press: releases: 1,514 rows where state = "WA" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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1,514 rows where state = "WA" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-named-one-most-effective-members-congress	Rep. Reichert Named One of the Most Effective Members of Congress	2015-12-31	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Recently, the University of Virginias and Vanderbilt Universitys Legislative Effectiveness Project ranked U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert as one of the most effective Members of Congress between 2013 and 2014. Specifically, Rep. Reichert earned the second-highest score among Washington State lawmakers after Rep. Doc Hastings who is now retired, ranking 27th among Republicans, and 28th among all 435 House members. This past year, Rep. Reichert has built upon his achievements from previous congressional terms and has continued to focus his efforts on growing jobs in Washington, enabling Americans to keep more of their hard earned dollars, and keeping our communities safe. Here are some of the highlights from 2015: Named Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee: Rep. Reichert was given the opportunity to lead the Ways and Means Committee, Subcommittee on Trade and champion some of the issues that have the greatest impact on Washingtonians. Throughout the year, Rep. Reichert also continued to supporttrade in Washington by fighting for the reauthorization of the Ex-Im Bank and serving as the lead advocate in Congress to resolve the West Coast Ports dispute. He is also a member of the President's Export Council. Served as Chairman of the Tax Subcommittee: Prior to being named as Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, Rep. Reichert chaired the Subcommittee on Tax Policy, where he focused on reforming the tax code to make it work better for American workers, families and businesses. Now as the Chairman Emeritus and second in seniority, he will continue reforming the outdated tax code. Named Conferee to Customs and Highway Conference Negotiations: With a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues, Rep. Reichert worked to negotiate two important bills for the American people. This years Highway Bill is the first long term highway bill in a decade, giving states the certainty they need to invest in long-term infrastructure projects.The Highway Bill also included Rep. Reicherts language advising states to strengthen laws regarding s…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=953433ca-dba4-46a1-adbc-256d0a4bc7fb	Sen. Murray & Rep. Larsen Applaud Department of Navy Decision to Keep Whidbey Island WIC Office Open	2015-12-31	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	For months, Murray and Larsen urgedtheDepartment of the Navyto reconsider closure of WIC office, calling closure unacceptable WIC office will continue to serve close to 700 people connected to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA) applaudednews from the Department of Navy, which reversed its decision to close the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). The WIC officehas been offered the opportunity to operate under a five-year lease directed by the Secretary of the Navy, without paying exorbitant building lease fees. Close to 700 people connected to NASWI use the servicesatthe WIC office, which offers supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for pregnant women, infants, and children up to age five. The announcement that this vital assistance wont be shut down is great news for hundreds of servicemembers and military families who rely on this program to give their children a healthy start, Senator Murraysaid.I was proud to fight for this decision to be reversed for the military community that sacrifices so much for their country. Making sure our military families have the support they need to put food on the table is the least we should be doing, and this WIC office is an important part of making that happen for so many people in the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island community. "I am glad that the Navy has come to this common sense decision. Community Action provides critical services in Skagit and Island Counties, including WIC, and I am pleased that military families will continue to have access to these nutrition programs on the base,"Congressman Larsensaid. "As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to fight for military families. Those who sacrifice for our country should not have to worry about whether they can afford their next meal." "On behalf of the Navy WIC families we s…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/best-of-2015-devilish-dealing-in-washington-s-wilderness-expansion	Best of 2015: Devilish dealing in Washingtons wilderness expansion	2015-12-24	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Join me in Skagit County! November 14, 2017 Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I wil... Read More	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-states-early-release-prisoners	Rep. Reichert's Statement on State's Early Release of Prisoners	2015-12-23	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Today, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement in response to Gov. Jay Inslee's announcement that the Washington State Department of Corrections has mistakenly released thousands of prisoners early over the past thirteen years: Yesterdays news of yet another mishap by the Department of Corrections is as disturbing as it is infuriating. Over the past several months I have heard from folks throughout Washington state who are deeply concerned and baffled by the decisions coming out of Olympia. Over the summer I was notified by victims of one of the most heinous crimes in Washingtons history that the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board was considering the early release of Timothy Pauley, a man serving three life sentences for a triple homicide in 1980. As one of the detectives who carried the bodies of his victims out of the building where he and his accomplice tortured and killed three people and left two more for dead, I can attest to it being one of the worst crime scenes weve ever processed. Unfortunately, it appears the ISRB believes 35 years in prison will suffice for the three life sentences he was given. Numerous people including victims, lawyers, and King County Prosecuting Attorney, Dan Satterberg have called into question the method used to calculate Pauleys minimum sentence. We now know it is not only Pauleys sentence but thousands of others that have been miscalculated by the DOC. Ultimately those questions were ignored, and the ISRB is moving forward with a hearing on Pauleys release on January 5th, less than two weeks from today. Whats worse, Pauleys victims and their families were given little-to-no notice of previous hearings or decisions, and the Governor has refused to meet with them. We also learned this summer that the DOC, again without notifying the victims families, moved the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway from isolation in the Walla Walla State Penitentiary to a prison in Colorado where he would be able to mingle with the general population. Only after public outcry wa…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-uss-nimitz-homeporting-decision	Larsen Statement On USS Nimitz Homeporting Decision	2015-12-22	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, released the following statement today after the U.S. Navy announced that the USS Nimitz will remain homeported in Bremerton until two ship maintenance periods are completed. While I am deeply disappointed in the Navys decision not to homeport the USS Nimitz at Naval Station Everett again until 2019, I remain as committed as ever to the base and its sailors and families. Naval Station Everett is a strategically situated deep water port that offers the Navy unique and valuable access to the Pacific Ocean, a critical asset as our country increasingly engages in the Asia-Pacific region. The base also provides sailors and their families with a high quality of life, which led to its nickname of the Sailors Choice. Throughout my time in Congress I have worked hard to strengthen the base, and I will continue my efforts with leaders in our local communities and in the Navy to ensure Naval Station Everett remains one of our countrys preeminent naval assets for our carrier fleet, Larsen said. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delbene-statement-on-bipartisan-passage-of-omnibus-bill	DelBene Statement on Bipartisan Passage of Omnibus Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Join me in Skagit County! November 14, 2017 Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I wil... Read More	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/heck-statement-on-omnibus-appropriations-act-and-tax-extenders-package	Heck Statement on Omnibus Appropriations Act and Tax Extenders Package	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Denny Heck	H001064	dennyheck.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Below is a statement from Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) following the vote on Consolidated Appropriations, or Omnibus, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 316-113 as House Amendment #1 to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029: The funding levels within this legislation are reasonable, were reached through bipartisan collaboration, and most importantly, avoid a return to irresponsible sequestration cuts. What is best for our economy, and for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, are spending levels that ensure we can make progress in our defense, disease prevention and research, education, environment, and numerous other priorities. I was pleased to see that many unpopular policy riders were not included in the final package, with the exception of the lift on the oil export ban which I oppose. However I am encouraged to see the funding allocated for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, preserving its viability and effectively bringing it back after its authority lapsed last September. Looking forward to next year, we need to have a more open process, pass separate appropriations bills with bipartisan support and continue common sense compromise on both sides. The Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act provides for $1.067 trillion in base discretionary budget authority, pursuant to the two-year budget agreement enacted on November 2015, including $548.1 billion in base defense spending and $518.5 billion in base non-defense spending. Additionally, the bill provides $73.7 billion for the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding. Below is a statement from Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) following the vote on the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, which passed yesterday as the Amendment #2 to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2029 by a vote of 318-109: Time to put away the pencils and get out the ink to make the state and local sales tax deduction permanent. The hard-working taxpayers of Washington deserve tax equity with taxpayers in other states that enjoy deductions …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-hails-environmental-and-clean-energy-wins-spending-bill	Larsen Hails Environmental And Clean Energy Wins In Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted in favor of a bipartisan spending bill that makes major investments in the environment and clean energy, as well as other investments in jobs and opportunity for which he has long advocated. The FY2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act provides funding for all federal agencies through September 2016, in line with the bipartisan budget agreement that Congress passed in October. In today's world of political extremes, it is sometimes hard to see the work of legislative compromise actually happen. More often than not, Congress produces legislation that is an all or nothing affair. But legislating as our countrys founders envisioned requires compromise, when both parties of a negotiation get some of the things they want and lose some of the things they want. That is how citizens expect Congress to operate to find solutions that, on balance, advance the priorities of the American people. And that is how the Democratic leadership operated with the spending bill that I voted for and Congress passed today, by negotiating hard and successfully to secure landmark victories for our environment and for our growing clean energy economy. The Land and Water Conservation Fund is back in action with a nearly 50 percent funding boost. This hugely successful conservation fund has helped preserve open spaces throughout the Pacific Northwest for 50 years. Communities can once again rely on the fund to protect public lands and waters like Ebeys Reserve, Chuckanut Bay and the Wild Sky Wilderness. The iconic Northwest salmon serves as an important cultural symbol and environmental linchpin. That is why I pushed to invest in the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which has successfully supported improvements to hundreds of thousands of acres of salmon habitat. I am pleased that the fund will continue to restore critical salmon habitat in the coming year. Northwest Washington is already a leader when it comes to renewable energy, and provisions in this bill will propel us forward with majo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-votes-keep-government-running	Rep. Reichert Votes to Keep Government Running	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Today Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which will fund the government through Fiscal Year 2016. I am proud that today the House came together to vote on bipartisan legislation that will keep our government up and running, ensuring that our military has the resources it needs to protect our national security and that our seniors are cared for. With this bill, Washingtonians also secured some important wins, including preventing significant harmful tariffs from being placed on our high-quality goods, like apples and cherries, and the reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. It also boosts funding for the National Institutes of Health which supports researchers in our state who are working to find new treatments and cures for cancer and other diseases. Additionally, under this funding bill, the COPS Hiring Program, an initiative I have consistently fought for, will be restored so that local law enforcement agencies can adequately staff their departments in order to keep our cities and neighborhoods safe. With the certainty that the government will remain funded through September 2016, Congress can now return in the new year with a renewed focus on making the country safer, stronger, and better for all Americans.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5952a70e-2979-415e-8525-587bfe3b5c22	Cantwell Statement on Government Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Cantwell Statement on Government Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. After the Senate voted today to approve the government spending bill, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement: This bill represents the bipartisan action the American people want from their elected officials. While the bill isnt perfect and there is still work to do on key priorities, we were able to achieve several substantive victories for Washington state from the required labeling of genetically engineered salmon to a permanent extension of state and local sales tax deductions. The below provisions are included in todays spending bill: State and Local Sales Tax Deduction - After numerous extensions of the state and local sales tax deduction over the past decade, Washingtonians now will no longer face ambiguity on the status of their deductions. The tax extenders package includes Senator Cantwells bill to permanently extend the state and local sales tax deduction providing fairness for taxpayers in states that dont have an income tax. In 2012, some 900,000 Washington state residents took advantage of the state sales tax deduction, reducing their taxable income by $1.9 billion for an average savings of $602. Funding for Firefighting, Wildland Fire Suppression and Research The omnibus includes increases in the fire accounts for research, suppression, and treatment of hazardous fuels, such that the Forest Service will now have $1.62 billion for fire suppression which would have covered this years expensive fire season. The omnibus also includes over $600 million of additional money to the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior for firefighting. This is more than a 50 percent increase over what was in last years budget. Mandatory Frankenfish Labeling - With the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) decision to approve genetically engineered (GE) salmon, the omnibus spending bill includes a Murkowski provision pushed by Senator Cantwell to require the FDA to layout guide…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8d52e9d9-3512-4099-bd09-f8d981f648df	Identifying, Stopping Terrorists Seeking to Enter U.S. is Aim of Cantwell, Collins Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Identifying, Stopping Terrorists Seeking to Enter U.S. is Aim of Cantwell, Collins Bill Senators legislation would help expand U.S. security presence at foreign airports, authorize pilot program for biometric security technology WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced introduction of the Travel Facilitation and Safety Act of 2015a bipartisan bill that aims to identify and stop terrorists seeking to enter the United States. The legislation would expand U.S. pre-clearance operations in foreign countries and foreign airportsenabling U.S. government personnel to conduct immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before travelers depart for the United States. These pre-clearance measures would not only improve security, but also make international travel more efficient. The bill would also require the Director of National Intelligence to set up a process to ensure biographic and biometric information about known or suspected terrorists derived from the U.S.-held terrorism databases is shared with visa waiver partner countries. It would also require the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to consider whether those visa waiver countries are using this information for border protection and immigration screening as part of the criteria necessary to remain eligible for the U.S. visa waiver program. At a time when we face growing threats from abroad we need to use every tool at our disposal to keep Americans safe, said Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security. By expanding the presence of U.S. security officials at foreign airports, this legislation would boost our ability to stop individuals who would do harm before they cross our borders. This bipartisan legislation aims to accelerate and expand the existing and successful program that allows immigration off…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e6899fd8-16de-42ac-8021-b7e166c09d80	Cantwell Secures Major Reforms in Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Cantwell Secures Major Reforms in Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Bill will provide additional support for disabled Coast Guard service members, increases maternity leave WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has secured major reforms within the United States Coast Guard as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2015 a bill reauthorizing funding for the Coast Guard through fiscal year 2017. Cantwells reforms include expanding the Combat Related Special Compensation program and updating the Coast Guards maternity leave policies. The bill will now head to the House for consideration and likely be signed into law before the end of the year. The Coast Guard bill also authorizes funding for all Coast Guard activities, including search and rescue missions and operational support for maritime national security. The Coast Guard has a personnel force of 43,000 Active Duty and Reserve members including 2,047 active duty members and 440 Coast Guard reservists in Washington state. This bill provides the Coast Guard with the tools it needs to protect our nation and keep our waterways secure. The key reforms in this bill will ensure Coast Guard members receive the same benefits as other branches of our military when it comes to maternity leave and injury compensation for our veterans, said Senator Cantwell. By tripling maternity leave for Coast Guard women, we establish a valuable retention tool to help the Coast Guard invest in women and their families. And expanding Combat Related Special Compensation, another priority for Washington state veterans, ensures disabled Coast Guard veterans receive all the benefits they deserve. Coast Guard Maternity Leave Coast Guard service members currently receive 6 weeks of maternity leave, which is 12 weeks less than their counterparts in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Senator Cantwells amendment would require the Co…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1527	DelBene Statement on Bipartisan Passage of Omnibus Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Statement on Bipartisan Passage of Omnibus Bill f t # e Washington, DC, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement after supporting the omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016, which passed in the House of Representatives on a 316-113 vote: share: f t Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) issued the following statement after supporting the omnibus appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2016, which passed in the House of Representatives on a 316-113 vote: I am pleased that some of the critical investments I have fought for were included in this compromise, such as increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and a delay in the Cadillac Tax', DelBene said. I voted for this bill because these strategic investments will help support hundreds of thousands of jobs and contribute tens of billions of dollars to our economy, benefiting families and businesses in Washington state and around the nation. Unfortunately, negotiators took advantage of this must-pass legislation by adding some regrettable measures into the appropriations process that weaken privacy protection something I care deeply about. I plan to continue the fight to protect Americans' right to privacy, and will work with my colleagues to keep government from circumventing the Fourth Amendment when seeking access to innocent Americans' personal electronic communications. However, this bill replaces the damaging cuts of sequestration while allowing Congress to start fresh next year, potentially ending the cycle of governing from crisis to crisis, and providing the certainty that families and businesses desperately n…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398668	U.S. House Passes 2016 Funding Bill Containing Key Southwest Washington Priorities	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Jaime Herrera Beutler	H001056	herrerabeutler.house.gov	legacy	Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler in her position on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. share: f t Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2016 government funding bill that includes several Southwest Washington priorities championed by Jaime Herrera Beutler in her position on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. This deal was far from perfect, but we had two options: support this agreement that had several strong wins for Southwest Washington communities, or reject it in favor of an autopilot spending extension that includes no reforms and cedes all spending control to this presidential administration, said Jaime. While there were certainly a number of tasks that were left undone, like putting a permanent halt to the EPAs attempt to regulate all ponds and ditches, I wont cease fighting for them when Congress reconvenes in January. As a result of this bill, the Portland VA will be required to investigate and address staff turnover issues that have led to 30-plus day wait times for Southwest Washington veterans. Individuals and families here will be spared from the burden of some of the health care laws biggest tax increases. I fought to successfully include important safeguards against federal land acquisitions in Skamania County that dont have the support of the local community. Resources to fight and prevent wildfires were increased, which are so critical given the devastating wildfires that have hit our forests. Southwest Washington priorities included in the bill: Protecting Americans from multiple onerous Affordable Care Act (ACA) taxes: No ACA bailouts: The ACA requires certain insurance companies to pay into a risk pool to subsidize health insurance companies that incur deep losses. Under the ACA, if the amount paid into the pool is less than the a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/advisory-dec-19-23/	ADVISORY: Dec 19-23	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	Rep. McMorris Rodgers in Spokane, Walla Walla, and Colville Washington, DC Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) will hold open media events in Eastern Washington December 19-23. She will honor the retirement of Megan Clubb, CEO of Baker Boyer Bank, speak at the Spokane Valley Rotary Club, visit veterans at the Walla Walla rehab unit, and tour local charitable organizations who are helping those in need throughout Eastern Washington. If you are interested in covering the following events, please RSVP to Ian Field(ian.field@mail.house.gov). Open Media Events for Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers: Saturday, December 19 11:00 amAward Presentation & Remarks: Daughters of the American Revolution Special Awards Rep. McMorris Rodgers will give brief remarks and will present the Bronze Congressional Award for Youth, 2 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service and Historical Preservation Recognition Awards. Location: 2117 East North Crescent Ave Spokane, WA 99207-8400 Monday, December 21 3:30 pm Remarks: Megan Clubb Retirement Event In honor of her retirement, Rep. McMorris Rodgers will present a Congressional Record to Megan Clubb, CEO of Baker Boyer Bank. Location: Baker Boyer Bank 7 W Main Street Walla Walla, WA 99362 4:30 pm Visit & Tour: Walla Walla YWCA Rep. McMorris Rodgers will tour the YWCA facilities including domestic violence shelter for women and children. She will also meet with YWCA staff and board members to discuss community influence, local support, and future plans. Location: 213 South 1st Ave Walla Walla, WA 99362 Tuesday December 22 8:15 am Visit: Walla Walla Veterans Residential Rehab Unit Rep. McMorris Rodgers will visit Veterans to show support and offer appreciation to those seeking care and spending the holidays in the substance abuse and mental health residential unit. Location: 77 Wainwright Drive Walla Walla, WA 99362 12:00 pm Speaking: Spokane Valley Rotary Club Rep. McMorris Rodgers will give remarks and answer questions at the Spokan…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/consolidated-appropriations-for-2016/	Consolidated Appropriations for 2016	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised Eastern Washington priorities in the consolidated appropriations bill to fund the federal government for the coming year. This bipartisan deal includes many initiatives McMorris Rodgers has led, including keeping communities safe from wildfires, stopping burdensome regulations, supporting rural counties, and investing in cures for diseases. On Forests: Washington State experienced devastating fires in 2014 and 2015. For 2016, we secured the greatest investment in decades to fight fires and make our forests healthy, McMorris Rodgers said. I will continue to push for solutions to help firefighters and preserve healthier forests for generations to come. Note: McMorris Rodgers is leading an effort to improvethe way we manage forest health and protect rural communities from wildfires. Legislation she helped author passed the U.S. House this year. She has authored op-eds in The Spokesman-Review and The Seattle Times. On Cures: Innovation and discovery should be accelerated; treatments should be quickly available; and we should be curing diseases here in the United States, McMorris Rodgers said. This agreement bolsters our investment in future cures and prioritizes cancer and Alzheimers research. Note: This deal supplies additional resources to for the National Institute of Health (NIH) to cure cancer and Alzheimers disease. NIH funding is used by researchers at Washington State University and the University of Washington. McMorris Rodgers authored six major provisions of the bipartisan 21st Century Cures package that passed the House earlier this year. The agreement encourages the NIH to explore the molecular, cellular, and physiological mechanisms that predestine individuals born with a third copy of human chromosome 21 (trisomy 21) to either live withor be protected froma range of diseases that cause nearly 60 percent of deaths today in the U.S. The agreement requests that NIH submit a report within one year of enactment of this Act to the Committees on Appr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-central-washington-priorities-omnibus-passage	Newhouse Statement on Central Washington Priorities in Omnibus Passage	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 2029, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act on a vote of 316-113. Yesterday, the House approved the tax relief provisions of the end-of-year agreement. While this bill is far from perfect, it advances Central Washingtons priorities, said Rep. Newhouse. It keeps the federal government accountable for meeting the legal and moral obligation to continue clean-up at Hanford.I fought hard to ensure thatthis bill contains critical resources to fully fund Hanford clean-up through the next fiscal year. Additionally, this legislation provides a key repeal of the Country of Origin of Labeling (COOL) requirements. If COOL is not repealed, Washington farmers stand to face tens of millions of dollars inretaliatorytariffs by Mexico and Canada, causing severe economic harm to agriculture in our state. After yet another catastrophic wildfire season for Central Washington and the West, this legislation provides a much-needed 50-percent increase in wildfire response and prevention funding. It also includes resources for the reduction of hazardous fuels in national forests, with agencies directed to work with State and local governments to prioritize the prompt removal of dead and downed trees in drought-stricken regions. Over the last several weeks we have been confronted by the growing threat of terrorism at home and abroad, and this legislation provides vital funding for our military and intelligence community to ensure we can combat threats to our nation.I am also pleased this legislation provides new safeguards for our national security byreforming the visa waiver program to provide tighter screening for travel to the U.S. It also prohibits funding fortransfers of Guantanamo detainees to the U.S. or its territories, keeping them from our shores. We must provide necessary resources to secure the homeland and fight the global scourge of ISIS, and this bill give…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-major-reforms-in-coast-guard-reauthorization-bill	Cantwell Secures Major Reforms in Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Cantwell Secures Major Reforms in Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Bill will provide additional support for disabled Coast Guard service members, increases maternity leave WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) has secured major reforms within the United States Coast Guard as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2015 – a bill reauthorizing funding for the Coast Guard through fiscal year 2017. Cantwell’s reforms include expanding the Combat Related Special Compensation program and updating the Coast Guard’s maternity leave policies. The bill will now head to the House for consideration and likely be signed into law before the end of the year. The Coast Guard bill also authorizes funding for all Coast Guard activities, including search and rescue missions and operational support for maritime national security. The Coast Guard has a personnel force of 43,000 Active Duty and Reserve members including 2,047 active duty members and 440 Coast Guard reservists in Washington state. “This bill provides the Coast Guard with the tools it needs to protect our nation and keep our waterways secure. The key reforms in this bill will ensure Coast Guard members receive the same benefits as other branches of our military when it comes to maternity leave and injury compensation for our veterans,” said Senator Cantwell. “By tripling maternity leave for Coast Guard women, we establish a valuable retention tool to help the Coast Guard invest in women and their families. And expanding Combat Related Special Compensation, another priority for Washington state veterans, ensures disabled Coast Guard veterans receive all the benefits they deserve.” Coast Guard Maternity Leave Coast Guard service members currently receive 6 weeks of maternity leave, which is 12 weeks less than their counterparts in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Senator Cantwell’s amendment would requ…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-statement-on-government-spending-bill	Cantwell Statement on Government Spending Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Cantwell Statement on Government Spending Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – After the Senate voted today to approve the government spending bill, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement: “This bill represents the bipartisan action the American people want from their elected officials. While the bill isn’t perfect and there is still work to do on key priorities, we were able to achieve several substantive victories for Washington state from the required labeling of genetically engineered salmon to a permanent extension of state and local sales tax deductions.” The below provisions are included in today’s spending bill: State and Local Sales Tax Deduction - After numerous extensions of the state and local sales tax deduction over the past decade, Washingtonians now will no longer face ambiguity on the status of their deductions. The tax extenders package includes Senator Cantwell’s bill to permanently extend the state and local sales tax deduction providing fairness for taxpayers in states that don’t have an income tax. In 2012, some 900,000 Washington state residents took advantage of the state sales tax deduction, reducing their taxable income by $1.9 billion for an average savings of $602. Funding for Firefighting, Wildland Fire Suppression and Research – The omnibus includes increases in the fire accounts for research, suppression, and treatment of hazardous fuels, such that the Forest Service will now have $1.62 billion for fire suppression – which would have covered this year’s expensive fire season. The omnibus also includes over $600 million of additional money to the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior for firefighting. This is more than a 50 percent increase over what was in last year’s budget. Mandatory Frankenfish Labeling - With the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decision to approve genetically engineered (GE) salmon, the omnibus spending bill includes a Murkowski provision pushed by Senator Cantwell to require the FDA to …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/identifying-stopping-terrorists-seeking-to-enter-us-is-aim-of-cantwell-collins-bill	Identifying, Stopping Terrorists Seeking to Enter U.S. is Aim of Cantwell, Collins Bill	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.18.15 Identifying, Stopping Terrorists Seeking to Enter U.S. is Aim of Cantwell, Collins Bill Senators’ legislation would help expand U.S. security presence at foreign airports, authorize pilot program for biometric security technology WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced introduction of the Travel Facilitation and Safety Act of 2015—a bipartisan bill that aims to identify and stop terrorists seeking to enter the United States. The legislation would expand U.S. pre-clearance operations in foreign countries and foreign airports—enabling U.S. government personnel to conduct immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before travelers depart for the United States. These pre-clearance measures would not only improve security, but also make international travel more efficient. The bill would also require the Director of National Intelligence to set up a process to ensure biographic and biometric information about known or suspected terrorists derived from the U.S.-held terrorism databases is shared with visa waiver partner countries. It would also require the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security to consider whether those visa waiver countries are using this information for border protection and immigration screening as part of the criteria necessary to remain eligible for the U.S. visa waiver program. “At a time when we face growing threats from abroad we need to use every tool at our disposal to keep Americans safe,” said Cantwell, the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security. “By expanding the presence of U.S. security officials at foreign airports, this legislation would boost our ability to stop individuals who would do harm before they cross our borders.” “This bipartisan legislation aims to accelerate and expand the existing and successful program that allows immigr…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0fb8c430-5046-4839-8f35-e48b81f9edc1	Murray, Kilmer Secure Investment in Earthquake Early Warning System	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Secured $5 million earlier this year to build out early earthquake warning system for the West Coast Worked to include more than $8 million in federal spending bill passing into law today (Washington, D.C.) Today, Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Derek Kilmer applauded the announcement that $8.2 million has been included in the 2016 Omnibus spending bill to help fund an early earthquake warning system. This system, being developed at the UW in partnership with other West Coast universities, could save lives and mitigate destruction in the event of a megaquake along the Cascadia subduction zone. Earlier this year, Murray and Kilmer helped secure a $5 million federal investment for the warning system and called on the federal government to make further investments in research and disaster preparedness. We have a responsibility to keep families safe by making sure that the federal government is doing everything it can to invest in emergency preparedness before a large scale event like this happens, said Senator Murray. I was proud to fight for this critical investment for Washington state families, and I appreciate Congressman Kilmers work in the House to advocate for this potentially life-saving technology. Whether a quake strikes this year or in ten, we need to be ready. An updated and operational Earthquake Early Warning System is essential to serve as eyes and ears for folks on the West Coast, said Representative Kilmer. A few crucial seconds can make all the difference to help Washingtonians get out of harms way if a large quake strikes. Thankfully, the funding bill that passed Congress secures additional investments in the project so it can continue expanding to protect the entire West Coast. Ive been proud to partner with Senator Murray to keep this going and well keep pushing until the system is online. The Earthquake Early Warning System has been in the works since 2005 and is being developed by the University of Washington, the California Institute of Technology, University of California-Berkeley…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ad8699c9-a156-4f1d-9272-5b46d6ec7d7b	Murray on Bipartisan Budget/Tax Cut Deal: Good Deal for Washington State Families, Small Business Owners	2015-12-18	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Coming on heels of latest bipartisan budget deal, spending and tax cut deal restores and expands critical investments in Washington state priorities: jobs, veterans, education, national security, health care, innovation, transportation, Hanford cleanup, and more Permanently extends key working family and small business tax cuts: Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, College Tuition Credit, R&D Tax Credit, and more Permanent extension of Washington state sales tax deduction: Huge win for Washington state taxpayers (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement on the bipartisan Appropriations Omnibus and tax cut extension deal, which passed the full Senate today. This is a good deal for Washington state families, workers, small business owners, and our economy. By investing in middle class and local priorities and permanently extending tax cuts for Washington state families and small business owners, this deal is another important step in our work to create jobs and grow the economy from the middle out, not the top down. I fought to make sure Washington state was treated fairly in this Republican Congress and that our families and small business owners had a seat at the table when these federal investment and tax cut decisions were made. These arent the budget and tax bills I would write on my own and I have some serious concerns with some of the policy provisions included. But I was proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to make sure this deal works for Washington state families and small business owners.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/billy-frank-jr-proposal-moves-to-obama	Billy Frank Jr. Proposal Moves to Obama	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Denny Heck	H001064	dennyheck.house.gov	legacy	Legislation that would change the name of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in honor of the Nisqually Tribes Billy Frank Jr. has passed both the House and Senate, and is headed to the White House. The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Denny Heck, D-Olympia, who represents Washingtons 10th Legislative District.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-families-deserve-functional-tax-code-doesn%E2%80%99t-harm-economic-future	Larsen: Families Deserve Functional Tax Code That Doesnt Harm Economic Future	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted against a bill that would create a $622 billion hole in the federal deficit by extending dozens of tax credits without paying for them. While Larsen supports many of the tax credits in the bill, extending some and making others permanent with no plan to pay for them is fiscally irresponsible and undermines any effort to reform the tax code. I cannot support this irresponsible bill that blows a $600 billion hole in our countrys budget while dodging a solution to the real problem of a dysfunctional tax code. The gains we get under this bill are wiped out by the $600 billion pain it will cost us and our children later. And the bigger our debt, the more we pay in interest, which takes money away from our schools, our veterans and our infrastructure. Many of the tax credits in the bill the House passed today make important investments in education, research, clean energy and other priorities that I support. While I would like to see tax credits like these extended to encourage innovation and a strong economic foundation, that economic foundation gets shaky when we charge too much to our nations credit card with no way to pay those charges back. The U.S. tax code also badly needs an overhaul so it works better for hardworking middle-class families, but prolonging the status quo damages the chances of getting comprehensive tax reform done. I want to see a tax code that encourages people to go to school, workers to put their time into innovative clean energy projects, and families to invest in their futures. Our country's budget deserves a balanced approach by matching changes in the tax code like these with savings found elsewhere. We can accomplish these goals while also maintaining fiscal responsibility by including these tax credits as part of a broader tax reform effort, Larsen said The tax extender package that the House passed costs $622 billion over 10 years by extending more than 50 tax provisions, including making 22 provisions permanent. The bill does not in…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-tax-extenders-bill	Rep. Reichert's Statement on Tax Extenders Bill	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Today Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, which includes several provisions Rep. Reichert championed. Prior to the vote, the Congressman spoke on the House floor about the impact this bill will have on Washingtonians. To watch the video, click HERE. Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bills passage: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act does exactly what its title implies it ensures families across the country will keep more of their hard-earned dollars and provides our small business owners with much-needed certainty to plan for future investments and hirings. I am proud to say this bill includes several provisions I have championed on behalf of Americas teachers, workers and small businesses, Reichert said. And for Washingtonians, this bill not only guarantees fairness by making permanent our ability to deduct sales tax, but it also ensures that tens of thousands of local public employees, like public utility workers and teachers, will be able to pass on savings they set aside for health care to their loved ones. Todays vote puts us on a path toward tax reform and guarantees certainty for American workers to provide for their families and for American businesses to compete, innovate and thrive. After the vote, stakeholders reached out to Rep. Reichert, thanking for him for his continued effort to fight for tax relief for Washingtonians: Main Street businesses owe Congressman Reichert a big THANKS for his tireless efforts on behalf of millions of S corporations across the country. The passage of the PATH Act means these businesses will no longer need to wait until the end of the year to know if they are going to get relief from the built-in gains tax or whether theyll be able to deduct their full charitable contributions. These and the other Main Street business provisions in the bill will provide job creators with certainty for the first time in decades, so they can make decis…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1526	DelBene Statement on Tax Relief Package	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Statement on Tax Relief Package f t # e Washington, DC, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement today after supporting a tax relief package, which passed in the House of Representatives on a 318-109 vote. share: f t Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement today after supporting a tax relief package, which passed in the House of Representatives on a 318-109 vote. I'm pleased that today's bill includes many provisions I have fought for in Congress. Good tax policy goes a long way toward expanding access to opportunity for the middle class and encouraging sustained economic growth, DelBene said. This package will permanently extend the state and local sales tax deduction and the Earned Income Tax Credit, providing relief for countless residents in states like Washington. It also boosts investments to foster innovation in the green economy and supports many of our local businesses by making the R&D tax credit permanent and delaying the medical device tax. While this deal could have done more to provide long-term economic stability for millions of hardworking families by indexing the Child Tax Credit to inflation, the compromise reached will help provide certainty by making this critical tax credit permanent. The bill also provides families assistance with the rising cost of college by making the expansion of the American Opportunity Tax Credit permanent. But our tax code remains overly complex and confusing, with too many outdated provisions that no longer serve their purpose. It is long past time to bring the tax code into the 21st century, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues on a fiscally respon…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398667	Jaime Herrera Beutler Helps Secure Making State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Permanent in Tax Agreement	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Jaime Herrera Beutler	H001056	herrerabeutler.house.gov	legacy	Today, U.S. House of Representatives passed the House- Senate negotiated agreement on a tax reform bill that includes the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction critical tax relief that Jaime has championed since coming to Congress. Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the bill with a vote of 318 - 109. share: f t Click here to watch Jaime urge the U.S. House to permanently extend the state and local sales tax earlier this year. WASHINGTON, DC Today, U.S. House of Representatives passed the House- Senate negotiated agreement on a tax reform bill that includes the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction critical tax relief that Jaime has championed since coming to Congress. Jaime voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to pass the bill with a vote of 318 - 109. The state and local sales tax deduction allows residents of states without a state income tax, like Washington, to deduct state and local sales tax from their federal tax returns. Residents of states with income tax are able to deduct that from their federal taxes. For the past several years, Congress has passed only short-term extensions of the sales tax deduction at the 11th hour. The provision is widely used by Washington residents; in 2012, 27.7% of Washington state filers used the sales tax deduction, saving this states taxpayers more than $2 billion. The average claim was $602. Etching this the state and local sales tax deduction into permanent tax code would eliminate the uncertainty that individuals and families face due to frequent short-term extensions. Residents from over 40 states get to deduct their state income tax from their federal taxes, and now, through the permanent extension of the state and local sales tax deduction, Washington state families can know that they will get to keep more of their money too, said Jaime. This solution gives fairness in the tax code to Southwest Washington …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/providing-tax-certainty-to-support-jobs-innovation/	Providing Tax Certainty to Support Jobs & Innovation	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	In Eastern Washington, this means local farmers and manufacturers will have more certainty to invest in the property and equipment necessary to grow and expand. Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the bipartisan passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015. It includes a suspension of the harmful medical device tax, and provisions like the Research and Development Credit and Section 179 expensing are made permanent. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement: Today, the House took important steps in our mission to provide more certainty and opportunity for job creators and their families. By voting to make some of the most important parts of our tax code permanent, and incentivizing the development of cutting-edge technology here in America, businesses and manufacturers of all sizes will have more of the edge they need to grow and compete in a dynamic economy. In Eastern Washington, this means local farmers and manufacturers will have more certainty to invest in the property and equipment necessary to grow and expand. The PATH Act will help keep jobs and innovation here in America.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-permanent-tax-relief-families-small-businesses	Newhouse Applauds Passage of Permanent Tax Relief for Families, Small Businesses	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 on a vote of 318-109. Todays passage of a bipartisan, pro-growth tax extender package is a huge win for families and small businesses in Central Washington, said Rep. Newhouse. Before today, Washingtonians were at a disadvantage compared to residents of states who are able to claim a federal tax deduction for state income taxes. Each year, Washingtonians had to wait at the whims of D.C. to know if they would be allowed a federal tax deduction for what they spend on state and local sales tax. Making the state and local sales tax deduction permanent when filing federal taxes promotes fairness in the tax code and allows individuals and families in Washington to keep more of the money they earn. In 2012, the average Washington taxpayer saved $602 from this federal deduction. This deduction will permanently reduce the tax burden on Washington families and give them the certainty they need to plan ahead financially. The agreement passed today also helps small businesses by blocking scheduled tax hikes from ever taking effect. Small businesses will now be able to rely on a permanent tax deduction of up to $500,000 on assets such as heavy machinery or office equipment. This provision will promote investment and give small businesses the long-term tax certainty they need. Together, these permanent deductions will go a long way to create fairness and protect families and small businesses from tax increases. I am proud to support permanent tax relief that boosts economic growth and creates jobs, injecting money into our economy instead of sending it to bureaucrats in D.C. H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 makes permanent over 20 tax relief provisions, extends for 5 years or 2 years a number of other tax relief provisions that expired at the end of calendar year 2014, provides for a 2-year moratoriu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=b58b31f1-f28a-4fe2-ac42-254748987dc5	Murray Statement on Perkins Loan Extension Passing the House of Representatives	2015-12-17	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on the House of Representatives passing a bipartisan bill to extend the Perkins Loan Program. Yesterday, the Senate passed the Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015, which provides a two-year extension of the program until a longer term solution can be put in place under the Higher Education Act. The bill now heads to the Presidents desk for approval. The Perkins Loan Program provides many students, including more than 15,000 in Washington state last year, with a low-cost financial aid option, so I am pleased that we were able to come together to restore this resource, said Senator Murray This bipartisan compromise was an important step forward, and as we work in Congress to reauthorize this Higher Education Act, I am going to continue fighting to ensure students have the financial aid tools they need to earn their degree and gain a foothold in the middle class. In September, Murray urged her colleagues to extend the program prior to its expiration. This compromise will extend the life of the Perkins Loan Program through September 30, 2017 for eligible students. Breakdown of students in Washington state receiving Perkins Loans in 2013-14: School State Zip Code School Type Recipients Disbursements University of Washington - Seattle WA 98195-1122 Public 4,698 $ 10,379,139.00 Washington State University WA 99164-1035 Public 2,689 $ 2,643,975.00 Gonzaga University WA 99258-0083 Private/Non-Profit 909 $ 2,560,011.00 Pacific Lutheran University WA 98447-0003 Private/Non-Profit 896 $ 2,256,404.00 Western Washington University WA 98225-5946 Public 845 $ 1,417,205.00 University of Puget Sound WA 98416-0001 …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/121515	12/15/15	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Browse Documentsby Date or Issue: Small Business Saturday in Snohomish Posted in eNewsletters on November 28, 2017 \| Preview rr Dear Friend, Growing up, my parents owned a toy store, so I know how important holiday shopping can be for a small retailer. Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to show our support for local shops. Thats why I marked Small Business Saturday by holiday shopping at locally-owned small businesses in historic Snohomish to support the First Districts local economy. According to the most recent data from the Small Business Administration, Washingtons small businesses make up 98 percent o... Read more Join me in Skagit County! Posted in eNewsletters on November 14, 2017 \| Preview rr Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I will be in Concrete, Lyman and Big Lake. I hope to see you there! As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you... Read more Helping Our Veterans Find Jobs Posted in eNewsletters on November 10, 2017 \| Preview rr Tags: Veterans Dear Friend, Right now, too many veterans are struggling to find jobs. As workers face significant challenges adapting to a rapidly changing economy, it is essential we improve 21st century employment opportunities for those transitioning back into civilian life. According to the Bureau of Labor St…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-calls-infectious-disease-response-strategy-us-aviation-system	Larsen Calls For Infectious Disease Response Strategy For U.S. Aviation System	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today released a report detailing ways the U.S. aviation system can more effectively respond to epidemics and other global health crises. Larsen requested that the Government Accountability Office study the preparedness of U.S. airports and airlines to handle the spread of an infectious disease during the emergence of the Ebola virus last fall. Larsen, the Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee, wanted more information about a national response plan as an alternative to banning flights to the U.S. from countries experiencing contagious epidemics. During the Ebola outbreak, some called for flight bans, though medical experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recommended against the strategy. Larsen will work on a solution in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that brings together relevant federal agencies to develop a national plan to respond to infectious diseases within the aviation system. In a world where nearly 3 billion people board planes each year, the U.S. aviation system must have a clear plan of action to handle infectious disease crises. Banning air travel is not a feasible or effective solution to an epidemic, which is why I want to see federal agencies develop a plan to share information quickly and respond to the threat of an infectious disease in our aviation system. With a smart strategy in place, we can keep people safe and maintain the flow of our air traffic, Larsen said. Full text of the GAO report is available here. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1ccc6759-7c6a-401a-b179-586ae6485322	Cantwell Secures Key Provisions to Protect Pacific Northwest Seafood	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Secures Key Provisions to Protect Pacific Northwest Seafood Cantwell: Americans will be able to shop with confidence WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell today announced that her bipartisan billwhich will change the market name of Alaska pollock to pollockwill be included in the Congressional spending bill, also known as the omnibus. The bill will legally change the acceptable market name essentially outlawing Pollock harvested in Russia from being passed off as Alaskan Pollock in the supermarket. Representative Jamie Herrera Butler (WA-3) sponsored the bill in the House. In 2012, 113 million pounds of Russian Pollockwhich is less sustainable and lower quality than pollock from Alaskan fisherieswas sold to U.S. consumers as Alaska pollock. Alaskan pollock is one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world, said Cantwell, a senior member of the Commerce Committee, And American consumers deserve to know whether they are purchasing this high quality product or a cheap alternative with a misleading label. By changing the acceptable market name to pollock, it will be illegal to label pollock caught in Russia, as Alaskan. Americans will be able to shop with confidence, knowing that they are buying the real thing and not a knock-off. The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) supports these efforts and have previously cited several reasons for the requested change: The use of Alaska pollock as an acceptable market name is misleading to consumers; Alaska pollock is understood by consumers to connote a geographic origin, not a particular kind of food from any geographic origin; The use of Alaska pollock as an acceptable market name is inconsistent with other similar fish species; and U.S. government programs support other efforts to provide accurate information to consumers about the seafood they purchase. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7a603a67-1699-464a-840f-73049c7952c4	Critical Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Fix to be Permanently Extended Under Cantwell Plan	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Critical Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Fix to be Permanently Extended Under Cantwell Plan Senator hails just-passed legislation as a win-win for Washington affordable housing and jobs WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded today the inclusion of her permanent credit rate floor for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit in the final tax extenders package. The critical fix to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credita program that has financed 90 percent of affordable housing projects in the United States and more than 50,000 affordable housing units in Washington statewill be permanently renewed. Under the program, the U.S. Treasury Department issues tax credits to states in order to help attract private investment in affordable housing projects. The Improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Rate Act will permanently extend the credit rates to 9 percent of eligible costs on new constructionending an era where variable rates made financing of affordable housing less predictable. This is a win-win for affordable housing and good paying Washington jobs, Cantwell said.With growing homelessness in Washington state and across the country, we need more affordable housing in our communities. With funding certainty, communities in our state and across the country can better meet the need for affordable housingmaking measureable improvements in the lives of low-income families and encouraging private investments that support small businesses and good-paying jobs. Between 1987 and 2014, the program supported 642 affordable housing projects throughout Washington state, providing more than 32,875 units of affordable housing. In 2014 alone, roughly $158 million in tax credits were allocated to 17 affordable housing projects throughout Washington, which resulted in 948 affordable housing units. According to National Association of Homebuilders, these units supported loc…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c07aaa99-fc2d-49da-80c8-73fe14d806a5	Cantwell, Murray Applaud Permanent Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell, Murray Applaud Permanent Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction For the first time a permanent state and local sales tax extension will ensure tax fairness and eliminate uncertainty for Washington families WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded inclusion of a permanent state and local sales tax deduction in the tax extenders bill. Cantwell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Murray introduced the bipartisan legislation to provide fairness for taxpayers in states that dont have an income tax. After numerous extensions of the state and local sales tax deduction and more than a decade of uncertainty, Washingtonians will now no longer face ambiguity on the status of their deductions. By making the state sales tax deduction a permanent part of the tax code, we end the long-term inequity for Washington taxpayers and provide certainty for the 25 percent of Washington tax filers who claim this deduction, Cantwell said. This bipartisan legislation helps working families and our economy -- it means an average of more than $600 back in the pockets of Washingtonians. This is fantastic news for Washington state taxpayers who have faced far too much uncertainty for far too long, Murray said. With this deal, Washington state families will finally be treated fairly and will get the tax certainty they deserve. Ive been fighting for this change with Senator Cantwell for years, and I am so glad that we were finally able to deliver this huge win for Washington state taxpayers in this bipartisan deal. Washington is one of eight states without an income tax including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. Because taxpayers in these eight states dont pay a state income tax, they cannot claim an income tax deduction on their federal tax returns. Since 2004, Cantwell and Murray have fought t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=d283577c-951f-440f-ba32-c248134dd90a	Cantwell Applauds Long-term Extension of Wind and Solar Tax Credits	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Applauds Long-term Extension of Wind and Solar Tax Credits Funding helps create a cleaner, more diverse energy system WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, applauded the long-term extension of critical clean energy tax credits for wind and solar energy in the omnibus spending bill. America must continue our leadership in one of the most important growth sectors in the global economy clean energy. By extending the wind and solar tax credits, we continue to support investments in clean energy technology in the United States and 21st century job growth, while reducing our carbon footprint, Cantwell said. Cantwell has been a leader in reforming and extending expiring solar investment and wind production tax credits. Securing tax incentives for renewable energy is common-sense energy tax policy. Investing in Americas clean energy economy both improves our environment and boosts clean energy industries that support thousands of jobs in Washington and across the country. Under the deal, both credits will receive five-year extensions, bridging the gap until the implementation of the Clean Power Plan in 2022. The solar tax credit will be extended until 2022 and the wind tax credit will be extended until 2020. Both credits will phase down over a period of several years. The solar credit will receive commence construction treatment for commercial projects. The solar energy industry in Washington is made up of 134 solar companies that employ 2,400 people working throughout the solar industry supply chain. Solar power capacity grew 56 percent in Washington last year. Washington ranks 15th in the country for solar power capacity per person and 25th nationwide for total solar capacity. Washingtons wind industry is seventh in the nati…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=f27c86a7-5a68-446b-9ceb-4bfb65ba37f1	Cantwell Lauds Frankenfish Labeling Provision in Omnibus	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Lauds Frankenfish Labeling Provision in Omnibus Bill mandates FDA develop labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the provision included in the omnibus spending bill that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to layout guidelines for the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) salmon and prevents interstate commerce for GE salmon prior FDA publishing said guidelines. I am a strong supporter of labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon. Consumers have a right to know whether they are buying Washingtons world-class wild salmon or Frankenfish engineered in a lab, said Senator Cantwell. The FDAs genetically engineered salmon decision is bad for consumers and potentially bad for our environment. If the FDA doesnt reverse its decision, its critical the agency develop clear and transparent labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon. In November, Cantwell released a statement condemning the FDAs decision to approve GE salmon. The newly approved GE salmon grow much faster than normal Atlantic salmon, reaching market size in 16 to 18 months instead of three years. Additionally, little is known about the potential biological impact of escaped genetically engineered fish on wild salmon populations. Without this provision, the FDA would not require labeling on genetically engineered salmon, leaving consumers in the dark about what they are buying. Cantwell has long fought GE salmon by cosponsoring amendments to require additional science as well as to require labeling. Following the FDAs draft environmental assessment of GE salmon, Cantwell expressed strong concerns with the approval process including a lack of transparency and lack of consideration given to potential threats to natural salmon species and thei…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-applauds-long-term-extension-of-wind-and-solar-tax-credits	Cantwell Applauds Long-term Extension of Wind and Solar Tax Credits	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Applauds Long-term Extension of Wind and Solar Tax Credits Funding helps create a cleaner, more diverse energy system WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, applauded the long-term extension of critical clean energy tax credits for wind and solar energy in the omnibus spending bill. “America must continue our leadership in one of the most important growth sectors in the global economy – clean energy. By extending the wind and solar tax credits, we continue to support investments in clean energy technology in the United States and 21st century job growth, while reducing our carbon footprint,” Cantwell said. Cantwell has been a leader in reforming and extending expiring solar investment and wind production tax credits. Securing tax incentives for renewable energy is common-sense energy tax policy. Investing in America’s clean energy economy both improves our environment and boosts clean energy industries that support thousands of jobs in Washington and across the country. Under the deal, both credits will receive five-year extensions, bridging the gap until the implementation of the Clean Power Plan in 2022. The solar tax credit will be extended until 2022 and the wind tax credit will be extended until 2020. Both credits will phase down over a period of several years. The solar credit will receive “commence construction” treatment for commercial projects. The solar energy industry in Washington is made up of 134 solar companies that employ 2,400 people working throughout the solar industry supply chain. Solar power capacity grew 56 percent in Washington last year. Washington ranks 15th in the country for solar power capacity per person and 25th nationwide for total solar capacity. Washington’s wind industry is seventh in …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-lauds-frankenfish-labeling-provision-in-omnibus	Cantwell Lauds Frankenfish Labeling Provision in Omnibus	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Lauds Frankenfish Labeling Provision in Omnibus Bill mandates FDA develop labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement on the provision included in the omnibus spending bill that would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to layout guidelines for the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) salmon and prevents interstate commerce for GE salmon prior FDA publishing said guidelines. “I am a strong supporter of labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon. Consumers have a right to know whether they are buying Washington’s world-class wild salmon or Frankenfish engineered in a lab,” said Senator Cantwell. “The FDA’s genetically engineered salmon decision is bad for consumers and potentially bad for our environment. If the FDA doesn’t reverse its decision, it’s critical the agency develop clear and transparent labeling requirements for genetically engineered salmon.” In November, Cantwell released a statement condemning the FDA’s decision to approve GE salmon. The newly approved GE salmon grow much faster than normal Atlantic salmon, reaching market size in 16 to 18 months instead of three years. Additionally, little is known about the potential biological impact of escaped genetically engineered fish on wild salmon populations. Without this provision, the FDA would not require labeling on genetically engineered salmon, leaving consumers in the dark about what they are buying. Cantwell has long fought GE salmon by cosponsoring amendments to require additional science as well as to require labeling. Following the FDA’s draft environmental assessment of GE salmon, Cantwell expressed strong concerns with the approval process including a lack of transparency and lack of consideration given to potential threats to natural salmon speci…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-murray-applaud-permanent-extension-of-state-sales-tax-deduction	Cantwell, Murray Applaud Permanent Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell, Murray Applaud Permanent Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction For the first time a permanent state and local sales tax extension will ensure tax fairness and eliminate uncertainty for Washington families WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded inclusion of a permanent state and local sales tax deduction in the tax extenders bill. Cantwell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Murray introduced the bipartisan legislation to provide fairness for taxpayers in states that don’t have an income tax. After numerous extensions of the state and local sales tax deduction and more than a decade of uncertainty, Washingtonians will now no longer face ambiguity on the status of their deductions. “By making the state sales tax deduction a permanent part of the tax code, we end the long-term inequity for Washington taxpayers and provide certainty for the 25 percent of Washington tax filers who claim this deduction,” Cantwell said. “This bipartisan legislation helps working families and our economy -- it means an average of more than $600 back in the pockets of Washingtonians.” “This is fantastic news for Washington state taxpayers who have faced far too much uncertainty for far too long,” Murray said. “With this deal, Washington state families will finally be treated fairly and will get the tax certainty they deserve. I’ve been fighting for this change with Senator Cantwell for years, and I am so glad that we were finally able to deliver this huge win for Washington state taxpayers in this bipartisan deal.” Washington is one of eight states without an income tax including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. Because taxpayers in these eight states don’t pay a state income tax, they cannot claim an income tax deduction on their federal tax returns. Since 2004, Cantwell and Murray h…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-key-provisions-to-protect-pacific-northwest-seafood	Cantwell Secures Key Provisions to Protect Pacific Northwest Seafood	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Cantwell Secures Key Provisions to Protect Pacific Northwest Seafood Cantwell: “Americans will be able to shop with confidence” WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell today announced that her bipartisan bill—which will change the market name of “Alaska pollock” to “pollock”—will be included in the Congressional spending bill, also known as the ‘omnibus.’ The bill will legally change the acceptable market name essentially outlawing Pollock harvested in Russia from being passed off as “Alaskan Pollock” in the supermarket. Representative Jamie Herrera Butler (WA-3) sponsored the bill in the House. In 2012, 113 million pounds of Russian Pollock—which is less sustainable and lower quality than pollock from Alaskan fisheries—was sold to U.S. consumers as “Alaska pollock.” “Alaskan pollock is one of the most sustainable fisheries in the world,” said Cantwell, a senior member of the Commerce Committee, “And American consumers deserve to know whether they are purchasing this high quality product or a cheap alternative with a misleading label. By changing the acceptable market name to pollock, it will be illegal to label pollock caught in Russia, as Alaskan. Americans will be able to shop with confidence, knowing that they are buying the real thing and not a knock-off.” The Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) supports these efforts and have previously cited several reasons for the requested change: • The use of “Alaska pollock” as an acceptable market name is misleading to consumers; •“Alaska pollock” is understood by consumers to connote a geographic origin, not a particular kind of food from any geographic origin; • The use of “Alaska pollock” as an acceptable market name is inconsistent with other similar fish species; and • U.S. government programs support other efforts to provide accurate information to consumers about the seafo…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/critical-low-income-housing-tax-credits-fix-to-be-permanently-extended-under-cantwell-plan	Critical Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Fix to be Permanently Extended Under Cantwell Plan	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.16.15 Critical Low-Income Housing Tax Credits Fix to be Permanently Extended Under Cantwell Plan Senator hails just-passed legislation as a “win-win” for Washington affordable housing and jobs WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded today the inclusion of her permanent credit rate floor for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit in the final tax extenders package. The critical fix to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit—a program that has financed 90 percent of affordable housing projects in the United States and more than 50,000 affordable housing units in Washington state—will be permanently renewed. Under the program, the U.S. Treasury Department issues tax credits to states in order to help attract private investment in affordable housing projects. The Improving the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Rate Act will permanently extend the credit rates to 9 percent of eligible costs on new construction—ending an era where variable rates made financing of affordable housing less predictable. “This is a win-win for affordable housing and good paying Washington jobs,” Cantwell said. “With growing homelessness in Washington state and across the country, we need more affordable housing in our communities. With funding certainty, communities in our state and across the country can better meet the need for affordable housing—making measureable improvements in the lives of low-income families and encouraging private investments that support small businesses and good-paying jobs.” Between 1987 and 2014, the program supported 642 affordable housing projects throughout Washington state, providing more than 32,875 units of affordable housing. In 2014 alone, roughly $158 million in tax credits were allocated to 17 affordable housing projects throughout Washington, which resulted in 948 affordable housing units. According to National Association of Homebuilders, these units …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0e732860-4dfd-4d06-b29d-71c419195679	Cantwell, Murray Applaud Permanent Extension of State Sales Tax Deduction	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	For the first time a permanent state and local sales tax extension will ensure tax fairness and eliminate uncertainty for Washington families WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded inclusion of a permanent state and local sales tax deduction in the tax extenders bill. Cantwell, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Murray introduced the bipartisan legislation to provide fairness for taxpayers in states that dont have an income tax. After numerous extensions of the state and local sales tax deduction and more than a decade of uncertainty, Washingtonians will now no longer face ambiguity on the status of their deductions. By making the state sales tax deduction a permanent part of the tax code, we end the long-term inequity for Washington taxpayers and provide certainty for the 25 percent of Washington tax filers who claim this deduction, Cantwell said. This bipartisan legislation helps working families and our economy -- it means an average of more than $600 back in the pockets of Washingtonians. This is fantastic news for Washington state taxpayers who have faced far too much uncertainty for far too long, Murray said. With this deal, Washington state families will finally be treated fairly and will get the tax certainty they deserve. Ive been fighting for this change with Senator Cantwell for years, and I am so glad that we were finally able to deliver this huge win for Washington state taxpayers in this bipartisan deal. Washington is one of eight states without an income tax including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. Because taxpayers in these eight states dont pay a state income tax, they cannot claim an income tax deduction on their federal tax returns. Since 2004, Cantwell and Murray have fought to make the state and local sales tax deduction permanent. Last year, Cantwell secured a one-year extension of the state and local sales tax deduction for 2014 that meant taxpayers were able to claim it on t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=24066773-6549-4fae-92bb-4cecca31d27c	Murray Statement on Bipartisan Extension of Perkins Loan Program	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released the following statement on the Senate passing a bipartisan bill to extend the Perkins Loan Program. The Federal Perkins Loan Program Extension Act of 2015 builds on a bill passed unanimously by the U.S. House of Representatives in September and provides for a two-year extension of the program until a longer term solution can be put in place under the Higher Education Act. In Washington state, more than 15,000 students received Perkins Loans last year. Letting the Perkins Loan Program expire in September took away a low-cost financial aid option from students, leaving many in the lurch, so I am glad we were able to forge a bipartisan compromise to extend this resource for students in Washington state and across the country, said Senator Murray. While I am pleased we are moving forward on a way to restore Perkins Loans to help undergraduates pay for college, we have much more work to do to reauthorize the Higher Education Act in a way that provides all students who want to further their education with the financial aid and affordable pathways they need to pursue their degree and help them gain a foothold into the middle class. In September, Murray urged her colleagues to extend the program prior to its expiration. This compromise will extend the life of the Perkins Loan Program through September 30, 2017 for eligible students. Breakdown of students in Washington state receiving Perkins Loans in 2013-14: School State Zip Code School Type Recipients Disbursements University of Washington - Seattle WA 98195-1122 Public 4,698 $ 10,379,139.00 Washington State University WA 99164-1035 Public 2,689 $ 2,643,975.00 Gonzaga University WA 99258-0083 Private/Non-Profit 909 $ 2,560,011.00 Pacific Lutheran University WA 9…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=8a436a04-9b0e-4b14-b4b9-e9a006605136	HANFORD: Murrays Fight for Increased Investment in Hanford Cleanup Results in Critical Win in Federal Spending Bill	2015-12-16	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Hanford will receive $78 million above the Presidents 2016 request for cleanup Murray: I was proud to fight hard to make sure this final deal increases our commitment to this local and national priority After Administration proposed cuts to Hanford cleanup, Murray pushed back for increased investment (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus, which includes critical federal funding for Washington state, including $2.336 billion for Hanford cleanup. Earlier this year, Senator Murray pushed back on the Administrations proposal to cut funds for the cleanup effort, including a proposed cut to Richland Operations of nearly $100 million. The Omnibus bill would increase investments for Hanford cleanup operations, and is expected to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate in the coming days. The federal government has a legal and moral obligation to clean up Hanford, which is why I fight year in and year out to make sure that commitment is maintained and Hanford gets the resources it needs to get the job done, Senator Murray said. It wasnt easy this year between President Obama underfunding Hanford in his budget and additional cuts proposed in the House, but I was proud to fight hard to make sure this final deal increases our commitment to this local and national priority. It is so critical that the federal government keeps its eye on the ball to do whats right for the Tri-Cities community, and I am going to keep fighting to make sure that continues. Breakdown of the $2.336 billion funding total for Hanford cleanup: $922.59 million for Richland Operations, an increase of $78.7 million above the Presidents Fiscal Year 2016 budget request $1.414 billion for Office of River Protection, equal to the Presidents Fiscal Year 2016 budget request and a $146 million increase over the proposed House bill $765 million for Waste Treatment Plant $649 milli…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/billy-frank-jr-tell-your-story-act-heads-to-white-house-for-president-s	Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act heads to White House for Presidents signature	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Denny Heck	H001064	dennyheck.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Soon President Barack Obama is expected to sign the Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act into law, renaming the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge after the tribal leader and nationally known activist from the Pacific Northwest. The bill, H.R. 2270, advanced out of the House on November 30 by a vote of 413-2, and passed in the Senate on December 14 by unanimous consent. Billy didnt wait for change, or demand change, he created change, Rep. Denny Heck (WA-10) said. He didnt just talk about the pollution the salmon face, or how the water is unclean, he developed solutions and found ways to get things done. This successful push to add his name to the cherished Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a fitting tribute to a hero from the area who was never afraid of the work that goes behind every change we seek. Billy was key in the effort to return much of the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge to salmon habitat by breaching the dikes that once surrounded it, Lorraine Loomis, Chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, said. He was proud of the hundreds of acres of new salmon habitat that were created. He would be especially pleased by the bill's provision to mark the site near the refuge where the Medicine Creek Treaty was signed on Dec. 26, 1854. Billy used to visit the site often to draw strength for his lifelong fight to preserve tribal cultures, treaty rights and natural resources. He continued to bring tribal leaders and other officials to this site and explain its importance. Before the House vote, Heck spoke on the House floor mentioning Billys advice to always tell your story. House cosponsors include the entire Washington state Congressional delegation, Congressional Native American Caucus Co-Chairs Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Chair of Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs Don Young (R-Alaska), and Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee Ral Grijalva (D-Ariz.). Earlier this month, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced companion Senate legi…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/freedom-of-the-press-in-the-western-hemisphere/	Freedom of the Press in the Western Hemisphere	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Today,Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) stoodin support of H. Res. 536, a resolution to support freedom of the press in Latin America and the Caribbean. The bill condemns violations of press freedoms and violence against journalists, bloggers, and individuals exercising their right to freedom of speech. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement: Freedom of the press is a pillar on which all free and prosperous societies are built. The persecution of those seeking free expression should not be tolerated. Regime hostility toward journalists in Cuba, Ecuador, and Mexico violates basic civil rights and the Inter-American democratic charter. H. Res. 536 was adopted by the House with a 399 2vote.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/northern-representative-malcolm-friedman/	Northern Representative Malcolm Friedman	2015-12-15	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced former Stevens County Commissioner Malcolm Friedman will serve as her Northern Regional Representative, based in her Colville office. Malcolm is leader in Northeastern Washington, and he brings a wealth of experience to this position, McMorris Rodgers said. I am excited to welcome him to my team as we continue to partner with local communities and individuals in moving forward important projects and priorities. Malcolm Friedman grew up in the Colville grocery store his family built in 1956. He attended Colville schools and graduated from the University of Washington. After college, Friedman continued in the family grocery business, expanding into new locations. In 1997, he became the executive director of the Rural Information Technology Center, a nonprofit in Colville focused on expanding access to broadband internet in Northeastern Washington. In 2001, Friedman was elected to the Stevens County Board of Commissioners, and he served in that position until 2012. He has served on numerous boards and community organizations, including Mount Carmel Hospital Board, Rural Resources Community Action Board, Martin Hall Juvenile Facility Board, Tri-County Economic Development District Board, North East Washington Regional Support Network, North East Washington Health Systems, as well as the Colville Rotary Club and the Colville Food Bank. Friedman is married to his high school sweetheart, Jillian. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delbene-calls-for-increase-in-medical-research-funding	DelBene Calls for Increase in Medical Research Funding	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Join me in Skagit County! November 14, 2017 Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I wil... Read More	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/senate-passes-legislation-to-rename-nisqually-wildlife-refuge-for-billy	Senate passes legislation to rename Nisqually Wildlife Refuge for Billy Frank Jr.	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Denny Heck	H001064	dennyheck.house.gov	legacy	The U.S. Senate on Monday passed the Billy Frank Jr., Tell Your Story Act, and sent to President Obama the legislation that will rename the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge after the late Indian fishing activist. The legislation, a brainchild of U.S. Rep. Denny Heck, D-Wash., a longtime friend of Frank, was cosponsored by the entire Washington State Congressional Delegation. Henceforth, the refuge just north I-5 in the Nisqually River delta will be known as the Billy Frank Jr., Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The National Park Service will take charge of the Medicine Creek Treaty National Memorial, site of the 1854 signing of the treaty that Frank used more than a century later to assure Native American fishing rights. Billy Frank Jr., just wanted to fish: He was a fisherman to his core, and thats how he wanted history to remember him, said Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Senate sponsor of the legislation. Everyone who knew Billy would want us to remember him as the legend that walked and fished among us. Frank died in the spring of 2014. He was recently posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Frank is much in the tradition of civil rights activists vilified in early days of their activism, but later honored in the arc of American history. He was arrested more than 50 times for illegal fishing on the Nisqually River, where he grew up. Only in 1974 did a seminal ruling by U.S. District Judge George Boldt say that treaty Indians were entitled to 50 percent of the salmon catch. The Boldt decision was fiercely controversial: A line of fishing boats tried to block a Coast Guard cutter carrying President Gerald Ford from a 1976 campaign rally on the Seattle waterfront. But the decision was upheld by both the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court. Frank became a strong voice, uniting with former foes, championing restoration of his states decimated salmon runs. The Nisqually Refuge became a centerpiece in the effort, as dikes were removed and a salt water e…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=39e55c8d-665b-49fa-8fbc-52cf7cdd8bd8	Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to be renamed in honor of Billy Frank Jr.	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.14.15 Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to be renamed in honor of Billy Frank Jr. Cantwell applauds passage of bill to create Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bill headed to presidents desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to rename the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to honor the life of Billy Frank, Jr, a civil rights leader, environmental champion and Nisqually Tribal elder. The bill previously passed the House sponsored by Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) and now heads to the presidents desk to be signed into law. The legislation The Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act would rename the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state as the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The legislation also establishes as a part of the National Park System, the Medicine Creek Treaty National Memorial, at the location of the 1854 signing of the treaty. The bill would require the Department of Interior to coordinate with the Nisqually, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island Tribes in the development of educational materials for the National Memorial. Billy Frank, Jr. just wanted to fish. He was a fisherman to his core, and thats how he wanted history to remember him. Everyone who knew Billy would want us to remember him as the legend that walked and fished among us. Given his life, his legacy, and the way he changed Washington state and the nation, it is only right that we honor his legacy by forever linking his name to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, said Senator Cantwell in remarks for the Congressional Record. The bill received support of the entire Washington state Congressional delegation and is also supported by the National Congress of American Indians, the Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians, and the Northwest Indian Fisheries…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1538	DelBene Calls for Increase in Medical Research Funding	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Calls for Increase in Medical Research Funding f t # e Washington, DC, December 14, 2015 BOTHELL Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Washington state researchers to call for an increase in federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). share: f t BOTHELL Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Washington state researchers to call for an increase in federal funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). All across the country, Americans are suffering from heartbreaking conditions. If we are serious about breaking new ground in our understanding of complex diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer, it's imperative we boost investments in medical research, DelBene said. That's why I've called on congressional leaders to finally increase funding for medical research at NIH so we can develop the next generation of treatments and cures. Last month, DelBene led more than 100 House members in urging the Appropriations Committee to provide NIH at least $32 billion in 2016 a nearly $2 billion increase above 2015 levels. An omnibus federal funding package is expected before the current continuing resolution expires on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Funding for NIH supports vital research to develop breakthrough treatments and improve health outcomes, and it supports more than 300,000 jobs at 2,500 research institutions around the country, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Bastyr University and the University of all of which were present at Monday's roundtable discussion with DelBene. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/nisqually-national-wildlife-refuge-to-be-renamed-in-honor-of-billy-frank-jr	Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to be renamed in honor of Billy Frank Jr.	2015-12-14	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.14.15 Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to be renamed in honor of Billy Frank Jr. Cantwell applauds passage of bill to create Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Bill headed to president's desk to be signed into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) to rename the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to honor the life of Billy Frank, Jr, a civil rights leader, environmental champion and Nisqually Tribal elder. The bill previously passed the House sponsored by Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) and now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation The Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act would rename the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington state as the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. The legislation also establishes as a part of the National Park System, the Medicine Creek Treaty National Memorial, at the location of the 1854 signing of the treaty. The bill would require the Department of Interior to coordinate with the Nisqually, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island Tribes in the development of educational materials for the National Memorial. Billy Frank, Jr. just wanted to fish. He was a fisherman to his core, and that's how he wanted history to remember him. Everyone who knew Billy would want us to remember him as the legend that walked and fished among us. Given his life, his legacy, and the way he changed Washington state and the nation, it is only right that we honor his legacy by forever linking his name to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, said Senator Cantwell in remarks for the Congressional Record. The bill received support of the entire Washington state Congressional delegation and is also supported by the National Congress of American Indians, the Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians, and the Northwest Indian Fisher…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/121115	12/11/15	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Browse Documentsby Date or Issue: Small Business Saturday in Snohomish Posted in eNewsletters on November 28, 2017 \| Preview rr Dear Friend, Growing up, my parents owned a toy store, so I know how important holiday shopping can be for a small retailer. Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to show our support for local shops. Thats why I marked Small Business Saturday by holiday shopping at locally-owned small businesses in historic Snohomish to support the First Districts local economy. According to the most recent data from the Small Business Administration, Washingtons small businesses make up 98 percent o... Read more Join me in Skagit County! Posted in eNewsletters on November 14, 2017 \| Preview rr Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I will be in Concrete, Lyman and Big Lake. I hope to see you there! As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you... Read more Helping Our Veterans Find Jobs Posted in eNewsletters on November 10, 2017 \| Preview rr Tags: Veterans Dear Friend, Right now, too many veterans are struggling to find jobs. As workers face significant challenges adapting to a rapidly changing economy, it is essential we improve 21st century employment opportunities for those transitioning back into civilian life. According to the Bureau of Labor St…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-supports-trade-enforcement-bill-other-countries-must-play-rules	Larsen Supports Trade Enforcement Bill: Other Countries Must Play By The Rules	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	Larsen-led provisions to help small businesses export also included in bill WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. trade agreements will hold other countries to a higher standard of accountability because of provisions Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, pushed for in a trade enforcement bill (Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015) that the U.S. House passed today. Larsen championed a new trust fund to pay for enforcement actions against other countries that break trade rules. He also supported a provision to require quick action against countries engaging in unfair trading practices, as well as an office dedicated to ensuring other countries play by the rules or face consequences. Larsen voted in favor of the House version of the bill earlier this year and pointed out the even stronger measures to enforce trade agreements and help small businesses in the bill he supported today. Strong Enforcement If other countries want to trade with us, they must play by the rules or face the consequences. The bill I voted for today creates for the first time a trust fund dedicated to enforcing trade deals. This fund is not just words on paper. It is real money, up to $30 million, to make sure our trading partners play fairly. The bill also makes permanent an office dedicated specifically to enforcing trade agreements. The office has a strong track record since its inception in 2012, helping bring cases to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against countries like Argentina, China and India for unfair trade practices. Since 2009, the U.S. has brought 20 complaints to the WTO, more than any WTO member, and has won every case that has been decided so far. With the new trust fund and more trade cops on the beat, the U.S. will be better equipped to track down and put a stop to countries that are creating an unfair playing field for our workers, Larsen said. The bill: Establishes a trust fund to pay for the enforcement of trade agreements and requires the U.S. Treasury to transfer $15 million each year to the fund, which may have a balance of up…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/kilmer-reichert-and-newhouse-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-disaster-assistance	Kilmer, Reichert, and Newhouse Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Disaster Assistance to Rural Communities	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. December 11, 2015 Today, Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand key disaster assistance to rural communities in Washington state and across the country. The Individual Assistance Improvement Act of 2015 would increase opportunities to access the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. The Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration. In Washington state, rural communities have been impacted by wildfires this year that burned more than one million acres and left 46 families without temporary housing. On the Olympic Peninsula severe storms have triggered flooding and mudslides that have caused significant damage to residential property. From wildfires to mudslides, natural disasters cause significant damage to residents and businesses across our state, said Representative Kilmer. Folks who have to pick up the pieces after their property is damaged need a helping hand. They shouldnt have to worry about bureaucratic and technical hurdles to getting back on their feet. This bipartisan bill ensures that rural communities in Washington state dont get left out when we need to rebuild after disasters strike. Wildfires affect both urban and rural areas the same, they consume whatever stands in their path, said Representative Reichert. Communities throughout my region learned this the hard way this past summer. Chelan County alone lost 122,845 acres to wildfires, costing it over $4.7 million in damages. Many other smaller communities in Washington State and the country are impacted by wildfires and other disasters every ye…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-passage-customs-bill	Rep. Reichert's Statement on Passage of Customs Bill	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC Today the U.S. House passed the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, which works to remove barriers for American importers and exporters and provide Customs and Border Protection officers with the tools they need to enforce our trade laws. As Chairman of the Trade Subcommittee, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) was named as a conferee to the committee that negotiated the final bill. Prior to the bills passage, Rep. Reichert spoke on the House floor about the benefits of passing this bill, both for Washington State and the country as a whole. A video of the speech can be found HERE.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=225875bd-269b-4a09-bb9e-56e1a0929907	Cantwell, WA Delegation to Department of Transportation: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.11.15 Cantwell, WA Delegation to Department of Transportation: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods Severe storms caused heavy flooding across the state, resulting in mudslides and loss of power WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, urging the Department of Transportation to quickly approve emergency relief funding to repair heavy damage to roadways in Washington state from storms occurring November 30 through December 8. The severe weather caused incidents state-wide ranging from flooding to mudslides, resulting in property damage and blocked roadways. We urge you to grant the State of Washingtons ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways, the members wrote in their letter. Full text of the letter: December 11, 2015 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx: We write to urge you to expeditiously approve Emergency Relief (ER) program funding requested by the State of Washington to make emergency repairs to roadways and address damage caused by this weeks severe storms. On December 9, 2015, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state as a result of a series of severe storms and hazardous weather conditions that occurred from November 30 through December 8. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused major flooding, saturated soils, landslides, mudslides, downed trees and power lines, stream bank and slope erosion, flying debris, standing wat…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1516	Full WA Delegation to DOT: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Today, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, urging the Department of Transportation to quickly approve emergency relief funding to repair heavy damage to roadways in Washington state from storms occurring November 30 through December 8. The severe weather caused incidents state-wide ranging from flooding to mudslides, resulting in property damage and blocked roadways. We urge you to grant the State of Washington's ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways, the members wrote in their letter. Full text of the letter: December 11, 2015 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx: We write to urge you to expeditiously approve Emergency Relief (ER) program funding requested by the State of Washington to make emergency repairs to roadways and address damage caused by this week's severe storms. On December 9, 2015, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state as a result of a series of severe storms and hazardous weather conditions that occurred from November 30 through December 8. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused major flooding, saturated soils, landslides, mudslides, downed trees and power lines, stream bank and slope erosion, flying debris, standing water, and washouts. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is responding to more than 25 separate instances of blocked or damaged roadways across 13 counties due to this extreme weather, forcing our constituents to use alternate routes and detours. In some extreme cases, mudslides and flooding have completely isola…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1536	DelBene to FTC: Hidden Hotel & Resort Fees Are Unfair to Travelers	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) sent a letter calling on Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez to stop hotels from masking the true price of a room and include any mandatory fees to be listed as part of the hotel room rate. During this holiday season, Americans across the country are booking travel to visit family and friends, or enjoy well-deserved breaks. Unfortunately, all too many are unaware of mandatory hotel and resort fees for services they did not ask for and did not use that suddenly and substantially increase the price of their bill, DelBene wrote. This practice has impacted too many Americans already, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should ban the practice as an unfair and deceptive trade practice. Currently, the FTC allows hotels and resorts to advertise room rates that do not include mandatory resort fees, preventing consumers from comparison shopping and leaving travelers with higher bills than anticipated. This is in contrast to the case of airlines, for which the Transportation Department has ordered carriers and travel agents to include all mandatory fees and taxes in the advertised price of airfares. A copy of the signed letter is available HERE, and the full text follows: Dear Chairwoman Ramirez: During this holiday season, Americans across the country are booking travel to visit family and friends, or enjoy well-deserved breaks. Unfortunately, all too many are unaware of mandatory hotel and resort fees for services they did not ask for and did not use that suddenly and substantially increase the price of their bill. This practice has impacted too many Americans already, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should ban the practice as an unfair and deceptive trade practice under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Hotel resort fees are often not included in the base room rates displayed online and purportedly cover hotel amenities such as the pool and the gym. These fees range from $5 to $70 a night, averaging aroun…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/full-wa-delegation-dot-wa-state-needs-emergency-relief-after-severe	Full WA Delegation to DOT: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	(Washington, D.C.) Today, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, urging the Department of Transportation to quickly approve emergency relief funding to repair heavy damage to roadways in Washington state from storms occurring November 30 through December 8. The severe weather caused incidents state-wide ranging from flooding to mudslides, resulting in property damage and blocked roadways. We urge you to grant the State of Washingtons ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways, the members wrote in their letter. Full text of the letter: December 10, 2015 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx: We write to urge you to expeditiously approve Emergency Relief (ER) program funding requested by the State of Washington to make emergency repairs to roadways and address damage caused by this weeks severe storms. On December 9, 2015, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state as a result of a series of severe storms and hazardous weather conditions that occurred from November 30 through December 8. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused major flooding, saturated soils, landslides, mudslides, downed trees and power lines, stream bank and slope erosion, flying debris, standing water, and washouts. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is responding to more than 25 separate instances of blocked or damaged roadways across 13 counties due to this extreme weather, forcing our constituents to use alternate routes and detours. In some extreme cases, mudslides and flooding have completely isolated individual homes and neighborhoods. Interstate-5 …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-kilmer-and-reichert-introduce-bipartisan-bill-expand-disaster	Newhouse, Kilmer, and Reichert Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Disaster Assistance to Rural Communities	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), and Dave Reichert (R-WA) introduced a bipartisan bill to expand key disaster assistance to rural communities in Washington state and across the country. The Individual Assistance Improvement Act of 2015 would increase opportunities to access the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program. The Individual Assistance Program provides housing and unemployment assistance, counseling, and other personal support to families and individuals in the wake of a disaster. However, the current formula FEMA uses to evaluate damages and send disaster declaration recommendations to the President frequently leaves smaller towns and communities out. The assistance cannot be utilized without a federal disaster declaration. In Washington state, rural communities have been impacted by wildfires this year that burned more than one million acres and left 46 families without temporary housing. On the Olympic Peninsula severe storms have triggered flooding and mudslides that have caused significant damage to residential property. Two years of historic catastrophic wildfires have destroyed hundreds of homes and burned 1.4 million acres, despite this the residents of Central Washington have repeatedly been denied access to Individual Assistance aid without an adequate explanation, said Representative Newhouse. Current rules for disaster aid prioritize relief efforts to areas of concentration, or urban areas. This means even after a major federal disaster is declared all too often residents in devastated rural communities are left to fend for themselves. No family facing the aftermath of a wildfire, or any natural disaster, should be denied federal aid simply because they live in a rural community. This legislation will revise eligibility criteria, providing much-needed clarity and objective standards for the formula used for federal assistance. I thank my colleagues, Rep. Kilmer and Rep. Reichert, for their efforts on this criti…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-wa-delegation-to-department-of-transportation-wa-state-needs-emergency-relief-after-severe-storms-floods	Cantwell, WA Delegation to Department of Transportation: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.11.15 Cantwell, WA Delegation to Department of Transportation: WA State Needs Emergency Relief After Severe Storms, Floods Severe storms caused heavy flooding across the state, resulting in mudslides and loss of power WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and Reps. Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Suzan DelBene, Derek Kilmer, Denny Heck, and Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, urging the Department of Transportation to quickly approve emergency relief funding to repair heavy damage to roadways in Washington state from storms occurring November 30 through December 8. The severe weather caused incidents state-wide ranging from flooding to mudslides, resulting in property damage and blocked roadways. We urge you to grant the State of Washington's ER funding request as quickly as possible to ensure our constituents have safe and uninterrupted access to these critical roadways, the members wrote in their letter. Full text of the letter: December 11, 2015 The Honorable Anthony R. Foxx Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Foxx: We write to urge you to expeditiously approve Emergency Relief (ER) program funding requested by the State of Washington to make emergency repairs to roadways and address damage caused by this week's severe storms. On December 9, 2015, Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency for all counties in Washington state as a result of a series of severe storms and hazardous weather conditions that occurred from November 30 through December 8. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have caused major flooding, saturated soils, landslides, mudslides, downed trees and power lines, stream bank and slope erosion, flying debris, standing w…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=d99f02e0-f6e9-467b-bd9b-701f0f00da54	VETERANS: Murray Proposal to Expand Caregiver Program a Centerpiece of Omnibus Veteran Services Bill	2015-12-11	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Legislation expands VAs Caregiver Program to veterans of all eras Murrays proposal received strong support from veteran advocates (Washington, D.C.) The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday advanced legislation that includes Sen. Patty Murrays proposal to expand the VAs comprehensive caregivers program to veterans of all eras. Currently, only post-9/11 veterans are eligible for the comprehensive program, which provides resources and guidance to family members and friends of veterans who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. A 2014 RAND study, commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, found caregivers often face greater rates of depression, divorce, issues in the workplace, and financial difficulty. I believe that when we ask service members to fight for us, we promise that we will fight for them by providing the best care possible when they come home. And quite often, that care comes from people who are closest to themspouses, parents, and childrenall of whom sacrifice their own jobs and even their own health to look after their loved one, Senator Murray said. So while military caregivers dont necessarily wear uniforms or go overseas, they absolutely serve our country and we should support them by doing what we can to make their lives a little easier. "Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) strongly supports expansion of the Family Caregiver Program, said Carl Blake, Associate Executive Director, Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America. No group of veterans understands the value of caregivers more than PVAs members- veterans with a spinal cord injury or disease. Most are ineligible for desperately needed caregiver services because they were injured on or before September 10, 2001. It is time to end this inequity once and for all. Caregivers are the most critical component of rehabilitation and eventual recovery for veterans with catastrophic injuries. Their well-being directly impacts the quality of care provided to veterans. PVA applauds the work of the committee for seeing…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-defazio-and-norton-continue-push-pedestrian-and-bicyclist-safety	Larsen, DeFazio and Norton Continue Push For Pedestrian And Bicyclist Safety	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, Peter DeFazio, OR-04, and Eleanor Holmes Norton, DC, called for continued focus on improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety in response to the troubling increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in recent years. The Members released a report today from the Government Accountability Office, which they requested to investigate the trends and causes of accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles and to make recommendations about improving safety. Among its findings, the report indicates that modernizing road design could help improve safety for all road users. It also finds that state and local safety efforts for pedestrians and bicyclists are inconsistent and could benefit from a federal initiative to unify safety projects. Sidewalks, trails and bike lanes are critical to our transportation network, and the people who use them should be able to count on staying safe. I want to see rules from the Federal Highway Administration to encourage road design that improves safety for everyone, including the most vulnerable road users. The Obama administration recognizes the importance of this issue, with efforts like DOT's Safer People, Safer Streets initiative, but I want to see to more action that protects and encourages walkers and bikers, Larsen said. This report will help local and state governments identify ways to reverse the increase in cyclist and pedestrian fatalities in recent years. It cites challenges to addressing pedestrian and cyclist safety, including insufficient funding and roadway design standards that are skewed towards motorists. Communities across the country are adopting policies to reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries on city streets. Much more must be done in order to truly move toward zero deaths, but through the FAST Act Congress has provided a strong signal that cyclist and pedestrian safety is a priority, DeFazio said. My city, the District of Columbia, has been a leader in designing and implementing transportation plans that e…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=af6461c9-b83e-4b72-9661-ae041594e2ac	CIVIL RIGHTS: Murray Outlines Provisions in New Education Law to Ensure All Students Succeed	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	In speech, Murray highlights her commitment to enhancing civil rights through education, reforming the criminal justice system, and expanding economic opportunity Murray: Equality never happens by accident. Its something we have to work for, and foster, and defend in the hearts of Americans. (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) delivered remarks at a conference hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on improving opportunities for African American students. In her remarks, Murray discussed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the bipartisan legislation she worked on to rewrite No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law by President Obama today. Murray noted that ESSA includes key provisions to ensure all students have access to a quality education including strong accountability measures, helping schools and states address harmful disciplinary practices, shining a light on resource equity, and expanding access to preschool. Murray also discussed her commitment to enhancing civil rights by reforming the criminal justice system and expanding economic opportunity to all Americans. Key excerpts from Senator Murrays remarks: Weve been working for about a year now to reauthorize that law. And throughout the process, Ive fought, along with my colleagues, to preserve the laws civil rights legacy to make sure all students have access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make. You can see that in the progress we made on holding schools and states accountable for educating every student. And you can see that in the progress we made to help shine a light on discriminatory disciplinary policies that are too often aimed at students of color. Ill start with accountability. I give Ranking Member Bobby Scott a lot of credit for helping forge a compromise on such an important issue. The fact is, we know what happens when we dont hold our schools and s…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=de32c658-6cc4-486b-b01f-67a247e85db4	SEN. MURRAYS SWEEPING K-12 EDUCATION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW	2015-12-10	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	At White House ceremony, President Obama greets Sen. Murray after signing education bill into law (Washington, D.C.) Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act into law. Today marks a great step forward in our nations continuing commitment to provide all students with a high-quality education, said Senator Murray. Ive been so proud to work with both Republicans and Democrats to fix the badly broken No Child Left Behind law in a way that will work for students, parents, teachers, and communities in Washington and across the country. The Every Student Succeeds Act includes strong federal guardrails to ensure all students have access to a quality education, reduces reliance on high-stakes testing, makes strong investments to improve and expand access to preschool for our youngest learners, and so much more. Now, our work will begin to make sure this law is implemented effectively so all students have access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make. Known as the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177), the bipartisan, bicameral bill represents a compromise between the House-passed Student Success Act and the Senate-passed Every Child Achieves Act. The compromise bill was drafted by a House-Senate conference committee and approved by both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support. To learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act, click here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-immigration-leaders-and-children-call-for-ending-family	Congressional Immigration Leaders and Children Call for Ending Family Detention as A Wish for the Holidays	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Join me in Skagit County! November 14, 2017 Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I wil... Read More	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2f729b66-db1b-403d-aaae-7bdbce22428f	Cantwell Pushes for Doppler Radar Study, Plan to Address Gaps in Central Washington	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.09.15 Cantwell Pushes for Doppler Radar Study, Plan to Address Gaps in Central Washington Closing the Doppler gap would provide early warning of weather needed to effectively respond to wildfires, flooding WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell introduced and passed an amendment in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to study the Doppler radar gap in Central Washington and develop a plan to fill identified gaps. Specifically, the amendment directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service to identify gaps in the NEXRAD Doppler Radar and develop a plan to fill the gaps within 30 days after the study concludes. Better weather forecasting means first responders can better protect human life and property before and during wildfires and other natural disasters. Unlike Western Washington, there is a large Doppler radar gap just east of the Cascades. Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas and Yakima Counties have areas lacking critical Doppler radar coverage. Closing this gap will provide the early warning needed to most effectively respond to wildfires, mudslides, flashfloods and other severe weather threats facing Washington state, said Senator Cantwell. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, there is currently a gap in Doppler radar coverage in Central Washington. Despite existing radars across Washington state, signals on the West side of the state are blocked by the Cascades, and signals on the East-side are too far away creating a hole in radar coverage that extends from the crest down to Okanagan, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Bend. Without Doppler radar, Central Washington must rely on outdated technology to predict extreme weather. By covering the Doppler radar gap, Central Washington will have access to early warning of weather needed to most effectively respond to wildfires, allowing for rapid updates as fires…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=cd357dce-4e3e-4e07-812d-baf20d657388	Cantwells Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Ocean Acidification Monitoring Strategy Passes Key Committee	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.09.15 Cantwells Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Ocean Acidification Monitoring Strategy Passes Key Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate Commerce Committee passed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwells (D-WA) bipartisan bill to enhance ocean monitoring, research and forecasting. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Wicker, Markey, Murkowski, Schatz, and Sullivan, passed out of committee by voice vote. The Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act (S. 1886) would create a national oceanacidification monitoring strategy to prioritize investments in ocean acidification sensors to areas that need it most. The bill also directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation to make investments in adaptation and mitigation research so we understand how to make our coastal economies more resilient to the threat of ocean acidification. Cantwells bill would also reauthorize the NOAA Integrated Ocean Observation System, or IOOS, which is our Nations ocean observation program. We must do everything we can to protect our oceans, fishing habitats and fishery jobs from ocean acidification, said Senator Cantwell. Weve already seen the devastating effects on shellfish farms in the Pacific Northwest. Todays legislation will help expand our research on the effects of ocean acidification and call on NOAA to develop new tools to help shellfish growers mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification. Ocean acidification results from changing ocean chemistry when seawater absorbs increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is already negatively impacting coastal economies in Washington state. A study in Nature Climate Change identifies communities at significant risk for sustained economic losses resulting from ocean acidifications impact on shellfish fisheries.Washington state was one of 15 states with the highest risk. The bill would require NOAA to build upon existing models and conduct a nationwide economic vulnerability assessment…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1514	Congressional Immigration Leaders and Children Call for Ending Family Detention as A Wish for the Holidays	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	This afternoon, the Congressional Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform and We Belong Together were joined by children at a Capitol Hill press conference to call for an end to America's family detention system. Nine members of Congress spoke out about the need to end family detention, including Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), chair of the Congressional Women's Working Group on Immigration Reform; Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19); Congressman Luis Gutirrez (IL-04); Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01); Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06); Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35); Congresswoman Linda Snchez (CA-38); Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01); and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27). The press conference also featured Caritza and Alejandro, a mother and her five-year-old son who were previously held at the Dilley detention facility in Texas. They described the reasons for fleeing their home countryand their experience in detention. In addition, the event displayed enlargements of handwritten letters that elementary school-aged children have written for delivery to children who will spend this holiday season inside detention facilities. The children's letters, which are part of We Belong Together's A Wish for the Holidays letter-writing campaign, express the children's holiday wish that the families in detention be released. Noe, Fiorella, and Yazareth, children who wrote letters to families in detention, also appeared at the press conference, and Noe and Fiorella read their letters aloud. Other speakers included Sameera Hafiz, policy director at We Belong Together, and Wendy Cervantes, vice president of immigration and child rights at First Focus, a children's advocacy organization. While some changes have been made to improve conditions at these centers and reduce the length of detention, the fact is they remain jail-like settings, said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. Detention of children is cruel and misguided, and the suffering and negative impact on these young developing minds is unaccepta…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=398666	U.S. House Committee Holds Hearing on Jaime Herrera Beutler Prenatal Screening Education Bill	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Jaime Herrera Beutler	H001056	herrerabeutler.house.gov	legacy	Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) to improve parents understanding of the limitations and benefits of prenatal screening provided during pregnancy. share: f t Today, the U.S. House of Representatives Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee held a hearing on bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) to improve parents understanding of the limitations and benefits of prenatal screening provided during pregnancy. The Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act would develop and facilitate broad access to accurate, evidence-based information to accompany cell-free DNA prenatal screenings by requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain two separate education programs for patients and health care providers. Cell-free DNA prenatal screenings a new technology available since 2011 are blood tests that examine placental DNA in the maternal bloodstream to determine whether a baby is at risk for a chromosomal abnormality. These screenings are not diagnostic, since they are not reliable enough to confirm an abnormality. Studies have revealed that screenings can produce false alarms up to 50% of the time. The hearing brought in experts to help the Health Subcommittee closely examine Jaimes bill and five other pieces of legislation aiming to improve health care and treatment. Dr. Anthony Gregg, M.D., testified in favor of Jaimes bill on behalf of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The hearing is the requisite preliminary step for the Accurate Education for Prenatal Screenings Act to advance through Congress. Todays hearing shows that congressional health care leaders recognize the need to strengthen the information accompanying prenatal scree…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-pushes-for-doppler-radar-study-plan-to-address-gaps-in-central-washington	Cantwell Pushes for Doppler Radar Study, Plan to Address Gaps in Central Washington	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.09.15 Cantwell Pushes for Doppler Radar Study, Plan to Address Gaps in Central Washington Closing the Doppler gap would provide early warning of weather needed to effectively respond to wildfires, flooding WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell introduced and passed an amendment in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee to study the Doppler radar gap in Central Washington and develop a plan to fill identified gaps. Specifically, the amendment directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service to identify gaps in the NEXRAD Doppler Radar and develop a plan to fill the gaps within 30 days after the study concludes. Better weather forecasting means first responders can better protect human life and property before and during wildfires and other natural disasters. Unlike Western Washington, there is a large Doppler radar gap just east of the Cascades. Okanogan, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Kittitas and Yakima Counties have areas lacking critical Doppler radar coverage. Closing this gap will provide the early warning needed to most effectively respond to wildfires, mudslides, flashfloods and other severe weather threats facing Washington state, said Senator Cantwell. According to the NOAA National Weather Service, there is currently a gap in Doppler radar coverage in Central Washington. Despite existing radars across Washington state, signals on the West side of the state are blocked by the Cascades, and signals on the East-side are too far away creating a hole in radar coverage that extends from the crest down to Okanagan, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Bend. Without Doppler radar, Central Washington must rely on outdated technology to predict extreme weather. By covering the Doppler radar gap, Central Washington will have access to early warning of weather needed to most effectively respond to wildfires, allowing for rapid updates as fires…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwells-bipartisan-bill-to-establish-national-ocean-acidification-monitoring-strategy-passes-key-committee	Cantwells Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Ocean Acidification Monitoring Strategy Passes Key Committee	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.09.15 Cantwell's Bipartisan Bill to Establish National Ocean Acidification Monitoring Strategy Passes Key Committee WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the Senate Commerce Committee passed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell's (D-WA) bipartisan bill to enhance ocean monitoring, research and forecasting. The bill, co-sponsored by Senators Wicker, Markey, Murkowski, Schatz, and Sullivan, passed out of committee by voice vote. The Coordinated Ocean Monitoring and Research Act (S. 1886) would create a national oceanacidification monitoring strategy to prioritize investments in ocean acidification sensors to areas that need it most. The bill also directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation to make investments in adaptation and mitigation research so we understand how to make our coastal economies more resilient to the threat of ocean acidification. Cantwell's bill would also reauthorize the NOAA Integrated Ocean Observation System, or IOOS, which is our Nation's ocean observation program. We must do everything we can to protect our oceans, fishing habitats and fishery jobs from ocean acidification, said Senator Cantwell. We've already seen the devastating effects on shellfish farms in the Pacific Northwest. Today's legislation will help expand our research on the effects of ocean acidification and call on NOAA to develop new tools to help shellfish growers mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification. Ocean acidification results from changing ocean chemistry when seawater absorbs increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It is already negatively impacting coastal economies in Washington state. A study in Nature Climate Change identifies communities at significant risk for sustained economic losses resulting from ocean acidification's impact on shellfish fisheries.Washington state was one of 15 states with the highest risk. The bill would require NOAA to build upon existing models and conduct a nationwide economic vulnerability ass…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=ba68dd6a-b43a-4ca1-aaa7-e9214f0eede9	EDUCATION: Sen. Murrays Sweeping Education Bill Includes Provisions to Support Tribal Communities and Preserve Culture	2015-12-09	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	The Every Student Succeeds Act will ensure tribes are involved in designing education programs that serve their communities Murray: This legislation will increase tribal consultation, provide greater flexibility, more predictable funding, and a new focus on preserving tribal languages (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee applauded Senate passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the bipartisan legislation she worked on to fix No Child Left Behind. President Obama is expected to sign ESSA into law. The legislation includes several provisions specifically designed to ensure tribal students get the support they need. For years, Ive heard concerns from tribal communities about not being properly consulted in the development of federal education programs under No Child Left Behind, which is why I fought to make sure their voices were heard as we wrote the next chapter in our nations education policy, Sen. Murray said. With the input of so many tribes across the country, Im proud to say this legislation will increase tribal consultation in federal education policy, increase tribal capacity to administer education programs, provide greater flexibility, more predictable funding, and a new focus on preserving tribal languages for future generations. The provisions regarding tribal communities include: Requiring states to consult with tribes in the development of Title I state plans. Requiring school districts with a certain number of tribal students to consult with tribes in the development of various federal education programs. Expanding access to various federal competitive grants for the Bureau of Indian Education. Involving tribes in designing education programs that serve tribal communities and including a program to build tribal educational agency capacity to run federal education programs. Strengthening and updating the Impact Aid program, which provides critical support to school d…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-supports-effort-level-playing-field-us-small-aviation-manufacturers	Larsen Supports Effort To Level Playing Field for U.S. Small Aviation Manufacturers	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, applauded the administrations action to challenge the Chinese government on an unfair tax advantage that it provides to some of its domestic aviation manufacturers. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced it will bring a case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) because of a 17 percent tax the Chinese government imposes on small and medium-sized imported aircraft. USTRs decision to bring this case sends a strong and important message that the U.S. will not tolerate activities that put our workers and the businesses that employ them at an unfair disadvantage. Leveling the playing field is exactly why we have the World Trade Organization and rules of the road for international trade. Small and medium-sized airplane manufacturing is a job-creating industry for the U.S. General aviation manufacturing supports 102,600 jobs in the U.S. and contributes $14 billion to our economy each year. Washington state is home to hundreds of aviation manufacturing suppliers, who make and sell parts to general aviation and regional jet manufacturers. These jobs suffer when countries like China subsidize their own products. I am pleased to see USTR holding the Chinese government accountable, and I hope to see more cases like this to make sure our workers get a fair shot, Larsen said. Larsen gave remarks at a press conference this morning. Watch his full remarks here. More information about the case USTR is bringing is available here. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=76623312-65d4-4492-a652-d1be27c78e53	Cantwell Introduces Bill to Improve Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.08.15 Cantwell Introduces Bill to Improve Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema Bill improves care, lowers hospitalization rate for Lymphedema patients WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), introduced bipartisan legislation to improve Medicare coverage for lymphedema patients. The bill would provide for Medicare coverage of physician-prescribed compression therapy equipment used to treat lymphedema, part of the clinically-recognized standard of care for the condition. With more than 6,300 Medicare beneficiaries in Washington and millions of Americans suffering from Lymphedema, we must update Medicare to reflect necessary and effective treatments for this condition. This legislation is a common sense measure that improves care for Medicare beneficiaries living with lymphedema and reduces costly hospitalizations, said Senator Cantwell. Medicare ought to reflect the modern practice of medicine, Senator Grassley said. The equipment to treat lymphedema is something doctors recommend and that patients need. Lymphedema is more common than people might realize. It can affect breast cancer surgery survivors, for example. More than 11,700 Medicare patients in Illinois are living with lymphedema and they shouldnt be denied access to medically-necessary compression treatment, Senator Kirk said. This bill will help patients with lymphedema effectively manage their condition and reduce the likelihood that they suffer from serious and often costly complications. This important bill will finally make sure that those living with Lymphedema have access to the healthcare treatment they need to lead healthy, productive lives while also lowering the hospitalization rates for these patients. As a co-sponsor of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, I pledge to work with my colleag…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1525	DelBene Supports Bill to Strengthen Visa Protections	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Supports Bill to Strengthen Visa Protections f t # e Washington, DC, December 8, 2015 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today voted for the bipartisan Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act (H.R. 158) in an effort to strengthen the screening process of foreigners visiting the United States after recent terrorist attacks. The safety of Americans is my top priority and it is clear that ISIL poses a growing threat to America and our allies, DelBene said. We must work with the international community to combat the terrorist threats of ISIL, not only for the security of the American people but for the security of people around the world. This bipartisan bill is an important step to help keep Americans safe. The bill, introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.), would create new visa requirements for all foreigners entering the United States who have recently visited Iraq, Syria, Iran or Sudan. The bill passed in the House on a407-19 vote and now heads to the Senate for further action. DelBene also cosponsored the Secure Refugee Process Act (H.R. 4038) to make significant improvements to the vetting process for refugees following the Paris attacks. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1591	DelBene Denounces Attacks on Womens Healthcare Centers	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today helped introduce a resolution denouncing attacks on women's healthcare facilities and affirming that all women have the right to access reproductive healthcare services without the fear of violence, intimidation or harassment. No one should face intimidation and violence at their doctor's office period, DelBene said. Lawmakers should focus on protecting women's rights to make their own healthcare decisions and ensuring they have access to safe, affordable, high-quality healthcare, instead of propagating false information and hateful rhetoric that can endanger women's safety. More than 65 percent of Americans believe the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade more than 40 years ago was right. Yet Congress continues to waste time voting on measures to limit women's access to care 19 votes alone this year. Since 1977, women's healthcare centers have experienced nearly 7,000 violent acts, including bombings, arson, death threats, kidnappings and assaults. Within the past six months, vandalism and threats against clinics have increased, including an arson attack on a Pullman, Wash., clinic in September and a mass shooting in Colorado. Last week, DelBene joined her Democratic colleagues on the Republicans' Select Committee to Attack Women's Health in calling on Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) to disband the committee in wake of the attack on a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo. # # #	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/principled-action-for-americas-safety/	Principled Action for Americas Safety	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	Click to Play Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) voted to reform and strengthen the Visa Waver program and called on American leaders to take principled action to protect the safety and security of every person in this country. The House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, with overwhelming bipartisan support, 407-19. America will always welcome foreign visitors, McMorris Rodgers said. But we cannot allow those who seek to do us harm to abuse our relationships with friendly nations. With the simple, bipartisan reforms to the visa-waiver program we passed today, we add additional safeguards that prevent potential threats from coming to America. When asked about Donald Trumps proposal to ban all Muslims from entering the country, McMorris Rodgers stood up for American values. I agree with the statement made by Speaker Ryan, McMorris Rodgers said. [Trumps] proposal does not reflect our values as Republicans or Americans. I believe very strongly in the importance of our Constitutional rights. In America, we celebrate freedom of religion and freedom to worship. McMorris Rodgers also called for the President to articulate a clear plan to protect the United States. We have an obligation to confront terrorist organizations before they threaten the American people, McMorris Rodgers said. The House will continue to take principled action while urging the President to adopt a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-praises-visa-waiver-reform-strengthen-national-security	Newhouse Praises Visa Waiver Reform to Strengthen National Security	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after the House approved H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Rep. Newhouse cosponsored the bill to enhance security screening for participants in the Visa Waiver Program. This program was created in 1986 and allows nationals from 38 participating countries to travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism without obtaining a U.S. visa, as long as they present a valid passport. This common sense legislation strengthens our national security by making urgent reforms to address vulnerabilities in the Visa Waiver Program, said Rep. Newhouse. In light of the threat we face at home from ISIS terrorists, improving screening of foreign travelers to ensure the safety of the American people should be our top priority. I cosponsored this bipartisan bill to give our intelligence community additional tools so that we can scrutinize foreign nationals seeking to visit our country and better share intelligence with partner nations. Closing existing loopholes and tightening the screening process for travelers from participating countries are necessary steps to block those who would do us harm from entering our country. H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 will make the following changes to the Visa Waiver Program: Gives the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to suspend a countrys participation in the program if they fail to share counterterrorism information with the U.S. Denies Visa Waiver Program status to those citizens from participating countries that have traveled to certain terrorist hotspots including Iraq and Syria since 2011 Requires all Visa Waiver Program countries to use fraud resistant e-passports Allows for the suspension of high-risk countries	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-introduces-bill-to-improve-medicare-coverage-for-people-living-with-lymphedema	Cantwell Introduces Bill to Improve Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.08.15 Cantwell Introduces Bill to Improve Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema Bill improves care, lowers hospitalization rate for Lymphedema patients WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), introduced bipartisan legislation to improve Medicare coverage for lymphedema patients. The bill would provide for Medicare coverage of physician-prescribed compression therapy equipment used to treat lymphedema, part of the clinically-recognized standard of care for the condition. With more than 6,300 Medicare beneficiaries in Washington and millions of Americans suffering from Lymphedema, we must update Medicare to reflect necessary and effective treatments for this condition. This legislation is a common sense measure that improves care for Medicare beneficiaries living with lymphedema and reduces costly hospitalizations, said Senator Cantwell. Medicare ought to reflect the modern practice of medicine, Senator Grassley said. The equipment to treat lymphedema is something doctors recommend and that patients need. Lymphedema is more common than people might realize. It can affect breast cancer surgery survivors, for example. More than 11,700 Medicare patients in Illinois are living with lymphedema and they shouldn't be denied access to medically-necessary compression treatment, Senator Kirk said. This bill will help patients with lymphedema effectively manage their condition and reduce the likelihood that they suffer from serious and often costly complications. This important bill will finally make sure that those living with Lymphedema have access to the healthcare treatment they need to lead healthy, productive lives while also lowering the hospitalization rates for these patients. As a co-sponsor of the Lymphedema Treatment Act, I pledge to work with my collea…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=e60b8a01-ce5e-4038-a2d7-80c8251c7fff	EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT: Murray: Milestone Legislation Will Deliver More Opportunity for Students	2015-12-08	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Murray delivers remarks as Senate considers legislation to fix No Child Left Behind. Murray: We have the chance to send the Every Student Succeeds Act to the Presidents desk to help ensure all kids have access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, how they learn, or how much money their parents make. VIDEO HERE (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee delivered remarks on the Senate floor as debate began on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the bipartisan legislation she worked on to fix No Child Left Behind. In her remarks, Murray highlighted that ESSA takes major strides in ensuring strong federal guardrails for accountability, shining a light on resource inequities, reducing reliance on high-stakes testing, and increasing access to preschool. Murray noted that the bill represents an important step forward, as it broke through the gridlock and dysfunction that has become too common in Congress. Murray also explained that as the legislative process for ESSA comes to an end, she is going to be focused on ensuring the legislation is implemented effectively, and building on this progress to ensure the government is doing everything possible to help students in Washington state and across the country. Today, the Senate cleared a critical procedural hurdle with a strong bipartisan vote of 84-12 that set the bill up for final passage, which is expected to come tomorrow morning. The bill will then be sent to the Presidents desk for his signature. Key excerpts from Senator Murrays remarks: I said back in January, and Ill repeat, that true accountability means holding our schools up to our nations promise of equality and justiceI knew we had to give schools and teachers the resources they need, so they can help students reach their full potential. Because students in some schools simply dont have the same opportunity to graduate, ready for college and careers in the 2…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1523	DelBene Calls for International Action to Combat Climate Change	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Calls for International Action to Combat Climate Change f t # e Washington, DC, December 7, 2015 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today spoke on the House floor calling for international action on climate change. Global leaders have been meeting in Paris for a week to finalize a long-term, international climate change action plan. Text of the speech follows and video can be found HERE: The Pacific Northwest has always been a leader when it comes to climate change. However, it's critical the United States shows the same leadership globally. That's why it's so encouraging to hear the reports from the climate summit in Paris. We need to take action not just domestically, but around the world. In Washington state, we know firsthand how damaging climate change can be. From longer and worsening fire seasons, increased pests and invasive species, an acidifying ocean to more unpredictable natural disasters, a vast majority of the population recognizes climate change as a growing problem in need of international solutions. We often hear talk about the debt we'll be leaving for the next generation, with little regard for the environment we're leaving our children and grandchildren. It is long past time for bold solutions and an international approach to combat climate change. This summit comes at a crucial time, and we look forward to its progress. # # # f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1524	DelBene and Brooks Encourage Support of Computer Science Education Week to Prepare Students for Next Generation Careers	2015-12-07	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA1) and Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) today introduced a resolution, H. Res. 554, supporting the goals and ideals of Computer Science Education Week. Computer Science Week is celebrated December 7-13, 2015. As someone who had a long career in the technology sector before coming to Congress, I know firsthand how important it is that our kids develop the skills they need to have bright futures in the 21st century workforce, DelBene said. The future of innovation in the United States is going to rely in part on talented coders getting engaged early on in their education, which is why it's so important that we expand access to next-generation learning opportunities through Computer Science Education Week and the Hour of Code. We are pleased that strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and computer science provisions were included in the recently passed authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The legislation encourages schools to prioritize computer science and STEM education. It is especially important given that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that in the year 2022, there will be roughly 10 million jobs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Of those jobs, half are expected to be in computing and information technology. As a the former Senior Vice President for Ivy Tech Community College, I understand the importance of providing our kids with the skills that will help them succeed in college and throughout their career, Brooks said. To maintain our nation's competitive edge, America must raise a new generation of innovators ready to meet the needs of a global and tech-driven economy. Computing plays a crucial role in aligning our current educational attainment gap and opportunities in the workforce, and Computer Science Education Week provides an opportunity to connect students with the computing fields. National Computer Science Education Week was established in 2009 to coinc…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-response-president-obama-s-address	Rep. Newhouse Response to President Obamas Address	2015-12-06	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dan Newhouse	N000189	newhouse.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), released the following statement after President Obamas Oval Office address: "The President's address tonight was disappointing. The horrific attacks in Paris and San Bernardino clearly show that radical Islamic terrorism is a growing threat at home and abroad. President Obama has the authority he needs to destroy ISIS, but tonight he simply doubled down on current efforts that have failed to even contain it. The call to restrict 2nd Amendment rights on law-abiding citizens was also misguided. California has the most stringent gun control laws in the nation. France has far stricter gun control than exists in the U.S. The terrorists attacked San Bernardino and Paris anyway. Rather than shift the debate to a political distraction, the President should develop a strategy to destroy radical Islamic terrorism."	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-ex-im-reauthorization	Rep. Reichert's Statement on Ex-Im Reauthorization	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) supported and the U.S. House and Senate passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which included language to reauthorize the U.S. Export-Import Bank. Rep. Reichert made the following statement after the bill’s passage: “After many months of uncertainty, Congress made the responsible decision to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, which provides thousands of businesses throughout the country with the tool they need to reach new foreign customers and expand globally. This resource is especially critical to Washington State, where Ex-Im has supported over 230 businesses – many of them small - and helped generate over $15 billion in exports just last year. I am proud to have served on the conference committee for this bill and to have been part of the team that saw the Bank’s reauthorization across the finish line. Getting to this point has taken a lot of work from both sides of the aisle, but I am confident that when Washington State businesses operate on a level playing field with foreign businesses, they win, and create hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs here at home.” Background: Since Congress failed to reauthorize Ex-Im this past summer, Rep. Reichert has been working with a bipartisan group of colleagues to revive the Bank. He joined with over 40 Republicans in signing a petition to bring a bill to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank to the House floor. This bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 313-118 – and because of this bipartisan support it was included in the Highway Bill. ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1521	DelBene Signs Brief Urging Review of Texas v. United States	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Signs Brief Urging Review of Texas v. United States f t # e Washington, DC, December 4, 2015 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today joined colleagues in signing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to review the Fifth Circuit Court's decision on Texas v. United States. Everyone agrees that our immigration system is broken, but the solution will not be found through litigation. The Fifth Circuit's decision wrongly hurts immigrant families whom we should be supporting, not deporting, DelBene said. The President took lawful action to help families being torn apart by our current system. If the opposition takes issue with that, they should be willing to debate comprehensive immigration reform rather than relinquishing the policymaking to the courts. More than 200 Democrats filed the brief on Thursday night arguing for review of the Fifth Circuit's decision to block the Secretary of Homeland Security from implementing the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs, announced by the President as part of his immigration executive actions last year. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, DelBene has led efforts to enact comprehensive immigration reform by helping introduce the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (H.R. 15) last Congress. She has also consistently said the only long-term solution to fix our broken immigration system will require congressional action. Full text of the brief can be found HERE. # # # f t # e	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522	DelBene Supports Bill to Prevent Terror Suspects from Buying Guns	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	DelBene Supports Bill to Prevent Terror Suspects from Buying Guns f t # e Washington, DC, December 4, 2015 Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today cosponsored the bipartisan Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act (H.R.1076), which would close a loophole that has allowed more than 2,000 suspects on the FBI Terrorist Watchlist to buy guns. I am first and foremost committed to protecting the lives of Americans. Rather than focusing on fear mongering and political theater, Congress needs to get serious about taking meaningful steps to protect the people we were sent here to represent, DelBene said. Commonsense, bipartisan legislation like H.R. 1076 is just one thing we can do to better protect our communities from the tragic cycle of gun violence, and it is imperative for policymakers on both sides of the aisle to work together with local and federal law enforcement officials, mental health and public health experts, and law-abiding gun owners to find additional ways to prevent the kinds of atrocities we've seen in recent weeks. Earlier this week, Republican leadership blocked the House from considering H.R.1076, which was introduced by Reps. Peter King (R-NY) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). Current law prohibits felons, fugitives and drug addicts from purchasing firearms but known and suspected terrorists can freely purchase handguns or assault-style rifles. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study found that between 2004 and 2014, suspected terrorists attempted to purchase guns from American dealers at least 2,233 times. And in 2,043 of those cases 91 percent of the time they succeeded. Approximately 32,000 Americans die from gun violence each year. There have been more than 350 mass shootings so far this year and at least three mass shooting within this…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://mcmorris.house.gov/crop-insurance-fixed/	Crop Insurance Fixed	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Cathy McMorris Rodgers	M001159	mcmorris.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. Today, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) praised the inclusion of a fix to the crop insurance program in the conference report for H.R. 22. It passed the U.S. House with an overwhelming bipartisan majority, 359-65. McMorris Rodgers released the following statement: There were problematic changes to the crop insurance program in the Bipartisan Budget Act we passed in October that would have hurt Eastern Washingtons farmers. Before I agreed to support the deal, I made certain these changes would be completely reversed in upcoming legislation. I promised our farmers it would happen, and now its done.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0019a255-ecaa-4a1e-be67-530a79a2f316	TRANSPORTATION Senate Passes Long-Term Transportation Bill, Sending it to Presidents Desk	2015-12-04	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Patty Murray	M001111	www.murray.senate.gov	legacy	Sen. Murray fought for provision to increase ferry funding Many programs in Washington state will receive a boost in investments due to bill passage State will receive $3.5 billion in highway funding, $1.2 billion in transit funding (Washington, D.C.) Today, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the passage of a five-year surface transportation bill that will increase funding for infrastructure and public transit programs in Washington state and around the country, giving the state, local communities, transit agencies, and employers the certainty they need to address long-standing transportation needs. An agreement was reached on Tuesday, and the legislation passed both the House and the Senate today. The bill, once signed into law, ensures Washington state will receive $3.5 billion in highway funding, and $1.2 billion in transit funding over five years, and priorities that Senator Murray pushed to be included in the final bill. I am so glad to see this critical bill be sent to the President to be signed into law, providing more investment for many projects in Washington state over the next five years, said Senator Murray. This deal will increase investments, improve our ferry system, establish new programs to make our freight mobility safer and more efficient, and support new investments in public transit. More details on the final bill below: Increases funding for Washington state overall, providing a total of $3.5 billion in highway funding and $1.2 billion in transit funding over five years. Increases funding to the ferry program to $400 million over five years, with approximately $17.9 million going to Washington state annually. Washington state operates the largest ferry system in the U.S., moving 22.4 million passengers and 10 million vehicles a year. Another $150 million over five years is provided through a competitive grant program, for which Washington state can apply. Reinstates the Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Grant Program, providing $1.5 billion…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/enewsletters/12032015	12/03/2015	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Dear Friend, Today, too many Americans are sent to prison to serve lengthy sentences when there are better ways to help get a persons life back on track. Across the country, there are cases where individuals are locked away for decades because of minor drug charges and other non-violent crimes. Not only is this a failure on the part of our criminal justice system; it is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars. share: f t Dear Friend, Today, too many Americans are sent to prison to serve lengthy sentences when there are better ways to help get a persons life back on track. Across the country, there are cases where individuals are locked away for decades because of minor drug charges and other non-violent crimes. Not only is this a failure on the part of our criminal justice system; it is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars. I recently joined my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee in introducing the Sentencing Reform Act, and was pleased to see its swift consideration in committee. This bipartisan legislation reduces mandatory minimum sentences and provides judges with greater discretion in determining appropriate sentences. The Sentencing Reform Act will help bring fairness to our judicial system by focusing on alternatives and community support for non-violent offenders while ensuring strict enforcement against violent criminals. With the legislations broad support, Im optimistic that House leadership will allow a vote on the House floor and we will pass this important legislation into law, making a real difference in thousands of lives. As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you tocontact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what Im doing byfollowing me onTwitter,InstagramandFacebook. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085. S…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://delbene.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/delbene-resolution-designates-june-26-as-lgbt-equality-day	DelBene Resolution Designates June 26 as LGBT Equality Day	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Suzan DelBene	D000617	delbene.house.gov	legacy	Join me in Skagit County! November 14, 2017 Dear Friend, As your representative in Congress, one of the most important aspects of my job is to stay informed of the thoughts and opinions of my constituents, and I appreciate the time you take to share them with me. Thats why Im hosting a series of community forums in Skagit County on Saturday, November 18. I wil... Read More	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reauthorization-of-export-import-bank-through-2019-is-now-one-step-away	Reauthorization of Export-Import Bank through 2019 is now one step away from the Presidents desk	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Denny Heck	H001064	dennyheck.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. Months after the Export-Import Bank of the United States authority lapsed, the House of Representatives voted again to approve the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank as an amendment to the 5-year, $300 billion highway bill. The bill now heads to the Senate where it is expected to pass. Congress will finally green light Ex-Im to go in and to help these companies get their products out of the warehouses and into the hands of global purchasers, Heck said. Once the President signs this bill into law, the Export-Import Bank can once again get American goods sold to customers around the world. This is a victory for our export economy, which includes everything from music stands to wide body jets in Washington state. But lets be clear that this needless delay harmed small businesses mightily for months, and we can never let it happen again. "No one has worked harder or more effectively to reopen the Export-Import Bank than Congressman Denny Heck," stated Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer. "He has been a tenacious fighter on behalf of American businesses and workers, and I thank him for his tireless efforts to reopen the Bank." Pexco is pleased that House and Senate negotiators have finalized an agreement on a five-year surface transportation program bill which includes reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, said Peter Speer, Pexcos Vice President of Sales. Pexco, a company with 150 employees in Fife, Wash., that makes traffic and safety products, has used Ex-Im financing in the past to sell their equipment around the world. The multi-year bill will provide much-needed stability for the highway market domestically after a decade of short-term extensions. Renewal of the Export-Import Bank will assist our company in exporting innovative, life-saving traffic safety technologies overseas, creating jobs for our factory in Tacoma. The Tacoma-Seattle metro is the 4th highest area in the value of goods exported, and 915,000 jobs in Washington depend on trade , said Tom Pierson, President and CEO of Taco…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-hails-export-import-renewal-victory-jobs	Larsen: Export-Import Bank Renewal Closer To Victory	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, applauded a major bipartisan victory for jobs after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to reopen the Export-Import Bank. Larsen is a staunch supporter of the Bank, which provides export financing that helps businesses of all sizes in his district and across the country to grow by selling their goods overseas. The next chapter of the Export-Import Banks job-creating success story is finally about to begin. Congress let down thousands of workers in the Pacific Northwest and nationwide by letting the Bank expire, but we are closer to making it up to them today by getting the Bank back open for business. The Bank helps Pacific Northwest businesses of all sizes create jobs here at home by selling their goods overseas. Earlier this year I toured Vista Clara, Inc., in Mukilteo, which manufactures equipment that does imaging in water, rock and soil formations. Vista Clara relies on the Export-Import Bank to finance sales of its products to customers all over the world, and the Bank has helped this small business grow by breaking into new markets in India and China. Congress should be doing everything possible to support jobs and a healthy economy to create more opportunity. Reopening the Export-Import Bank signals to the rest of the world that the U.S. is open for business, Larsen said. The renewal was included in a long-term transportation bill. The Bank expired on June 30, halting all new export financing for U.S. businesses of all sizes. Larsen helped introduce a bill to reauthorize the Bank earlier this year. He also led efforts to renew the Bank in 2012. In Washingtons second Congressional district, the Export-Import Bank has supported more than $77 billion in exports since 2007. These exports have come from 18 companies, including 11 small businesses like Vista Clara Inc. Nearly 90 percent of the Banks transactions support small businesses. And because nearly 60 other countries have export credit agencies, the Export-Import Bank helps level the playing field for …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-hardworking-students-will-get-support-they-deserve	Larsen: Hardworking Students Will Get Support They Deserve	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C.Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today voted for and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a major education reform bill that includes Larsens bipartisan language to provide payments to school districts that serve large numbers of military families and tribes. Earlier this year, Larsen introduced the Local Taxpayer Relief Act (H.R. 1318) in support of Impact Aid. The Every Student Succeeds Act (the conference report to S. 1177) replaces the flawed standards of No Child Left Behind by giving states more flexibility to craft education solutions tailored to local community needs. The bill also maintains funding for low-income schools and districts, as well as requiring higher standards to improve outcomes for all students, including those with learning challenges. Larsen has long championed the Impact Aid program, which makes up the difference in revenue for districts that serve large numbers of federally-connected students. The majority of public school funding comes from local property taxes. Since families on military bases and on Indian lands do not pay local property taxes, schools with a large percentage of these students are denied the traditional funding source for public schools. Impact Aid provides direct payments to these school districts, including those in La Conner, Marysville and Oak Harbor. Impact Aid keeps teachers and textbooks in the classroom to give our students the best chance at success. Communities like La Conner, Marysville and Oak Harbor depend on Impact Aid to provide their students with the learning opportunities they deserve, which is why I have pushed hard to keep Impact Aid strong. Today, Congress recognized the importance of supporting school districts like these all over the country. Bigger, more certain Impact Aid payments mean school districts can better focus on what they do best educating our students, Larsen said. The Every Student Succeeds Act increases funding for Impact Aid by $100 million through FY2020, to $1.3 billion annually (a 7.8 percent increase). It also …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-jobs-and-economy-get-green-light-transportation-bill	Larsen: Jobs And The Economy Get Green Light With Transportation Bill	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Rick Larsen	L000560	larsen.house.gov	legacy	Several Larsen-led provisions included in final bill advance Washington states transportation priorities WASHINGTON, D.C.The five-year, job-creating transportation bill the U.S. House of Representatives passed today includes several provisions championed by Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, that will improve Washington states transportation infrastructure. Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, hailed the long-term transportation bill (known as the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation, or FAST, Act) as a win for Pacific Northwest jobs and the economy that will give communities the certainty needed to invest in critical infrastructure projects. Washington state is set to receive a total of $3.5 billion in highway funding and $1.2 billion in transit funding over the life of the bill, an increase over current funding of $437 million. Job-creating investments in our roads, bridges, highways, ferries, trails and transit got the green light today with a long-term transportation bill that will put people to work and keep our economy moving. Transportation means jobs in Washington state, which is why I pushed hard to make sure this bill included Pacific Northwest priorities. With five years of funding, cities, counties and states will finally be able to count on reliable funding to build up and fix the infrastructure people depend on every day to get to work and school. I would have liked to see a bigger overall investment in one of the best job-creating industries we have, but I am pleased the final version of the bill boosts funding by $12 billion over current levels. When I talk with transportation stakeholders in Washington state, I hear about the issues they are facing every day. From ferryboats, which are an extension of our highway system, to trails and better funding for midsized cities, I pushed for our states priorities. The bill includes my language to improve the financial accountability of ferry systems and eliminate the loophole allowing private ferry programs to receive …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reicherts-statement-house-passage-highway-bill	Rep. Reichert's Statement on House Passage of Highway Bill	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Republican	House	WA	Dave Reichert	R000578	reichert.house.gov	legacy	Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, which reauthorizes our nation’s highways, transit, and safety programs as well as fully funds the Highway Trust Fund for the next five years. As a member of the highway bill conference committee, Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) was part of the bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers that worked together to reach an agreement on the final conference report. Congressman Reichert made the following statement after the bill passed the House: “After years of short-term fixes, Congress voted this afternoon to give states the long-term certainty they need to make investments in job creating infrastructure projects that are critical to our roads, bridges, economic competitiveness, and public safety. The bill gives states more control and flexibility in prioritizing funding for much-needed highway projects and contains provisions that will help us better compete in a 21st Century economy, including improvements in freight mobility and port performance measures to address future port slowdowns. This is especially important to Washingtonians as our freight systems and ports support 1.5 million jobs and produce $129 billion in annual revenue. The bill also includes provisions to improve highway safety such as encouraging states to address unsecure loads.” “Although this legislation is not perfect, I am proud of the work we have done as a bipartisan group to move a long-term highway solution to the President’s desk.” ###	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0d6a5928-d3cc-4796-80b4-c69d4df2acc5	Cantwell, Grassley Introduce Biodiesel Tax Reform, Extension Act, Urge Inclusion in Tax Extenders Package Under Discussion	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.03.15 Cantwell, Grassley Introduce Biodiesel Tax Reform, Extension Act, Urge Inclusion in Tax Extenders Package Under Discussion WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation to reform and extend the biodiesel tax credit. The legislation is similar to the provision that passed out of the Finance Committee in July. Investing in Americas clean energy economy is the smart thing to do for our environment and Americas energy security, Cantwell said. The biodiesel tax credit has been an extremely successful energy tax policy, allowing biodiesel to become Americas first advanced biofuel. Since the credit was created in 2005, 8.2 billion gallons of biodiesel have replaced traditional diesel, the equivalent of removing nearly 16 million vehicles from our roadways. This bill gives businesses the certainty they need to invest in biodiesel, create jobs here in America, and continue the development of affordable, domestic alternatives to fossil fuels. This provision should be included in the tax extenders package under discussion, Grassley said. Converting to a production credit would improve the biodiesel incentive in many ways. It would make the biodiesel incentive easier to administer. Also, a credit for domestic production would ensure that were incentivizing a domestic industry rather than subsidizing imported biofuels. The goal is to meet the countrys biodiesel needs and support domestic producers at the same time. And it would save money over the current biodiesel tax incentive. The senators Biodiesel Tax Incentive Reform and Extension Act of 2015 would modify the biodiesel fuel blenders credit to a domestic production credit and extend the credit through 2018. The change would offer numerous benefits, Grassley and Cantwell said. The blenders credit can be difficult to administer, because the blending of the fuel can occur at many different stages of the fuel distribution. This can make it difficult to ensure that only fuel th…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://www.cantwell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77c8e16b-41dc-4da2-a600-5db3f408a6ee	Cantwell: Renewal of Export-Import Bank Is a Win for American Jobs and Economy as Bipartisan Support Defeats Political Extremists	2015-12-03	2015	2015-12	Democrat	House	WA	Maria Cantwell	C000127	www.cantwell.senate.gov	legacy	12.03.15 Cantwell: Renewal of Export-Import Bank Is a Win for American Jobs and Economy as Bipartisan Support Defeats Political Extremists Washington, D.C. Today, Senator Maria Cantwell applauded the passage of a four-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. The export credit agency lapsed on June 30, 2015 that resulted in a significant loss of jobs and business opportunities for U.S. companies exporting products and services globally, despite widespread congressional support. Finally, common sense prevailed over extreme partisan politics in favor of American businesses and workers. Reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank means companies like Columbia Machine in Vancouver can continue shipping machinery around the globe. And SCAFCO in Spokane can keep exporting grain storage systems and other products. And Manhasset Specialty Company in Yakima can keep sending their world class music stands to overseas markets. These small businesses are American success stories that help drive our economy and fuel job growth. With passage of Ex-Im reauthorization, businesses across Washington state and the nation will once again have this critical export credit agency, said Senator Cantwell. Cantwell has been a strong proponent of the Export-Import Bank and fought to have it reauthorized to ensure American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. Over the past six years, she has co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to renew the Export-Import Bank. In May of 2015, Cantwell led the fight in the Senate to secure an agreement from the White House and Senate leaders to hold a vote to reauthorize Ex-Im. Following a three-day deliberation an agreement was reached to bring the agency to a vote, which resulted in an overwhelming majority of support for the agency. The Senator believes we must address the board vacancies. She will push for the U.S. Senate to confirm Patricia M. Loui-Schmicker to be a member of the Board of Directors of Export-Import Bank and for the …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

1,514 rows where state = "WA" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending

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