Press releases
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1,374 rows where state = "WA" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending
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| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1756 | Larsen Announces Winner of 2019 Congressional App Challenge | 2019-12-31 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced William Humarang, a student at Mariner High School in Everett, as the Second District winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. Humarang was inspired to create his app, “Hacker Game: A Puzzle Game of 3 Stages,” after revisiting previous efforts to design and develop apps. Humarang’s winning entry features three interactive mini-games – a passcode game, a clicker game and a guessing game – that challenge the user to unlock a series of puzzles. Humarang encouraged students to explore how rewarding coding can be: “Coding can seem daunting at first, but it makes you look at not only computers, but the whole world in another way.” “The Congressional App Challenge has again shown the creativity of students from across Northwest Washington. I congratulate all of the students who competed and our winner, William Humarang, who developed a fun, interactive “hacker” game to engage students of all ages in coding,” said Larsen. As the Second District winner, Humarang will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and his app will be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the House of Representatives website. In 2018, Burlington-Edison High School student Will Garrison won with an app designed to help users practice and learn math skills in a fun and engaging way. Washington state continues to be a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with more than 313,000 high school students and 165,000 two-year college students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that aims to help maintain U.S. competitiveness by inspiring youth to pursue crucial STEM skills. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-announces-winner-2019-congressional-app-challenge | Larsen Announces Winner of 2019 Congressional App Challenge | 2019-12-31 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | EVERETT, WA Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced William Humarang, a student at Mariner High School in Everett, as the Second District winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. Humarang was inspired to create his app, Hacker Game: A Puzzle Game of 3 Stages, after revisiting previous efforts to design and develop apps. Humarang's winning entry features three interactive mini-games a passcode game, a clicker game and a guessing game that challenge the user to unlock a series of puzzles. Humarang encouraged students to explore how rewarding coding can be: Coding can seem daunting at first, but it makes you look at not only computers, but the whole world in another way. The Congressional App Challenge has again shown the creativity of students from across Northwest Washington. I congratulate all of the students who competed and our winner, William Humarang, who developed a fun, interactive hacker game to engage students of all ages in coding, said Larsen. As the Second District winner, Humarang will receive $250 in Amazon Web Services credits, and his app will be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol building and on the House of Representatives website. In 2018, Burlington-Edison High School student Will Garrison won with an app designed to help users practice and learn math skills in a fun and engaging way. Washington state continues to be a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics with more than 313,000 high school students and 165,000 two-year college students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition that aims to help maintain U.S. competitiveness by inspiring youth to pursue crucial STEM skills. For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401740 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Supports Allowing Parents to Withdraw Penalty-Free from Retirement Accounts Following Birth, Adoption | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler supported allowing parents to withdraw up to $5,000 without penalty from their retirement accounts following the birth or adoption of a child. This provision was included in the recent spending package Congress passed and the president signed into law. share: f t Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler supported allowing parents to withdraw up to $5,000 without penalty from their retirement accounts following the birth or adoption of a child. This provision was included in the recent spending package Congress passed and the president signed into law. Families in Southwest Washington who are struggling to afford housing, child care and medical expenses should be able to access their own savings when they need it most often, that's the year following the birth or adoption of a child, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased to have supported another common-sense solution that eases the financial burden working families face in Ridgefield, Centralia, Bingen and all across our region. The types of plans that qualify include Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) and 403(b) plans. Withdrawals of up to $5,000 are exempt from the 10 percent early withdrawal tax and can be made within one year of the birth of a child or finalization of adoption. If the parents have separate retirement plans, they can each withdraw up to $5,000. This provision takes effect December 31, 2019. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1557 | Larsen Statement on Resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | – Today, House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement on news of the resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg: “Nothing is more important than the safety of the traveling public. As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I remain committed to the thorough oversight of the 737 MAX certification process and ensuring the aircraft’s safe return to service. “The Committee’s oversight investigation will continue into 2020. I will continue to keep the 346 victims of the two tragic 737 MAX crashes and their families at the forefront, as well as the dedicated women and men of Boeing who design, assemble and build the aircraft. “Finally, the 737 MAX should not return to service until the FAA determines it is safe to do so. The Committee will continue to work with FAA Administrator Dickson and his team on safety while it also explores changes to the certification process for the future.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-resignation-boeing-ceo-dennis-muilenburg | Larsen Statement on Resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the following statement on news of the resignation of Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg: Nothing is more important than the safety of the traveling public. As Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, I remain committed to the thorough oversight of the 737 MAX certification process and ensuring the aircraft's safe return to service. The Committee's oversight investigation will continue into 2020. I will continue to keep the 346 victims of the two tragic 737 MAX crashes and their families at the forefront, as well as the dedicated women and men of Boeing who design, assemble and build the aircraft. Finally, the 737 MAX should not return to service until the FAA determines it is safe to do so. The Committee will continue to work with FAA Administrator Dickson and his team on safety while it also explores changes to the certification process for the future. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401747 | Goldendale Sentinel: Protecting our moms is an important policy | 2019-12-25 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | As a young mom and a lawmaker, I often consider the intersection of public policy and family health. It's this experience that has spurred me to work hard on policy focused on improving health care for motherswhether it's keeping them safe during pregnancy, expanding access to maternal telehealth services or simply allowing mothers to carry breast milk through airport security. These are issues that matter to everyone. share: f t As a young mom and a lawmaker, I often consider the intersection of public policy and family health. It's this experience that has spurred me to work hard on policy focused on improving health care for motherswhether it's keeping them safe during pregnancy, expanding access to maternal telehealth services or simply allowing mothers to carry breast milk through airport security. These are issues that matter to everyone. Why? Because you either are a mom or you have a mom. Protecting moms starts during pregnancy. Shockingly, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations in the world. This is unacceptable, and the tragedy of moms dying during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum has motivated me to take action. Last year my bipartisan bill, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, was signed into law. This bill marked the strongest step Congress has taken to reverse the growing trend of maternal mortalitybut it was only a first step. This bill establishes and supports Maternal Mortality Review Committees to investigate every single pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated death. Understanding the factors will help us develop strategies to prevent future mothers' deaths. More recently, two other important bills I'm supporting, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act and the Helping MOMS Act, were approved by congressional committee. Both bills take direct steps to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen support for moms living in rural areas. The Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act focu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-politically-motivated-impeachment-divides-america | COLUMN: Politically-Motivated Impeachment Divides America | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | Impeachment is one of the most serious responsibilities afforded to Congress, and that sobering responsibility has not been lost on me. The people of Central Washington sent me to our nation's capital to represent them, and I believe when it comes to charging a President with the articles of impeachment Members must focus on the facts presented. House Democrats failed to present fact-based evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors committed by President Trump. Our Founding Fathers cautioned against using impeachment as a political tool, and that is exactly what House Democrats have done. In the Federalist Papers No. 65, Alexander Hamilton discussed the importance and potential perils facing Congress when considering impeachment. He wrote, There will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt. The impeachment proceedings against President Trump are what Alexander Hamilton warned us about. The hearings in the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees demonstrated partisan, politically-motivated testimony by witnesses who did not have firsthand knowledge of the so-called crimes the President is being accused of. The partisanship of the impeachment proceedings denied equality to Republican Committee Members and due process to the President. We absolutely should not set a dangerous precedent of bringing articles of impeachment against our duly elected public officials based on hearsay, inference, or political disagreement. Accusing President Trump of obstruction of Congress because the Executive Branch exercised our Constitution's system of checks of balances does not rise to the high standards of impeachment. Charging President Trump with abuse of power would require House Democrats to prove that he had corrupt motive. In respect to the phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky, which the articles of impeachment are based off of, not one of the witnesses called before either of the House Com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/happy-hanukkah/ | Happy Hanukkah | 2019-12-22 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | Friends, From my family to yours, Happy Hanukkah. The Festival of Lights comes each year as winter's dark days are closing in on us. The miracle of Hanukkahwhen the lamps in the Temple shone for eight daysis a reminder to us all that even in depths and darkness of despair, it's our faith in God where we can find hope and light. Today, when you light the Hanukkah candles, may you bask in the warm glow of celebration with your family. May we also together give thanks to the many blessings and God-given rights we share, especially for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. This year, I'm wishing you eight days of joy, peace, and hope as you celebrate Hanukkah. You are in my prayers. Chag Sameach! Cathy | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=1D9531BF-C4B8-49AD-BCC4-BC96796DF7C9 | Senators Murray, Cantwell Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senators say HHS decision to roll back essential nondiscrimination protections would allow federally-funded organizations to discriminate against LGBTQIA+ people Senators: This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), today demanded that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescind its proposed rule that would allow recipients of HHS awards and contracts to discriminate on the basis of religion. In a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the senators also expressed concern with the agency's decision to bypass the rulemaking process and immediately permit this discrimination. This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination, the senators wrote. Taken together, these actions leave vulnerable populations unable to access the services they need. We strongly urge the Department to enforce existing federal nondiscrimination regulations that protect against discrimination based on sex and religion and rescind this proposed rule. HHS annually awards more than $500 billion in taxpayer-funded awards and contracts to support a wide range of critical programs and services including for public health, early childhood education, youth homelessness, the elderly, federally funded adoption and foster care, and much more. By no longer enforcing existing nondiscrimination regulations, HHS is allowing funding recipients to cite their religious faith as justification for choosing not to serve certain peoplepotentially leaving people of various religious affiliations and LGBTQIA+ people without the services necessary to support their health and well-being. Read the full text of the letter HERE. Additionally, on December 12, Senator Murray s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C8801DD1-7457-458D-9B54-27F19C997084 | Murray Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites Heads to Presidents Desk | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Bill would advance improvements at Yakima Nation historical fishing access sites Following House passage, the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act now goes to the President to be signed into law Senator Murray: It is the federal government's duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sites Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the passage of the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week, which now goes to the president's desk to be signed into law. Senator Murray is a lead cosponsor of the Senate version of the bill. I'm excited to see this important legislation for our Columbia River tribes head to the President's desk. It is the federal government's duty to ensure our tribal communities along the river have access to safe, sanitary housing and infrastructure at historical fishing access sitesa critical component of their culture and heritage, as well as an important source of sustenanceand this bill takes another vital step toward fulfilling our government-to-government obligation, said Senator Murray. As a representative for our state's tribes in the Senate, I urge the President to sign this bill into law. Beginning in the 1930s, the construction of the three lower Columbia River dams displaced members of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. These tribes have a treaty-protected right to fish along the Columbia River in their usual and accustomed places. Senator Murray has long fought to address the urgent need for adequate housing and infrastructure at tribal fishing access sites constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, which were originally designed to be used primarily for da… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2499 | DelBene Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA01) is excited to announcethefirst congressional district'sentry to the 2019 Congressional App Challenge. The winning app, called Driver Vision, was created by Sohil Bhatia and Sayan Bhatia of Redmond High School. Driver Vision uses machine learning models and an Internet of Things (IoT) device to detect distracted vs.attentive driving behavior. It then provides the user with a report on their driving speed activity against the speed limits in the area and the number of times the driver was distracted. The Bhatias state that their app is about reinforcing the need for a driver's vision to be safely on the road. An app demo of Driver Vision can be foundHERE. The winning appfrom the first congressional districtwas selected by a panel of impartial judges. Driver Vision willnow goon displayin the U.S. Capitol for one year,along with other winning apps from around the nation. As someone who worked in the tech sector before coming to Congress, I know firsthand that innovation requires creative, entrepreneurial leaders,said DelBene. I am immensely proud of the students of Washington's firstdistrictfor their ingenuity, and I thank all those who entered this year's App Challenge for their willingness to share their hard work withall of us.Congratulations to the young developers behind Driver Vision I cannot wait to see what you will create next! DelBene was Co-Chair for both the 2018 and 2019 Congressional App Challenge. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1556 | Larsen Statement on House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement after voting for the United States – Mexico – Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA): “After carefully reviewing the agreement and hearing from my constituents in the Second District, I decided to vote for the USMCA. “Today’s passage of the USMCA is a win for workers, families and jobs in Washington state, the most trade-dependent state in the United States. In Snohomish County, 60 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. “USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and strict enforcement rules that will help workers and businesses compete globally. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to modernize NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. “Making it easier for local businesses to sell their goods and services abroad is a key way to help create jobs here at home. Each year, Washington state exports nearly $12.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada, the state’s second- and third-largest trade partners after China. The final agreement provides a boost to Washington state farmers, expanding dairy farmers’ access to Canadian markets and preserving existing market access in Mexico for Washington’s apple, cherry and pear farmers. The agreement also addresses digital trade and the 21st century economy, providing a boost to the 240,000 Washingtonians who work in the growing digital sector. “Thanks to Democrats, the improved USMCA has strong enforcement, as well as critical victories on prescription drug costs and environmental protections. However, this is not a “set it and forget it” agreement. Congress and future administrations must use the enforcement mechanisms and protections to make this agreement work for American workers. “Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Vice Chair Sewell and my colleagues on the NDC Trade Task Force for your work to resolve outstanding issues to update NAFTA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-house-passage-usmca | Larsen Statement on House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition Trade Task Force, released the following statement after voting for the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA): After carefully reviewing the agreement and hearing from my constituents in the Second District, I decided to vote for the USMCA. Today's passage of the USMCA is a win for workers, families and jobs in Washington state, the most trade-dependent state in the United States. In Snohomish County, 60 percent of all jobs are tied to trade. USMCA reflects priorities I fought for, like strong labor and environmental standards and strict enforcement rules that will help workers and businesses compete globally. I am also pleased the administration used provisions negotiated by the Obama administration to modernize NAFTA for digital trade and the 21st century economy. Making it easier for local businesses to sell their goods and services abroad is a key way to help create jobs here at home. Each year, Washington state exports nearly $12.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico and Canada, the state's second- and third-largest trade partners after China. The final agreement provides a boost to Washington state farmers, expanding dairy farmers' access to Canadian markets and preserving existing market access in Mexico for Washington's apple, cherry and pear farmers. The agreement also addresses digital trade and the 21st century economy, providing a boost to the 240,000 Washingtonians who work in the growing digital sector. Thanks to Democrats, the improved USMCA has strong enforcement, as well as critical victories on prescription drug costs and environmental protections. However, this is not a set it and forget it agreement. Congress and future administrations must use the enforcement mechanisms and protections to make this agreement work for American workers. Thank you to Speaker Pelosi, Vice Chair Sewell and my colleagues on the NDC Trade Task Force for your work to resolve outstanding issues to update NAF… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-newhouse-blast-wasteful-state-report-on-lower-snake-river-dams/ | McMorris Rodgers, Newhouse Blast Wasteful State Report on Lower Snake River Dams | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following joint statement after Washington Governor Jay Inslee released a public draft of the Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, the product of a $750,000 state-funded study on breaching the federally-owned and operated Snake River dams in Central and Eastern Washington: What this report tells us is Governor Inslee spent three-quarters of a million dollars and a year's time to conclude there are differing perspectives' and more information needed' on this issue, said Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers. We had no idea a year ago when we said this study would be a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars just how accurate we'd be imagine how far $750,000 could have gone to directly support salmon recovery efforts. Every taxpayer in our state should be outraged. Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers continued, We will continue to work in Congress with local stakeholders and federal partnerswho are already conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis based on science, not opinionsto improve salmon recovery and fish passage within the federally-owned and operated dam system while maintaining and optimizing the clean, renewable hydroelectric power our communities and economies rely on. In the meantime, since the Governor's so-called public workshops' next month will not allow for public testimony, we encourage all community members to submit their comments and concerns on the report to ensure our voices are heard. There will be three public workshops to discuss the findings of the study, which will include a presentation of the report followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. Per the Governor's Office, there will not be time for public testimony during the workshops. Audience members may submit written questions to be asked of the panel if time is available, and written comments will be accepted. Public workshop dates and locations listed below: … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-16-2/ | My Votes – Week of December 16 | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | RULE BILLS **A rule bill is a bill passed through a full House vote under a rule that has been voted and agreed upon by the Rules Committee. Rule bills require a simple majority of the House to pass (218 votes) through a recorded vote. Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/17/19 PASSED 297-120 H.R. 1865 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Agriculture; Energy and Water; Interior; Legislative Branch; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; State and Foreign Operations; and Transportation and Housing NO This package represented recording spending highs without funding a solution for our climbing debt. Every month, families in Eastern Washington have to sit down and balance their budgets Congress should, too. As legislators, we should fulfill our duties and complete the budget by the end of the fiscal year and not continually kick the can down the road. It's past time to rein in federal spending and fix a broken budget process. 12/17/19 PASSED 280-138 H.R. 1158 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020: Defense; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services; and Homeland Security NO This package represented recording spending highs without funding a solution for our climbing debt. Every month, families in Eastern Washington have to sit down and balance their budgets Congress should, too. As legislators, we should fulfill our duties and complete the budget by the end of the fiscal year and not continually kick the can down the road. It's past time to rein in federal spending and fix a broken budget process. 12/18/19 PASSED 230-197 H.Res. 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States- Article 1: Abuse of Power NO You can read my full statement on the impeachment of President Trump by clicking here. 12/18/19 PASSED 229-198 H.Res. 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States- Article 2: Obstruction of Congress NO You can read my full statement on the impeachment of President Tru… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-16/ | My Votes – Week of December 16 | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | RULE BILLS **A rule bill is a bill passed through a full House vote under a rule that has been voted and agreed upon by the Rules Committee. Rule bills require a simple majority of the House to pass (218 votes) through a recorded vote. Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/17/19 PASSED 297-120 H.R. 1865 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Agriculture; Energy and Water; Interior; Legislative Branch; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; State and Foreign Operations; and Transportation and Housing NO This package represented recording spending highs without funding a solution for our climbing debt. Every month, families in Eastern Washington have to sit down and balance their budgets Congress should, too. As legislators, we should fulfill our duties and complete the budget by the end of the fiscal year and not continually kick the can down the road. It's past time to rein in federal spending and fix a broken budget process. 12/17/19 PASSED 280-138 H.R. 1158 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020: Defense; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services; and Homeland Security NO This package represented recording spending highs without funding a solution for our climbing debt. Every month, families in Eastern Washington have to sit down and balance their budgets Congress should, too. As legislators, we should fulfill our duties and complete the budget by the end of the fiscal year and not continually kick the can down the road. It's past time to rein in federal spending and fix a broken budget process. 12/18/19 PASSED 230-197 H.Res. 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States- Article 1: Abuse of Power NO You can read my full statement on the impeachment of President Trump by clicking here. 12/18/19 PASSED 229-198 H.Res. 755 Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States- Article 2: Obstruction of Congress NO You can read my full statement on the impeachment of President Tru… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-congratulates-kennewick-high-school-student-winners-0 | Newhouse Congratulates Kennewick High School Student Winners of Congressional App Challenge | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the winners of the 2019 Central Washington Congressional App Challenge, an app competition for K-12 students. Three 12th graders of Kennewick High School and Tri-Tech Skills Center Maxwell Blake, Preston Ryan, and Lucas Kaser have been named the competition winners. Their winning app, Clean Streets, aims to bring awareness to the environment and teaches users to separate items that are recyclable from those that are simply trash. Click here to see a preview of the winning app. Congratulations to Max, Preston, and Lucas on their winning app, Clean Streets! Rep. Newhouse said. I am always impressed by the technical knowledge, skills, and creativity demonstrated by Central Washington's students who submit to the App Challenge, and it is encouraging to see so many supported by strong STEM education and computer science programs. I am confident we are cultivating the next-generation of innovators, and I look forward to seeing the bright futures Max, Preston, and Lucas ahead of them. The winning app was selected by a panel of local judges and will receive a prize tour of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The winners will also share Amazon Web Services credits donated by Amazon for the challenge. The winning app will be featured on a video display in the U.S. Capitol building, as well as House.gov and the Congressional App Challenge website. Background: The Congressional App Challenge (CAC) was created because Congress recognized that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018, compared to 9.8% growth for non-STEM occupations. According to some estimates, the U.S. may be short as many as 3 million high-skilled workers by 2018. To maintain American competitiveness, it is crucial that the U.S. industry invest in our youth… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-mcmorris-rodgers-blast-wasteful-state-report-lower-snake-river | Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers Blast Wasteful State Report on Lower Snake River Dams | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following joint statement after Washington Governor Jay Inslee released a public draft of the Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, the product of a $750,000 state-funded study on breaching the federally-owned and operated Snake River dams in Central and Eastern Washington: What this report tells us is Governor Inslee spent three-quarters of a million dollars and a year's time to conclude there are differing perspectives' and more information needed' on this issue,said Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers. We had no idea a year ago when we said this study would be a wasteful use of taxpayer dollars just how accurate we'd be imagine how far $750,000 could have gone to directly support salmon recovery efforts. Every taxpayer in our state should be outraged. Reps. Newhouse and McMorris Rodgers continued,We will continue to work in Congress with local stakeholders and federal partnerswho are already conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis based on science, not opinionsto improve salmon recovery and fish passage within the federally-owned and operated dam system while maintaining and optimizing the clean, renewable hydroelectric power our communities and economies rely on. In the meantime, since the Governor's so-called public workshops' next month will not allow for public testimony, we encourage all community members to submit their comments and concerns on the report to ensure our voices are heard. The Lower Snake River Dam Stakeholder Engagement Report is open for public comment until January 24, 2020. Find information about how to submit your public comment online, by e-mail, or by mail here. There will be three public workshops to discuss the findings of the study, which will include a presentation of the report followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. Per the Governor's Office, there will not be time for public testimony during the workshops. Audience members may su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-secures-funding-for-washington-state-priorities-in-spending-bills | Cantwell Secures Funding for Washington State Priorities in Spending Bills | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Cantwell Secures Funding for Washington State Priorities in Spending Bills WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) secured a number of important Washington state priorities in Congress's spending bills to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2020. The measures passed the Senate yesterday and now move on to the president's desk to be signed into law. Among other Washington state priorities, the bills include the reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and increased funding for wildfire fighting and prevention, critical transportation and infrastructure investment programs, and important environmental and economic programs throughout Washington state. Provides major funding increase to fight wildfires Cantwell, a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, worked with her colleagues to secure a $1.6 billion increase in funding for wildland fire management. The total funding provided is $5.553 billion, which includes $445 million for the hazardous fuels program. The funding package also includes $305 million for forest and rangeland research conducted by the U.S. Forest Service. Cantwell has been a leader in the Senate on wildfire fighting and prevention funding. Earlier this year, she called on the administration to reverse proposed cuts to wildfire funding, and in 2018 she secured passage of language to fix the chronic failures in wildfire funding that have plagued fire-prone communities across the West. Reauthorizes the United States Export-Import Bank Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Senator Cantwell helped secure a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im), as well as a fix to quorum issues that have plagued the Bank in recent years. According to the Washington Council on International Trade, Ex-Im supported 25,200 export jobs in Washington state between 2014 and 2018. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Ca… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-cantwell-murray-demand-hhs-rescind-rule-allowing-sweeping-taxpayer-funded-discrimination | Senators Cantwell, Murray Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Senators Cantwell, Murray Demand HHS Rescind Rule Allowing Sweeping Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Senators: This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C.U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate health committee, today demanded that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rescind its proposed rule that would allow recipients of HHS awards and contracts to discriminate on the basis of religion. In a letter to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, the senators also expressed concern with the agency's decision to bypass the rulemaking process and immediately permit this discrimination. This is yet another step in the Trump Administration's efforts to erode civil rights protections and leave millions of people across the country again subject to discrimination, the senators wrote. Taken together, these actions leave vulnerable populations unable to access the services they need. We strongly urge the Department to enforce existing federal nondiscrimination regulations that protect against discrimination based on sex and religion and rescind this proposed rule. HHS annually awards more than $500 billion in taxpayer-funded awards and contracts to support a wide range of critical programs and services including for public health, early childhood education, youth homelessness, the elderly, federally funded adoption and foster care, and much more. By no longer enforcing existing nondiscrimination regulations, HHS is allowing funding recipients to cite their religious faith as justification for choosing not to serve certain peoplepotentially leaving people of various religious affiliations and LGBTQIA+ people without the services necessary to support their health and well-being. Read th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=0EC63763-8780-4BED-9BE7-9E90C87B1DC4 | GUN VIOLENCE: Senator Murray Praises Breakthrough Funding for Gun Violence Prevention Research | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan spending bill includes $25 million for gun violence prevention researchthe first such funding in more than two decades Funding represents breakthrough in continued push for stronger response to gun violence Move comes after Murray worked to include language in past funding deal affirming the Health Department has the authority to conduct research on the public health threat of gun violence Washington, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the leading Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS), released the following statement following the passage of a bipartisan funding bill, which included $25 million dollars in funding for gun violence prevention research. There is still far more we need to do to address the nationwide epidemic of gun violence, but this research funding is a meaningful, hard-fought victory for everyone who has demanded we finally treat gun violence like the public health crisis it is, said Senator Murray. I'm going to keep fighting to make sure this is only a first step, and that we don't just learn more about the public health threat of gun violence, but that we also do more to address it and protect families across the country. The new funding for gun violence prevention research will be split evenly between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and represents the first time Congress has passed dedicated funding for gun violence research since the Dickey amendment was enacted in 1996. Senator Murray fought in a previous spending bill to include language affirming that the Health Department had the authority to conduct research on the public health threat of gun violence. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=24EB295C-C396-4596-9DB2-20C4936D309D | Senator Murray Secures Provisions Forcing DeVos to Hold Student Loan Servicers Accountable in Year-End Spending Bill | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Provisions will force the Department of Education to hold unscrupulous student loan servicers accountable Senator Murray: When it comes to doing right by our students, I'm not going to allow Secretary DeVos's Department of Education to skirt its responsibility to hold unscrupulous actors accountable (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, successfully secured provisions forcing the Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) to hold student loan servicers accountable in the year-end spending package. Senator Murray fought for the inclusion of these provisions following thereleaseof a report from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Education that found all nine federal servicers were noncompliant with federal requirements. Under the new measures, which passed the Senate today and now headto the President's desk for signature, FSA will be required to re-allocate borrower accounts from student loan servicers who violate federal standards, contracts, and State and Federal laws intended to protect borrowers. The measures will also prevent FSA from awarding new contracts to servicers that have a history of violating consumer protection laws. In order to increase transparency for borrowers, Senator Murray included additional measures to require FSA to make data on student loan servicers' performance and student loan dischargeswhich is already collected by the Departmentavailable to the public. I was appalled when I found out that student loan servicers have consistently and repeatedly violated requirementsintended to protect borrowerswithout any consequences from the Department of Education. When it comes to doing right by our students, I'm not going to allow Secretary DeVos's Department of Education to skirt its responsibility to hold unscrupulous actors accountableso I fought to include language in the must-pass spending bill to force them to do so,said Senator Murray.It's unfortunate these provisions were necessary… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=36DE3170-C1E7-4119-8A5F-42A0D1FD3E4A | Murray on Title X: Republicans Will Be Held Accountable for Denying Patients Access to Reproductive Health Care | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | ICYMI: Murray called for reversing Trump-Pence restrictions on medical providers at Title X-funded family planning centers; Senate Republicans canceled committee session to prevent bipartisan vote in support American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Trump-Pence gag rule: There is no room for politics in the exam room Senator Murray: Women who don't want politics interfering with their access to basic services like cancer screenings and birth control aren't going to forget who put patients first, and who put politics first WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Labor, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement on Republican leaders' choice to ignore bipartisan support for reversing the harmful gag rule the Trump-Pence Administration imposed on Title X-funded family planning centers, jeopardizing care for millions of patients nationwide. President Trump and Vice President Pence have made it a top priority, since day one, to undermine access to reproductive health careincluding through an extreme, ideological rule that restricts the medical guidance providers can give to millions of patients. By blocking a vote to reverse this harmful rule and ignoring patients across the country who spoke out against it, Republican leaders in Congress have made it clearer than ever that they will go to any length to stand with President Trump and Vice President Pence. They should know that women who don't want politics interfering with their access to basic services like cancer screenings and birth control aren't going to forget who put patients first, and who put politics first. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=53C08B6E-4C92-43E0-AAD2-81588EDDA619 | Senator Murray Wins Strengthened Investments in Child Care and Early Childhood Education | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Senator Murray secures a funding boost for early childhood education programs including Head Start Senator Murray: I'm pleased to see significant investments in programs to support our youngest learners (Washington, D.C.) Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced significant increases in investments in child care and early childhood education in the end of year spending package, including significant increases for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) and the Head Start program. Additionally, the package includes a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants (PDG), a program Senator Murray fought for and secured in the landmark Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). As a former pre-school teacher, I can tell you first-hand how critical the first years of a child's life are to their growth and development, and I'm pleased to see significant investments in programs to support our youngest learners, said Senator Murray. All children no matter where they live, or how much their family makes deserve to start school with the foundation they need to succeed. This funding boost is an important step, but I'm not done fighting to make sure that all our kids have access to high quality, affordable child care and early childhood education. Senator Murray's funding boost went to a variety of programs, including: a $550 million increase for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), allowing states to provide child care to an estimated additional 44,000 children, a $550 million increase for Head Start, and a $25 million increase for Preschool Development Grants (PDG), expanding access to high quality preschool programs. Senator Murray has long been a champion of child care and early childhood education in the Senate. In February, she introduced the landmark Child Care for Working Families Act, to ensure high-quality, affordable child care for working families across the country, expand access to high-quality preschool, and livable wag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=559E0B5C-67A6-4158-A9DE-B2B871E6508B | Senator Murray Applauds Extension of Export-Import Bank in Bipartisan Spending Deal | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan spending deal includes 7 year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank The Bank has facilitated support to hundreds of Washington state businesses to help them gain access to foreign markets Senator Murray: In Washington state we design, manufacture, innovate and grow some of the best goods and products our country has to offer, and the Export-Import Bank is instrumental in helping Washington state companies sell those products all over the world The Columbian Editorial Board: Congress must reauthorize Ex-Im Bank now MORE HERE Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after the passage of legislation to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for seven years. The legislation was passed as part of the bipartisan spending deal, which will now go to the President's desk for signature. In Washington state we design, manufacture, innovate and grow some of the best goods and products our country has to offer, and the Export-Import Bank is instrumental in helping Washington state companies sell those products all over the world, Senator Murray said. I'm glad to see both sides of Congress come together with a reauthorization to ensure the Bank is able to continue offering critical support to businesses across our state to help create jobs, grow our economy, and strengthen our communities. The Export-Import Bank is a critical tool for Washington state businesses that use the agency's loan services to access overseas markets, enabling them to expand production, create jobs, and grow the economy in Washington state. Senator Murray has consistently supported reauthorization of the Bank, and cosponsored legislation this summer and in 2014 to reauthorize the Bank when it's charter was set to expire. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AFE8A3F9-A720-4DC3-99FD-013A9EF5E307 | Senator Murray Statement on National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following her vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act. I'm glad that Congress reached bipartisan agreement on legislation to help ensure our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to protect Americans here at home and abroad. As a mother, grandmother and former educator, I'm particularly pleased the bill includes new investments in building more on-base child care centers to better support military families who often face unique challenges when it comes to finding quality child care. In addition, I have long advocated for paid family leave policies, so I'm glad to see this legislation will also guarantee federal employees twelve weeks of paid parental leave for the first time in our country's history. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and welcoming a child into their home, and we need to build on this step and ensure no one in our country has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for loved ones in need. Know that as a voice in the Senate for our military and veterans I will keep working to make sure the federal government does its part to honor the enormous sacrifice of our military families and all our servicemembers. A longtime advocate for increased funding for and access to military childcare programs, Senator Murray fought to include a new, dedicated funding stream of $121 million for military child care construction. In 2017, Senator Murray introduced legislation to dramatically expand access to quality, affordable child care, the Child Care for Working Families Act, and has secured millions in funding for child care programs, including the Child Care Development Block Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=C095EA31-6EE4-46E2-B47C-7A40680A942F | Senator Murray Statement on National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the statement below following her vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act. I'm glad that Congress reached bipartisan agreement on legislation to help ensure our servicemembers have the resources and support they need to protect Americans here at home and abroad. As a mother, grandmother and former educator, I'm particularly pleased the bill includes new investments in building more on-base child care centers to better support military families who often face unique challenges when it comes to finding quality child care. In addition, I have long advocated for paid family leave policies, so I'm glad to see this legislation will also guarantee federal employees twelve weeks of paid parental leave for the first time in our country's history. Nobody should have to choose between a paycheck and welcoming a child into their home, and we need to build on this step and ensure no one in our country has to choose between earning a paycheck and caring for loved ones in need. Know that as a voice in the Senate for our military and veterans I will keep working to make sure the federal government does its part to honor the enormous sacrifice of our military families and all our servicemembers. A longtime advocate for increased funding for and access to military childcare programs, Senator Murray fought to include a new, dedicated funding stream of $121 million for military child care construction. In 2017, Senator Murray introduced legislation to dramatically expand access to quality, affordable child care, the Child Care for Working Families Act, and has secured millions in funding for child care programs, including the Child Care Development Block Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) program. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D82354E8-8FDA-44FD-A9C9-104CA7586DEB | As Senate Sends Bipartisan Spending Bill to President Trumps Desk to Avoid Government Shutdown, Senator Murray Applauds Major Investments in Washington State Priorities | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Bipartisan spending deal addresses critical priorities for Washingtonians, including Hanford clean-up, affordable housing, and critical agricultural research among others A senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray also successfully secured strengthened investments in vital child care, transportation and infrastructure, gun violence prevention research, and more Senator Murray: As a voice for our state in the other Washington, I am glad I was able to help push through the DC gridlock to help guide these investments to Washington state, and now it's up to the President to sign this important deal that will support our families and communities ICYMI: 2019: Senator Murray Keeps Delivering for Washington State Families, Workers, Students, Veterans and More MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, applauded the passage of bipartisan legislation to fund the government that also included millions of dollars of new and renewed federal investments in important priorities for Washington state. The twelve spending bills, which the Senate passed in two packages, will ensure the government remains open after the current budget expires on December 20th and keep the government funded through the 2020 fiscal year. Every day in the Senate I work to make progress on the issues that matter to Washingtonians, and I am very pleased Congress was able to come together to keep the government open and make valuable investments in our state's workers, students, families, seniors, and veterans. While this is not the budget I would have written myself, especially when it comes to patients' access to reproductive health care, I'm glad that in this spending deal we were able to address some of the challenges that directly impact so many people across our stateincluding access to quality, affordable child care, critical transportation and infrastructure needs, homelessness and housing instability, and much-needed research on gu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-us-mexico-canada-agreement | Congressman Smith Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today regarding House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): "The USMCA I voted to support today is the product of a year of work by Congressional Democrats to put forward something to build on as we work to shift our trade agreements to prioritize workers and the environment. "Democrats made positive steps, especially in regard to labor standards and enforcement, that can help us move towards a trading system that puts workers, labor rights, and fair economic policies first. "I have long been critical of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) program, which gives companies a private right of action to sue countries to settle business disputes but no such avenue for labor or environmental disputes. This agreement nearly eliminates ISDS, putting us on a path to prevent its inclusion in future trade agreements. In addition to strengthening labor standards, the USMCA also includes, for the first time, an enforcement mechanism specifically for labor and establishes an independent review body to ensure Mexico is implementing labor reforms and complying with obligations. "Let me be clear, however, that USMCA is far from perfect. This agreement leaves a lot to be done on environmental and climate-related provisions. President Trump and Senate Republicans continue to ignore the threat of climate change against the urging of Congressional Democrats and the American people. A future Administration must prioritize strong climate change provisions in trade agreements that reflect the urgency of this worldwide crisis. It is unacceptable that the Trump Administration ignores the overwhelming evidence of climate change and refuses to take the necessary actions for the environment. "As a lifelong resident of Washington State, I have seen firsthand the importance of trade for workers and the economy. I have also seen the impacts of job outsourcing and wage stagnation on middle class families. Trade agreements cannot be looke… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=D819FD64-03ED-47C6-88BE-89A31CFAE94A | Congressman Smith Statement on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today regarding House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): The USMCA I voted to support today is the product of a year of work by Congressional Democrats to put forward something to build on as we work to shift our trade agreements to prioritize workers and the environment. Democrats made positive steps, especially in regard to labor standards and enforcement, that can help us move towards a trading system that puts workers, labor rights, and fair economic policies first. I have long been critical of the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) program, which gives companies a private right of action to sue countries to settle business disputes but no such avenue for labor or environmental disputes. This agreement nearly eliminates ISDS, putting us on a path to prevent its inclusion in future trade agreements. In addition to strengthening labor standards, the USMCA also includes, for the first time, an enforcement mechanism specifically for labor and establishes an independent review body to ensure Mexico is implementing labor reforms and complying with obligations. Let me be clear, however, that USMCA is far from perfect. This agreement leaves a lot to be done on environmental and climate-related provisions. President Trump and Senate Republicans continue to ignore the threat of climate change against the urging of Congressional Democrats and the American people. A future Administration must prioritize strong climate change provisions in trade agreements that reflect the urgency of this worldwide crisis. It is unacceptable that the Trump Administration ignores the overwhelming evidence of climate change and refuses to take the necessary actions for the environment. As a lifelong resident of Washington State, I have seen firsthand the importance of trade for workers and the economy. I have also seen the impacts of job outsourcing and wage stagnation on middle class families. Trade agreements cannot be looked at i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2498 | DelBene Statement on Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) made the following statement: I am pleased that the House of Representatives has approved the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a deal which will support our region's farmers, workers, and families. This new agreement includes important provisions that will help our region's dairy farmers, who for years have struggled to export their products to Canada. It also eliminates a rule in British Columbia that requires imported wines to be placed in a separate part of grocery stores. This is also the first U.S. trade agreement that has a digital trade chapter, including important provisions on data localization, cross-border data flows and other important requirements that preserve a free and open internet, and support good-paying jobs in our region. While passing USMCA will provide our farmers and businesses with some certainty, the Administration needs to work to open up new markets for high-quality made-in America exports. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-denny-heck-on-house-passage-of-usmca | STATEMENT: Rep. Denny Heck on House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of H.R. 5430, legislation to implement the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The new agreement includes significant improvements on labor, the environment, access to prescription drugs, and enforcement. The bill passed by a vote of 385 to 41. I represent Washington state, one of the most trade dependent states in the country. In the 20 years since NAFTA was enacted, Washington has exported almost $135 billion in goods to Canada and Mexico. Trade is also a huge job creator Mexico and Canada currently account for 330,00 jobs across Washington state. Our state's dairy farmers, fruit growers, manufacturers, and countless other workers rely on thoughtful trade policies to support their families. I arrived in Congress believing there are substantial benefits to trade. I still do. Robust trade reduces the risk of armed conflict and helps the economy overall. After all, freer trade, viewed one way, is simply a market-based economy on a global scale. I believe in a market-based economy and the considerable benefits that flow from it. Markets are beneficial because they generate wealth and make people happier. At the same time, I recognize the potentially adverse impacts that poorly-conceived trade deals can have on the U.S. economyresulting in the outsourcing of jobs, lowering of wages, and further degradation of our environment. I'll be frank and say that when the original USMCA trade deal was announced last year, I was skepticaland frankly worriedabout the outcomes it could produce. But thanks to the hard work of the Speaker and Chairman Neal, those worries have generally been laid to rest. Is the USMCA a perfect trade deal? Nono trade deal ever is. But as I see it, we have three possibilities: the old NAFTA, no NAFTA, or a new and improved NAFTA. The USMCA is the third of those options, a trade deal that is a significant improvement over the one it will replace. I have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401738 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Secures Funding for Salmon Production in the Columbia River | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler helped secure strong funding to protect and expand Pacific salmon habitat and boost hatchery production of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River system in the year-end spending package the U.S. House passed this week. share: f t Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler helped secure strong funding to protect and expand Pacific salmon habitat and boost hatchery production of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River system in the year-end spending package the U.S. House passed this week. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Herrera Beutler helped ensure that the package included $35.5 million to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty and $22 million to support Mitchell Act hatchery activities the largest federal funding in five years for this program. Now that my sea lion bill has been signed into law, I am working with members from both political parties to take the next critical step: protect salmon habitat and increase hatchery production, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased we advanced this funding to bolster salmon in our rivers. Working together, we can protect the precious salmon resources we cherish so much. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass this spending package today and send it promptly to the president to be signed into law prior to December 20. The $35,500,000 in funding will address the recommendations outlined in the Pacific Salmon Commission's plan to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Signed by Canada and the United States in 1985, the Treaty provides a framework for the two countries to cooperatively manage Pacific salmon stocks focused on protecting and expanding spawning habitat, increasing hatchery production, and implementing conservation measures to prevent overfishing and maximize production. The $22,000,000 in funding for Mitchell Act hatchery activities will enable federal agencies to work with Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to establish and operate a serie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401739 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Releases Statement on House Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Jaime Herrera Beutler Releases Statement on House Passage of USMCA f t # e Washington, D.C., December 19, 2019 Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement on passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the U.S. House today: Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the union and it's critical our trade policies benefit workers and business owners here. For instance, Canada and Mexico purchase nearly one-fifth of Washington's total manufacturing exports, and Canada is Washington's largest market for wine. I supported the USMCA today because this updated agreement with two of our state's largest trade partners is good for Southwest Washington workers; supports agriculture, manufacturing and retail jobs; and will boost businesses that work in the growing digital economy. I'm pleased to help Congress send the president its approval of USMCA because it will open more business for Southwest Washington and provide more opportunities for Southwest Washington workers. USMCA will now head to the U.S. Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-votes-to-support-usmca-grow-washington-jobs | Kilmer Votes to Support USMCA, Grow Washington Jobs | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Kilmer Votes to Support USMCA, Grow Washington Jobs Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade agreement following the December 10th announcement of a new trade agreement that incorporates significant changes negotiated by House Democrats for American workers and for the environment. Rep. Kilmer released the following statement announcing his support for the deal: Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the nation with exports and Washington-made products supporting our economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs. We do better when our communities are better able to export wood products, apples, cherries, airplanes, technology, seafood, Almond Roca, and other Made in Washington products. With that in mind, the discussion regarding the rules that govern trade between the United States and our closest neighbors is an important one. I've persistently been critical of NAFTA, the current agreement governing trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Under NAFTA, there were no enforceable labor or environmental standards within the agreement. Enforcement in general was severely lacking, hurting jobs in America. Beyond that, NAFTA no longer adequately meets the demands of a 21st century economy. For example, NAFTA is an agreement that mentions telegraphs but doesn't mention the internet. In 2018, President Trump brought Congress what many have called NAFTA 2.0 the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In my opinion, that proposal failed to deliver enough for workers, or for the environment. In response, House Democrats created a USMCA Working Group to negotiate transformational improvements. That group spent much of the last year working to improve upon the agreement. On top of that, I personally met several times with the U.S. Trade Representative to ensure that there were changes to improve labor and environmental standards, prescription drug provisions, and overall enforcement. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1555 | Larsen Introduces Bill to Eliminate Barriers to Education for Sign Language Students | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Signing is Language Act, legislation to ensure dual-language learners who use sign language to communicate at home have access to the resources needed to succeed in the classroom. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law by President Obama in 2015, substantially improved access to educational resources for dual-language learners. However, native sign language users do not qualify as English Language Learners (ELL) under the law. The Signing is Language Act expands the definition of “English learner” to include an individual whose native language is sign language. This change ensures these students are counted as English learners for determining the appropriate level of federal funding for state English language programs. Despite speaking little to no English at home, dual-language learners raised in homes that primarily use sign language to communicate do not have access to the same resources in public schools as other English language learners. The lack of support like one-on-one language instruction and speech therapy for these students can impede English proficiency, with future academic and professional consequences. “All children deserve a high-quality public education, regardless of the language used at home,” said Larsen. “After learning about barriers to students’ ability to learn in Washington state, I committed to improving dual-language learning resources for these students to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed in the future.” "English Language Learning is an essential program for children who use a different language at home, and is now made available by this bill to deaf and hearing children who use sign language at home,” said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO, National Association of the Deaf. “This bill delivers long awaited equality in learning to children who use sign language." Read the full text of the Signing is Language Act here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-introduces-bill-eliminate-barriers-education-sign-language-students | Larsen Introduces Bill to Eliminate Barriers to Education for Sign Language Students | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Signing is Language Act, legislation to ensure dual-language learners who use sign language to communicate at home have access to the resources needed to succeed in the classroom. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which was signed into law by President Obama in 2015, substantially improved access to educational resources for dual-language learners. However, native sign language users do not qualify as English Language Learners (ELL) under the law. The Signing is Language Act expands the definition of English learner to include an individual whose native language is sign language. This change ensures these students are counted as English learners for determining the appropriate level of federal funding for state English language programs. Despite speaking little to no English at home, dual-language learners raised in homes that primarily use sign language to communicate do not have access to the same resources in public schools as other English language learners. The lack of support like one-on-one language instruction and speech therapy for these students can impede English proficiency, with future academic and professional consequences. All children deserve a high-quality public education, regardless of the language used at home, said Larsen. After learning about barriers to students' ability to learn in Washington state, I committed to improving dual-language learning resources for these students to ensure they have the tools necessary to succeed in the future. "English Language Learning is an essential program for children who use a different language at home, and is now made available by this bill to deaf and hearing children who use sign language at home, said Howard A. Rosenblum, CEO, National Association of the Deaf. This bill delivers long awaited equality in learning to children who use sign language." Read the full text of the Signing is Language Act here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/able-turns-five/ | Cathy McMorris Rodgers Statement on Five-Year ABLE Anniversary | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, issued the following statement recognizing the five-year anniversary of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which created Section 529A tax-exempt savings accounts for disability-related expenses. The ABLE Act was signed into law on December 19, 2014. Today we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the ABLE Act. It's comes at a historic time in America when a record number of people with disabilities are coming off the sidelines and finding a joba job that means so much more than a paycheck. It's foundational to building a better life. A life full of opportunity and independence is what I dream for my son Cole, who was born with Down syndrome. He's 12 years old, and I've learned not to put any limitations on him. He's inspired me to be an ability advocate because he's opened my eyes to the value and potential of every life. That's what ABLE accounts are all about. They are helping people with disabilities at every stage of their lives.With an ABLE account, people can invest in their education, pay for medical expenses, and look for a job. When they find a job, it can even help them cover the cost of getting to work. In short, ABLE puts our focus on every person's abilities and God-given talents, not their limitations. Just like we did in tax reform to expand ABLE accounts, we need more solutions that build on the legacy of the ABLE Act and empower more people to live with dignity and reach their potential, especially in America's booming economy. That means further closing the gap between the many Americans with disabilities looking for work and the fraction of those who find it. Note: Cathy McMorris Rodgers is serving her eighth term representing and advocating for people in the 5th District of Washington. She is a leader on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Consume… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-statement-on-texas-v-azar-decision/ | McMorris Rodgers Statement on Texas v. Azar Decision | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, released the following statement in response to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision on the case of Texas v. Azar. Yesterday the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed that Obamacare's individual mandatewhich forced people to purchase coverage they couldn't afford and didn't likewas unconstitutional. That's why we repealed it in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, said McMorris Rodgers. It's frightening that Democrats are doubling down on policies like Medicare for All that will lurch America towards socialized medicine with a complete government takeover of our healthcare system. To win the future, we need healthcare solutions that bring down costs, create price transparency, improve care and choice, and enhance access to new cures and treatments. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-to-pass-usmca-to-open-markets-for-eastern-washington-farmers/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes to Pass USMCA to Open Markets for Eastern Washington Farmers | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the House. Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation. 90 percent of the wheat grown in Eastern Washington every year is exported outside of the U.S., and without open markets, our farmers are at a disadvantage, said Cathy. I'm grateful for President Trump's leadership to negotiate a new and improved NAFTA. Passage of USMCA has been delayed long enough, and I was proud to vote in favor of this agreement today. Let's get USMCA signed into law so the Trump administration can continue negotiating new trade agreements that put American farmers, producers, and manufacturers first. NOTE: Cathy was on the whip team in the House working to build support for this agreement, and earlier this month, she joined 158 Republican colleagues in urging the Democratic majority to bring USMCA up for a vote. You can read that letter by clicking here. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-applauds-passage-usmca-after-year-urging-support | Newhouse Applauds Passage of USMCA After Year of Urging Support | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after voting to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement: For more than a year, I have been urging a vote on the USMCA, which is critical for the agriculture and manufacturing industries in Central Washington, said Rep. Newhouse. Billions of dollars and thousands of jobs in our state rely on a strong trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and the USMCA is a win for the United States. Farmers, ranchers, and American workers across the country welcome the bipartisan passage of this critical agreement. Modernizing NAFTA and bringing our trade relationship into the 21st Century is something that President Trump has made a priority since his campaign, and I am confident the Senate will vote to approve the agreement as soon as possible. Click here to see how the USMCA will benefit Washington state. Washington is the most trade-reliant state in the nation, with 40% of the state's jobs tied to international trade. In 2018, Washington state's exports to Canada and Mexico totaled $11.5 billion, which includes $1.54 billion of agriculture products. There are 17,763 jobs in Washington that depend on manufacturing exports to Canada and Mexico. Over the past year, Rep. Newhouse has strongly advocated for the approval of the USMCA. He has penned several opinion pieces in support of the trade agreement, specifically targeting benefits to Washington state's agriculture industry: The Wenatchee World: Washington State needs the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (May 15, 2019) Crosscut: Trump's trade deal is good for WA farmers. Here's why (June 14, 2019) The Grand Coulee Star: Hardworking farmers deserve a strong trade agreement (August 21, 2019) The Hill: From state agriculture departments to Congress: Our farmers need the USMCA (October 17, 2019) Background: On November 30, 2018, President Donald Trump, Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agree… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-collins-provision-to-help-americans-with-high-health-care-costs-to-be-signed-into-law | Cantwell, Collins Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Cantwell, Collins Provision to Help Americans with High Health Care Costs to be Signed into Law Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction, nearly half of whom have incomes of $50,000 or less Washington, D.C.U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) announced today that a provision they pushed for to assist families who are struggling to afford high medical costs was included in the appropriations package that passed the Senate today. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. For those households that spend more than 7.5 percent of their income on medical expenses, Senators Cantwell and Collins' provision, which is based on the Medical Expense Savings Act they introduced earlier this year, would allow them to continue to deduct these costs from their tax bill when they file in 2020 and 2021. Millions of Americans rely on the medical expense deduction. The burden of high medical expenses falls disproportionately on seniors and those with disabilities. The medical expense deduction is vital for those who have pre-existing medical conditions, suffer chronic medical conditions, experience unexpected illnesses or injuries, or face costs for long-term care services that are not covered by insurance. More than 200,000 Washingtonians claim the medical expense deduction to lower their health care costs, Senator Cantwell said. Extending this provision will help families with high medical bills pay for unexpected medical costs and life-saving treatment. Medical debt is a serious challenge facing millions of families in our country, and as we endeavor to reduce health care costs, we should also make every effort to ensure that we lower their tax burden as well,said Senator Collins. My provision temporarily restoring the income threshold to 7.5 percent for all taxpayers became law in 2017, and the bipartisan legis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-strengthens-labor-enforcement-in-usmca | Cantwell Strengthens Labor Enforcement in USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Cantwell Strengthens Labor Enforcement in USMCA Cantwell pushes new tools, education and training to build capacity for - and enforcement of - labor standards in USMCA WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, fought for important new tools to strengthen labor enforcement in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed today by the House of Representatives. Those provisions include educating Mexican judges and labor officials about worker rights, digitizing and reviewing collective bargaining agreements, and combatting child labor and forced labor. In the agreement, Cantwell also secured $240 million in funding to help support the implementation of these reforms. Capacity building and labor enforcement go hand-in-hand. Workers need to know our rights in order to achieve them. We thank Senator Cantwell for pushing for funding for these initiatives in the USMCA, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. Specifically, Cantwell's provisions would provide U.S. technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Labor over four years to support reforms of the Mexican labor justice system, worker-focused capacity building, and efforts to reduce child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking in Mexico. The bill will also provide support over eight years for additional U.S. government capacity to monitor compliance with labor obligations under the USMCA. The inclusion of these provisions comes after Cantwell urged the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to support this critical assistance, introduced legislation to provide technical assistance for trade enforcement programs, and worked with congressional leaders to ensure it was included in the deal. Cantwell also worked with Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to provide for the creation of a new mecha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/export-import-bank-reauthorization-heads-to-president-for-signature-into-law | Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Heads to President for Signature into Law | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Heads to President for Signature into Law 40% of WA jobs are tied to trade, Ex-Im helps Washington businesses reach foreign markets and generate $31 billion in export revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded Senate passage of a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). The Senate overwhelmingly passed the legislation, 71-23, as part of a package of end-of-year appropriations bills. After previously passing in the House of Representatives, the legislation now goes to the president's desk for signature into law. The reauthorization also includes a fix to quorum rules that have plagued the bank's Board of Directors in recent years. Ex-Im provides the financing support necessary to help thousands of American businesses export their products to overseas markets where more than 95% of the world's consumers live. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. This is critical in Washingtonthe fourth-largest exporting state in the country by value of merchandise and commoditieswhere approximately 40% of all jobs are tied to trade. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Washington's economy is an export economy, and stopping the partisan politics around the nation's export credit agency and giving certainty to the Export-Import Bank for seven years will help lots of Washington businesses get their products to the growing middle class around the world, Senator Cantwell said. Ex-Im was founded in 1934 and exists in its current form under the Export-Impact Bank Act of 1945, which requires periodic reauthorization from Congress in order to continue operating. The House and Senate-passed appropriations bill will reauthorize Ex-Im for 7 years, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=EBB5D0DF-F340-4195-BE62-D138B24E7C5C | 2019: Senator Murray Keeps Delivering for Washington State Families, Workers, Students, Veterans and More | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | As 2019 comes to a close, Senator Murray reflects on a year of breaking through the gridlock to get things done for Washington state READ BELOW FOR MORE Kitsap Sun: Murray secures millions for military construction of child-care facilities MORE HERE Tri-City Herald: Hanford union worker pay dispute stalled. Then Sen. Patty Murray stepped in MORE HERE Seattle Times: Feds say they'll grant $790M for Federal Way light-rail extension MORE HERE ICYMI: Senator Murray, Local Leaders Announce Major Housing Funding Across Washington State MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has spent the past year working for Washington's families, workers, veterans, educators, students, servicemembers, and everyone in between. As the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Murray has worked to increase funding to combat the opioid epidemic, bolster child care services, and stepped in to help guarantee Hanford workers receive the back pay that they've earned. As a Senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Murray has consistently won funding for Washington state priorities, whether that be housing for those that need it most, vital transportation and infrastructure projects, or critical protections for Washington's wild spaces, and as a longtime member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and the daughter of a WWII veteran, Senator Murray has fought to ensure veterans facing homelessness in Washington state and across the country get the helping hand they need. Most importantly, as Washington state's senior Senator, throughout the year Senator Murray has fought consistently for every Washingtonian to ensure the federal government is doing its part to make sure they have the necessary tools, resources, and support they need to succeed and thrive. My top priority is doing everything I can to deliver for our state and help make sure our families, workers, students, seniors, veterans, and Washingtonians from all walks of life have the oppo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-denny-heck-sends-letter-to-amtrak-ceo-opposing-new-arbitration-rules | Rep. Denny Heck Sends Letter to Amtrak CEO Opposing New Arbitration Rules on Second Anniversary of DuPont Derailment | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, on the second anniversary of the Amtrak Cascades 501 derailment in DuPont, Washington, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) sent a letter to Amtrak President and CEO Richard Anderson opposing changes that would prevent future accident victims from suing Amtrak in court. Rep. Heck is joined on the letter by Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA-08) and Rep. Danny Davis (IL-07). Amtrak is a company financed with taxpayer dollars, so their decision to quietly add a mandatory arbitration requirement is, quite simply, a betrayal of the public trust, said Heck. Today is the second anniversary of the Amtrak Cascades 501 derailment in DuPont, where three people lost their lives and fifty-seven were injuredsome critically. If this provision had been included in Amtrak's contract of carriage back then, the victims of that accident whom juries have so far awarded more than $21 million would have been deprived of their day in court. If Amtrak wants to minimize expenses they incur because of passengers' injuries, then the best way to do that is to make train travel safer, not to block victims' access to justice. To that end, I will soon be introducing legislation to improve and enhance rail safety in Washington state and around the country. On the morning of December 18, 2017, Amtrak Cascades passenger train 501 derailed off an overpass near DuPont, Washington. Several passenger railcars fell onto Interstate 5 and hit multiple highway vehicles. At the time of the accident, 77 passengers, 5 Amtrak employees, and a Talgo, Inc., technician were on the train. Of those on board, 3 passengers were killed, and 57 passengers and crewmembers were injured. In September, a jury awarded nearly $17 million to three plaintiffs involved with the DuPont crash one passenger who sustained injuries, one motorist who was injured when the train derailed onto the highway, and the pregnant wife of the injured motorist. In a separate case in November, another passenger was awarded $4.5 million for injuries sustained during the derailment. The… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-denny-heck-on-articles-of-impeachment | STATEMENT: Rep. Denny Heck on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) released the following statement on his decision to support both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. This week Americans are busy finishing up their Christmas shopping primarily for their children and if they're lucky enough to have them, for their grandchildren. The high school and college students are taking finals and sweating out the results. This got me to thinking about those who follow. What is our obligation to them? And what about those who came before? What did they see as their obligation to us? People like my grandfather who we think was born on the boat on the way over from Germany. Or my father who fought in WWII against the very people his grandfather had left. We are all here today because someone before us sacrificed so that they could journey here and build a new life in this unique land. And we are here today because those immigrants and their children were dedicated not just to the land of America but the idea freedom and opportunity secured by self-government: choosing our own leaders in free and fair elections. The Rule of Law, with everyone equal under it, anchored in the Constitution. And this idea of America is in peril, put there by a president who would seek to cheat in an election by illegally soliciting foreign assistance. A president who puts himself above the law. A president who attacks the bedrock constitutional precept of checks and balances by obstructing our legitimate inquiry. Can the idea of America handed down to us survive this behavior? What idea of America will we pass on to our kids? Finally, what is our obligation to those who follow? It is simply this: to do our duty and defend our Constitution and the values underpinning it by voting yes' for the Articles of Impeachment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-votes-against-hyper-partisan-impeachment-sham/ | McMorris Rodgers Votes Against Hyper-Partisan Impeachment Sham | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after voting against the Democrats' hyper-partisan impeachment sham. Since the 2016 election, Democrats have refused to accept the results and are on a desperate crusade to impeach President Trump by any means necessary, said Cathy. They don't have the evidence, they don't have the bipartisan support they said is necessary, and they haven't conducted a fair process or followed House rules. Plain and simple, this hyper-partisan impeachment is a sham and I refuse to support it. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-articles-impeachment-vote | Newhouse Statement on Articles of Impeachment Vote | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) voted against adoption of both Article I and Article II of H.Res 755, Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Article I passed the House by a vote 230-187-1 with 195 Republicans and 2 Democrats voting in opposition, and 1 Democrat voting present. Article II passed the House by a vote of 229-198-1 with 195 Republicans and 3 Democrats voting in opposition, and 1 Democrat voting present. Rep. Newhouse released the following statement: Impeachment is one of the most serious responsibilities afforded to Congress, and that sobering responsibility has not been lost on me, said Rep. Newhouse. I believe especially when it comes to charging a President with the articles of impeachment Members must focus on the facts presented. House Democrats failed to present fact-based evidence of high crimes or misdemeanors committed by President Trump. For this reason, I voted against both articles of impeachment. Rep. Newhouse continued, It is a shame that these partisan, politically-motived proceedings set a dangerous precedent of passing articles of impeachment based on hearsay, inference, and political disagreement. While Democrats have worked to reverse the results of the 2016 election, President Trump and Republicans have continued to work on behalf of American families. As the Senate conducts their trial, I will hope they will move swiftly and competently, focusing on the facts instead of politics, and provide fair, transparent proceedings. Earlier today, Rep. Newhouse delivered remarks on the House floor during debate on the resolution. Read his remarks below: Mr. Speaker, The People's House should be better than this. We should be better than this. During a Member's remarks in the Judiciary Committee's impeachment proceedings, he stated, To my Republican colleagues: How do you want to be remembered during this watershed moment in our nation's history? Well, Mr. Speaker It won't be watching sports on a laptop during off… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-articles-impeachment | Congressman Smith Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today on the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: "After careful consideration of the evidence and witness testimony, I plan to vote in support of both articles of impeachment against President Trump. Accountability is a central tenet of our democracy, and in this solemn moment, it is crucial that Congress sends a strong and clear message that President Trump—and all presidents who follow him—will be held accountable and will not be given a free pass to abuse the presidency for personal gain. "We must uphold the ideals of our republic against this test of our democratic resilience. We cannot ignore the evidence before us, and we cannot allow our vision to be clouded by partisanship. We must uphold our country's values. "As always, I will vote with the interests of the constituents of Washington's Ninth District at the top of my mind. They deserve better than a president who actively undermines our electoral process and repeatedly jeopardizes our national security. They deserve a president who respects, rather than corrupts, his or her office. This president has defied our system of checks and balances by ignoring congressional subpoenas and obstructing Congress. By pressuring a foreign government to investigate a political opponent, he has blatantly abused the power of the presidency. His actions fly in the face of the democracy that our founding fathers boldly established and that our uniformed men and women work dutifully to secure every day. "Since the launch of the impeachment inquiry, I have read messages from my constituents, heard their questions at town halls, and met with them in our community. On countless occasions, I have heard deep concerns about the damage this president has done to our country; I have also heard from constituents who oppose impeachment. I want all my constituents to know that my decision to vote for articles of impeachment was not a political one, and I will continue my work on iss… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=286DD256-22B6-4202-AD85-BC11B9BD0C32 | Congressman Smith Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today on the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: After careful consideration of the evidence and witness testimony, I plan to vote in support of both articles of impeachment against President Trump. Accountability is a central tenet of our democracy, and in this solemn moment, it is crucial that Congress sends a strong and clear message that President Trumpand all presidents who follow himwill be held accountable and will not be given a free pass to abuse the presidency for personal gain. We must uphold the ideals of our republic against this test of our democratic resilience. We cannot ignore the evidence before us, and we cannot allow our vision to be clouded by partisanship. We must uphold our country's values. As always, I will vote with the interests of the constituents of Washington's Ninth District at the top of my mind. They deserve better than a president who actively undermines our electoral process and repeatedly jeopardizes our national security. They deserve a president who respects, rather than corrupts, his or her office. This president has defied our system of checks and balances by ignoring congressional subpoenas and obstructing Congress. By pressuring a foreign government to investigate a political opponent, he has blatantly abused the power of the presidency. His actions fly in the face of the democracy that our founding fathers boldly established and that our uniformed men and women work dutifully to secure every day. Since the launch of the impeachment inquiry, I have read messages from my constituents, heard their questions at town halls, and met with them in our community. On countless occasions, I have heard deep concerns about the damage this president has done to our country; I have also heard from constituents who oppose impeachment. I want all my constituents to know that my decision to vote for articles of impeachment was not a political one, and I will continue my work on issues tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2495 | DelBene Statement on Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | DelBene Statement on Impeachment of President Trump f t # e Washington, D.C., December 17, 2019 Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement: Tomorrow, I will vote in favor of impeaching the President of the United States. After carefully reviewing the evidence and the articles of impeachment, it is clear that President Trump abused the power of the presidency and obstructed Congress. I did not come to this conclusion lightly. Impeachment is a serious matter, but no president can be allowed to pressure a foreign country to interfere in our elections. His behavior has jeopardized the integrity of our elections, put our national security at risk and placed his personal interests above those of the American people and our allies. His obstruction has prevented the House from conducting its constitutional duties of oversight of the executive branch. By failing to uphold his oath of office, President Trump is forcing Members of the House of Representatives to uphold ours. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2496 | DelBene, Bucshon Applaud HHS Decision to Lower Living Organ Donor Barrier | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Today, Kidney Caucus co-chairs Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) and Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) released the following statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) efforts to increase organ transplants which would be a significant improvement for those waiting for a kidney. As co-chairs of the Congressional Kidney Caucus we welcome HHS's announcement to lower the barrier to entry to be a living organ donor and hold Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) to a higher standard by establishing valid performance standards and ensuring all viable organs are delivered to patients who desperately need them. Today there are 95,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant but only 21,000 kidney transplants were performed in 2018 these patients are depending on all of us to get this done the right way. We look forward to working with stakeholders, the kidney community, and the Administration to bring better results to patients. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2497 | DelBene Scores Legislative Wins in House Appropriations Agreement | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Suzan DelBene | D000617 | delbene.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) is pleased to highlight some of the legislative victories she secured in Congress' Fiscal Year 2020 spending agreement, including first-time federal funding forKidneyX, a full repeal of the Medical Device Tax, and inclusion of DelBene'sSave Community Newspaper Act, among other important victories for Washington state residents. KidneyXreceived $5 million in funding in this year's agreement.KidneyXis a new public-private partnership aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of novel therapies and technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. As co-chair of the Congressional Kidney Caucus, DelBenehas helpedlead the bipartisan effort to fundKidneyXto support improving the prognoses for kidney patients. Today's compromise also includes thefull repeal of the Medical Device Tax. The tax deters investment in medical research and development. DelBene has been a leader in the House Democratic Caucus in advocating for the repeal of this tax. There are over 300 medical device or equipment companies in Washington state. The Cadillac tax was also repealed, which will make it easier for employers to offer robust quality health care plans for their employees. DelBene'sSave Community Newspaper Act(H.R. 1916) providespension relief to local newspapers across the country. This legislation changes certain pension rules for community newspapers and helpsprevent their pension plans from failing, helping several newspapers in Washington state. H.R. 1916 originally passed the House in May. No large spending bill is ever perfect, but the inclusion of these priorities demonstrates that honest bipartisan policy efforts still have a place in our nation's capital,said DelBene. I appreciate the support of my colleagues for causesthat my constituents care about deeply.I look forward tocontinuing my work for our district in the new year. Other allocations in the spending agreement that were supported or led by DelBene include: $40 million f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-applauds-funding-authorization-of-defense-communities | Congressman Heck Applauds Funding & Authorization of Defense Communities Infrastructure Program | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congress took the final steps to create the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP), an effort begun by Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) in 2014. The program will provide grants to state and local governments to improve and expand infrastructure in communities to accommodate growing defense installations. Those of us who have the great honor to represent major defense installations know that the base is only as strong as the communities that surround it, said Heck. The communities are home to most uniformed personnel and all of the civilian workforce. The communities pay for the roads that lead up to the gates and the levees that protect the installation from floods. We have fought hard in Congress to ensure that our defense communities receive the funding they deserve. In my nearly six years of work on this issue, I am proud to have been joined in this fight by not only dozens of my Congressional colleagues but also local elected officials representing over 120 communities in 30 different states, including Washington. The South Sound has long been an excellent home to the armed forces, and the Pentagon has recognized that fact by steadily transferring commands to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Adding those units enhances our communities, but the growth comes at a cost to local governments in Pierce County that must rapidly expand roads, wastewater and other infrastructure to accommodate new families. The federal government should be a better partner in sharing those costs, which is why I introduced the COMMUTE Act in 2014. Since then, I've never stopped working to bring this idea to reality, and today feels like a significant win for the South Sound and military communities across the country. DCIP was first included in the final defense authorization bill for 2019. However, without dedicated funding, the Pentagon has not yet implemented the grant program. This year, advocates of DCIP secured an authorization for $75 million in the 2020 defense authorization bill. On December 5, Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-commends-the-passage-of-2020-appropriations-bills | Congressman Heck Commends the Passage of 2020 Appropriations Bills | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Representative Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of the two legislative packages that together make up the twelve funding bills for fiscal year 2020. Congressman Heck secured a number of vital provisions in both pieces of legislation that will create and protect U.S. manufacturing jobs, support infrastructure surrounding our nation's defense communities, fund housing on tribal lands, and invest in veterans programs and Puget Sound restoration. These spending bills are a thoughtful, bipartisan compromise that put the priorities of the American people first, and I was pleased to vote in support of both pieces of legislation today, said Heck. In addition to properly funding our military, supporting our veterans, and continuing restoration of Puget Sound, I am proud to report that the funding bills included a seven-year reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, a major priority I fought hard to include in the final text. These bills also include, for the first time, funding to support infrastructure needs in communities that serve growing military bases. These are hard-fought wins I am honored to have played a part in securing. The domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations minibus, H.R. 1865, includes the conference agreements for the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills. Among its provisions, H.R. 1865 increases funding for vital housing and homelessness programs including those on tribal lands, supports surface transportation grants, allows crucial funding for gun violence research, supports programs critical to Washington state including the Puget Sound Geographic Program, Port Security Grant Program, and Pacific Salmon Commission, and provides record funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This legislation also reauthorizes the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/heck-hails-record-breaking-reauthorization-for-export-import-bank | Heck hails record-breaking reauthorization for Export-Import Bank | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. As Congress passed an end-of-year spending package, Congressman Denny Heck drew attention to a significant win for American workers contained deep within the appropriations bill. The long-embattled Export-Import Bank of the United States, which provides financing for American-made goods sold overseas, received an extraordinary vote of confidence: a record-long extension and new protections against efforts to hamstring it by blocking nominees to its board of directors. This reauthorization will give the Bank the time and certainty it needs to rebuild its operations after the significant damage done by ideological attacks on it for the last decade, said Heck. After the last reauthorization, we learned some hard lessons, and my top priorities for the bill this year were a long term and a quorum fix. Getting both means American exporters can expand production for overseas customers, confident that Ex-Im will be there to support their sales. Heck served as the lead Democrat on the 2015 reauthorization bill in the face of intense, but narrow, opposition. While debate dragged out, the Bank's authorization expired for five months, blocking all new business. After the bill passed and the Bank reopened, Senate opponents blocked all nominations to the Board of Directors, and, lacking a quorum, the Board was unable to meet from July 2015 to May 2019. Without a quorum, Ex-Im was unable to consider applications for any sale over $10 million. The Export-Import Bank is the nation's official export credit agency. It provides financing for exports of products made in America that cannot be financed by the private market typically either goods sold by small businesses or long-lived capital equipment. During the 2014 closure no exports could be financed. In the following quorum lapse from 2015 to 2019, no large capital equipment could be financed. The bill that becomes law this week will guarantee that Ex-Im will be open to all applications through 2026. The effort to save Ex-Im was one of the things… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401736 | Reps. Herrera Beutler, Lamb Introduce Bipartisan Grid Modernization Research & Development Act of 2019 | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3) and Conor Lamb (PA-17) recently introduced H.R. 5428, the Grid Modernization Research and Development Act of 2019. This bill would refine and expand vital research programs at the Department of Energy focused on modernizing and improving our nation's electric grid. share: f t U.S. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-3) and Conor Lamb (PA-17) recently introduced H.R. 5428, the Grid Modernization Research and Development Act of 2019. This bill would refine and expand vital research programs at the Department of Energy focused on modernizing and improving our nation's electric grid. When a sizeable earthquake or other disaster impacts Southwest Washington, it's essential our families and seniors can depend on working electricity to help keep them safe, Herrera Beutler said. I'm pleased to join this bipartisan solution with Congressman Lamb to improve the reliability of our electric grid in the event of natural disasters and cyberthreats, and to improve emergency response time. The electric grid powers the lives of all Americans we need to invest in the research to ensure our constituents, companies, and defense installations have electricity when they need it most, Lamb said. This commonsense legislation supports the research programs to adopt new technologies, improve the environment and create family-sustaining jobs in the energy economy. The Grid Modernization Research and Development Act of 2019 includes a broad array of research and development programs aimed at increasing the security of the grid while ensuring these programs reflect the evolving energy sector. It accomplishes this by extending the Smart Grid Regional Demonstration initiative and authorizing a research, development, and demonstration program focused on: Enhancing grid resilience and emergency response; Designing and developing advanced controls, operations, monitoring, and visualization tools for the grid; and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401737 | Jaime Herrera Beutler, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2) today in announcing a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that passed the U.S. House today. share: f t Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3) joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2) today in announcing a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that passed the U.S. House today. The language proposed by Merkley and supported by the other West Coast Senators and Representatives would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). For the groundfish trawlers that provide jobs along our coast, today's news is a relief and a victory. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was pleased to help successfully advocate for providing relief to these employers, Herrera Beutler said. Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal ec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-secures-critical-investments-in-regional-priorities-votes-to-keep-government-open | Kilmer Secures Critical Investments in Regional Priorities, Votes to Keep Government Open | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Kilmer Secures Critical Investments in Regional Priorities, Votes to Keep Government Open Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support two legislative packages that together comprise all 12 fiscal year 2020 funding bills. The packages, products of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, now head to the Senate. Today, I voted to keep the government open and to fund critical priorities for our region that will create jobs and help our environment, said Rep. Kilmer. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that it includes vital investments in Puget Sound recovery and restoring our salmon, a much-deserved pay raise for our military and for civilian federal workers, support for Indian Country and veterans, investments in jobs at Naval Base Kitsap, and funding for broadband and rural economic development. Kilmer added, This is not the agreement I would have written on my own. There are provisions of this legislation that I detest. But I don't get to vote yes, but I have concerns' or no, but I liked these parts'. While there is a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, to avert a government shutdown we needed to reach an agreement with a Republican Senate and a Republican President whose values are different than those of a majority of folks in our region. We saw the lasting damage caused when that process failed and our country suffered a government shutdown. Our region doesn't want further chaos and shutdowns. Today's vote responsibly funds our government, prevents another damaging government shutdown, and invests in our region. The bill includes a number of priorities championed by Rep. Kilmer, including: Promoting Salmon and Orca Recovery In the FY 2020 appropriations agreement, Rep. Kilmer secured $35,500,000 in funding to address the recommendations outlined in the Pacific Salmon Commission's plan to implement the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Signed by Canada and the United States in 1985, the Treaty provides a framework for the two countrie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-kilmer-statement-on-support-for-articles-of-impeachment | Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Rep. Kilmer Statement on Support for Articles of Impeachment I didn't come to Congress to pursue impeachment.Rather, as most of the folks I represent likely know, my focus has been on trying to create more economic opportunity in our region and pushing to have a government that works better - period.Having said that, the very first thing I do as your representative is raise my right hand and swear an oath to uphold the Constitution.That's a commitment I take seriously. It matters to me that all elected officials are held accountable to the public.It should never be acceptable for a sitting president or any elected official to abuse their position of power to achieve their political aims. This is a value that extends beyond party politics and is critical to our adherence to the rule of law and the integrity of our democracy. To be clear, this cannot be and should not be about politics now or in the future nor should it be about re-litigating the 2016 election. Rather, the focus must be on whether the president abused his office and obstructed Congress in its investigation to evaluate that abuse. The two articles of impeachment that Congress will consider lay out two important points.First, the President abused the power of his office.In testimony by members of the president's own administration, it is clear that he withheld security assistance from one of our allies, demanding a favor from them in the form of an investigation of his political rival.Second, the President directed the White House and Executive Branch agencies to defy lawful subpoenas, prevent testimony and withhold documents that were within the scope of the impeachment inquiry. Based on the evidence brought to light in the course of the impeachment inquiry, more than 500 constitutional scholars recently signed a letter saying that they believe the president committed impeachable conduct.This comes on the heels of over 300 national security professionals Democrats and Republicans supporting the impeachment inquiry based o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1755 | Larsen Statement on Boeings Decision to Halt 737 MAX Production in Renton | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | EVERETT, WA – House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in response to Boeing’s decision to temporarily halt the production of 737 MAX airplanes at its Renton, Washington factory: “Today’s Boeing announcement is a body blow to its workers and the region’s economy. The only saving grace is the Boeing leadership has promised not to lay off any workers. I am ready to work with Boeing workers to ensure they are protected and that they will have access to the necessary resources in the event of a prolonged shutdown. “In the meantime, the FAA should continue to emphasize that safety is the guiding principle for any return to service decision for the 737 MAX. The MAX is a great airplane and will be in use for many years, but the best decision for the long-term and for the workers at Boeing is ensuring the necessary changes needed to put the plane back in service are done only with safety in mind.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-boeing%E2%80%99s-decision-halt-737-max-production-renton | Larsen Statement on Boeings Decision to Halt 737 MAX Production in Renton | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | EVERETT, WA House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement in response to Boeing's decision to temporarily halt the production of 737 MAX airplanes at its Renton, Washington factory: Today's Boeing announcement is a body blow to its workers and the region's economy. The only saving grace is the Boeing leadership has promised not to lay off any workers. I am ready to work with Boeing workers to ensure they are protected and that they will have access to the necessary resources in the event of a prolonged shutdown. In the meantime, the FAA should continue to emphasize that safety is the guiding principle for any return to service decision for the 737 MAX. The MAX is a great airplane and will be in use for many years, but the best decision for the long-term and for the workers at Boeing is ensuring the necessary changes needed to put the plane back in service are done only with safety in mind. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-approve-bipartisan-funding-bills-avoid-government | Newhouse Votes to Approve Bipartisan Funding Bills, Avoid Government Shutdown | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) voted to approve spending legislation for Fiscal Year 2020. H.R. 1158 and H.R. 1865 contain the language of all 12 Appropriations bills and provide funding to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the deadline on December 20, 2019. The final bills were negotiated by leadership in both the Democrat-led House and the Republican-led Senate. Rep. Newhouse released the following statement: Today, I voted to provide certainty to the men and women of our military, numerous agencies, and national security efforts that rely on federal funding, said Rep. Newhouse. I worked with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to ensure our region's priorities were realized in this legislation, and I am glad to see conservative wins included to maintain pro-life protections, rebuild our military, and secure our nation's border a priority of President Trump's and the majority of Americans. Rep. Newhouse continued, While I am proud to support these priorities for Central Washington, I continue to be disappointed with the ever-increasing spending practices in our nation's capital and frustrated by the last-minute negotiating of this critical legislation. The passage of the FY20 spending bills is important to avoid a government shutdown or another Continuing Resolution, which would be detrimental to our military and national security, as well as the cleanup efforts at the Hanford Site. Legislation highlights and priorities for Central Washington are listed below: Funding to rebuild our military and support national security: Provides a 3.1% pay raise for American troops and their families Provides $1.375 billion in new funding for the border wall and removes restrictions on the President's ability to use funds for immigration and border enforcement activities Funding for Hanford cleanup: Provides $912 million for the Department of Energy Richland Operations Office Provides $1.6 billion for the Department of Energy Office of River Protection Supports scientific research… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-ensure-students-get-enough-time-eat-lunch | Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Ensure Students Get Enough Time to Eat Lunch | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) was joined by Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) to introduce the Healthy Meal Time Act. The Healthy Meal Time Act would provide schools with best practices for scheduling lunch and recess to ensure that students have enough time to eat and reduce food waste. "As a pediatrician, I know how important it is for children to eat healthy foods and get some energy out at recess," said Rep. Schrier. "But the schedule most schools use puts lunch before recess. Students rush through lunch to get to recess. Some skip lunch because of long lines. Putting recess first makes time for both, and evidence shows they eat even more food and healthier options if they've had a chance to run around outside before lunch. It makes sense that children should build up an appetite first before lunch. That way they are able to focus on school and not worry about being hungry later in the day." "Lunch is critical for the health and well-being of students because it gives them the nutrition they need to reach their full potential," said Rep. Bonamici, Chair of the Education and Labor Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services. "I'm pleased to be working with Congresswoman Schrier on the Healthy Meal Time Act to support long-overdue research, guidance, and best practices for schools to boost learning with appropriate meal times." The Healthy Meal Time Act directs the Department of Agriculture, with input from the Department of Education, to do a study that will share successful efforts and current best practices with schools. It is unclear how many schools provide students adequate time for their meals, and no federal guidelines on this matter exist. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that students have a minimum of 20 minutes to eat lunch each day. Likewise, a study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that lunch periods of at least 25 minutes were found to improve students' nutritional intake and limit food waste. A study in the Journal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-important-tax-wins-in-end-of-year-spending-package | Cantwell Helps Secure Important Tax Wins in End-of-Year Spending Package | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Cantwell Helps Secure Important Tax Wins in End-of-Year Spending Package Legislation extends critical tax credits for renewable energy, Washington state economic development; New Market Tax Credit has invested $2.4 billion in Washington state since 2003 WASHINGTON, D.C. After months of bipartisan negotiations, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the inclusion of critical tax provisions for Washington state's economy, renewable energy development, and investment in communities throughout the state in the end-of-year appropriations bills unveiled by congressional leaders early this morning. Cantwell was one of the key negotiators of the bipartisan, bicameral package. These tax credit provisions are so important for many small businesses and industries that support families, help revitalize economic depressed communities, and invest in those that are underserved, Senator Cantwell said. Small businesses and families don't have people running through the halls of Congress to lobby for them, but they deserve the tax certainty and predictability this legislation will deliver. The appropriations bills include the extension of a number of critical tax credits that support small businesses and invest in communities throughout Washington state: New Markets Tax Credit increases the funding for investment in low-income communities from $3.5 billion to $5 billion and extends the credit through 2020. Between 2003 and 2019, the New Markets Tax Credit invested $2.4 billion in projects throughout Washington state, including more than $50 million each in 12 counties across the state; helped create more than 26,000 jobs; and provided funding for 130 projects across the state, including: $10.5 million in financing for the Kalispel Tribe Wastewater Treatment And Buffalo Preserve; $13 million for HopeWorks Station in Everett; $16.7 million for the Clark County Family YMCA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-larsen-provision-to-monitor-noise-of-naval-operations-headed-to-presidents-desk | Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations Headed to President’s Desk | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Cantwell, Larsen Provision to Monitor Noise of Naval Operations Headed to President's Desk Language requires real-time noise monitoring of flights from two West Coast Navy installations WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, language introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) to provide for real-time noise monitoring at two West Coast Navy installations passed the Senate 86-8 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. Increased Growler activity over Whidbey Island and the Olympic National Park has impacted local communities and caused concern, Cantwell said. Now we will have real-time noise monitoring, which is crucial for the Navy, state, and communities to hold transparent and accurate discussions on the issue. On June 12, the House Armed Services Committee adopted my provision to require real-time noise monitoring at three Naval Air Stations and three Air Force bases because the challenge we face with jet noise on Whidbey Island is a challenge shared by other communities, said Larsen, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. As a member of the conference committee responsible for shepherding this provision to final passage, I am happy the final bill included real-time noise monitoring language to require the Navy to mitigate the effects of military aircraft noise on private residences, schools and hospitals. This provision will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Thank you to Chair Smith and Senator Cantwell for working with me to get this bill across the finish line. This March, the U.S. Navy announced the addition of 36 Growler aircraft to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, increasing annual airfield activity by up to 33%. The C… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-merkley-pacific-coast-members-announce-major-win-for-trawlers-in-year-end-spending-bill- | Cantwell, Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Cantwell, Merkley, Pacific Coast Members Announce Major Win for Trawlers in Year-End Spending Bill Spending bill language would help West Coast Trawlers and revive coastal economies WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), joined by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kamala Harris (D-CA), and U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4), Greg Walden (R-OR-2), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA-3), Kurt Schrader (D-OR-5), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Jared Huffman (D-CA-2), today announced a major, bipartisan victory for West Coast trawlers in the 2020 spending bill that Congress is expected to pass this week. Language in the bill would forgive more than $10 million in accrued loan interest that was forced onto the West Coast groundfishing fleet because of mismanagement by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This is a victory for West Coast groundfish fishermen and fishing jobs in the Pacific Northwest,said SenatorCantwell.This legislation is an important step to ensure year-round economic activity and stability for rural fishing communities. Today's news is a huge victory for our coastal communities in Oregon and up and down the West Coast, said Senator Merkley, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which negotiated the spending bills. It was outrageous that the federal government forced family fishermen to foot the bill because of bureaucratic incompetence. This win will lift a huge burden off our trawlers' backs, helping them keep their small businesses afloat and keep our coastal economies humming. After years of uncertainty for our fishers, I'm glad we were able to secure some much-needed relief for Washington state's groundfishing fleet. Our fisheries play a vital role in the Pacific Northwest, and this provision is an overdue correction by Congress to lift an unnecessary b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=635214EA-A982-4EFF-8DE9-646C65DFE311 | Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Led by Senator Murray, WA's Democratic congressional delegation cheered announcement of vital funding for South Sound light rail extension project With execution of funding agreements near, Sound Transit can begin construction on long-awaited project to extend light rail to Federal Way Funding announcements follow lawmakers' repeated efforts urging Transportation Secretary Chao to expedite funding for the project ICYMI: State lawmakers push for final approval of Federal Way Link Extension funding More HERE from the Federal Way Mirror WASHINGTON, D.C. Led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), today Washington state's Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation's Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January. This is an early gift for the South Sound community that will help decrease commute times and reduce traffic congestion for families, students, workers and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-cantwell-secure-historic-win-for-spokane-tribe/ | McMorris Rodgers, Cantwell Secure Historic Win for Spokane Tribe | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | Spokane Tribe Equitable Compensation Act passes House of Representatives, heads to president's desk for signature into law WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced byU.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05)to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable and just compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s. Having previously passed through the Senate, the bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Spokane Tribe of Indians has waited for almost 80 years to receive just and equitable compensation for the land, life, and culture they lost when the Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. This corrects a flawed adjudication process that left the Spokane out,Cantwell said.Today, the Department of Interior, Republicans, and Democrats stand together to right this historic wrong, which will allow the Tribe to invest in regional economic development opportunities. The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam positively transformed our region in countless ways, but it also fundamentally changed the Spokane Tribe's way of life,said McMorris Rodgers.This is long overdue, and I'm happy we are finally moving forward to get the Spokane Tribe the compensation they deserve and right this historical wrong. TheSpokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Actwould authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam. The compensation does not increase taxpayer obligation and is based on compensation received by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation through the 1994 Colville Reservation Grand Coulee Dam Settlement Act. As the largest hydroelectric facility in the United Stat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgerss-us-safe-web-extension-act-passes-house/ | McMorris Rodgers’s US SAFE WEB Extension Act Passes House | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Republican Leader on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, passed her US SAFE WEB Extension Act (H.R. 4779) in the House to protect Americans from fraud, spam, and deception online. Today, bad actors from around the world target and exploit Americans online. In order to keep people safe from criminals who wish to do them harm, we must have the tools we need to take action against foreign cyber threats, said McMorris Rodgers. That's what this legislation provides. It enables the Federal Trade Commission to step in, address international threats online, and protect Americans' sensitive or financial information. This bill is also essential to protecting cross-border data flows with foreign nations, which is critical to American technological innovation and maintaining our competitive advantage against authoritarian countries like China. NOTE: The Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006 (U.S. SAFE WEB Act) gives the FTC critical powers to enhance cross-border cooperation on consumer protection investigations and fraud actions, as well as to support cross-border data transfer mechanisms like the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield. Congress enacted the U.S. SAFE WEB Act in 2006 and reauthorized it in 2012 for the period through September 2020. Cathy's U.S. SAFE WEB Extension Act would extend the program through 2027. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns-and-op-eds/column-local-voices-crucial-resetting-outdated-columbia-river | COLUMN: Local Voices Crucial to Resetting Outdated Columbia River Treaty | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Dan Newhouse | N000189 | newhouse.house.gov | legacy | In 1964, the United States and Canada ratified the Columbia River Treaty to increase coordination between our countries on power generation and flood control issues, along with critical support of irrigation, navigation, and ecosystem habitat needs. While the treaty has provided a useful framework for these needs, there are severe distortions that have greatlyand unfairlyburdened Americans living in the greater Northwest region. With a 60-year term, the earliest the treaty could have been terminated was 2024. In anticipation of the end of this termand in recognition of the serious imbalances that have developedthe U.S. conducted a multi-year, collaborative consultation with the Pacific Northwest states, federally-recognized tribes, and a diverse array of stakeholders to develop a formal guide for any potential renegotiations. In August of 2016, I joined five U.S. Senators and 16 colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana in sending a letter to then-Secretary of State John Kerry urging the U.S. Department of State to stop dragging its feet on pushing forward with negotiations. Unfortunately, there was no progress demonstrated during the Obama Administration. Fortunately, the Trump Administration got the ball rolling on formal renegotiations in May of 2018. The U.S. Department of State is now leading these negotiations with Canada to modernize the treaty regime, an undertaking that has enormous impacts on jobs, hydropower, water storage, flood control, and the environmenton both sides of the border. Canada benefits a great deal from the power generated by our mighty hydroelectric dams. Currently, that power reflects a $158 million annual payment from the U.S. to Canada; in the past, that cost has even reached the $250-$350 million range. Douglas County Public Utility District (PUD) recently calculated this to be a cost of $4 million for Benton and Franklin PUD's, $8 million for Douglas PUD, and $22 million for Grant PUD. Today, for example, that is $500 per Douglas P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-helps-secure-seven-year-extension-of-export-import-bank-in-government-funding-bill | Cantwell Helps Secure Seven Year Extension of Export-Import Bank in Government Funding Bill | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.19 Cantwell Helps Secure Seven Year Extension of Export-Import Bank in Government Funding Bill 40% of jobs are tied to trade; Ex-Im helps Washington businesses reach foreign markets and generate $31 billion in export revenue WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the inclusion of a seven-year reauthorization of the United States Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im) in the end-of-year appropriations bills unveiled today by U.S. Senate and House leaders. The reauthorization also includes a fix to quorum rules that have plagued the bank's Board of Directors in recent years. Both houses of Congress are expected to vote on the legislation in the coming days. Ex-Im provides the financing support necessary to help thousands of American businesses export their products to overseas markets where more than 95% of the world's consumers live. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies can compete on a level playing field with global competitors. This is critical in Washingtonthe fourth-largest exporting state in the country by value of merchandise and commoditieswhere approximately 40% of all jobs are tied to trade. In November 2019 alone, Ex-Im financed more than $2.5 million in exports from Washington state businesses. Washington's economy is an export economy, and stopping the partisan politics around the nation's export credit agency and giving certainty to the Export-Import Bank for seven years will help lots of Washington businesses get their products to the growing middle class around the world, Senator Cantwell said. Ex-Im was founded in 1934 and exists in its current form under the Export-Impact Bank Act of 1945, which requires periodic reauthorization from Congress in order to continue operating. The House-passed appropriations bill would reauthorize Ex-Im for 7 years, giving exporters the certainty they need to close deals in forei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/cantwell-mcmorris-rodgers-secure-historic-win-for-spokane-tribe- | Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Secure Historic Win for Spokane Tribe | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.19 Cantwell, McMorris Rodgers Secure Historic Win for Spokane Tribe Spokane Tribe Equitable Compensation Act passes House of Representatives, heads to president's desk for signature into law WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05) to provide the Spokane Tribe of Indians equitable and just compensation for the lands taken by the United States as part of the Grand Coulee Dam development project in the 1930s and 1940s. Having previously passed through the Senate, the bill now heads to the president's desk to be signed into law. The Spokane Tribe of Indians has waited for almost 80 years to receive just and equitable compensation for the land, life, and culture they lost when the Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. This corrects a flawed adjudication process that left the Spokane out, Cantwell said. Today, the Department of Interior, Republicans, and Democrats stand together to right this historic wrong, which will allow the Tribe to invest in regional economic development opportunities. The construction of the Grand Coulee Dam positively transformed our region in countless ways, but it also fundamentally changed the Spokane Tribe's way of life, said McMorris Rodgers. This is long overdue, and I'm happy we are finally moving forward to get the Spokane Tribe the compensation they deserve and right this historical wrong. The Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act would authorize annual payments to be made by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to the Spokane Tribe for past and continuing use of Tribal lands for the construction and operation of the Grand Coulee Dam. The compensation does not increase taxpayer obligation a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/pacific-northwest-delegation-announces-house-passage-of-bill-to-improve-safety-and-sanitation-at-columbia-river-tribal-fishing-sites- | Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.19 Pacific Northwest Delegation Announces House Passage of Bill to Improve Safety and Sanitation at Columbia River Tribal Fishing Sites WASHINGTON, D.C. Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), along with Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), today announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act, sending it to the president's desk to be signed into law. The legislation would enable the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make important safety and sanitation improvements at the tribal treaty fishing access sites along the Columbia River, which are on lands held by the United States for the benefit of the four Columbia River Treaty tribes. The bill, authored by Merkley and Blumenauer, was unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2019. Improving housing and infrastructure at Tribal fishing sites is a critical step to fulfill our treaty promises. I hope the president will sign this legislation into law so we can get to work on providing clean and safe living conditions at these sites as soon as possible,said Senator Cantwell. The current conditions at Columbia River fishing sites are unacceptable, unjust, and must be fixed, Senator Merkley said. I've personally seen the shocking conditions at Lone Pine. We owe better to thetribal communities in the Northwest, and the very least we can do is uphold our commitments to tribes and ensure basic sanitation and safety. I'm pleased that our colleagues in the House of Representatives have joined us in passing this bill, and I urge the president to sign it into law without delay. Congress has a responsibility to address the egregious misdeeds committed against the tribes who have lived along the Columbia River since time immemorial, said Rep. Blumenauer. We cannot pretend that this bill rectifies all of these injustices, but passing it i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washington-state-lawmakers-announce-major-federal-investments-for-federal-way-link-extension-project | Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project | 2019-12-16 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.19 Washington State Lawmakers Announce Major Federal Investments for Federal Way Link Extension Project With execution of funding agreements near, Sound Transit can begin construction on long-awaited project to extend light rail to Federal Way WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Washington state's Democratic congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (D-WA 9th), Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd), Suzan K. DelBene (D-WA, 1st), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA, 8th), Denny Heck (D-WA, 10th), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA, 7th), and Derek Kilmer (D-WA, 6th) applauded the announcement of the forthcoming signing of the full funding grant agreement (FFGA) for the Federal Way light rail extension, following months of pressure urging U. S. Department of Transportation officials to follow Congressional direction and approve the grant. Once signed, the final agreement cements a more than $1.4 billion commitment from the federal government to help fund the Federal Way link extension project, including a $790 million grant awarded through the Department of Transportation's Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program, and a $629.47 million direct loan also approved through the Department's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. According to Sound Transit, the company is ready to proceed with construction once the FFGA and TIFIA loan are signed and executed. Officials from Sound Transit have indicated the loan will be signed this week and the agreement will be signed in mid-January. This is an early gift for the South Sound community that will help decrease commute times and reduce traffic congestion for families, students, workers and travelers throughout the region, said Senator Murray. As transit ridership in Puget Sound continues to grow and more Washingtonians look to transportation alternatives like … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=AD544ABE-FCE7-453A-B96E-733D16FCBA44 | Senator Murray Praises Final Senate Passage of Bipartisan Legislation to Permanently Fund HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law Bipartisan legislation led by Senator Murray will permanently fund HBCUs and minority serving institutions, after funding lapsed at the end of September Legislation amends the FUTURE Act to include FAFSA Act, legislation that would simplify FAFSA and streamline income-driven repayment Senator Murray: I'm also pleased this legislation streamlines federal student aid for more than 20 million students applying on the FAFSA, and nearly 8 million borrowers (Washington, D.C.) Following passage in the U.S. House of Representatives this week, the Senate passed a bipartisan deal led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the top Democrat on the Senate education committee, to permanently fund Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and minority serving institutions (MSIs), including Northwest Indian College in Washington state. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill, which amended the FUTURE Act, also includes the FAFSA Act, a bill that will simplify and streamline the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 20 million American families by eliminating duplicative paperwork between the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Education.The FAFSA Act will also help nearly 8 million borrowers in income-driven repayment plans seamlessly stay in their plans each year without needing to go through complicated annual recertification. While this funding should never have lapsed in the first place, I'm glad that we were able to reach a deal that provides minority-serving institutions with the certainty of funding they deserveand I truly appreciate the work done on both sides of the aisle to get us to this point, Senator Murray said. By permanently extending funding for these valuable institutions and streamlining our student aid system, this deal is a win-win. Now, I look forward to continuing to work with my Republican colleagues on efforts to overhaul the Higher Education Act in a comprehe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/heck-s-bill-naming-tumwater-post-office-signed-into-law | Hecks Bill Naming Tumwater Post Office Signed Into Law | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Denny Heck's (D-WA) bill naming the Tumwater Post Office to honor Eva G. Hewitt was signed into law. Hewitt served as Tumwater's first woman postmaster from 1915 until her retirement in 1942. It's heartwarming that we're closing out 2019, a year marking 150 years since Tumwater's incorporation, with the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office being signed into law, said Congressman Heck. Eva was a businesswoman, postmaster, and community leader during her life, and it's only fitting that the Tumwater Post Office be named for her. I send my sincere thanks to the City of Tumwater for sharing Eva's story with the community and approaching me about this bill. I look forward to visiting the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office soon when I'm back home. Heck introduced the bill in March during Women's History Month. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote in July. The bill was successfully guided through the Senate by Washington's U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and passed the Senate by unanimous consent in November. The law designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 200 Israel Road Southeast in Tumwater, Washington as the Eva G. Hewitt Post Office.'' It further requires that any mention in any law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States properly reference the facility and use the new name. Often described as the heart and soul of Tumwater, Eva G. Hewitt (1875-1957) played an influential role during the early years of Tumwater. She assumed the position of postmaster in 1915, where she oversaw the tremendous growth in mail volumes in the South Sound. Following the death of her husband in 1927, she took over business operations of the Hewitt Drug Store. She served as store owner and postmaster until her retirement in 1942. In addition to being Tumwater's first woman postmaster, Eva G. Hewitt was the longest-serving Tumwater postmaster at the time of her retirement. She was also widely regarded as Tumwater's local hi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401729 | Jaime Herrera Beutler Releases Statement on Impeachment | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler released the following statement on the articles of impeachment: Since the president's call with Ukraine came to light, I have been clear that no one is above the law.I've also advocated for providing the American people with full and absolute transparency into the circumstances surrounding that conversation. This morning, the House Judiciary Committee reported two articles of impeachment to be voted on by the full House of Representatives. I will vote against both articles if they reach the House floor, and here's why The obstruction of Congress article is the least credible of the two.Congress and the White House disagreed over Congress's right to compel testimony from White House officials, so some White House officials exercised their right to judicial review of the congressional subpoenas.That's how our system of checks and balances works, and it's not at all uncommon for the White House and Congress to take their disputes to court.No one at the White House has defied a court order. The rushed timeline for this process set by House Democratic leadership is irrelevant, and the White House asking a court to settle a dispute is not an impeachable act. The second article on abuse of power charges the president with corrupt motives,' but here again, efforts to prove the president's motives have been defeated by the lack of firsthand testimony caused by Democratic leadership's rushed timeline.House committee chairs were unwilling to press the subpoenas on witnesses who could have provided firsthand accounts of the president's actions, and instead relied on witnesses who'd never even met the president, could only provide secondhand testimony, and offered assumptions based on what they say they heard from other White House officials and Rudy Giuliani not the president. The one witness who could provide a firsthand account based on personal conversations with the president, Gordon Sondland, testified that the president told him there was no quid pro quo' and that he ma… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1754 | Larsen: Naval Station Everett is Ideal Location for Future Navy, Coast Guard Homeporting | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released a report outlining why Naval Station Everett (NSE) is the ideal location for future U.S. Navy and Coast Guard homeporting. In the report, Larsen highlights NSE’s location, natural deep-water port, modern infrastructure and new shipyards as unique and vital fits for future Navy and U.S. Coast Guard missions. “Naval Station Everett is still “the Sailor’s Choice,” but I am working to make it the Pentagon’s Choice,” said Larsen. “For more than twenty years, NSE has played a crucial role in keeping the country safe and protecting U.S. interests worldwide. Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships. I look forward to continue working with local leaders to make that case to the Navy and the Coast Guard.” Larsen cited several advantages to NSE as an ideal future homeport for Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels: As a natural deep-water port, NSE has no tidal restrictions, bridges or other obstructions between port and the open ocean and does not require dredging to maintain depth. The Navy will need every available pier in order to reach its 355-ship goal by 2049. NSE hosted Navy frigates in the past and has the capability to do so in the future. NSE is in the center of the Pacific Northwest transportation network. Location and ease of access make NSE an ideal location for U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Homeporting. Larsen has long pushed to homeport more Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels at NSE. In 2012, Larsen worked to bring three destroyers to the base and in 2013, pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring frigates and bringing in the new destroyers. In 2015, Larsen supported homeporting three destroyers at the base. Larsen has also continually advocated for the return of the USS Nimitz since it left for Bremerton in 2015. Conceived as an aircraft carrier homeport, NSE is now home to six Navy destroyers and two… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-naval-station-everett-ideal-location-future-navy-coast-guard-homeporting | Larsen: Naval Station Everett is Ideal Location for Future Navy, Coast Guard Homeporting | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | EVERETT, WA Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released a report outlining why Naval Station Everett (NSE) is the ideal location for future U.S. Navy and Coast Guard homeporting. In the report, Larsen highlights NSE's location, natural deep-water port, modern infrastructure and new shipyards as unique and vital fits for future Navy and U.S. Coast Guard missions. Naval Station Everett is still the Sailor's Choice, but I am working to make it the Pentagon's Choice, said Larsen. For more than twenty years, NSE has played a crucial role in keeping the country safe and protecting U.S. interests worldwide. Everett is ready, willing and able to support more and larger ships. I look forward to continue working with local leaders to make that case to the Navy and the Coast Guard. Larsen cited several advantages to NSE as an ideal future homeport for Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels: As a natural deep-water port, NSE has no tidal restrictions, bridges or other obstructions between port and the open ocean and does not require dredging to maintain depth. The Navy will need every available pier in order to reach its 355-ship goal by 2049. NSE hosted Navy frigates in the past and has the capability to do so in the future. NSE is in the center of the Pacific Northwest transportation network. Location and ease of access make NSE an ideal location for U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Homeporting. Larsen has long pushed to homeport more Navy and U.S. Coast Guard vessels at NSE. In 2012, Larsen worked to bring three destroyers to the base and in 2013, pushed the Navy to avoid a gap between retiring frigates and bringing in the new destroyers. In 2015, Larsen supported homeporting three destroyers at the base. Larsen has also continually advocated for the return of the USS Nimitz since it left for Bremerton in 2015. Conceived as an aircraft carrier homeport, NSE is now home to six Navy destroyers and two U.S. Coas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/my-votes-week-of-december-9/ | My Votes – Week of December 9 | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | RULE BILLS **A rule bill is a bill passed through a full House vote under a rule that has been voted and agreed upon by the Rules Committee. Rule bills require a simple majority of the House to pass (218 votes) through a recorded vote. Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/10/19 PASSED 262-151 H.R. 729 Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act NO This package will cost taxpayers upwards of $1.4 billion and duplicates existing authorities. 12/11/19 PASSED 260-165-1 H.R. 5038 Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 YES Click here to see my full statement. SUSPENSION BILLS **A suspension bill is a bill passed by the House through suspending the rules to move quickly, circumventing the House Rules Committee. Suspension bills are typically less controversial pieces of legislation, and as the rules are being suspended, they require a higher threshold, two-thirds of those voting in the House, to pass. Additionally, these bills are often passed by a voice vote, without a formal roll call vote. Result and Date Bill # Bill Title My Vote What it means for you and your family 12/9/19 PASSED 393-1 H.R. 4761 DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019 YES This legislation requires Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement a strategy to ensure that deployed chemical screening devices are able to identify synthetic opioids in an operational environment at a purity level of 10 percent or lower or provide ports of entry with an alternative method for identifying narcotics at lower purity levels. 12/9/19 PASSED 393-0 H.R. 4739 Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act YES This bill would ensure that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel will be protected from accidental contact with synthetic opioids. 12/10/19 PASSED 319-96 H.R. 5363 FUTURE Act YES This legislation reauthorizes funding programs for historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions. 2019 PAST VOTES: | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-statement-articles-impeachment | Rep. Schrier Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-13 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) released the following statement on the articles of impeachment: "The people of the 8th district sent me to Congress to bring down the cost of health care, fight for their families, and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. I did not come to Congress to impeach the President. However, the evidence before us, including from the President himself, is serious. The President abused the power of his office to sway the 2020 election in his favor. He put his own political interest above the interests of our nation. And then, when pressed for more information, he refused to cooperate or let key witnesses testify. No one is above the law. On my first day in office, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect our country. Given all the facts before us, impeachment is the only remedy. No future president should ever believe that this was acceptable behavior." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=D6214853-8AC2-4CF4-95D1-A73AD14DE391 | As Military Child Care Crisis Grows, Senator Murray Announces New Dedicated Funding for Military Child Care Construction Projects in Major Military Authorization Bill | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | A longtime champion for military families and strengthening working families' access to child care, Senator Murray applauded new line item for military child care construction funding included in National Defense Authorization Act New provisions follow Senator Murray's successful efforts to strengthen access to on-base child care To break down why this funding is important and what it means for military families across the country, Senator Murray talked to MilitaryTimes.com Senator Murray: New dedicated child care center construction funding is a really great step forward for the military that we have today, not yesterday ICYMI: How this $121 million may jump-start fixes to military child care needs MORE HERE (Washington, D.C.) As a mother, grandmother and former educator, U.S. Senator Patty Murray has long worked to improve access to high-quality child care for families serving our country, and civilians alike. Over the years, Senator Murray has heard firsthand from servicemembers all across Washington statefrom Bangor to Fairchildabout the challenges of securing high-quality, reliable child care due to lack of adequate facilities. That's why she has consistently fought to increase funding for and access to military child care programs across the country and across the globe, including in the recently announced National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual military funding bill. This year's NDAA includes a new, dedicated line of funding for military child care center construction that will pave the way for more than $120 million in critical federal investments to increase vital access to child care across all the services and ensure families are getting the support they need to succeed. This week, Senator Murray talked with Karen Jowers of MilitaryTimes.com to break down this critical new funding, and below are 7 things you may have missed from that article: 1. $121 million dollars will be going directly to construction of on-base military child care facilities. A new funding stream for child de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-votes-lower-prescription-drug-prices-house-passage-hr-3 | Congressman Smith Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices with House Passage of H.R. 3 | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help lower the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for medication than patients in other countries. "The costs of prescription drugs have been an increasing burden on individuals and families, forcing many to choose between their medications and basic needs such as paying rent or putting food on the table. Today's passage of H.R. 3 is a necessary and bold step to reduce prescription drug prices, expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, and invest in the health of our communities. "H.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly and transparently with drug companies and ensure those prices are available to plans outside of Medicare. The legislation also sets a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and limits the ability for pharmaceutical companies to drastically raise prices. In addition to dramatically reducing prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 invests drug costs savings into Medicare beneficiaries and the health of our communities. The bill would finally add coverage of dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare and make significant investments in biomedical research, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and Community Health Centers. "House Democrats continue to fulfill our commitment to work hard for the people and pass legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of everyday people. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=967B5943-22E3-44DC-86DE-65D4BA489F61 | Congressman Smith Votes to Lower Prescription Drug Prices with House Passage of H.R. 3 | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will help lower the cost of prescription drugs and level the playing field for American patients who are paying more for medication than patients in other countries. The costs of prescription drugs have been an increasing burden on individuals and families, forcing many to choose between their medications and basic needs such as paying rent or putting food on the table. Today's passage of H.R. 3 is a necessary and bold step to reduce prescription drug prices, expand access to care for Medicare beneficiaries, and invest in the health of our communities. H.R. 3 will give Medicare the power to negotiate directly and transparently with drug companies and ensure those prices are available to plans outside of Medicare. The legislation also sets a cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries and limits the ability for pharmaceutical companies to drastically raise prices. In addition to dramatically reducing prescription drug prices, H.R. 3 invests drug costs savings into Medicare beneficiaries and the health of our communities. The bill would finally add coverage of dental, vision, and hearing benefits to Medicare and make significant investments in biomedical research, maternal health, the opioid crisis, and Community Health Centers. House Democrats continue to fulfill our commitment to work hard for the people and pass legislation that will have a positive impact on the lives of everyday people. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://dennyheck.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-heck-applauds-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act | Congressman Heck applauds passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Denny Heck | H001064 | dennyheck.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Yesterday, Congressman Denny Heck (WA-10) voted in support of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. Rep. Heck secured a number of vital provisions that will improve servicemember quality of life and emergency preparedness in the South Sound. I want to thank Chairman Adam Smith for fighting on behalf of the provisions I authored in this year's NDAA, and ensuring they were included in the final bill. He has been a tireless advocate for our state and our servicemembers, and I am grateful for his leadership. said Rep. Heck. I am proud to support legislation that both improves our military readiness against the myriad threats our nation faces around the globe, and does right by our servicemembers and their families. Section 560A will require each of the armed services, as part of their annual financial literacy education briefing, to include information on free credit monitoring available to servicemembers under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Rep. Heck's amendment to the NDAA gives servicemembers the tools they need to be financially secure. Section 1756(b) will require the Department of Defense to submit a report regarding the interoperability of military installations and civilian emergency services. The derailment of Cascades 501 in DuPont underscored that confusion and redundant efforts between civilian and military emergency services can delay rescue efforts and potentially cost lives. Rep. Heck introduced this interoperability provision as an amendment to the NDAA. Section 1114 will reverse a provision of the Republican tax law of 2017 that designated the moving expenses of federal employees working overseas as taxable income. These moving costs were previously tax exempt. In response to this unfair provision targeting federal employees in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Rep. Heck first introduced legislation to restore this tax exemption in 2018, the Keeping the Promise to American Public Servants Act (H.R. 7254, 115th Congress). Section 4301 authorize… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=401727 | Troop Pay Bill Includes Herrera Beutler Initiative to Improve Medical Treatment for Military | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Jaime Herrera Beutler | H001056 | herrerabeutler.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler supported yesterday's U.S. House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included her bill, the Reserve Medical Officer Parity Act, as well as a 3.1 percent pay raise for U.S. troops. Herrera Beutler introduced her bill earlier this year to better meet U.S. armed service members' medical needs by allowing Reserve Medical Officers to continue serving past retirement age if the military has a need for more surgeons, medical specialists and doctors. share: f t Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler supported yesterday's U.S. House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included her bill, the Reserve Medical Officer Parity Act, as well as a 3.1 percent pay raise for U.S. troops. Herrera Beutler introduced her bill earlier this year to better meet U.S. armed service members' medical needs by allowing Reserve Medical Officers to continue serving past retirement age if the military has a need for more surgeons, medical specialists and doctors. It's critical our military service members are given the medical treatment they need so they can defend our country. I'm pleased to support this bipartisan bill that includes my legislative solution to improve medical care in our military, a much-deserved pay raise for troops and increased access to mental health care, Herrera Beutler said. Herrera Beutler's Reserve Medical Officer Parity Act would allow the Secretaries of each of the military departments to extend a Reserve Medical Officer's service beyond age 68 with the officer's consent and if the Secretary determines a need, bringing the Reserves in congruence with regular military laws. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and the length of the deferment will be determined as appropriate by the Secretary. Reserve Medical officers in the U.S. Army contribute half of the Army's total medical officers. The NDAA further ensures military readiness, and care for our troops and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kilmer.house.gov/news/press-releases/kilmer-supports-legislation-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs | Kilmer Supports Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Derek Kilmer | K000381 | kilmer.house.gov | legacy | 12.12.19 Kilmer Supports Legislation to Lower Prescription Drug Costs Washington, DC Today, Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06) voted to support H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, to lower prescription drug prices and make investments in Medicare and public health. The bill, which was supported by 230 Members of the House, allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate to lower the price of drugs and caps annual out-of-pocket costs in Medicare Part D. I've spoken with far too many seniors and families in our region who are grappling with the high costs of prescription drugs. When you talk with someone who is having to skip doses or having to cut their pills in half because the costs are simply too high, it has a way of sticking with you, said Rep. Kilmer. That's why I've been such a strong advocate for reducing drug prices and I'm proud to support this bill - which aims to level the playing field for patients, ensuring they have access to less expensive medications and giving health and financial security to all Americans. Specifically, this bill: Mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate fair prices directly with drug companies for the most expensive and most common drugs used by Medicare enrollees. To deliver maximum savings for the greatest number of Americans, the price determined by the negotiation process would be available to all purchasers not just Medicare beneficiaries. Ensures that the global market pays its fair share for research and development, putting U.S. prescription drug prices on par with other countries where patients are often charged less for the same prescriptions. Places a limit on out-of-pocket spending in Medicare Part D, ensuring Medicare beneficiaries pay no more than $2,000 per year out-of-pocket on their medications. Reinvests savings to expand Medicare's benefits to include dental, vision and hearing; drive innovation in the search for new cures and treatments, including research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1554 | Larsen Statement on Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | larsen | https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx | scraper | Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support servicemembers and military communities in Washington’s Second District. Larsen served on the conference committee that helped shape the final version of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 377-48. “The final NDAA conference report makes important investments in military readiness, increases pay for servicemembers, helps small businesses compete for defense contracts and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts,” said Larsen. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the final bill over the finish line.” Larsen successfully included provisions in the conference report that will benefit the Pacific Northwest. These include: Jet Noise Larsen successfully included important provisions to conduct real-time sound monitoring and authorize jet noise reduction research. These policies will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Artificial Intelligence Larsen successfully included a provision that requires the Department of Defense to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) education strategy and requires the underlying curriculum to include ethical issues, bias and potential strengths and weaknesses of AI. Naval Station Everett Built as a carrier homeport, Naval Station Everett is uniquely well-suited to this mission. Unfortunately, the Navy’s 2018 Strategic Laydown and Dispersal Plan changed the Navy’s plan to base an aircraft carrier at Naval Station Everett in 2019 and beyond. Larsen successfully included a provision that directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to HASC on recent changes to the Navy’s West Coast aircraft carrier homeporting. Impact Aid Larsen successfully included $50 million for Impact Aid payments to schools serving military depe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://larsen.house.gov/press-release/larsen-statement-final-passage-national-defense-authorization-act-0 | Larsen Statement on Final Passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Rick Larsen | L000560 | larsen.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted for the final conference report for the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support servicemembers and military communities in Washington's Second District. Larsen served on the conference committee that helped shape the final version of the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 377-48. The final NDAA conference report makes important investments in military readiness, increases pay for servicemembers, helps small businesses compete for defense contracts and spurs innovative research to prepare for future conflicts, said Larsen. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get the final bill over the finish line. Larsen successfully included provisions in the conference report that will benefit the Pacific Northwest. These include: Jet Noise Larsen successfully included important provisions to conduct real-time sound monitoring and authorize jet noise reduction research. These policies will ensure air crews can get vital training while better understanding and reducing the impact of operations on surrounding communities. Artificial Intelligence Larsen successfully included a provision that requires the Department of Defense to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) education strategy and requires the underlying curriculum to include ethical issues, bias and potential strengths and weaknesses of AI. Naval Station Everett Built as a carrier homeport, Naval Station Everett is uniquely well-suited to this mission. Unfortunately, the Navy's 2018 Strategic Laydown and Dispersal Plan changed the Navy's plan to base an aircraft carrier at Naval Station Everett in 2019 and beyond. Larsen successfully included a provision that directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to HASC on recent changes to the Navy's West Coast aircraft carrier homeporting. Impact Aid Larsen successfully included $50 million for Impact Aid payments to schools serving m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://mcmorris.house.gov/mcmorris-rodgers-speaks-out-against-democrats-partisan-drug-pricing-bill/ | McMorris Rodgers Speaks Out Against Democrats’ Partisan Drug Pricing Bill | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Republican | House | WA | Cathy McMorris Rodgers | M001159 | mcmorris.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers voted against a partisandrug pricingbill put forward by House Democratsthat will lead to fewer cures. Last night, she spoke on the House floor on why this effort needed to be bipartisan and on H.R. 19, thebipartisanbill Republicans have presented as an alternative. Watch her remarks from last night here: On the House floor last night, she said,H.R. 19 helps us move forward. It includes bipartisan solutions that President Trump can sign into law this year. We should be building upon the work that we did with 21stCentury Cures. We want to see more generic drugs come to market faster, finally make insulin more affordable for our seniors, lower out-of-pocket spending, close the donut hole, access new medicines and cures, and require price transparency. Every single provision is bipartisan. Cathy continued,Unfortunately, the Speaker and the Democrats are moving forward in a partisan exercise, directing the federal governmenttoset drug prices and it will stop innovation. America will fall behind as the global leader, and we can see what impact that has all over the world hundreds and hundreds of fewer drugs entering the market. I want to stand on the side of innovation, more breakthroughs, and helping millions of people with the ravages of disease that they encounter every day. Read more about H.R. 19 by clicking here. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-votes-bring-down-cost-prescription-drugs | Rep. Schrier Votes to Bring Down Cost of Prescription Drugs | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Kim Schrier | S001216 | schrier.house.gov | schrier | https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) voted today for HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. Rep. Schrier gave the following speech on the floor in support of the bill: I'm so excited about HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. I am the first pediatrician elected to Congress. And currently the only female doctor in Congress. I am also a patient with Type 1 Diabetes. My life depends on insulin, so the high cost of prescription drugs affects me and people like me every day. I have driven over 7,300 miles this year, traversing my district and talking with people about the issues that matter to them. They want to know "what are you going to do to bring down the cost of prescription drugs?" It doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican if you cannot afford your medications. I understand this issue, both as a doctor and as a patient. Because it is not theoretical for me, or for my patients. When we talk about the cost of insulin, I have felt that personally. I have seen the price of my insulin go from $40 twenty years ago, to $300 today. That is the price for a bottle that holds 10 mL - two teaspoons - making it comparable in price to cobra venom. Before being elected to Congress, I worked for nearly 20 years as a pediatrician in the suburbs of Seattle, three hours from the Canadian border. Mostly, I prescribed electronically. But when patients asked for a printed prescription, I understood why. They would drive up to Canada with those prescriptions. Because in Canada the $600 Epi Pen costs $50. In Canada the $300 insulin costs $50. Right now, Americans pay -- on average -- 3 to 4 times what our neighbors in Canada or people in France, Germany, England, Australia, and Japan, pay for their medications. That is unconscionable. We should not be subsidizing the rest of the developed world's medications. I know that my district can't be all that different from the districts that you all serve. All of our constituents are looking to us to fix this problem … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-cantwell-legislation-to-expand-medicare-coverage-for-people-living-with-lymphedema | House Passes Cantwell Legislation to Expand Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema | 2019-12-12 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Maria Cantwell | C000127 | www.cantwell.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.19 House Passes Cantwell Legislation to Expand Medicare Coverage for People Living with Lymphedema Bipartisan Lymphedema Treatment Act could help more than 6,300 Washingtonians, 1.5 million Americans get essential, effective care WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation pushed by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D, IL-9) to improve Medicare coverage for lymphedema patients. The Lymphedema Treatment Act would expand available care and benefits for Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema by requiring Medicare to cover compression treatment items, which are essential in the effective treatment of the disease. The measure passed as part of a larger House bill, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3), which now moves to the Senate for consideration. Lymphedema affects millions of Americans, including more than 6,300 Washingtonians, Senator Cantwell said. Updating Medicare to cover necessary and effective treatment for this condition is a commonsense measure that will improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema, while also reducing costly hospitalizations. Lymphedema is an incurable but treatable condition affecting between three and five million Americans. It is a chronic condition caused by injury, trauma, or congenital defects in the lymphatic system, which can occur after cancer treatment. If left untreated or inadequately treated, it can lead to complications including loss of function, disability, and in some cases, death. The House-passedLymphedema Treatment Actwould close an existing coverage gap and improve care for the more than 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries with lymphedema by ensuring that Medicare covers physician-prescribed compression therapy items. These items include multi-layer compression bandaging systems, standard fit compression garments, and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=52446DBA-0D8C-4152-A44B-E4A90FF79CDF | Senator Murray, Tribal Leaders Announce Millions in Housing Funding for Tribes in Washington State | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | Awards come as part of the Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which Senator Murray successfully worked to strengthen funding for in recent spending bills Combined funding totals more than $17.3 million in housing assistance for tribes to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing to benefit Native American families who have low incomes HUD Report: [T]he overcrowding and physical housing problems of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs) living on reservations and other tribal areas remain strikingly more severe than those of other Americans MORE HERE Senator Murray: Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I'm proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face (Washington, D.C.) Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined local tribal leaders to announce more than $17.3 million in federal funds going to five tribes across Washington state. The housing awards are part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program, which provides funding to Native American tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing, with a focus on providing housing and other resources for low-income Native American families. Every family deserves a safe, secure home, and I'm proud to announce this crucial funding to tackle some of the unique housing issues that tribal communities here in Washington state face, Senator Murray said. I've consistently fought to strengthen funding for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program, which is an important tool that allows communities to address homelessness and housing insecurity on tribal lands. And as a voice for our state, I will keep working in partnership with Indian Country to ensure that federal funds from this and other vital programs continue flowing to tribes in Washington state and across the country. Accor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/newsreleases?ContentRecord_id=960915C3-8B96-41BB-B778-F640E85759D2 | As UN Convention on Climate Change in Europe is Underway, Senator Murray Leads Group of Senators in Letter to President Trump Urging Him to Reconsider Paris Climate Accord Withdrawal | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Patty Murray | M001111 | www.murray.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined 26 of her Senate colleagues in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to reconsider his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. In the letter, Senator Murray sounded the alarm on the dangerous, growing impacts of the climate crisis and the damage that will be inflicted on current and future generations unless immediate action is taken. Senator Murray also warned the President against ceding U.S. leadership on this issue, and admonished him for failing to honor his commitment to work with Democrats to renegotiate the Paris Climate Accord or to craft a new deal to address the climate crisis. The letter comes as the 25th United Nations Climate Change conference takes place in Madrid this week. Senator Murray wrote, As the second largest global emitter of greenhouse gases, and the largest historical emitter, it is imperative that the United States assume our rightful place as a global leader in the fight to combat climate change, yet with this action you are ceding American leadership to other nations at great political and economic costs. Additionally, the letter emphasized the national security implications related to the President's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, underscoring the damage done to the United States' reputation by going back on an international commitment. Senator Murray's letter further illustrates the outcry from Washingtonians and Americans across various sectors, including the business community, citing more than 2,200 U.S. businesses including major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks. Senator Murray concluded the letter by reminding the President of the overwhelming number of Americans who believe the United States should participate in the Paris Climate Agreement three out of every four registered voters or 77 percent. Read the full letter HERE. A longtime defender of our nation's bedrock environmental laws, Senator Murray has consistently opposed President Trump's… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/chairman-smith-corrects-record-fy20-ndaa | Chairman Smith Corrects the Record on the FY20 NDAA | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. "Before my colleagues and I cast our votes on the FY20 NDAA, one thing must be made clear: This is the most progressive defense bill we have passed in decades. "After months of hard-fought negotiations, our bill is now final, and contains major wins for Democrats and working people and promotes our national security. Despite this sweeping success, some have decried the bill, saying it fails to live up to progressive values. To those detractors I ask one simple question: Which of the provisions that did not make it into our final bill did President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe not hate? "From the moment we passed our bill through the House without the support of a single Republican vote, it was clear that our counterparts in the Senate and White House fundamentally opposed the Democratic priorities included in the bill. "Do you know what they also hated? The repeal of the ‘widow's tax' and granting paid parental leave for federal employees. But, because of our tireless work, we succeeded in getting these provisions included. Because of this hard work, our bill will have real impacts on Americans leading real lives. "Throughout the negotiations I failed in one way: I was unable to turn President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe into Democrats and convince them to suddenly accept all of the provisions they despise. Nonetheless, we have accomplished more with this bill than anyone ever thought possible given the realities of a Trump White House and a Republican-controlled Senate, and we should be proud of that. "To those who say that this bill isn't enough - I could not disagree more. When I look at the widows, the parents, and families who will benefit from the bill, it is enough. We are delivering more for families across this country than anyone even con… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-smith-statement-house-passage-fy20-national-defense-authorization | Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | adamsmith | https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases | scraper | December 11, 2019 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy: "Today the House passed the most progressive National Defense Authorization Act in decades. It takes important strides toward strengthening our national defense, supporting service members and their families, and preserving the American values we share. It increases oversight and accountability of the Department of Defense (DOD), promotes a more inclusive and diverse military, and takes steps to protect public health. "Under the Democratic majority in the House, the NDAA takes a historic step to support families and children by providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers across all agencies - benefiting millions of federal workers and their families. "Democrats also secured some of the strongest environmental and climate-related provisions of any NDAA, continuing our work to put DOD at the forefront of planning and mitigating for the impacts of climate change and adopting strong energy efficiency and resilience practices. It nearly doubles funding authorization for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program for projects that improve energy resiliency or energy conservation efforts at military installations, and it increases funding for the Readiness Environmental Protection Initiative that supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities. "I was successful in working with my colleagues to include the most significant legislative action on PFAS ever. The House prevailed in securing a total ban on DOD use of firefighting agents containing PFAS by 2024 and forcing DOD to prioritize the effort to find a safe alternative. In addition, the bill immediately bans the use of firefighting agents with PFAS for training and any uncont… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=11C90FC9-4E55-4482-AD01-3D7D2B8E8619 | Congressman Smith Statement on House Passage of the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy: Today the House passed the most progressive National Defense Authorization Act in decades. It takes important strides toward strengthening our national defense, supporting service members and their families, and preserving the American values we share. It increases oversight and accountability of the Department of Defense (DOD), promotes a more inclusive and diverse military, and takes steps to protect public health. Under the Democratic majority in the House, the NDAA takes a historic step to support families and children by providing 12 weeks of paid parental leave for federal workers across all agencies benefiting millions of federal workers and their families. Democrats also secured some of the strongest environmental and climate-related provisions of any NDAA, continuing our work to put DOD at the forefront of planning and mitigating for the impacts of climate change and adopting strong energy efficiency and resilience practices. It nearly doubles funding authorization for the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program for projects that improve energy resiliency or energy conservation efforts at military installations, and it increases funding for the Readiness Environmental Protection Initiative that supports land conservation efforts in cooperation with local communities. I was successful in working with my colleagues to include the most significant legislative action on PFAS ever. The House prevailed in securing a total ban on DOD use of firefighting agents containing PFAS by 2024 and forcing DOD to prioritize the effort to find a safe alternative. In addition, the bill immediately bans the use of firefighting agents with PFAS for training and any uncontrolled release of PFAS f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://adamsmith.house.gov/press-releases?ID=A7D31BCC-F4CD-4FDF-AE7F-4387912D2EF7 | Chairman Smith Corrects the Record on the FY20 NDAA | 2019-12-11 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | WA | Adam Smith | S000510 | adamsmith.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement ahead of the House vote on the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. Before my colleagues and I cast our votes on the FY20 NDAA, one thing must be made clear: This is the most progressive defense bill we have passed in decades. After months of hard-fought negotiations, our bill is now final, and contains major wins for Democrats and working people and promotes our national security. Despite this sweeping success, some have decried the bill, saying it fails to live up to progressive values. To those detractors I ask one simple question: Which of the provisions that did not make it into our final bill did President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe not hate? From the moment we passed our bill through the House without the support of a single Republican vote, it was clear that our counterparts in the Senate and White House fundamentally opposed the Democratic priorities included in the bill. Do you know what they also hated? The repeal of the widow's tax' and granting paid parental leave for federal employees. But, because of our tireless work, we succeeded in getting these provisions included. Because of this hard work, our bill will have real impacts on Americans leading real lives. Throughout the negotiations I failed in one way: I was unable to turn President Trump, Leader McConnell, and Chairman Inhofe into Democrats and convince them to suddenly accept all of the provisions they despise. Nonetheless, we have accomplished more with this bill than anyone ever thought possible given the realities of a Trump White House and a Republican-controlled Senate, and we should be proud of that. To those who say that this bill isn't enough I could not disagree more. When I look at the widows, the parents, and families who will benefit from the bill, it is enough. We are delivering more for families across this country than anyone even conceived of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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