R-MN), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Fred Upton (R-MI). The members urged that Congress act and support ongoing negotiations led by House Republican leaders for a legislative solution for beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before the end of 2017. “We need a solution to get 218 House votes, 60 votes in the Senate, or there is no deal,” said Rep. Newhouse. “No bill is going to be perfect, but inaction is just not acceptable.” CLICK HERE TO WATCH Photos available here. Members released the following statements after the press conference: Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN): “Thank you to the many DACA recipients from the Fifth District of Indiana who have shared their stories with me. These young people are contributing in significant ways to our communities. We need to fix this problem in a bipartisan way because they have grown up in our schools, with our children, pledged allegiance to our flag, and are part of this country. I’d like to thank my colleague Congressman Newhouse for emphasizing the importance of finding a compassionate resolution to their immigration status. Sending these motivated young people back to countries they are not familiar with is not the solution.” Rep. Ryan Costello (R-PA): “We in Congress need to provide a humane, permanent, and constitutional solution to this issue. It is not something that can just be done by a president. It does require Congress to step up and legislate, and to do so in a way that reflects the best about our country, which is that we are a compassionate people,” Rep. Costello said during the press conference. “We owe it to the American people to demonstrate that we can do this on a bipartisan basis. Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-will-reduce-tariffs-american-businesses | Reichert and Colleagues Introduce Bill That Will Reduce Tariffs for American Businesses | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, joined Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and several other members in introducing the bipartisan Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act of 2017 (H.R. 4318). By suspending or reducing tariffs, this bill relieves U.S. manufacturers of added costs that have hampered their ability to produce more American products and expand their business. Chairman Reichert recently held a hearing in the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee on the issue entitled, “Miscellaneous Tariff Bill: Providing Relief to U.S. Manufacturers Through the New MTB Process.” “American manufacturers and the products they make are the best in the world,” said Chairman Reichert. “But steep tariffs make it difficult for them to reach their full potential. The MTB will cut unnecessary costs for American businesses and allow these job-creators to expand, better compete globally, and hire more American workers in Washington State and across the country.” In 2016, Congress passed the bipartisan American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act (AMCA) that established an open and transparent process for consideration of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB). Over the past year, American businesses have been able to petition the International Trade Commission (ITC) for tariff relief on their products, so long as it met the requirements outlined in the AMCA. Based on the petition requests and recommendations from the ITC, this legislation provides tariff relief on products for hundreds of businesses across the country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-ways-and-means-committee-votes-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act | Reichert, Ways and Means Committee Votes on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-11-09 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), and his colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee finished a week-long discussion and voted on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “From years of traveling around Washington’s Eighth District, from the suburbs of Issaquah to the farmlands of Chelan, I hear the same thing from middle income, hardworking taxpayers. They want to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, provide for their families, and give back to their communities,” Rep. Reichert said. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is bold and changes the status-quo giving relief to families and making the tax code more competitive, so our businesses can grow, hire more workers, and invest here at home. This will get our economy booming and lead to the creation of more jobs across our communities. I remember the feeling I had when I got my first job. I not only felt a sense of accomplishment, but I had more hope for the future. This plan will help more people experience this hope and put more money back in their pocket, which is why I supported this bill.” New research has been released about the bill that shows how communities across Washington State and Washington’s Eighth District will greatly benefit under this plan. According to the Tax Foundation, 21,875 new full time jobs will be created in Washington State. Additionally, in the Eighth District, a middle income, 4-person household will receive a $3,654 tax cut from these reforms. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-hydropower-policy-modernization-act-passes-house/ | McMorris Rodgers’ Hydropower Policy Modernization Act Passes House | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 8, 2017) – Hydropower helped build the Northwest, and still today it provides the region with clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable energy to power homes, businesses, and communities. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ (WA-05) Hydropower Policy Modernization Act (H.R. 3043) passed the United States House of Representatives by a vote of 257-166. This legislation would streamline hydropower relicensing processes in America to encourage the continued use and expansion of low-cost, renewable hydroelectric energy in Washington state and beyond. “Hydropower is crucial to our way of life in the Pacific Northwest. It’s clean, it’s renewable, it’s reliable, and it’s one of the reasons why we in Eastern Washington enjoy some of the most affordable electricity rates in America,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This bill won’t change outcomes or environmental standards. Instead, it will speed up the relicensing process and save time and money. Providing relief from these costly and time-consuming regulatory processes will encourage investment in hydropower so we can continue to support this clean energy in our region.” In a letter of support for the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act, Avista Corp. in Spokane said, “H.R. 3043, among its other provisions, facilitates constructive engagement in the licensing process by affirmatively designating FERC as the coordinating agency… Moreover, it gives licensees the incentive to invest in technological upgrades to a licensed project and to undertake environmental measures beyond the requirements of the existing license – all in an environmentally-sensitive manner.” You can read the full letter of support from Avista Corp. here. Today on the House floor, the Congresswoman spoke during debate of the legislation, offering her rationale on the importance of this legislation to Eastern Washington. Watch her full remarks here: THE BACKGROUND: On average in the U.S. it takes only 18 months to license a new natural gas facility but can ta… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-and-larsen-send-their-support-apec-leaders-week-vietnam | Reichert and Larsen Send Their Support for APEC Leaders' Week in Vietnam | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Representatives Reichert and Larsen released the following statement about the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' meetings taking place in Vietnam this week. “As Co-Chairs of the Congressional APEC Caucus, we hope the APEC Leaders’ Week in Vietnam is another successful marker for APEC. Washington state has benefited tremendously from engagement through APEC. With 40 percent of jobs tied to trade, Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the country. Greater access to this growing region of the world will greatly benefit all Americans, particularly, American farmers, manufacturers, workers, and small businesses seeking to compete, grow, and hire more workers here at home. Our thoughts are also with all of those in Vietnam that have been impacted by Typhoon Damrey, which struck right before the APEC summit.” This week, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ meetings take place in Vietnam. APEC is a forum for 21 countries bordering the Pacific Ocean to promote trade liberalization and investment between Asia-Pacific countries. The United States is a founding member. To highlight the importance of APEC, Representatives Reichert and Larsen recently launched the bipartisan House APEC Caucus. Both Members also supported legislation to reauthorize the APEC Business Travel Card that was signed into law last week. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-kilmer-hurd-and-hanabusa-interior-secretary-park-maintenance-backlog-must-be | Reichert, Kilmer, Hurd, and Hanabusa to Interior Secretary: Park Maintenance Backlog Must Be Solved | 2017-11-08 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Will Hurd (R-TX), and Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) sent a bipartisan letter, with the support of 14 of their colleagues, to the Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, opposing a recent proposal issued by the National Park Service to significantly increase the peak season entrance fees at 17 of the Nation’s most visited national parks. The letter highlights concerns over the potential impacts to visitor access and the economies of gateway communities and calls on the Secretary to work with Congress to develop a proposal to responsibly address the maintenance backlog. “The proposed increase would roughly triple the cost of visiting these parks during the peak season,” wrote the Members. “This increase would have a profound effect on both those seeking to visit the parks, as well as the gateway communities who depend on these visitors to support local businesses and economies. We believe that all options should be on the table and urge the Administration to continue working with Congress in a bipartisan manner to develop a comprehensive solution, including increasing federal investments that will generate the kind of revenue needed to meaningfully address the backlog without impacting visitation.” The Members also highlight the National Park Service Legacy Act (H.R. 2584) as a bipartisan strategy to address the maintenance backlog without significantly increasing entrance fees and urge Secretary Zinke to consider this legislation as part of a responsible, long-term approach to repairing roads, visitor facilities, trails, and other park structures. The Legacy Act would provide dedicated annual federal funding from unobligated offshore and onshore mineral royalties to pay down the $11.3 billion maintenance backlog. The NPS is accepting public comments on the proposed fee increase through November 23rd, but the letter calls on the Secretary to extend the comment period to allow individuals sufficient time to weigh in. The full text of t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399060 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Shares Southwest Washington Veterans Photos, Stories | 2017-11-07 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler today launched a presentation at jhb.house.gov of the photos and stories of Southwest Washington veterans who participated in the Veterans History Project set up by the Library of Congress. The stories and photos will run through the month of November. share: f t U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler today launched a presentation at jhb.house.gov of the photos and stories of Southwest Washington veterans who participated in the Veterans History Project set up by the Library of Congress. The stories and photos will run through the month of November. “Through my efforts to bring the Veterans History Project here to Southwest Washington, I’ve been humbled to hear the first-hand accounts of military combat from the men and women who served in World War II, Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, and on the front lines around the globe. I’m extremely pleased to share a few of the highlights of those stories that are being archived in the Library of Congress to commemorate those individuals for Veterans Day – and beyond,” said Jaime. “As this region’s federal representative in Congress, I seek to honor our nation’s heroes by helping veterans get the services they earned through legislation and individual assistance. I think it’s equally important that the rest of us understand the threats they faced, sacrifices they made and challenges they endured to protect our nation – and this presentation offers a glimpse of those experiences.” Residents can view the special Veterans’ Day tribute on Jaime’s website at jhb.house.gov throughout the month of November. The veterans featured in this slideshow all participated in the Veterans History Project events Jaime held last month in Clark and Lewis counties. The veterans’ recorded interviews are currently in the process of being submitted for preservation at the Library of Congress. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/kilmer-newhouse-bill-fix-veterans-healthcare-system-mismanagement-passes | Kilmer & Newhouse Bill to Fix Veterans Healthcare System Mismanagement Passes House | 2017-11-06 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill originally introduced by U.S. Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) to force the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to move forward on fixes to its management issues. The VA Management Alignment Act of 2017 would direct the head of the VA to issue a report to Congress detailing the steps they will take to reorganize and effectively improve veterans’ access to quality care. It is now heads to the Senate for a vote before reaching the President’s desk. The legislation, supported by the American Legion and the American Federation of Government Employees, follows the release of comprehensive studies that uncovered management problems at the VA. The reports that have been issued so far, and others written by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), have uncovered that the VA did not follow through on internal and Congressional recommendations to fix the problems of manipulated wait times and management failures, and highlighted problems with the VA’s human resource department. Additional reports will be released to the public this year. “This Friday is Veterans Day, when we honor the sacrifice of the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces,” said Rep. Newhouse. “I can think of no better way to honor our veterans than improving the care that they have earned and that our nation has promised. I am grateful that this legislation has been approved by the House to address mismanagement in the VA.” “We need to have the backs of those who serve,” said Rep. Kilmer. “Stories and reports about manipulated wait times and mismanagement in our VA system proved that systemic reforms are needed. I’m glad our bill is moving forward so we can improve care and get veterans the services they have earned.” “AMVETS thanks Representatives Kilmer and Newhouse for their leadership in offering this important bill to better serve those who have stood up to serve this country” said AMVETS National Executive Director Joseph Chenelly. “The … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-never-too-late-honor-our-heroes | COLUMN: Never Too Late to Honor Our Heroes | 2017-11-06 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | As Americans, our heartfelt hope is that all of our heroes receive due recognition for great bravery and sacrifice. Our collective memory as a nation must expand to include all of our heroes’ stories of honor and service. This November 11th, on Veterans Day, our nation will memorialize the sacrifice of veterans like my friend, Leslie Amundson. From my hometown of Sunnyside, ‘Les’ served as an Army Air Corps B-17 pilot during World War II. On his first mission in 1943, his plane was shot down over the Dutch countryside. Les and his crew were assisted by the Dutch resistance and spent the next month in hiding before they were captured by the Gestapo. Les and his crew spent the next 18 months at the POW camp, Stalag Luft, near the Baltic Sea. Not all of them survived the harsh, freezing conditions, but Les did. After his liberation, Les came back home to Sunnyside, where he married his wife, Helen, started a family, and farmed and served his community. Leslie Amundson passed away on October 13th of this year at the age of 97, as the roll of honor of our living WWII veterans dwindles. Many of our veterans have been recipients of our gratitude through national recognition, but others have slipped through the cracks. It is never too late to thank them. This November 11th, we honor veterans like Gregario Azurin of Wapato. Born in the Philippines, Gregorio served in the U.S. Army on the other side of the globe in World War II, in the Pacific theater. Gregorio was one of a quarter-million Filipinos who joined with the U.S. to fight against the Japanese. 57,000 of those serving alongside U.S. forces lost their lives. Although these Filipino soldiers were promised citizenship for their service, few received it. There are currently 18,000 living Filipino veterans. Gregorio, now 91, became an American citizen in 1995. He is one of two-dozen Filipino veterans in the Yakima Valley out of more than 200 living WWII veterans in Washington state who fought in the Philippines. For too long, Filipino veterans have not received acknow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-teaching-health-center-extension-passes-house-along-chip-reauthorization/ | McMorris Rodgers’ Teaching Health Center Extension Passes House Along with CHIP Reauthorization | 2017-11-03 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 3, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released this statement following House passage of legislation to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which included her bill to extend the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program: “Bringing more physicians to Eastern Washington is one of my top priorities. Teaching Health Centers, like the Spokane Teaching Health Clinic, can help address the stark reality of doctor shortages in rural and underserved areas. The program is vital to the health of our communities, which is why I’ve fought every step of the way to ensure it can continue with not just sufficient funding, but a significant increase,” said McMorris Rodgers. “I’m also proud that we moved the Children’s Health Insurance Program over the finish line here in the House, and I hope the Senate considers it immediately. It provides much needed certainty to the parents of more than 1 million kids in Washington state whose children rely on the program for health care coverage.” This morning, the Congresswoman spoke on the House floor in favor of this legislation. You can see her remarks here: NOTE: In July, Rep. McMorris Rodgers introduced the Training the Next Generation of Primary Care Doctors Act of 2017 to reauthorize the THCGME program. In October, this legislation passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a larger package of bills. Currently, the physician-to-population ratio in rural communities is staggering. Only about 10% of physicians practice in these areas, even though almost a quarter of the population lives there. Compared to doctors who train in the traditional Medicare program, those trained at Teaching Health Centers are 60% more likely to practice primary care and 30% more likely to work in underserved areas. Reauthorizing this program will help to meet the health care needs of rural and underserved communities through improved access to primary care medical professionals… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-extension-childrens-health-insurance-program | Newhouse Statement on Extension of Children's Health Insurance Program, Community Health Center Fund, and Teaching Health Centers | 2017-11-03 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the House voted to approve the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act combines health care funding extensions included in H.R. 3921, the Helping Ensure Access for Little Ones, Toddlers, and Hopeful Youth by Keeping Insurance Delivery Stable Act of 2017 or the HEALTHY KIDS Act, and H.R. 3922, the Community Health And Medical Professionals Improve Our Nation Act of 2017 or the CHAMPION Act: “I was pleased to support Community Health Centers in Central Washington with today’s House vote reauthorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and other vital health programs that are essential to ensuring that Americans continue to have access to these critically important services.” The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act: Funds the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides health care to lower-income children, and this bill would extend the funding for five years. Extends funding for the Community Health Center Fund (CHCF) for two additional years. This funding is used at federally qualified health centers, which provide an array of comprehensive health services to medically-underserved populations. Community health centers serve over 280,000 constituents in Washington's 4th District every year. Provides funding for Teaching Health Centers, so we can continue to train primary care doctors and retain them at community-based clinics in rural areas. With three Teaching Health Centers in Central Washington, this funding is important to ensure that we have qualified, well-educated doctors providing care for families in less-populated areas. Click here for more information. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-supports-chip-reauthorization-funding-community-health-centers | Reichert Supports CHIP Reauthorization, Funding for Community Health Centers | 2017-11-03 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) supported and the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3922, the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act. The bill authorizes a five-year extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a two-year extension of the Community Health Center Fund, and a two-year extension of the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education (THCGME) program along with additional public health programs, including the National Health Service Corps and the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes. “Nearly nine million children from low and middle income families across the country depend on care provided by the CHIP program,” said Rep. Reichert. “Now families will have the certainty their children will continue to receive quality health services, including dental care, prescription medication, and regular doctor’s visits.” “With many rural communities throughout our region, funding for Community Health Centers and the Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education program will benefit countless patients on the eastern side of the Cascades and throughout the 8th District. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take swift action in passing legislation to continue these vital health programs.” Highlights: CHIP Reauthorization: Extends CHIP program for five years - through Fiscal Year 2022 Federal funding will increase from $21.5 billion in FY2018 to $25.9 billion in FY2022. Community Health Center Fund: Extends for two-years at current funding levels ($3.6 billion per year) the Community Health Center Fund. In 2015, community health centers employed nearly 190,000 people and served over 24 million patients. One in 13 people nationwide rely on a health center for their health care needs. Teaching Health Centers Graduate Medical Education: Extends for two-years the THCGME program and more than doubles the funding to $127 million per year. This is a residency program for primary care physicians and dentists who are based out of community health centers. The pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399013 | Reps. DeFazio, Walden, Larsen, Herrera Beutler Applaud New Tariffs on Canadian Softwood Lumber Imports | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Greg Walden (OR-02), Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today released the following statement in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce of final antidumping and countervailing duties on softwood lumber imports from Canada: share: f t Reps. Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Greg Walden (OR-02), Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03) today released the following statement in response to the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce of final antidumping and countervailing duties on softwood lumber imports from Canada: “The duties announced today by the Commerce Department will provide much-needed relief for the U.S. softwood lumber industry. Since the expiration of the last Softwood Lumber Trade Agreement in 2015, Canada’s share of the U.S. softwood lumber industry has crept up to one-third of the market, devastating U.S. producers. These new antidumping and countervailing duties will help to prevent Canadian producers from unfairly dumping artificially cheap products into our markets and will help level the playing field for U.S. producers competing against Canada’s government-subsidized timber.” “Although the U.S. repeatedly came to the negotiating table with reasonable offers, the Canadians rejected our proposals, leaving our Commerce Department no choice but to move forward with imposing duties on Canadian softwood imports. Thanks to these new duties, the U.S. lumber industry will finally have room to grow to its full potential without the stifling constraints of unfairly-traded Canadian lumber.” Since the expiration of the most-recent Softwood Lumber Agreement, negotiations between the U.S. and Canada to regulate softwood trade have been unsuccessful, l leaving the U.S. market unprotected against the increasing flood of illegally subsidized Canadian imports. After no new agreement was reached by late 2016, representatives from the U.S. timber industry had no choice … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-loebsack-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-provide-access-durable-medical-equipment/ | McMorris Rodgers, Loebsack Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Access to Durable Medical Equipment | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 2, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment (HOME) Access Act of 2017, to preserve access to durable medical equipment (DME), especially in rural communities, by addressing severe cuts to reimbursement rates. Specifically, this legislation delays the July 2016 cuts to DME payments in rural areas, which slashed Medicare reimbursement rates by more than 50 percent on average, and shields payment rates for oxygen concentrators from an outdated regulation that was never intended to apply to rates derived from the Competitive Bidding Program (CBP). “From seniors to those with disabilities or chronic conditions, people in Eastern Washington rely on durable medical equipment to go about their daily lives—whether it’s to simply walk around without falling or to breathe normally when their lungs can no longer do it on their own,” said McMorris Rodgers. “But this equipment cannot save lives if it isn’t made available to those who need it most, especially in rural communities where we know barriers to access health care already exist. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to rectify these cuts and provide relief for patients in Eastern Washington and across the county.” “Slashing reimbursement rates in rural areas for necessary medical equipment, such as oxygen machines, means many Iowans won’t have access to the often lifesaving equipment they need,” said Loebsack. “We must work to delay this regulation that hits rural communities hardest. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Rep. McMorris Rodgers and nearly 50 cosponsors to correct this decision and ensure patients, no matter where they live, have access to the medical equipment they need.” NOTE: In June, Rep. McMorris Rodgers sent a letter to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma and previous Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-tax-cuts-jobs-act-must-pass-legislation/ | McMorris Rodgers: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is “must-pass legislation” | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 2, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the Ways and Means Committee announced the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, pro-growth and pro-family legislation that overhauls the outdated tax code to put working men and women first. Sponsored by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), the tax reform plan creates more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for all Americans. To read the bill, text “TAXREFORM” to 50589. “We have a historic opportunity to improve people’s lives and make our economy boom. This is must-pass legislation for Republicans,” said McMorris Rodgers. “We are lifting the tax burden off hardworking Americans and their families. Our plan will put more money in people’s pockets, reward and restore the dignity of hard work, and encourage innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. “Our tax reform plan is written with working families in mind. Our plan means more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks, and that starts with helping those who are working hard but not getting ahead. American families deserve a tax code that doesn’t stand in the way of success. We want everyone to have the opportunity to realize their full potential and pursue their version of the American dream, and that begins with reforming the broken tax code. NOTE: Over the past year, the Congresswoman has been hosting a number of tax reform roundtable around Eastern Washington to hear directly from people about the issues they are facing in the tax code and the benefit that relief might bring to them and their families. The Congresswoman’s top priority is to hear directly from middle-class families about why tax reform is so important to them and their communities. For more information about the GOP’s tax reform plan visit FairandSimple.GOP or text “TAXREFORM” to 50589. Details for individuals and families: Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle-income Americans to Zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so peop… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/give-middle-class-families-tax-break | Give Middle Class Families a Tax Break | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement on the House Republicans’ legislation, The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, to provide historic reform to our nation’s tax code: “For the first time in more than thirty years, we have the historic opportunity for major reform to the tax code to reduce the burden on American families and spur economic growth,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Middle class taxpayers need a break, and our bill provides it. Under our plan, a typical middle-income family of four that earns the median household income will receive a $1,182 tax cut. Our plan allows American small businesses and corporations to be more competitive and hire more workers. I am excited to work with my colleagues on this reform to simplify the tax code, help families, and stimulate job creation.” Fast facts on the tax reform legislation unveiled today: Lowers individual tax rates for low- and middle- income Americans to zero, 12%, 25%, and 35% so people can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives, and continues to maintain 39.6% for high-income Americans. Significantly increases the standard deduction to protect roughly double the amount of what Americans earn each year from taxes – from $6,350 to $12,000 for individuals and $12,700 to $24,000 for married couples. Expands Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600 to help parents with the cost of raising children and providing a credit of $300 for each parent and non-child dependent to help all families with their everyday expenses. Preserves the home mortgage interest deduction for existing mortgages and maintains the home mortgage interest deduction for newly purchased homes up to $500,000 – providing tax relief to current and aspiring homeowners. Continues to allow people to write off cost of state and local property taxes up to $10,000. According to the Internal Revenue Service data, 80.4% of residents of the 4th Congressional District claim the standard deduction when filing. The average amount of itemized deductions in the 4th Congressio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-ways-and-means-committee-introduce-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act | Reichert, Ways and Means Committee Introduce the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | 2017-11-02 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert, (R-WA), and his colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation marks a once in a generation opportunity to revamp the tax code and increase paychecks for middle class families. “It’s time to get our economy booming again,” said Rep. Reichert. “Families across Washington and Americans around the country want more money in their pockets, higher wages, and to have the confidence they can save for their future. Today, after years of fighting to give American families a better deal, we have released a tax plan that puts American workers and families first, supports our job-creators, and strengthens America’s competitiveness across the globe.” “Freedom is the American way, but the current tax code is holding us back threatening our livelihood and our future. We must rework our tax code so it is working for the American people, not the other way around. Our bold, job-creating tax plan will free Americans to focus on the things in life that matter and position American businesses to expand, compete, and hire more American workers here at home. This is our chance - there is too much at stake to let this once in a generation opportunity slip away.” The full text of the The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act can be found HERE. A section-by-section summary of the bill can be found HERE. Congressman Reichert and Members of the Ways and Means Committee are scheduled to begin marking up the bill on Monday, November 6th. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399011 | Jaime Herrera Beutler, U.S. House Vote to Improve Health of Federal Forests | 2017-11-01 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler helped the U.S. House advance a bipartisan bill reforming the care for federal forests by preventatively reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire and protecting against insect and disease infestations while maintaining environmental safeguards. share: f t Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler helped the U.S. House advance a bipartisan bill reforming the care for federal forests by preventatively reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire and protecting against insect and disease infestations while maintaining environmental safeguards. The Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017, sponsored by Rep. Brad Westerman, passed the U.S. House today as a response by Congress to the wildfire season that decimated 915,145 acres of federal forestland in Oregon and Washington alone. “With the recent wildfires that drove people from their homes and scorched the habitat of countless endangered species, we are unfortunately reaping what was sown through 20-plus years of failed forest management. Skamania County was once the envy of other counties; now it struggles to pay for basic police protection and essential school services, and we have diseased forests and declining wildlife numbers to show for it. The bipartisan bill we passed today begins to reform this complete mismanagement of our forests in a manner that focuses on healthier ecosystems while preserving environmental safeguards,” said Jaime. “For too long, the ‘collaborative’ process that is supposed to foster the responsible management of our federal forests has been trumped by extremist lawsuits that block even the most modest management attempts,” Jaime continued. “This bill ensures that extensive public input is still sought and that the environmental safeguards of the Northwest Forest Plan are still met, but that true collaboration will lead to forest management efforts agreed to by all – and not dictated by the lawyers of Portland- and Seat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-helps-pass-resilient-federal-forests-act/ | McMorris Rodgers Helps Pass Resilient Federal Forests Act | 2017-11-01 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 1, 2017) – In recent years, Washington state has experienced some of the worst wildfire seasons in state history. These fires impact health and safety, and destroy the environment. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) helped pass the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017, which would encourage active forest management and fix “fire borrowing” at the Forest Service. “The Forest Service has warned us that our forests are in terrible shape,” said McMorris Rodgers. “When you don’t actively manage forests, diseased and dying trees serve as fuel for the next major fire. We’ve seen these catastrophic fires right here in Eastern Washington, and we must take action to protect our forests and reduce our risk of fire. This legislation proposes real solutions to create healthier, more resilient forests.” Today, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke on the House floor in support of this legislation and responsible forest management. In case you missed it, you can watch her remarks here: Note: Currently, at least 58 million acres of federal forests are at high or very high risk of severe wildfire. More than 1.1 million acres of federal forest are in need of restoration and last year, the Forest Service was able to treat less than 204,000 acres, a fraction of what is needed. The Resilient Federal Forests Act includes language from the Congresswoman’s FORESTS Act of 2017. Building on the success of collaborative projects like the Colville National Forest A-Z project, this legislation calls for the Forest Service, local leaders, and private companies to work together to expedite environmental review. The legislation also includes a provision that encourages widespread collaboration between industry, conservation, and research institutions on the future of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Earlier this year, the Congresswoman introduced legislation to incentivize the use of CLT. Learn more about the bipartisan Timber Innovation Act here. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-house-passage-bipartisan-bill-addressing-wildfires | Newhouse Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan Bill Addressing Wildfires | 2017-11-01 | 2017 | 2017-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) applauded House passage of H.R. 2936, Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017. Rep. Newhouse cosponsored the bipartisan legislation to address the growing economic and environmental threats of catastrophic wildfire. This legislation would tackle the issue of fire borrowing and provide targeted forest management reforms to dramatically improve the health and resiliency of our nation’s forests and rangelands. Rep. Newhouse said: “My constituents know as well as anyone the immense threat that wildfires pose to local communities. In just the past four years, the 4th District, my district, has seen the two largest fires in Washington state history. We have lost hundreds of homes, business, and structures. My constituents are still struggling to recover from the Carlton Complex Fire in 2014 and the Okanogan Complex Fire from 2015. We lost three firefighters that year. That truly is a high cost. Active forest management is a matter of saving lives and livelihoods, of protecting our communities, and ensuring our constituents’ healthy and safety, which is why I am proud to support this rule and the underlying legislation today.” See Rep. Newhouse’s full remarks below. In October, Rep. Newhouse supported passage of H.R. 2266, Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, to provide relief for communities struck by hurricanes and catastrophic wildfires. Rep. Newhouse supported bipartisan House passage of similar legislation in 2016. For more information on H.R 2936, click here. WATCH CONGRESSMAN NEWHOUSE SPEAK ON HOUSE FLOOR TO SUPPORT FOREST MANAGEMENT REFORM Transcript: Rep. Newhouse: Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, just yesterday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 595, providing for consideration of an important piece of legislation: H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2936 under a structured rule, with four Democratic amendments made in order, two bipartisan a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-end-justice-department-settlement-slush-fund | COLUMN: End Justice Department Settlement Slush Fund | 2017-10-30 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | The purpose of any legal settlement is to right a wrong against victims, not to enrich political allies of any presidential administration, Democrat or Republican. Under U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, it was no secret that President Obama’s Department of Justice steered settlements involving large companies to either supersede Congress’ appropriations authority or to support third-party liberal activist groups that were not parties to the case at hand. Billions of dollars in settlements have been used as a Justice Department “slush fund” in the form of civil penalties or forced “donations.” Congress has sole constitutional authority to appropriate federal funds, so in cases where Congress has refused to provide funding, settlement funds directed by the executive branch to third parties violate the principle of separation of powers. A clear example of executive overreach at the expense of legislative powers is the settlement with Volkswagen over its falsifying of vehicles’ diesel emissions. The Obama administration required the company to pay $2.0 billion of the $14.7 billion settlement in civil penalties toward electric vehicle infrastructure that Congress has refused to fund. The correct recipient of settlement funds in cases involving a harm against the American public is the taxpayer, so the U.S. Department of Treasury should be the destination for settlement penalties—not programs or infrastructure for which elected representatives in Congress have not appropriated federal funds. On the House floor last week, House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), whose committee has conducted a longstanding investigation into the Justice Department’s slush fund, cited newly-uncovered evidence that demonstrates how Obama Justice Department officials blocked settlement payouts to conservatives. In a July 2014 email related to a settlement with Citibank, a senior Justice Department official explicitly advised that a recipient of settlement funds—a legal group that provides “conservative property-rights legal service… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/case-you-missed-it-business-leaders-confirm-new-tariff-relief-bill-process-win | In Case You Missed It: Business Leaders Confirm: New Tariff Relief Bill Process a Win for American Workers, U.S. Economy | 2017-10-27 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | This week, the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), held a hearing to discuss the benefits of providing tariff relief to U.S. manufacturers and to examine the new and transparent process for the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) – legislation that helps U.S. manufacturers compete globally and create more jobs at home. For decades, Congress has passed MTBs to temporarily reduce or suspend tariffs on certain imported products that are not produced in the United States. This legislation lowers the cost of imports, boosting American manufacturers’ competitiveness and ultimately lowering prices for consumers. In 2016, the Ways and Means Committee led a bipartisan effort to update the process for considering temporary tariff reductions and suspensions through the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 (AMCA). The AMCA passed both chambers with near unanimous support and was signed into law in May 2016. As Chairman Reichert said: “Under the new MTB process, companies petition the independent, non-partisan International Trade Commission – not individual Members of Congress – for tariff relief. The new process is open and transparent, and establishes an opportunity for public comment. It provides predictability for our businesses while complying with House rules.” The Subcommittee heard from business leaders from across the country about the positive impact this updated MTB process is having on their companies. When asked what her company will do with the savings and revenues generated from tariff relief, Gowan Agricultural Relations Director Cindy Smith said that the profits go to where they should – the workers: “We have a profit sharing program with our employees – 700 employees. Anything I could do to reduce my costs benefits my employees. It allows me to continue to provide healthcare coverage. It allows me to pay bonuses. It allows us to give raises.” Michael Ratchford, Government Relations Associate at technology company W.L. Gore & Associates, praised the new MTB p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-unlock-jobs-fairer-taxes-bigger-paychecks/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Unlock More Jobs, Fairer Taxes, and Bigger Paychecks | 2017-10-26 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 26, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement following the House passage of H.Con.Res. 71, Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. “We are unlocking our historic opportunity to unleash everyone’s potential through comprehensive tax reform,” said McMorris Rodgers. “A fair, simple tax code is how we help lift up those who are left behind. America was built on freedom, opportunity, and hard work, and it’s time our tax code reflected those principles.” # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-votes-get-economy-booming-again | Reichert Votes to Get Economy Booming Again | 2017-10-26 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Reichert Votes to Get Economy Booming Again Passage of Budget Paves Way to Tax Reform Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) released the following statement after he joined his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in passing the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution. “Today, the House passed and I supported a budget that puts America on a path toward more jobs and bigger paychecks,” said Rep. Reichert. “By getting this budget across the finish line, we are one step closer to a once in a generation tax overhaul that will relieve families of financial burdens, bring money and jobs back home from overseas, and put Americans in a better place to succeed as individuals and as a nation. As the reconciliation process moves forward, I will continue to champion the issues I have fought for throughout my career, including protecting ANWR from drilling.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-works-toward-tariff-relief-us-manufacturers | Reichert Works Toward Tariff Relief for U.S. Manufacturers | 2017-10-26 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Yesterday, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Dave Reichert (R-WA), held a hearing entitled, “Miscellaneous Tariff Bill: Providing Relief to U.S. Manufacturers Through the New MTB Process.” The hearing addressed the potential economic benefits to U.S. manufacturers and consumers of providing temporary tariff relief through the new MTB process on imported products not produced in the United States. The Ways and Means Committee is preparing legislation to implement recommendations made by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in its final report. Click HERE to watch Chairman Reichert’s opening remarks and the full Trade Subcommittee hearing. Below are Chairman Reichert’s opening remarks as prepared: Good afternoon. The Subcommittee will come to order. Welcome to the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee hearing on the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill. Before hearing from our witnesses, I’d like to make a few points. For decades, Congress has considered bipartisan legislation to temporarily suspend or reduce tariffs on certain imported products not made in the United States through legislation that has become known as the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill or “MTB.” The MTB is designed to boost the competitiveness of American manufacturers by lowering the cost of imported inputs and in some cases, finished goods, without harming domestic firms that produce competing products. Many companies in my home state of Washington have relied on the MTB, and I know that many of my colleagues have similar stories from their districts. Our manufacturers have used the savings from past MTBs to strengthen their competitive edge, support the creation of domestic manufacturing jobs, increase U.S. production, and contribute to the economic growth of the United States. But the last MTB expired in 2012 and left American manufacturers without a process to help them cut costs. This undermined the ability of our manufacturers to provide more domestic jobs and damaged their global competitiveness. Last year, Congress … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-testifies-important-medical-research-funding/ | McMorris Rodgers Testifies on Important Medical Research Funding | 2017-10-25 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 25, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education about her son Cole and the tremendous potential that research on Down syndrome can bring to millions of Americans. As the Congresswoman explained to the committee, this research isn’t just about Down syndrome, instead, it can help answer many questions about a variety of diseases and other irregularities within the human genome. In case you missed it, you can watch the Congresswoman’s testimony here: Note: Funding for Down syndrome research makes up just one-hundredth of a percent of the budget at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This research can unlock the answers to many other questions about some very common health challenges. Consider this: 50% of babies with Down syndrome are born with congenital health defects although there’s no case of someone with Down syndrome suffering from a heart attack. Children with Down syndrome have a higher likelihood of developing juvenile leukemia although those with Down syndrome do not have solid tumor cancers. Thanks to improved medical care, there has been a dramatic increase in life expectancy among those with Down syndrome, however, almost every individual develops Alzheimer’s or dementia. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-and-yakima-valley-community-leader-honor-filipino-wwii-veterans | Newhouse and Yakima Valley Community Leader Honor Filipino WWII Veterans at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony | 2017-10-25 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today participated in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol in honor of Filipino veterans of World War II. Rep. Newhouse was joined by his guest, Rey Pascua, the President of Filipino-American Community of the Yakima Valley. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor that Congress can bestow. Rep. Newhouse was a cosponsor of companion legislation passed in the House, H.R.2737, Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015. For video of the ceremony, click here. Rep. Newhouse said: “It is never too late to show our nation’s gratitude. Today’s ceremony was about honoring the sacrifice of Filipino and Filipino-American veterans—including those from Central Washington—who answered the call to service in World War II. It was my privilege to welcome Rey Pascua to represent our local Filipino-American community out of gratitude for his efforts to assist veterans and their families.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-rubio-introduce-legislation-spur-small-business-investment/ | McMorris Rodgers, Rubio Introduce Legislation to Spur Small Business Investment | 2017-10-24 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 24, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today introduced the Spurring Business in Communities Act. This legislation would encourage investment in small businesses in Eastern Washington through incentivizing Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) to form and invest in Florida, Washington state, and communities all across the country. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They provide 55 percent of jobs in America, and account for 1.3 million employees in Washington state alone,” said McMorris Rodgers. “SBICs serve an important function in providing capital and support to these small businesses, but there are currently none here in Washington state. Instead, SBICs are primarily located in large urban and finance centers of the U.S., which only further concentrates lending and investment activity. This legislation will change that by easing the process for SBICs to form in our state, invest in people in our community, grow our local economy, and create jobs.” “I want Florida’s entrepreneurs and investors to be able to stay and invest here in Florida’s economy, instead of feeling like they are being shoe-horned into Wall Street and Silicon Valley jobs away from home,” said Rubio. “Our bill will help reduce America’s investor gap by removing regionally biased obstacles investors face when applying to become a licensed Small Business Investment Company.” “SBICs have an extraordinary record of empowering small businesses to grow and create jobs. We applaud Senator Rubio and Representative McMorris Rodgers for helping SBICs bring prosperity and hope to small businesses in every community in the country,” said Brett Palmer, President of the Small Business Investor Alliance, which represents SBICs nationwide. NOTE: SBICs were established by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to provide for government support of small businesses throughout the country, backed by the Small Business Administration. This legis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-requests-hearing-bipartisan-legislation-provide-regulatory | Newhouse Requests Hearing on Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Regulatory Certainty for Farms | 2017-10-24 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA) today requested a legislative hearing in a letter to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), Chairman of House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment, on H.R. 848, the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act. Rep. Newhouse introduced the bipartisan legislation earlier this year. H.R. 848 reaffirms and clarifies Congress’ intent regarding the inappropriateness of subjecting agricultural operation nutrient management activities under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA). The legislation will offer increased protection for individuals diligently seeking to treat identified issues, and prevent farmers from being targeted twice if they are already engaged in legal action or are making a diligent attempt to work with the state or federal government to address issues. “While I agree there are a number of statutes that do govern agricultural nutrient management practices, Congress never intended for RCRA to be one of those statutes,” said Rep. Newhouse in the letter. “Moreover, the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations confirm that agricultural wastes, such as manures and crop residues, were not intended to be governed under RCRA.” Rep. Newhouse continued in the letter: “This commonsense legislation would clarify Congressional intent on this statute, work to restore a relationship of trust and confidence between farmers and regulators, and would prevent farmers who are already engaged in legal action who are diligently working with the state or federal government to address nutrient management issues from being targeted by citizen suits.” The Farm Regulatory Certainty Act would: Reaffirm and clarify congressional intent regarding the inappropriateness of subjecting agricultural nutrients to RCRA. Prevent farmers who are already engaged in legal action or are making a diligent attempt to work with the state or federal government to address nutrient management issues from bein… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-insights-our-future-leaders | COLUMN: Insights for Our Future Leaders | 2017-10-23 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Speaking with students last week at Hanford High School in the Tri-Cities gave me a surprising realization. The students were curious about how our government operates and also about daily life working in Congress. I realized that more people might actually be interested in what it is like for me to work as your representative. To give you an idea, I wanted to share a few insights as well as important events last week in Central Washington. First insight: If you think representing more than 700,000 people in the 4th District in the House of Representatives is a desk job, think again. I will say that very little time is spent behind a desk. Most of my day, when not voting or participating in committee meetings, is spent meeting with as many constituents in person as possible. Last week, for example, I was home in Central Washington and enjoyed my time meeting with constituents across the region. In the Tri-Cities, I stopped by the Senior Times Expo, where my office staffed a booth to offer services and assistance to seniors dealing with federal agencies. Then I headed to give a congressional update to the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and speak with local entrepreneurs to hear their concerns. Then it was off to Hanford High School to answer students’ questions about government. Later, I drove to the KONA 610 AM studio to share an update for radio listeners about tax reform and my efforts in Congress to protect dams on the Snake River. Last week, I also participated in two roundtables—one on tax reform with local business leaders, and one with energy researchers from Washington State University to discuss how they are contributing to American’s energy independence. I also participated in a Yakima Rotary Club meeting to hear about ways we can encourage public access to our forests and protect land from wildfires through better land management. I also visited an innovative health clinic and learned that expanding Health Savings Accounts would help increase options and access to care. I also met with employe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/house-passes-reichert-rice-donovan-larsen-bill-reauthorize-expedited-business-travel | House Passes Reichert, Rice, Donovan, Larsen, Bill to Reauthorize Expedited Business Travel Program for Pacific Rim Countries | 2017-10-23 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 504, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017, which is identical to bipartisan legislation introduced in the House this year by Reps. Dave Reichert (R-WA), chairman of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Dan Donovan (R-NY), and Rick Larsen (D-WA). The legislation permanently reauthorizes the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Card (ABTC) program, which eases travel for those conducting business in the APEC region. APEC, a forum of 21 Pacific Rim countries including the U.S., created the ABTC program in 1997, and the U.S. started issuing cards to eligible Americans in 2014 after Congress passed the APEC Business Travel Cards Act in 2011. Nearly 30,000 U.S. citizens currently hold cards through the ABTC program, including more than 1,000 in Washington State. “The future lies in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Rep. Reichert. “Government officials and our business men and women must be able to engage with the world’s largest growing consumer-base living in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation member countries. The ABTC program is used by 1,000 Washington residents alone and has proven successful in facilitating travel and making it easier for Americans to do business in this critical region. I am proud to have worked on this bipartisan, bicameral legislation and pleased my colleagues in the House voted to send it to the President’s desk.” Background on the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) program: The ABTC program allows business travelers and government officials with business in APEC countries to access fast-track processing lanes at APEC airports, which saves an estimated 43 minutes per trip, according to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CPB). The program runs entirely on user fees and costs nothing to taxpayers. Applicants must pay a $70 fee, must be U.S. citizens, and must pre-enroll in a U.S. trusted traveler program like Global Entry. Eligible applicants must be a “verif… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-collins-join-criminal-justice-reform-forum/ | McMorris Rodgers, Collins Join for Criminal Justice Reform Forum | 2017-10-19 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | SPOKANE, WA (October 19, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Georgia Congressman Doug Collins (GA-09) joined the Peaceful Communities Roundtable in Spokane, Washington, for a Criminal Justice Reform Forum to learn from leaders in the field and hear stories from people who’ve experienced issues within the criminal justice system in America. “I’m so thankful to have Rep. Doug Collins join us for this important discussion. The only way to do this right is to hear directly from people who’ve experienced it, to listen, and to hear their stories and ideas,” said McMorris Rodgers. “This was a great discussion and I look forward to continuing these important conversations about the future of our Eastern Washington community.” “Thoughtful justice reform involves listening to our neighbors. It means we’re committed to learning from the people who see opportunities to build stronger, safer communities,” said Collins. “Conversations like these open the doors to solutions for preventing crime and promoting compassion, and I’m grateful to join my friend Cathy McMorris Rodgers and the Spokane community for today’s exchange.” In case you missed it, you can watch some of the forum on the Congresswoman’s Facebook page here: # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-bishop-work-military-families-2017-congressional-military-family-caucus-summit/ | McMorris Rodgers, Bishop Work For Military Families at 2017 Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit | 2017-10-18 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 18, 2017) – Yesterday, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus, joined fellow Co-Chair Congressman Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (GA-02) at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia for the annual bipartisan Congressional Military Family Summit. The two welcomed Department of Defense officials, representatives from military service organizations, staff from five Congressional offices, and over 200 military family and service members for this year’s summit at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning. “Supporting our military families is a top priority of mine because the strength of our military is drawn from the strength of our military families,” said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. “This summit and caucus allow us to pay special attention to the unique and diverse issues that military families face, hear their stories, and work to find solutions. I’m so thankful to Congressman Sanford D. Bishop for being a partner in this effort and for hosting this year’s summit at Fort Benning. As a team, we can continue to look for solutions to strengthen our military families and make their lives a little easier.” “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Family Caucus and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I take seriously my obligation to military families and veterans in Georgia and nationwide,” said Congressman Bishop. “It is our responsibility to listen, learn, and ensure military family voices are heard on Capitol Hill. Spousal employment, state licensure, healthcare and caregiving, and military child education provide unique challenges for military families, and as legislators, we must see to it that the policies we craft ease the burden for those families that support our national defense.” “We have made great strides in addressing the challenges facing military families since the founding the Congressional Military Family Caucus in 2009,” continued Congressman … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-support-israel-president-trump-right-withdraw-unesco | COLUMN: To Support Israel, President Trump Right to Withdraw from UNESCO | 2017-10-16 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. and the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have had a long, contentious history over the organization’s controversial stances. The aim of UNESCO—to promote greater cross-cultural understanding—is well-intentioned. In fact, the U.S. had a formative role in creating UNESCO as an organization meant to promote freedom and democratic values. But in practice, UNESCO has departed from that mission and acted as a platform for anti-Israel and anti-Western totalitarians. U.S. presidents on both sides of the aisle have curtailed American involvement in the organization. In 1983, President Reagan ordered the U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO because the organization had become too corrupt and too supportive of the USSR. Reagan’s administration pointed out that UNESCO “exhibited a hostility toward the basic institutions of a free society, especially a free market and a free press,” and “demonstrated unrestrained budgetary expansion.'' Only after President George W. Bush assessed that anti-American sentiment had eroded in the aftermath of 9/11 did the U.S. rejoin the organization. Under President Obama, the U.S. stopped paying dues in 2011 after UNESCO voted to allow “Palestine” to become a full member, in a direct affront to our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel. In 2012, even after Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad violently suppressed his own people, UNESCO refused to expel Syria from its human rights committee. Last year, Israel recalled its UNESCO ambassador in protest of the organization’s approval of a resolution ignoring Judaism’s connection to the Temple Mount. In June of this year, UNESCO approved a resolution calling Israel the “occupying power” in Jerusalem’s Old City. In July, UNESCO designated the Old City of Hebron and the Tomb of the Patriarchs as part of Palestinian territory. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was absolutely right to say that the decisions “represents an affront to history” and “undermines the trust that is needed for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-support-israel-president-trump-right-withdraw-unesco-0 | COLUMN: To Support Israel, President Trump Right to Withdraw from UNESCO | 2017-10-16 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | The U.S. and the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have had a long, contentious history over the organization’s controversial stances. The aim of UNESCO—to promote greater cross-cultural understanding—is well-intentioned. In fact, the U.S. had a formative role in creating UNESCO as an organization meant to promote freedom and democratic values. But in practice, UNESCO has departed from that mission and acted as a platform for anti-Israel and anti-Western totalitarians. U.S. presidents on both sides of the aisle have curtailed American involvement in the organization. In 1983, President Reagan ordered the U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO because the organization had become too corrupt and too supportive of the USSR. Reagan’s administration pointed out that UNESCO “exhibited a hostility toward the basic institutions of a free society, especially a free market and a free press,” and “demonstrated unrestrained budgetary expansion.'' Only after President George W. Bush assessed that anti-American sentiment had eroded in the aftermath of 9/11 did the U.S. rejoin the organization. Under President Obama, the U.S. stopped paying dues in 2011 after UNESCO voted to allow “Palestine” to become a full member, in a direct affront to our closest ally in the Middle East, Israel. In 2012, even after Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad violently suppressed his own people, UNESCO refused to expel Syria from its human rights committee. Last year, Israel recalled its UNESCO ambassador in protest of the organization’s approval of a resolution ignoring Judaism’s connection to the Temple Mount. In June of this year, UNESCO approved a resolution calling Israel the “occupying power” in Jerusalem’s Old City. In July, UNESCO designated the Old City of Hebron and the Tomb of the Patriarchs as part of Palestinian territory. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley was absolutely right to say that the decisions “represents an affront to history” and “undermines the trust that is needed for … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://reichert.house.gov/press-release/reichert-bipartisan-group-members-introduce-bill-save-mothers-and-children | Reichert, Bipartisan Group of Members Introduce Bill to Save Mothers and Children | 2017-10-13 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC –This week, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Congressman Daniel Donovan (R-NY) introduced the Reach Every Mother and Child Act (H.R. 4402), a bold, bipartisan legislative initiative to accelerate the reduction of preventable maternal, newborn and childhood deaths worldwide. “We have made incredible progress in improving maternal care and reducing preventable child deaths around the globe,” said Rep. Reichert. “But better is not good enough. The Reach Act will give the world’s most in-need families the tools and resources to climb their way out of extreme poverty, reduce infant mortality, and focus on building their communities. With a continued focus on reaching more mothers and children, we can save countless lives and strengthen security and stability across the globe.” Rep. McCollum said, “Despite significant progress in improving global access to quality health services for mothers, children, and newborns, hundreds of thousands of women continue to die each year of preventable pregnancy and childbirth related causes. Millions of children don’t live to see their fifth birthday. Continued U.S. leadership is essential, and the Reach Act will coordinate resources and strategies that will achieve our goal of ending preventable maternal and child deaths within a generation. I am proud to build on our government’s strong, bipartisan legacy of leadership by partnering with Rep. Dave Reichert, Rep. Barbara Lee, and Rep. Dan Donovan on this important legislation.” “While we’ve made tremendous strides in reducing the maternal and child mortality rate, more work remains. We can and must continue to make progress is ending these tragic, preventable and unnecessary deaths,” said Rep. Barbara Lee. “The REACH Act is a lifesaving bill that will uplift the most vulnerable and create a healthier, safer and more stable world for everyone.” Rep. Donovan said, “Progress has been made in helping mothers and children across the globe acces… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399003 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Statement on Presidents Executive Order Expanding Association Health Plans | 2017-10-12 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order on Association Health Plans: “Here in Washington state, Association Health Plans (AHPs) currently provide roughly 400,000 individuals with quality, affordable health care plans – and that’s despite these popular programs being undermined and restricted by our state’s Insurance Commissioner. For many years, I’ve worked in a bipartisan manner to strengthen AHPs because they are a critical solution to making good health care more attainable for more people. If implemented correctly, the President’s expansion of AHPs could help bring down costs of quality care for thousands of Washingtonians. “Unfortunately, supporting small businesses who want to provide health coverage for employees is one of the greatest areas of failure under the Affordable Care Act; the Obamacare small business exchange operated by Washington state only insures 164 people across all of Washington. There is no reason why small businesses shouldn’t be able to band together and offer employees the same types of quality health care plans as labor unions and large corporations do, and I will be eagerly monitoring how this executive order is implemented and will help however I can to make sure it is successful here in Southwest Washington.” Below is background on Jaime’s efforts to strengthen AHPs in Washington state: 2017: Jaime Herrera Beutler Strengthens Small Business Health Care Legislation by Protecting Association Health Plans in Washington State 2015: U.S. Reps. Jaime Herrera Beutler, Derek Kilmer Urge Support of Association Health Plans that Provide Coverage to 500,000 Washington Residents | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-roe-poliquin-introduce-legislation-stop-va-shielding-dangerous-doctors/ | McMorris Rodgers, Roe, Poliquin introduce legislation to stop VA from shielding dangerous doctors | 2017-10-12 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 12, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe (R-TN), and Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) introduced the Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2017. This legislation requires Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical professionals to report directly to state licensing boards if they witness unacceptable or unethical behavior from other medical professionals at the VA. The legislation is in response to the alarming USA Today article out yesterday that revealed the VA failed to disclose bad medical practitioners to the public, risking the public’s exposure to these dangerous doctors. “These newest reports out of the VA are deeply troubling,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Our veterans deserve the best care imaginable, but as we’ve seen, far too often that’s not the case. This bill will help reform the culture at the VA by holding bad actors accountable and keeping them from continuing these mistakes at the VA or elsewhere. We should be rolling out the red carpet to our nation’s heroes in Eastern Washington and around the country, and that starts with ensuring that the best and brightest are at the VA caring for our veterans.” “The findings of the USA Today investigation are intolerable,” said Chairman Roe. “The committee has long been concerned about VA’s settlement agreements, and even held a hearing on the topic last year. While I can appreciate VA’s recent decision to more closely vet settlement agreements, malfeasance within the department will not be ignored. It certainly cannot be rewarded and hidden from state licensing boards. As a physician, I find this deeply troubling, and I thank Reps. McMorris Rodgers and Poliquin for their leadership on this issue.” “These most recent reports are nothing short of appalling,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Our Maine Veterans depend on their services at Togus and other VA facilities across our State for critical care, and it is absolutely unacceptable for th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-fund-disaster-wildfire-relief/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Fund Disaster and Wildfire Relief | 2017-10-12 | 2017 | 2017-10 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 12, 2017) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today voted to send much-needed funding for areas impacted by recent disasters across the country. The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, which passed the House today, sends $36.5 billion toward hurricane relief and wildfire suppression. “I think of what’s happened to Puerto Rico, and my heart goes out to all of the families and people whose lives were turned upside down,” said McMorris Rodgers. “And it’s not just Puerto Rico. Thousands of people in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands also lost everything in the devastation following Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, and Irma. This aid package will help them with the long road to rebuilding and recovery. “I’m also pleased to see $576.5 million going toward fighting the wildfires that are destroying the West. Washington state experienced devastating fires this year, and right now we’re seeing what’s happening in California, and our hearts break for them. This relief package will help fight the fires and assist in the recovery efforts.” Yesterday, Rep. McMorris Rodgers joined Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) for a Facebook Live to talk about the recent fires and the need for this important disaster funding to help communities, like those in the Pacific Northwest, recover from and fight fires. You can watch it here: NOTE: Tomorrow, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will join Speaker of the House Paul Ryan on a trip to Puerto Rico to see the damage and recovery efforts taking place. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
Advanced export
JSON shape: default, array, newline-delimited, object
CREATE TABLE [releases] (
[url] TEXT PRIMARY KEY,
[title] TEXT,
[date] TEXT,
[year] TEXT,
[month] TEXT,
[party] TEXT,
[chamber] TEXT,
[state] TEXT,
[member_name] TEXT,
[bioguide_id] TEXT,
[domain] TEXT,
[scraper] TEXT,
[source] TEXT,
[date_source] TEXT,
[text] TEXT,
[has_text] INTEGER,
[collected_at] TEXT,
[updated_at] TEXT
);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_date]
ON [releases] ([date]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_year]
ON [releases] ([year]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_party]
ON [releases] ([party]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_chamber]
ON [releases] ([chamber]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_state]
ON [releases] ([state]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_bioguide_id]
ON [releases] ([bioguide_id]);
CREATE INDEX [idx_releases_has_text]
ON [releases] ([has_text]);