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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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937 rows where state = "WA" and year = 2025 sorted by date descending

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  • 2025 · 937 ✖

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  • WA · 937 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4079 Larsen Announces New Funding to Save Lives, Improve Local Infrastructure 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, applauded U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) announcement of nearly $1 billion in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant funding for projects aimed at improving road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Everett and Mukilteo will get the resources they need to improve the safety of streets and roads and save lives,” Larsen said. “SS4A funding stops preventable tragedies and supports efforts to keep people safe and the economy moving. I look forward to continued partnerships with local communities to improve transportation safety in Northwest Washington.” Snohomish County Projects Awarded SS4A Grants The SS4A program, which invests $5 billion over five years in regional, local and Tribal initiatives to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries, was established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Two projects in Washington’s Second Congressional District were awarded grants totaling $1.5 million in this round of grant announcements: - $1.2 million for the City of Everett to update an Active Transportation Plan, prepare an Evergreen Way corridor safety and operations plan, and pilot Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) - $300,000 for the City of Mukilteo to develop a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. Washington state was awarded a total of more than $9.9 million for 15 projects. In Snohomish County, in addition to the Everett and Mukilteo awards, Mill Creek was awarded $1.8 million. What WA-02 Leaders Are Saying “I want to thank Rep. Larsen for being a champion and tireless advocate for Everett. This funding will advance our Vision Zero Everett work - helping us take meaningful steps toward safer streets and a better connected community. Strong partnerships between local and federal leaders allow us to make lasting, meaningful improvements that make a difference: protecting lives, improving quality of li… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-trump-administration-quietly-banning-abortion-care-for-veterans-families/ Senator Murray Statement on Trump Administration Quietly Banning Abortion Care for Veterans & Families 2025-12-23 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Approximately 300,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA health care, 155,000 live in states that have enacted abortion bans or restrictions Senator Murray, longtime leader on reproductive rights and veterans issues, grilled Secretary Collins on preserving access to abortion care at VA during his nomination hearing in January ICYMI FROM AUGUST: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Ripping Away Access to Abortion Care for Women Veterans Who Were Raped or Whose Health is in Danger Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, released the following statement on the news that the Trump administration has quietly implemented a near-total abortion ban at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), banning abortion care for veterans and their dependents—even when a woman’s health is in danger, or the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. A Department of Justice (DOJ) memo issued last week, which regional VA leaders were told to comply with in an internal directive Monday, (screenshots here and here) shows the Trump administration is making this shift before VA even finished finalizing a proposed rule regarding this policy change and without allowing any public comment or consultation. Senator Murray forcefully condemned the Trump administration’s initial move to ban abortion at VA facilities in August—the new DOJ memo is a workaround by the Trump administration to implement their VA abortion ban even sooner, and as of this week, the policy is now fully in effect at VA facilities across the country. The policy is a near-total ban on abortion care at VA, with only an exception for care when “a physician certifies that the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term”—and no exceptions for the health of the veteran or for rape or incest. The policy also bans VA providers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-adam-smith-applauds-passage-sound-insulation-repair-program-protect Congressman Adam Smith Applauds Passage of Sound Insulation Repair Program to Protect Airport-Adjacent Communities 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash) celebrates the passage of the Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act, legislation to help families living near major airports repair or replace failing sound insulation systems. For decades, federal sound insulation programs have reduced aircraft noise for nearby homes, but current rules generally prevent the Federal Aviation Administration from funding repairs when earlier insulation has deteriorated or failed. This legislation creates a limited FAA pilot program allowing select large hub airports to repair or replace previously installed insulation, with strict eligibility and independent verification requirements to ensure the program remains narrowly focused. “This legislation fixes a clear gap in federal policy that has left families dealing with failing sound insulation and no path forward,” said Representative Adam Smith. “It creates a targeted solution that helps protect public health and quality of life while supporting the continued operation of our aviation system.” Statements of support: “The Port wants to share our deepest gratitude to Representative Smith and Senator Murray for their multi-year leadership to get this important legislation passed into law. This provision will allow us to leverage our existing $5 million Port Levy Fund investment in our Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program to identify and fix an increased number of homes that are no longer receiving the expected noise protection. This is a win for the community, and the result of joint advocacy by the Port and the near-airport cities through the SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART).” – Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “SeaTac proudly connects Washington to the world, and we believe that connectivity must be paired with practical protections for nearby neighborhoods. This proposal advances a focused, homeowner-centered approach to repairing or replacing aging sound insulation where it is no longer perfo… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/22/house-and-senate-immigration-leaders-rebuke-trump-dhs-proposal-that-would-punish-immigrant-families-for-lawfully-accessing-health-care-and-food-assistance/ House and Senate Immigration Leaders Rebuke Trump DHS Proposal That Would Punish Immigrant Families for Lawfully Accessing Health Care and Food Assistance 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — House and Senate immigration leaders submitted a formal regulatory comment to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opposing the Trump Administration’s proposed “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility” rule, warning that the proposal unlawfully rewrites longstanding immigration law and would deter immigrant families from accessing basic health, nutrition, and housing assistance they are legally entitled to receive. The proposed rule would circumvent Congress to alter the meaning of “public charge,” a term that for more than 135 years has applied only to individuals who are primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. If an immigrant is determined likely to become a public charge, it can affect their eligibility to enter the U.S. The Trump Administration’s proposal would penalize immigrants for using supplemental benefits like health care, nutrition, or housing assistance that Congress deliberately made available to immigrant populations to support working families. “DHS is seeking to circumvent Congress by administratively altering the 135-year-old meaning of the term ‘public charge’ in violation of congressional intent. […] Congress has deliberately rejected the very changes that DHS now seeks to implement administratively in complete defiance of our will and intent,” the Members wrote. Congress has repeatedly revisited immigration law without ever redefining “public charge” to include the use of non-cash benefits. Federal agencies have long recognized that programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance are supplemental benefits that promote public health, food security, and housing stability to help working families remain self-sufficient. DHS’s proposal would ignite widespread fear and confusion in immigrant communities, leading families to forgo medical care, nutrition assistance, and housing support even when they qualify under federal law. DHS itself expressly concedes in the proposed rule that the policy could lead t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-colleagues-demand-answers-on-trump-vas-plan-to-eliminate-tens-of-thousands-of-health-care-jobs/ Murray, Blumenthal, Colleagues Demand Answers on Trump VA’s Plan to Eliminate Tens of Thousands of Health Care Jobs 2025-12-22 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senators: “At a time when veterans are already facing widespread cuts in their access to health care from H.R. 1, skyrocketing health insurance premiums from expiring enhanced premium tax credits, and forced closures of rural hospitals, VA needs to be expanding its capacity and staffing levels, not reducing them.” ICYMI: VIDEO FROM SENATOR MURRAY: “Exactly zero veterans think the problem with the VA health care system is that there are *too many* staff providing care. But Trump’s VA has now decided it won’t fill thousands of open positions. We need answers about what this will mean for veterans.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 36 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in a letter demanding answers about the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate as many as 35,000 jobs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This follows recent reporting from The Washington Post detailing the Trump administration’s plans to eliminate tens of thousands of unfilled mission-critical health care positions at VA, including for doctors, nurses, and support staff. “We write to express our concern following the December 13, 2025, Washington Post article ‘VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs,’ which spotlights the Department’s plan to cut as many as 35,000 vacant positions from its workforce rolls before the end of the calendar year,” the senators wrote in a letter to VA Secretary Collins. “Compounded by the exodus of more than 40,000 Department employees in fiscal year (FY) 2025, any unjustified cuts to existing vacancies would further disrupt a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce that is already stretched dangerously thin and under assault.” The senators pushed back on Secretary Collins’ claims that cutting these jobs will have “no … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/19/after-colorado-acts-baumgartner-urges-governor-ferguson-to-opt-into-new-tax-credit-program-for-washington/ After Colorado Acts, Baumgartner Urges Governor Ferguson to Opt Into New Tax Credit Program for Washington 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Michael Baumgartner B001322 baumgartner.house.gov baumgartner https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) is calling on Governor Bob Ferguson to act swiftly and ensure Washington families can benefit from the new federal Tax Credit Program for Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) created under the Working Families Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, landmark legislation passed by Republicans earlier this year. “I applaud Governor Polis of Colorado for expanding his state’s access to the new tax credit, a major win for families and school choice,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “Now it’s time for Governor Ferguson to do the same for Washington. Our students, families, and communities deserve the same access to flexible, high-quality education opportunities. Bob Ferguson needs to show that he is a protector of Washington students and not a puppet of Washington’s teachers union.” Effective January 1, 2027, this new federal tax credit will allow taxpayers to claim a refundable credit of up to $1,700 for individual filers who contribute to approved SGOs. These organizations provide scholarships to students attending public, private, and secondary schools, expanding access and flexibility for families to choose the educational environment that best fits their children. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, computers, special needs services, and other necessary educational expenses. Importantly, scholarships awarded through these SGOs will be tax-free income for recipients and their families — a direct investment in students and local schools. To enable Washington residents to take further advantage of this opportunity with state groups, Governor Ferguson must submit a list of qualified non-profits eligible to be SGOs to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury by January 1st. Several states are already taking action, including Colorado, whose Governor Jared Polis recently announced Colorado’s intention to participate. 1 2026-05-07T13:38:59Z 2026-05-07T13:40:28Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-introduces-legislation-expand-access-healthy-nutritious Congresswoman Schrier Introduces Legislation to Expand Access to Healthy, Nutritious Food for Washington Families 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), and Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) introduced the Expanding Access to (EAT) Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to improve Americans’ access to nutritious food by making commonsense updates to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). “As a doctor, particularly as a pediatrician, I understand the crucial role that proper nutrition plays in our development, health, and well-being, and, conversely, the relationship between poor nutrition and so many of the preventable diseases that plague us today,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “All Americans, regardless of their income, should have access to good nutrition, and my bill helps to work towards that reality by getting fresh produce from local farmers to local food banks.” Earlier this year, funding for the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance program, which allowed state and tribal governments to purchase and distribute regional foods, was cancelled. The EAT Healthy Foods Act provides a solution to the loss of this program by building a similar purchasing model into TEFAP. TEFAP is a federal program that provides low-income Americans with nutrition assistance in emergency situations. Through TEFAP, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchases food and makes it available to local agencies such as food banks, soup kitchens, and more. Unfortunately, TEFAP is currently centered on long-lasting, processed products rather than fresh, local food. These restrictions make access to more nutritious produce out of reach for many American families. The EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act will expand and improve TEFAP by providing organizations with better access to fresh food. Specifically, the bill will: Add a new project type under TEFAP’s Farm to Food Bank Project Grants to provide federal funding to states for the purchase of locally grown food from small/beginning/underserved agricultural producers or entities to be distributed… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-markey-senate-democrats-request-answers-from-sba-on-new-draconian-citizenship-verification-requirements-for-lending-programs-hurting-small-businesses-across-the-country/ Murray, Markey, Senate Democrats Request Answers from SBA on New Draconian Citizenship Verification Requirements for Lending Programs—Hurting Small Businesses Across the Country 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Recent Trump administration SBA policy changes have led to a 46% reduction in small business lending. A one-pager on how the Trump administration’s SBA policies are making it harder to start and run small businesses is HERE. ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Small Business & Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and 17 Democratic colleagues, in a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler to request answers about the Trump administration’s efforts to limit economic opportunity for American entrepreneurs, including immigrants, and to highlight the impact that the SBA’s draconian citizenship verification requirements are having on SBA lending programs. These new requirements, implemented by the Trump administration in June 2025, prevent loans from going to small businesses whose owners, investors, or key employees are foreign nationals; have deferred action, such as recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA); or have certain kinds of lawful noncitizen status, including refugees, asylees, visa holders, and conditional green card holders – even if the business is majority owned by U.S. citizens. SBA’s policy changes that include the citizenship verification requirements, increased minimum credit scores, and more stringent underwriting requirements have contributed to a drastic 46% drop in small business lending from June to August 2025. “These new requirements hurt any small business owned or operated even in small part by noncitizens, even when the business employs Americans and operates wholly in the United States. Small businesses use SBA loans to create jobs and invest in their operations. Unfortunately, the Trump administration is demonizing immigrant communities and picking winners and losers, rather than basing lending decisions on a small business’s ability to repay a loan,” the senators wrote. The lawmakers continue, “We have heard conc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-sanders-baldwin-demand-reversal-explanation-of-trump-admins-banned-word-list-that-threatens-families-access-to-head-start-programs-nationwide/ Murray, Sanders, Baldwin Demand Reversal, Explanation of Trump Admin’s “Banned Word” List That Threatens Families’ Access to Head Start Programs Nationwide 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling on him to immediately reverse and explain the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) guidance prohibiting the use of nearly 200 words associated with “DEI” in Head Start funding applications—including words like “women,” “disability,” “Tribal,” and “mental health.” The Department has threatened that funding could be denied for Head Start centers if these words are used—despite the fact that the bipartisan statute authorizing the Head Start program specifically requires Head Start centers to work to meet goals associated with these words. “We write to express our outrage at recent U.S. Health and Human Services actions to prohibit Head Start grantees from providing services that are clearly permitted under the law, like training teachers on how best to care for children with disabilities or enabling Tribes to serve their own members. As part of enforcing your illegal guidance banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Office of Head Start has now prohibited nearly 200 words and phrases,” write the Senators. “Your actions directly conflict with the statutory requirements established by Congress on a bipartisan basis under the Head Start Act to provide community-driven services and supportive classrooms for children with disabilities, and they force Head Start grantees to make an impossible and unacceptable choice between complying with the law or bending to the Administration’s unlawful DEI ban to keep their funding. The chaos you are creating is already jeopardizing services for nearly 700,000 young children across this country.” The Senators note that a Trump admini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-release-of-partisan-homeland-security-appropriations-bill/ Senator Murray Statement on Release of Partisan Homeland Security Appropriations Bill 2025-12-19 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper “Unfortunately, Senate Republicans have chosen to release a partisan bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security instead of working with Senate Democrats to finalize a negotiated bill. We need more accountability from President Trump’s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security, and as we proceed to conference negotiations on this bill and the remainder of our bills, I am going to keep working to produce the strongest possible legislation. American families should be able to count on their own government to support them through serious natural disasters and to enforce our immigration laws humanely and in accordance with the law.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/jayapal-fletcher-demand-answers-as-trump-cancels-immigration-applications-citizenship-ceremonies/ Jayapal, Fletcher Demand Answers as Trump Cancels Immigration Applications, Citizenship Ceremonies 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) are demanding answers after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced they would indefinitely pause the immigration process for nationals from the countries listed in Trump’s travel ban. “Without clarity on how long this broad pause will last, soon-to-be citizens will be left in limbo for perpetuity, and families will be forced to remain separated,” wrote the Members. “What is clear is that no amount of vetting, moral character, or commitment to this country and its democratic values is enough to satiate the Trump Administration.” Based solely on immigrants’ country of origin, Trump’s USCIS is both pausing and canceling green card interviews, applications, naturalization interviews, and even oath ceremonies for immigrants who have completed rigorous vetting and have secured citizenship. These are people who have followed every process and undergone extensive and repeated vetting to secure legal status. “These naturalization ceremonies are a time of celebration, as soon-to-be U.S. citizens welcome their friends and family to witness their achievement of becoming a U.S. citizen. To deny this monumental achievement to those who have waited years, if not decades, to pledge the Oath of Allegiance. Delaying their naturalization through no fault of their own is a slap in the face to all those who have devoted their time and energy to become U.S. citizens,” continued the Members. “This sweeping action is unjustified, discriminatory, and inconsistent with our nation’s founding principles.” The Members are demanding answers on a timeline for when the pause will be lifted, any new background and security checks that are being run in the meantime, and a full report to Congress. The full text of the letter can be found here. The letter was also signed by Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Pete Aguilar (CA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/monopoly-busters-caucus-blasts-trump-administration-for-ending-key-partnership-with-states-that-protects-competition-in-the-agriculture-industry-lowers-prices-for-consumers/ Monopoly Busters Caucus Blasts Trump Administration for Ending Key Partnership with States that Protects Competition in the Agriculture Industry, Lowers Prices for Consumers 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, DC -Today, The Monopoly Busters Caucus, led by Co-Chairs U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18), blasted the Trump Administration for ending a key U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) partnership with bipartisan state attorneys general (AGs) that bolstered competition and tackled anticompetitive market structures in food and agricultural markets that have driven up prices for working Americans. Through the Agricultural Competition Partnership (ACP), USDA previously provided $15 million in funding, support, and expertise to under-resourced state AG offices to help facilitate partnerships between federal and state law enforcement in order to achieve fairer, more competitive markets and more resilient supply chains. This included a focus on price gouging and addressing market structure problems, barriers to competition, and conflicts of interest. In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the caucus stressed the importance of the ACP in combatting market consolidation, which has decreased margins for family farmers, producers and small business owners, while increasing prices for consumers. The Members also demanded answers from Secretary Rollins about how USDA plans to promote competition in the food and agriculture industries and supply emergency price relief to American farmers, workers and consumers. “Ending the partnership with state AGs threatens competition and is contrary to President Trump’s stated goals of lowering food prices, helping struggling independent farmers, and promoting national security,” the Members wrote. “Consolidation in the food and agriculture markets is significant and remains a growing problem for farmers and consumers,” the Members continued. “In consolidated markets like food and agriculture, dominant firms are able to abuse their market power, cutting costs and underinvesting in workers, supply chains, and key food infrastructure; forcing consumers and small businesses to pay higher pric… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/monopoly-busters-caucus-chairs-call-for-an-investigation-into-instacarts-personalized-price-gouging/ Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs Call for an Investigation into Instacart’s Personalized Price Gouging 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Monopoly Busters Caucus Chairs, Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02), released the following statement calling for an investigation into Instacart’s reported use of AI-driven surveillance pricing to charge different customers different prices for the same items: “We are deeply alarmed by reports that Instacart is using AI to hike prices on unsuspecting customers based on their shopping habits. People shouldn’t be charged higher prices than their neighbors for the same milk or eggs because their grocery app is profiling them. This is personalized price gouging, plain and simple. “While hardworking Americans struggle to afford groceries, corporations like Instacart are inventing new ways to rip them off. Surveillance pricing is a blatant abuse of power by big tech — automating greed and making consumers pay the price. “Enough is enough. With Instacart processing hundreds of millions of orders yearly, these practices warrant urgent action. The FTC and state regulators must immediately investigate Instacart and hold it accountable for ripping off its customers. And we need to ban personalized price gouging to ensure that everyone pays a fair price.” Background Instacart’s pricing tactics are detailed in a new report from Groundwork Collaborative and Consumer Reports, “Same Cart, Different Price.” The report describes how Instacart uses AI-driven “price experiments” to maximize margins by charging different customers different prices for identical items at the same store. According to the report, Instacart deploys software from its subsidiary Eversight to identify the highest price an individual is willing to pay. This results in observed price swings as high as 23% and a potential “Instacart Tax” of $1,200 per year for a typical family. The investigation found that 74% of items tested were subject to these secret experiments. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/quigley-jayapal-mcbride-foushee-lead-legislation-to-endtrump-use-of-police-for-immigration-enforcement/ Quigley, Jayapal, McBride, Foushee Lead Legislation to EndTrump Use of Police for Immigration Enforcement 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Sarah McBride (DE-At Large), and Valerie Foushee (NC-04) re-introduced the Protecting the Rights of Towns against federal Enforcement contrary to Constitutional Tenets for (PROTECT) Immigration Act, legislation which would end the deputization of local and state police departments to enforce immigration law. The PROTECT Immigration Act would rescind the statutory authority for the federal government’s 287(g) Program, which allows the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration law. “The Trump administration just spent months terrorizing immigrants in the Chicagoland area. Their actions led to domestic violence victims fleeing a courthouse rather than receive restraining orders against their abusers, all out of fear that ICE or local law enforcement would detain and deport them,” said Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05). “I met with immigrants and their neighbors who are afraid to call for help or report crimes in their neighborhoods because of Trump’s deliberate erosion of trust between communities and local police. And now the Trump administration is running ads targeting local police and offering $50,000 signing bonuses to pull critical law enforcement away from day-to-day policing in order to arrest and detain hardworking immigrants with no criminal records. We must bring an end to the 287(g) program and cut off one of the avenues this administration has exploited to intimidate immigrant communities.” “Allowing local law enforcement to be deputized to kidnap and disappear immigrants undercuts the trust that local police rely on to maintain public safety in our communities,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “Immigrants and their U.S. citizen loved ones stop reporting crimes out of fear of being kidnapped and deported. Local police are spread thin enforcing federal civil immigration law. We know that Trump is not targ… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/18/ranking-member-jayapal-denounces-the-trump-administrations-shameful-denaturalization-quota/ Ranking Member Jayapal Denounces the Trump Administration’s Shameful Denaturalization Quota 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to new guidance that the Trump Administration will require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to “supply Office of Immigration Litigation with 100-200 denaturalization cases per month” to increase denaturalizations: “I am absolutely outraged by the Trump Administration’s plan to denaturalize American citizens by the hundreds every single month and use the immigration system to terrorize immigrants across this country, including US citizens. According to reports, between 2017 and today, there have been just over 120 denaturalization cases filed in total. These arbitrary numerical targets Trump has put out show that he is using the immigration system to go after anyone who disagrees with him, anyone who comes from countries he doesn’t like or decides to call ‘shithole’ countries, anyone he wants to terrorize into submission. Trump’s campaign of terror has never been about going after the ‘worst of the worst,’ and this latest move makes that crystal clear. “Every U.S. citizen should be outraged by this. If he can do this to ‘them,’ he can certainly do it to you. “As a proud naturalized citizen myself, one of only two dozen to serve in the United States Congress and now the top Democrat on the Immigration Subcommittee, I understand the deep meaning and privilege of becoming a US citizen. I came to this country when I was 16, alone, and with nothing in my pockets, and spent 17 years on an alphabet soup of visas before becoming a U.S. citizen. I treasure that moment to this day and take seriously my oath to this country — as so many millions of naturalized citizens do. The process is lengthy and meaningful, offering the security of knowing I am at home here, never to be separated from my U.S. citizen child and spouse or from the country where I’ve built my life and career. The idea that our own government would now seek … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4077 Larsen Celebrates Wins for Washington State in Coast Guard Authorization Act 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act: “The Coast Guard Authorization Act invests in Washington state’s Coasties and the communities they serve – from better equipping marine firefighters to preventing and responding to oil spills to extending the whale desk,” said Rep. Larsen. “I have proudly supported this bill to make sure the women and men who keep our seas safe have the resources they need to achieve mission success and protect Washingtonians. I am glad to see it move to the President’s desk and I urge him to sign it into law.” The CGAA includes key provisions to support Coasties in the Pacific Northwest and keep Washingtonians safe, including: Extension of the Cetacean Desk The CGAA provides a two-year extension of the pilot program that established the whale desk at Coast Guard Base Seattle. This program provides real-time whale location data for mariners to prevent ship strikes and noise disturbance while also protecting whale species. International Oil Spill Contingency Planning In response to the increased oil tanker traffic entering Canadian waters north of Puget Sound, the CGAA requires the Coast Guard to update and modernize oil spill response plans and agreements with Canada in the event of a cross-jurisdiction spill. Salvaging and Marine Firefighting (SMFF) In response to the tragic passing of a community member during the 2022 sinking of the Aleutian Isle off Sunset Point in Rep. Larsen’s district, the CGAA allows for verification of SMFF capacity in vessel response plans to ensure that ships are stocked with the necessary salvage and marine firefighting equipment. Seattle Property Negotiating The CGAA broadens the scope of cooperative agreements into which the U.S. Coast Guard can enter, including with Tribal organizations. This will allow the Coast Guard to better negotiate with Muckleshoot and Suquamish tribes over lan… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4078 Larsen and WA Democratic Members Demand Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Democratic members of Washington state’s congressional delegation sent aletter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575. In addition to Rep. Larsen, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), as well as U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09) and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), also signed the letter. “Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as ICE has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.” “It is well established at this point that this Administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/as-open-enrollment-ends-in-idaho-and-thousands-of-idahoans-cancel-coverage-murray-decries-republican-health-care-sabotage-idaho-is-the-canary-in-the-coal-mine/ As Open Enrollment Ends in Idaho and Thousands of Idahoans Cancel Coverage, Murray Decries Republican Health Care Sabotage: “Idaho is the Canary in the Coal Mine” 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Idaho Capital Sun: Thousands of Idahoans cancel health insurance plans on exchange ahead of subsidies ending Idaho Statesman: Obamacare subsidies are set to expire. Dems call Idaho ‘ground zero’ for crisis ICYMI: Days Before Open Enrollment Begins, Senator Murray Joins Idaho Leaders, Residents Who Rely on ACA Tax Credits to Call on Republicans to Come to the Table to Prevent Health Care Costs from Skyrocketing Idaho’s open enrollment data—first in the nation—shows twice as many people disenrolled from health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality plans Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement on new data from Idaho’s health insurance marketplace showing the very real consequences of Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and letting health care premiums skyrocket for families across the country. Idaho’s open enrollment period ended on Monday—the first in the nation to close, making it a key bellwether of how Republican health care sabotage is affecting families’ decisions around health care coverage for next year. Yesterday, Idaho’s exchange marketplace reported that twice as many people disenrolled in health insurance during this year’s open enrollment period, new enrollments fell by 24 percent, and more people shifted to lower-quality insurance plans, where the cost of care is higher. The Executive Director of Idaho’s insurance marketplace, Your Health Idaho, cited affordability as a key concern for Idahoans signing up for health care this year—and said they expect an additional 20,000 people to cancel their coverage in the coming months because they won’t be able to afford their monthly premiums. “Idaho is the canary in the coal mine on Republican health care sabotage. This week, we got our first look at the very… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-blumenthal-democrats-call-on-independent-watchdog-to-investigate-impact-of-republicans-health-care-cutting-agenda-on-veterans-their-families/ Murray, Blumenthal, Democrats Call on Independent Watchdog to Investigate Impact of Republicans’ Health Care-Cutting Agenda on Veterans & Their Families 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senators call on Government Accountability Office to examine impact on veterans from Republican health care cuts and skyrocketing health care premiums Letter comes after Republicans failed to join Democrat efforts to extend Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits that allow 267,000 veterans to afford health care ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY), and 25 of their colleagues in a letter calling on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how Republicans’ health care-cutting agenda will affect veterans and their families. This follows Senate Republicans’ failure to join Democrats in extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, which 267,000 veterans rely on to afford health care. Coupled with Republicans’ Medicaid and ACA cuts in their disastrous reconciliation bill, 15 million Americans are expected to lose health coverage and millions will face higher health care costs, including veterans and their families. “The 2025 budget reconciliation bill, Public Law 119-21, or the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (BBB), will reduce access to essential health care and supportive services for millions of Americans, including veterans and their families. Compounded with expiring enhanced premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, veterans are facing a life-threatening reduction in access to health care and other essential benefits. These reductions in access to private health insurance, Medicaid, and funding for community health services will result in more veterans relying more heavily on their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits,” the senators wrote. 1.6 million veterans and four million veteran family memb… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-urge-trump-administration-to-end-staffing-crisis-at-fish-and-wildlife-service-warn-of-harms-to-ecosystems-and-public-lands/ Murray,  Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to End Staffing Crisis at Fish and Wildlife Service, Warn of Harms to Ecosystems and Public Lands 2025-12-18 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, and 18 of their Senate colleagues in a letter urging the Trump administration to immediately address and reverse the staffing crisis at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), which has lost the capacity to properly manage most of America’s wildlife refuges — putting in jeopardy the ability to protect endangered wildlife species under the Service’s care. In their letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and FWS Director Brian Nesvik, the Senators highlight the direct impacts cuts in staffing are having on the 573 national wildlife refuges across the country — with almost 60 percent of them lacking the resources and staff needed to fulfill their missions. “Americans of all backgrounds love their public lands, and protecting wildlife refuges is a bipartisan cause that brings together environmentalists, sportsmen, and all who enjoy the outdoor recreation opportunities provided by America’s National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge System is the only federal network of public lands that is primarily dedicated to the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant species and their habitats,” the senators wrote. The senators also emphasized that operating with few or no employees has also hurt disaster resilience because FWS employees carry out projects to control flooding and prevent catastrophic wildfires. “This downward trend did not begin under the Trump administration. Yet the current administration has not only shown an unwillingness to address the problem—it has made the situation far worse. The President’s Fiscal Year 26 budget request slashed funding for FWS’s overall Resource Management account, which included a proposed 22 percent cut to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Moreover, the admini… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4236 DelBene, Moore Lead Inquiry into How IRS is Using AI 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Gwen Moore (WI-04), along with Members of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding the agency’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write code used to manage Americans’ taxpayer data. A recent study found that AI-generated source code is frequently inaccurate. Developers often spend as much or more time checking and rewriting the code that AI systems produced than if they were to write it themselves. The lawmakers are seeking answers about the IRS’s plan to rely on AI tools to interface with its decades-old Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL) systems, which continue to underpin the Individual Master File (IMF), the core repository for taxpayer information since the 1960s. These questions come at an especially critical time when the IRS has already lost 25% of its IT staff since early 2025, and the next tax filing season is just around the corner. “We hope this Administration shares our goal of ensuring any use of AI by the IRS is appropriately scrutinized, especially given the importance and significance of maintaining the integrity of the IMF and protecting taxpayer data from inappropriate access or exposure,” the lawmakers wrote. They expressed concerns about the risks of using AI, especially when dealing with systems that manage sensitive taxpayer information and which are also responsible for processing tax returns for hundreds of millions of Americans. In the letter, the lawmakers sought information on the agency’s current and future AI use with its legacy COBOL systems, efforts to address potential inaccuracies and limitations, and taxpayer data protections. Questions raised include: To what extent has the IRS already started deploying AI to interact with its legacy COBOL systems and what future deployments are planned? What processes are in place to review the conversions and AI source coding before, during, and after new AI-created code implementation to ensure it is accurate, including … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4237 DelBene, Whitehouse Introduce Carbon Border Adjustment to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Senate Environment and Public Works Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) reintroduced the Clean Competition Act, legislation to make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and cut planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions with a carbon border adjustment. On average, U.S. manufacturers are over 50 percent less carbon-intensive than manufacturers in the rest of the world. Chinese manufacturers are more than three times as carbon-intensive as American ones, and India’s are more than four times as carbon-intensive. The Clean Competition Act would create a U.S. carbon border adjustment linked to a new domestic industrial performance standard. Importing foreign producers or domestic manufacturers that exceeded the standard would be required to pay a charge for any emissions over the standard. The levy would begin at $60 per ton and increase by six percent above inflation per year. The bill would cover the imports and domestic manufacturing of energy-intensive industries, including fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen, adipic acid, cement, iron and steel, aluminum, glass, pulp and paper, and ethanol. In 2028, coverage would begin expanding to more complex downstream goods. The president would be able to negotiate carbon clubs to drive down global greenhouse gas emissions and expand markets for low-carbon industrial goods. In exchange, countries would be able to receive a reduction in foreign carbon intensity charges and first preference for the bill’s foreign assistance funding. “For too long, American industries producing goods in a less carbon-intensive way have been undercut by foreign competitors with dirtier production processes. Washington saw this firsthand with the closure of the Intalco aluminum smelter due to Chinese overproduction, resulting in the loss of over 700 good-paying union jobs. We can address the climate crisis while defending American industries with the Clean Competition Act,” said… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/jayapal-statement-on-newhouse-retirement/ Jayapal Statement on Newhouse Retirement 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement on the retirement of Dan Newhouse (WA-04): “It has been an honor to serve in the Washington State Delegation with Representative Newhouse, and I have greatly appreciated his leadership to provide a roadmap to citizenship for farmworkers and partnership on local issues, including designating MoPOP as the National Museum of Pop Culture. “I also thank him for the courage he exhibited as one of only ten House Republicans who stood up for our democracy and the rule of law in this country by voting to impeach Donald Trump after the January 6th attack. “He will be missed in Congress, and I wish him and his family the best in retirement.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/subcommittee-ranking-member-jayapals-opening-statement-at-hearing-on-trumps-assault-on-legal-immigration/ Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump’s Assault on Legal Immigration 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, delivered opening remarks at a hearing on President Donald Trump’s assault on the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Below are Ranking Member Jayapal’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today’s hearing. WATCH Subcommittee Ranking Member Jayapal’s opening statement. Ranking Member Pramila Jayapal Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Hearing on “The Impacts of Temporary Protected Status” December 17, 2025 Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing on an issue that goes to the core of who we are as a country: Temporary Protected Status (or TPS). This program, established by Congress in 1990, provides people who are already in the United States a safe haven when their home countries are devastated by armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS is built on the simple idea that we as a country should not force people back to deadly and life-threatening conditions. This principle has guided both Republican and Democratic administrations for decades. But today, the Trump Administration is dismantling this long-standing commitment. They are ending TPS for countries where conditions are still extraordinarily dangerous. Countries like Haiti, Venezuela, and South Sudan, all of which the Department of State currently lists under “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisories, because of the dangerous and unstable conditions there. Let’s be honest about what this means. When TPS is terminated for these countries, we are forcing people to return to real and imminent harm. The actions by Secretary Noem will lead to people’s deaths. That goes against everything this country is supposed to stand for as well as our own laws. I’m sad to see us go down this path. But I can’t say I’m surprised. This is all part of this administration’s mass deportation agenda, which is wreaking havoc on this country. Heavily armed, masked men are … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/17/wa-democratic-members-demand-answers-from-ice-on-deteriorating-conditions-and-inadequate-food-medical-care-and-access-to-legal-counsel-at-nwipc/ WA Democratic Members Demand Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575. The letter was sent to ICE by: Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10). “Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.” “It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-he-will-not-seek-reelection Newhouse Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement announcing he will not run for reelection in 2026. "I am announcing today that I will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. Serving the Fourth District of Washington has been the honor of my life, and this decision comes with no reservations or remorse, only gratitude for the tremendous opportunity to have represented my home state in Congress. After over 25 years of public service, including more than a decade in the House, I am grateful to the Washingtonians who put their faith in me, as well as the colleagues I have served with on both sides of the aisle. Public service takes many forms. As I look forward to this new chapter and ways I can continue to serve my community and this great Nation, I do so with confidence that there are now qualified and serious people expressing interest in this office. Central Washington will have a strong, capable leader to whom I can pass the torch. I thank my family for their steadfast love and support which allowed me this opportunity to serve. I am truly humbled by this uniquely American journey that took a farm boy from Sunnyside, Washington clear across the country to represent his friends and neighbors in the ‘other’ Washington. I will continue to serve my district with energy and enthusiasm until the end of my term. God bless America and God bless the people of the Fourth District of Washington." ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-joins-wa-democratic-members-demanding-answers-ice-deteriorating Randall Joins WA Democratic Members in Demanding Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Full letter available HERE WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and members of the Washington state democratic congressional delegation in sending a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington. In the letter, the members demand answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575. “Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is remotely acceptable—you and the entire Trump administration have a basic moral and legal obligation to the people who have been detained and are under your care.” “It is well established at this point that this administration is not prioritizing detaining violent criminals, but instead is detaining mostly peaceful, law-abiding immigrants with no criminal record who work hard and contribute to our communities,” the lawmakers continued. “With this in mind, we urge ICE to release noncitizens who do not pose a threat to public safety and to ensure necessary staff levels at NWIPC to protect the safety and basic dignity of the people in its custody.” Rep. Randall joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Reps. Su… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-leads-wa-democratic-members-in-demanding-answers-from-ice-on-deteriorating-conditions-and-inadequate-food-medical-care-and-access-to-legal-counsel-at-nwipc/ Murray Leads WA Democratic Members in Demanding Answers from ICE on Deteriorating Conditions and Inadequate Food, Medical Care, and Access to Legal Counsel at NWIPC 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray, lawmakers: “We urge you to promptly review these concerns and take immediate steps to improve conditions and practices at NWIPC… Violations of the law or any abuse of human rights will not go unnoticed or unchallenged.” ICYMI: Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care KUOW: Inside the black box of ICE detention in Tacoma, she watched her wedding day come and go ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Members of the Washington state Congressional delegation in a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, expressing grave concerns with conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC) in Tacoma, Washington and demanding answers to a long list of questions regarding overcrowding and lack of access to medical services, food, and legal counsel for individuals detained at the facility. The population at NWIPC has ballooned over the past year under the Trump administration’s indiscriminate and cruel mass deportation campaign, nearing—and at times exceeding—the facility’s maximum capacity of 1,575. Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter to ICE were: Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10). “Our offices have received reports from local service providers and advocates that conditions and access to services at NWIPC have deteriorated in the last year as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has chosen to detain more individuals at the facility,” the Members wrote in their letter. “In June, detained individuals were reportedly transferred to Alaska—far away from their families and legal representatives—because NWIPC reached capacity. None of this is… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-on-opposing-final-fiscal-year-2026-ndaa/ Senator Murray Statement on Opposing Final Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA 2025-12-17 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI: Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, voted against final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA), and issued the following statement: “I will always fight to support our troops and make sure our country has their back—as the daughter of a World War II veteran, that is a responsibility I have always taken seriously and always will. “However, this bill does not do enough to curb a lawless administration at a moment when President Trump is threatening to turn the military on American citizens, and drag us into a war with Venezuela. While the NDAA takes some steps toward oversight into this administration’s actions in the Caribbean, full video of the lethal second strike that is currently being withheld needs to be made available to all senators—and this is just one in a very long list of things this administration needs to answer for. The politicization and weaponization of our military under this administration should alarm and frighten us all. Our Secretary of Defense is a national embarrassment who denigrates women in the military and put servicemembers’ lives in jeopardy by sharing sensitive war plans in a group chat—Secretary Hegseth is dangerously incompetent and must be fired. “Furthermore, it is shameful that Speaker Johnson stripped the provision I worked on with Senator Duckworth to help our servicemembers access IVF. Servicemembers face higher rates of infertility and we should be doing everything we can to help them build their families—it’s outrageous that Republicans are denying servicemembers that opportunity. Republicans also cut a very straightforward provision I worked on—that was included in the Senate bill—to expand menopause research at VA and DOD. Menopause is one of the most important yet under-researched areas of women’s … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/16/jayapal-massie-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-repeal-2001-aumf-end-forever-wars/ Jayapal, Massie Lead Bipartisan Effort to Repeal 2001 AUMF, End Forever Wars 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Thomas Massie (KY-04) are leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers to fully repeal the 2001 Authorized Use of Military Force (AUMF). Notably, the 2001 AUMF is the only AUMF in American history that does not have a named enemy, geographic scope, a duration for which the authorization is active, or a list of specifically authorized operations. “The United States has used the nebulous term ‘War on Terror’ to conduct military operations around the world for more than two decades. It is long overdue that we overhaul these broad authorities that enable the Executive Branch to conduct these operations with little to no oversight,” said Jayapal. “The American people do not want these forever wars. As the Trump Administration threatens military force in Nigeria and as they conduct strikes against alleged narcoterrorists, Congress must reassert our constitutional power to declare war to protect our servicemembers and our national security.” “For almost a quarter of a century, this AUMF has been used to justify open-ended military operations across multiple countries, against groups and individuals that did not even exist in 2001 and were not connected to 9/11, without congressional authorization or oversight,” said Rep. Massie, “Too many American lives and too much American treasure has been expended on these endless foreign conflicts.” In the decades since the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, the original action authorized by this AUMF, numerous presidential administrations have used it as justification for actions against more than half a dozen groups around the world, including “associated forces” and “successor entities” of al-Qaeda, even in instances where there are negligible or no ties to the actors that carried out the September 11th attacks. While the ability to engage in counterterror operations is vital to U.S. national security interests, this AUMF is overly broad and abdicates Congress’ constitutional role to authorize hostilit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4076 Larsen Announces Commitment from USPS to Keep Glacier Post Office Open 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) assured his office that it would work to secure a new contract for local postal services and keep the Glacier Post Office open: “After Glacier residents raised concerns that their post office could close and disrupt mail services, I pressed USPS for assurances to keep this critical post office open. I am glad that the Postal Service committed to keeping the Glacier Post Office open and working to finalize a new contract to continue local postal services. “I will continue to work with local leaders to ensure that USPS follows through on this commitment so the approximately 300 people who call Glacier home can receive their medications, ballots, paychecks, bills and other necessities.” On November 18, 2025, Rep. Larsen wrote to Postmaster General David Steiner on behalf of Glacier residents, requesting clarity about Glacier Post Office operations and assurances the Post Office would remain open. The full text of Rep. Larsen's November letter available here. On December 5, 2025, USPS responded to Rep. Larsen and committed to working to keep the Glacier Post Office open. The full text of that response is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/in-senate-floor-speech-senator-murray-commends-rescue-efforts-and-response-to-devastating-flooding-across-wa-vows-to-continue-fighting-for-support-needed-to-rebuild-recover/ In Senate Floor Speech, Senator Murray Commends Rescue Efforts and Response to Devastating Flooding Across WA, Vows to Continue Fighting for Support Needed to Rebuild & Recover 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “Here’s my message to everyone back in Washington state who is dealing with the aftermath of these devastating floods: I know you have a long road ahead. But I promise you will not walk that road alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll be your voice here in Washington D.C. And I will fight tooth and nail to make sure you get the support you need to build and to recover.” TRI-CITY HERALD: ‘Just what we do.’ Tri-Cities neighbors come together in Yakima River flood ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, took to the Senate floor to deliver remarks on the historic flooding and extreme weather that has wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state over the past week, and to praise the heroic efforts of first responders, members of the Coast Guard and National Guard, local officials, meteorologists, and everyday citizens who have stepped up to respond to the flooding and help people on the frontlines. “Earlier this morning, we saw the first reported death connected to the flooding—a tragic and sobering reminder of what is at stake,” Senator Murray said on the Senate floor today. “And as response and recovery efforts continue across my state, I want to take a moment to recognize the valiant effort of first responders, and teams at all levels coming together to get lifesaving information out to our communities so people can prepare and evacuate, and to go in and rescue people whenever and wherever needed.” “This flooding showed, plain as day, how the decisions we make here in D.C. really matter for families back home,” Murray continued. “Twenty years ago, I fought for funding so the City of Mount Vernon could secure a flood wall. This week, that wall paid off big time—preventing major flooding from devastating downtown Mount Vernon. We also saw how other flood prevention infrastructure made a huge difference protecting communities all around my state. That’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-colleagues-demand-answers-from-ice-on-racial-profiling-of-tribal-members-refusal-to-accept-tribal-ids-2/ Murray, Colleagues Demand Answers from ICE on Racial Profiling of Tribal Members, Refusal to Accept Tribal IDs 2025-12-16 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES: Indigenous actor Elaine Miles says ICE called her tribal ID ‘fake’ Senators: “The disrespect and harassment of U.S.-born Tribal citizens by ICE is outrageous and inexcusable, and we request that you take immediate steps to put an end to it.” ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led 11 of her Senate colleagues in a new letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem demanding answers regarding the outrageous mistreatment of Tribal citizens by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a number of recent incidents, including in Washington state. In their letter, the lawmakers called out reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance, and urged Secretary Noem to develop policy and trainings to ensure that all ICE agents are trained to recognize Tribal IDs, regardless of whether they are working on Tribal lands. Joining Senator Murray in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). “We write to share our alarm over the completely unacceptable treatment of U.S.-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes, who have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented,” the senators wrote. “In February, several Senators wrote to you following reports of ICE agents improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens. In June, you replied with a letter in which you failed to respond to the majority of the questions raised in the letter. Over the past month, we have heard additional alarming reports of ICE improperly stopping or detaining Tribal citizens for no apparent reason aside from their physical appearance. The disre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/congressman-adam-smith-condemns-bondi-beach-antisemitic-attack-and-brown Congressman Adam Smith Condemns Bondi Beach Antisemitic Attack and Brown University Shooting 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today condemned two deadly shootings that occurred over the weekend, including the antisemitic terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, and the shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. “Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the communities affected by the tragic deadly shootings over the weekend. The antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach was a deliberate act of hatred against Jewish families celebrating their faith, and it is a painful reminder that antisemitism remains a real and dangerous threat around the world. At the same time, the shooting at Brown University once again underscores the devastating toll of gun violence on our communities. No one should fear for their safety while celebrating a holiday or attending school. We must stand united against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hatred, and continue working with urgency to protect our communities and prevent this kind of violence from happening again.” 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schriers-bipartisan-bill-improve-quality-and-nutrition-school Congresswoman Schrier’s Bipartisan Bill To Improve the Quality and Nutrition of School Lunches Heads To the President’s Desk To Be Signed Into Law 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass Congresswoman Kim Schrier’s, M.D. (WA-08), bipartisan legislation to improve the quality and nutrition of school lunches by allowing public schools to serve reduced-fat and whole milk. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was unanimously passed by the Senate last month and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “As a pediatrician, I know how important a balanced and nutritious diet is for children’s health and development, and I’m thrilled that my bipartisan bill has passed the House and is heading to the president's desk,” said Congresswoman Schrier, M.D. “Ensuring that our children have access to a healthy diet is fundamental to their physical growth, academic performance, and overall well-being, and can set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Milk is a significant part of many children’s diets and contains essential nutrients that keep them full and healthy. This bill will improve children's nutrition by allowing schools to provide the types of milk most kids prefer to drink, and I’m eager to see this legislation signed into law.” “I have worked for a decade to restore whole milk to our school cafeterias, which have been limiting healthy choices for students, but that changes today,” said Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Whole milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, and students should have the option to choose the milk they love. I am proud that my bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed the House today and now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature.” Whole milk has been prohibited in school lunches for over a decade due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That bill changed nutrition standards and mandated that flavored milk be fat-free and traditional milk be, at most, 1% fat. Congresswoman Schrier’s bill would amend the nutrition standards and allow schools to serve flavored and un… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/15/strickland-military-life-insurance-bill-becomes-law/ Strickland Military Life Insurance Bill Becomes Law 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Marilyn Strickland S001159 strickland.house.gov strickland https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/ scraper Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10), Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families Act of 2025, became law. The legislation ensures life insurance packages for servicemembers and veterans will account for changes in the economy. The Senate version of the bill was led by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “Our servicemembers put their lives on the line for their country and we must protect the well-being of their families in the event of a tragedy,” said Strickland. “This new law makes it clear that our nation will always stand by our military families.” “We need to make sure service members, veterans, and their families have the financial support they need and deserve,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his unwavering support of our brave men and women in uniform and for signing this bill into law, which will help ensure the Veterans Affairs Department can offer competitive life insurance packages that keep pace with the current cost of living.” The bill improves the financial safety net for veterans, servicemembers, and their families by helping to ensure coverage amounts for the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and the Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) account for changes in economic trends. Originally introduced in 2023 by Strickland, Fairness for Servicemembers and Their Families passed the House in the 118th Congress. Strickland reintroduced the legislation during the 119th Congress with Keith Self (TX-03) and U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Angus King (I-ME). The bill then passed the Senate, before being signed into law by the President on Friday, December 12, 2025. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. ### 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-wyden-gillibrand-lead-democrats-in-new-bill-to-halt-trump-administrations-looming-medicare-ai-prior-authorization-takeover-democrats-fight-to-save-medicare/ Murray, Wyden, Gillibrand Lead Democrats in New Bill to Halt Trump Administration’s Looming Medicare AI Prior Authorization Takeover—Democrats Fight to Save Medicare 2025-12-15 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington state is one of six states selected by the Trump administration to take part in untested new program adding new red tape to Traditional Medicare by allowing AI to approve or deny medical procedures for seniors As Republicans double down on health care sabotage, Senators lead effort to protect Medicare benefits from an AI experiment Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, led their colleagues in introducing the Seniors Deserve SMARTER (Streamlined Medical Approvals for Timely, Efficient Recovery) Care Act, legislation that would prohibit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model that is set to begin January 1, 2026 and last for six years. The Trump administration’s WISeR model will introduce prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever—allowing private companies to use artificial intelligence (AI) to decide whether to approve or deny certain medical procedures for patients on Traditional Medicare. The model will impose new burdensome requirements on health care providers, especially those working in small or low-resource settings, and create new roadblocks for patients—meaning that AI will get to decide what care patients receive, even after their doctors have recommended a particular procedure or medication. Most concerningly, the third-party AI companies involved in the program will be compensated based on a share of “averted expenditures”—rewarding companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare. According to CMS, human clinicians will review any denials made by AI—but the Trump administration has failed to pr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4074 Larsen Releases Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting 2025-12-14 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on the shooting in Bondi Beach, Australia targeting a Hanukkah celebration: "I am devastated for the people killed and injured in Bondi Beach and their loved ones. I stand with the Jewish community in Australia, the U.S. and around the world. Anti-semitism is a scourge that must end." ### Larsen Calls on Trump to Prioritize Opening Japanese Market Access to U.S. Potato Industry March 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Larsen Rejects Trump’s Reckless War; Supports U.S. Military March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Larsen Reintroduces Bill to End Dark Money in Elections March 5, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Larsen Joins Leader Jeffries in Statement on Iran Strikes February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Larsen Releases Statement on Tumbler Ridge Shooting February 11, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/13/jayapal-joins-peoples-town-hall-in-republican-pa-district/ Jayapal Joins People’s Town Hall in Republican PA District 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SCRANTON, P.A. – Community members from across Northeastern Pennsylvania gathered in downtown Scranton on Saturday for the third stop of the Progress for the People town hall tour. The town hall featured Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (PA-04), and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02),, who joined local leaders, union members, and residents to expose how the Republican budget law is impacting Pennsylvania families, respond directly to constituents’ questions, and outline a people-centered vision for change. The event was organized by the Progressive Caucus Action Fund, Action Together NEPA, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania, Pennsylvanians Together in Action, Pennsylvania Policy Center, Make the Road Action PA, Rural Organizing, Main Street Action, Affordable Pennsylvania, United Steelworkers, For Our Future PA Action Fund, and Working Families Power. Highlighting the importance of showing up – especially when Republicans refuse to do so, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) said, “I was so proud to join my colleagues today in Scranton, PA to talk to people about the issues that they are dealing with every single day. The American people are hurting under Trump and Republicans – from rising costs on everything from health care to electric bills, to immigration attacks on our neighbors and loved ones. Democrats are showing up in every corner of this country and if Republicans refuse to come out and hear from their constituents, we will.” Reflecting on what he heard directly from Scranton residents, Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-02) said, “Today was proof positive that families in Scranton, throughout Pennsylvania, and across the country, are sick and tired of being told their struggles are not real and that the cost of living crisis is somehow a con. The real con was Donald Trump promising to lower prices on day one. Trump’s tax bill gave big tax breaks to billionaires and was paid for by the largest cuts to health care in American history. It’s a di… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-leads-entire-wa-delegation-in-requesting-expedited-emergency-declaration-for-devastating-storms-atmospheric-rivers-hitting-washington-state-2/ Senator Murray Leads Entire WA Delegation in Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES LIVE UPDATES: Skagit County officials ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for entire Skagit River valley 100-year floodplain; 100,000 people expected to be evacuated statewide SEATTLE TIMES: 4 WA rivers might break major flooding records from atmospheric river ***LETTER HERE*** Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, led Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week. The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” Murray and the other members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-meets-with-snohomish-county-first-responders-tours-recent-flooding-visits-skagit-county-flood-wall-affirms-she-will-fight-to-deliver-federal-resources-to-support-recovery/ Senator Murray Meets with Snohomish County First Responders, Tours Recent Flooding; Visits Skagit County Flood Wall, Affirms She Will Fight to Deliver Federal Resources to Support Recovery 2025-12-13 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “We have a long road ahead to ensure our communities can recover and rebuild—rest assured I will fight tooth and nail to make certain that Washington state gets the federal resources it needs.” ***VIDEO OF THE MEDIA AVAILABILITY IN MOUNT VERNON AVAILABLE HERE*** Mount Vernon, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Snohomish and Skagit Counties to hear about ongoing response efforts and witness firsthand the current state of local communities that have been hit hard by major flooding and extreme weather. In Snohomish County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Bob Ferguson, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (D-WA-08), Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and other local elected officials. At this stop, the Senator heard from local first responders and emergency management officials and also toured affected areas around the city of Monroe including Tualco Valley and Ben Howard Road. In Skagit County, Senator Murray was joined by Governor Ferguson and Senator Cantwell. She met with Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan to discuss the ongoing response efforts in the region and to see firsthand how the Skagit County Flood Wall protected downtown Mount Vernon during the historic flooding—Murray secured the federal funds to help build the flood wall back in 2006. Senator Murray also heard from National Weather Service (NWS) staff about the forecast for next week where they underscored that further precipitation is expected and that flood waters could continue to rise in certain areas even as they recede in others. “Communities across our state have been hit hard by this flooding and we aren’t out of the woods yet—I continue to urge everyone to stay alert and listen closely to local officials for urgent updates to keep themselves and first responders safe,” said Senator Murray. “These past few days have been difficult, and there are a lot more tough days ahead—but I am reall… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/12/jayapal-statement-on-release-of-kilmar-abrego-garcia/ Jayapal Statement on Release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Security, Integrity, and Enforcement, released a statement following the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody: “This is a huge step towards justice in the case of Mr. Abrego Garcia, someone who should have never been detained in the first place. He has endured a months-long smear campaign against him by this administration after being kidnapped in front of his young child in March and wrongfully deported. He deserves to be home with his family, not in an ICE facility. “Between being unlawfully sent to one of the world’s most notorious gulags in El Salvador, where he was tortured, to returning home, just to face threats of being shipped to another country, and eventually ending up in ICE custody, our government has failed Mr. Abrego Garcia and his family. We are grateful to the federal judges who have refused to give up on due process, and the constitutional protections Mr. Abrego Garcia deserves. “It should never have come to this, but I am so thrilled that he will finally be able to return home and be with his loved ones. And we will continue to fight for justice for him and for the thousands of immigrants detained in this country.” Kilmar Abrego Garcia was kidnapped on March 15, 2025, and was deported through an “administrative error,” as admitted originally by the Trump administration. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-joins-wa-delegation-letter-requesting-expedited-emergency-declaration Randall Joins WA Delegation in Letter Requesting Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. House Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) , joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and the entire Washington state Congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week. The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.” Rep. Randall (D, WA-0… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-wittman-pass-bipartisan-anchor-military-families-act-house-ndaa Randall, Wittman Pass Bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act in House NDAA 2025-12-12 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 by a vote of 312-112. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06) and Rob Wittman (R, VA-01) was included in the final NDAA package. “We have a responsibility to support our military families through every phase of their service, including relocation. In the Washington State Senate, I championed policies that helped servicemembers connect with essential resources. The bipartisan ANCHOR for Military Families Act builds on that model, offering vital relocation support to states across the country to ensure military families have timely access to the tools they need for a smooth transition. I am grateful to Rep. Wittman for being a partner in this effort.” “Our military families deserve the best, and the ANCHOR Act will help ease many of the burdens that come with frequent relocation,” said Rep. Wittman. “The ANCHOR Act ensures that military families have access to key information regarding relocation resources, educational rights, school enrollment support, housing assistance, and more — making those transitions easier. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to support our nation’s military families.” The Assuring Navigation of Compact Help for Ongoing Relocation (ANCHOR) for Military Families Act will ensure military families are informed of their educational rights, school enrollment support, and other key relocation resources—such as housing assistance, spouse employment support, and services through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)—under the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. The ANCHOR for Military Families Act would: Require DoD to provide timely and accessible relocation information to service members and their families at least 45 days prior to a PCS move; Add MIC3-related education support to statutorily required relocatio… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4234 WA Delegation Urges Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Flooding Hitting State 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), along with Senators Patty Murray (WA), Maria Cantwell (WA), and Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Emily Randall (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) urged President Donald Trump to approve an expedited Emergency Declaration request for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington this week. The latest National Weather Service outlook forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025, request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote in a letter. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the comin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/jayapal-helps-secure-4-4-million-for-recycling-program-for-the-city-of-shoreline/ Jayapal Helps Secure $4.4 Million for Recycling Program for the City of Shoreline 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is announcing $4,448,848 in grant funding for the City of Shoreline’s establishment of the Shoreline Reuse Center, through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIR) program. “This funding will help the City of Shoreline to move towards zero waste, while creating a space for community programming and sustainability education. It is not only a space to ensure greater recycling in our community, but also to promote a culture of reuse and less waste,” said Jayapal. “I am proud to have supported this project, which is another step toward strengthening our region’s climate resilience for years to come.” “We are honored that Shoreline’s proposal was selected in such a competitive national grant process. The Shoreline Reuse Center will empower our community to reduce waste, extend the life of everyday goods, and build on our culture of reuse and repair,” said Shoreline Mayor Chris Roberts. “We’re proud to be leading the way in creating innovative solutions that benefit both our environment and our residents. We are grateful for Representative Jayapal’s help in making this grant a reality for Shoreline.” The Shoreline Reuse Center will serve as a central hub for collecting, repurposing, and recycling waste from local businesses and residents. The project will also include building facilities for storing and selling salvaged materials, expanding the existing community tool library and bike shop, and providing space for local reuse and repair organizations. These organizations will also be able to offer additional services and educational programs aimed at promoting waste reduction and sustainability. The location will also feature a community bike and repair shop. Shoreline’s Reuse Center is a significant investment that will enhance the region’s climate resilience. The Reuse Center will divert over 700 tons of municipal waste and construction materials. It will also advance Shoreline’s Climate Action Plan t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/jayapal-norcross-omar-introduce-legislation-to-protect-app-based-workers/ Jayapal, Norcross, Omar Introduce Legislation to Protect App-Based Workers 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), and Ilhan Omar (MN-05) are introducing legislation to promote transparency and accountability for app-based workers. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act would put guardrails on digital labor platforms, including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Amazon, to ensure that automated decisions do not lead to discrimination and price-gouging, and provide transparency to workers on how their data is used. “App-based workers work long hours, often with no consistency or predictability of how much they will make,” said Jayapal. “They are at the whim of algorithms that make automated decisions about who gets to work, and where, and when. Workers and consumers deserve a better system, where workers are protected, employment laws are followed, and where consumers have a transparent price.” “The Empowering App-Based Workers Act is a long-overdue step toward fairness and transparency for the millions of rideshare drivers and delivery app workers who keep our economy running,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “By guaranteeing transparent payment information and higher wages, these workers will finally receive a fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work. App-based workers deserve a good-paying job where they are treated with dignity, compensated fairly, and protected from exploitation.” “Gig workers like Uber and Lyft drivers in my home state of Minnesota deserve a fair share of the wealth they create. App-based corporations have hidden behind AI algorithms and predatory take rates while drivers’ pay shrinks and executive profits soar,” said Rep. Omar. “The Empowering App-Based Workers Act will pull back the curtain on how these companies use data, set wages, and make decisions that shape people’s livelihoods. Gig workers should be part of a transparent system that values their labor.” In 2024, Uber and Lyft both regularly paid drivers wages less than minimum wage, while at the same time increasing costs paid by consumers. These corporations’ ‘take… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/11/wa-delegation-requests-expedited-emergency-declaration-for-devastating-storms-atmospheric-rivers-hitting-washington-state/ WA Delegation Requests Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting Washington State 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, the entire Washington state Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week. The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the members of the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.” The letter to President Trump was joined by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4072 Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Emily Randall (WA-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) called on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County. The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions. “While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss. BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026: 1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release? 2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil? 3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted. 4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure? 5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State. 6. What corrective measures will BP North America and the Olympic … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4073 WA Delegation Requests Expedited Emergency Declaration for Devastating Storms, Atmospheric Rivers Hitting WA 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Washington state’s entire Congressional delegation sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson’s request last night for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state this week. The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts “catastrophic” river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, and “considerable flooding” in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia. State authorities have ordered “GO NOW” evacuations for the entire 100-year floodplain of the Skagit River valley. On Wednesday, Governor Ferguson said an estimated 100,000 Washingtonians could face evacuation orders, and declared a statewide emergency alongside his request for a federal Emergency Declaration. An Emergency Declaration would supplement state, local, and Tribal responders and allow the federal government to assist with debris removal and emergency protective measures. “We write in support of Washington state’s December 10, 2025 request for an expedited Emergency Declaration due to the devastating extreme rainfall, high winds, heavy snowfall, ice accumulation, and major coastal, river, and localized flooding caused by an extreme atmospheric river and winter weather event that struck the state beginning on December 2, 2025. We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible,” the delegation wrote. “This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts.” The letter was signed by U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-wa-delegation-request-emergency-declaration-amid-severe-storms Newhouse, WA Delegation Request Emergency Declaration Amid Severe Storms and Flooding 2025-12-11 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined his colleagues from the Washington State Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging approval of the State of Washington's request for an expedited Emergency Declaration amid dangerous storms and flooding across the state. "This storm is threatening lives, property, and livestock in every corner of Washington. The storm has had severe and widespread impacts on our transportation system, with major highways closed due to mudslides and communities cut off by rising water. The National Weather Service forecasts that more than a dozen Washington rivers will see major flooding in the coming days, leading to further and worsening impacts," the Delegation wrote. "We urge you to approve this request for assistance as quickly as possible." The latest flood hazard outlook from the National Weather Service forecasts "catastrophic" river flooding in parts of Northwest Washington, "considerable flooding" in a wide stretch of land from Bellingham to south of Olympia, and "moderate" flooding along the Yakima River in Yakima and Benton Counties. On Wednesday, December 10, Rep. Newhouse received an update from the National Weather Service and the Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District. The Congressman and his district staff remain engaged with stakeholders, constituents, and the Trump Administration on the ongoing flooding. Read the full letter here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-final-passage-fy26-ndaa Baumgartner Issues Statement on Final Passage of FY26 NDAA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Michael Baumgartner B001322 baumgartner.house.gov baumgartner https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “The passage of the NDAA is first and foremost about keeping faith with the men and women who wear the uniform and the families who stand behind them,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It gives our troops in Eastern Washington a much-needed pay raise, safer barracks to sleep in, better homes for their families, and stronger hospitals and clinics when they need care. It also takes on the drugs flowing into our communities, stands shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the globe, and makes sure they can count on America when it matters most. Supporting this bill was an easy choice, because it honors the sacrifice of those who serve, keeps them safer on and off the battlefield, and reflects the values we share as a nation.” The passage of the FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion for the following national defense priorities including but not limited to: Improves the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and increased benefits for military families; Authorizes $1 billion to fight drug trafficking; Authorizes over $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing; Authorizes over $335 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities; Streamlines and improves the international arms sales process to ensure that the United States remains the partner of choice for our allies; Advances the President’s “Peace Through Strength” initiative by authorizing $400 million for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and by fully funding the U.S. commitment to defend Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs; and Authorizes funds to construct the Golden Dome Background: The NDAA passed the House on September 10, 2025, and the Senate passed their version on October 10, 2025. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees reached bipartisan, bicameral agreeme… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4231 Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Emily Randall (WA-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) called on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County. The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions. “While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss. BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026: 1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release? 2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil? 3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted. 4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure? 5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State. 6. What corrective measures will BP North America and the Olympic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4232 Trump’s Tariffs Cause Decline in Canadian Tourism and Commerce, Hurting WA Businesses 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, the Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a new report showing how declining Canadian tourism is harming American businesses in Washington. The decline in tourism comes as President Trump has proposed annexing Canada, imposed several rounds of tariffs on Canadian goods paid for by Americans, and repeatedly broken off trade talks. The report combines new data on tourism declines with new testimonials from businesses in Washington. “Washington’s economy is particularly vulnerable to Trump’s trade war. 4-in-10 of our jobs are tied to trade, and our supply chains are deeply linked with Canada,” said DelBene. “This economic uncertainty, along with demeaning comments made about one of our closest trading partners, has led to a drastic reduction in the number of Canadian tourists visiting Washington, and businesses across our state are feeling the downturn.” From January to October 2025, the report found that the number of passenger vehicles crossing the Washington-Canada border declined by more than 24 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Washingtonian businesses are also reporting fewer tourists, more hotel vacancies, and lower sales. “Since March of this year, we have not only seen Canadian traffic drop drastically, but we have also seen a drop in our number of attendees at our festival this year in late September,” said Kevin Coleman, Executive Director of SeaFeast in Bellingham. “We knew that after March, we could not rely on our Canadian business because of fear at the border and lack of understanding of what is happening with tariffs and Canada drawing a strong line of promoting Canada first.” “I didn’t want to just suddenly close on our customers without giving them a heads-up … We are really reliant on the Canadian traffic to come down here,” said Sasha Lysikov, owner of Minted Method in Bellingham. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/10/jayapal-statement-on-vote-against-massive-pentagon-budget/ Jayapal Statement on Vote Against Massive Pentagon Budget 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement after voting against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “As families across this country struggle to keep food on the table and are facing health care premiums that will be doubling or even tripling in the coming days, Republicans are showing clearly where their priorities lie. Today, the Republican NDAA handed more than $890 billion to the Pentagon, more than $8 billion over Trump’s original exorbitant funding request. “A fraction of this money would be enough to extend health care subsidies for a decade, restore Medicaid funding for 17 million Americans, end homelessness, pay for universal pre-k, or fund anti-poverty programs like the enhanced Child Tax Credit — things that would actually ease the cost-of-living crisis that Americans are facing. “The Pentagon has never successfully passed an audit, yet we continue to pump more into this unaccountable agency. This is as Trump has deployed National Guard members to our cities, wasting millions of dollars, politicizing our servicemembers, and militarizing our communities. “I do support the repeal of the 1991 and 2002 Authorized Uses of Military Force (AUMF) legislation in this bill that will help put an end to forever wars. However, I cannot support legislation that pumps $890 billion into the Pentagon while leaving the American people behind on health care, education, and infrastructure. I voted no.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4070 Larsen, Elfreth Secure AI Provisions in Defense Policy Bill 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Sarah Elfreth (MD-03) announced legislation they co-led, the AI Training for National Security Act, has been included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA). The AI Training for National Security Act requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to include information on the unique cybersecurity challenges created by artificial intelligence in its annual cybersecurity training for servicemembers and civilian employees. “Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the national security threat landscape,” said Larsen, who previously served on the Armed Services Committee for 22 years. “This legislation ensures that DoD meets this moment and prepares our armed forces for today’s challenges and opportunities.” “The rapid development of AI threatens to outpace our ability to counter cyber threats to our nation’s security,” said Rep. Elfreth. “Our national security leaders – many of whom fight these global threats from CYBERCOMM headquarters at Fort Meade here in Maryland – must maintain the education and expertise to utilize rapidly developing technologies. I’m grateful to work with Representative Larsen to develop an AI strategy for our servicemembers.” The House of Representatives will vote on the FY26 NDAA later today. The full text of the AI Training for National Security Act is available HERE. Larsen Champions AI Education for Servicemembers The AI Training for National Security Act builds on Larsen's work to develop an AI education strategy for servicemembers. In 2024, three provisions from Larsen’s Next Generation Military Education Act were included in the FY25 NDAA and became law. These provisions require: - The DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer to provide an online AI education course; - All military branches to participate in “Digital On-Demand,” the DoD’s initiative to accelerate AI knowledge; and - The DoD to add an AI risks and threats section to its annual mandatory cybersecurity training. The AI … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4071 Larsen Releases Statement on Defense Policy Bill Vote 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bipartisan NDAA passed the House by a final vote of 312 to 112 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. “I supported this year’s NDAA because it includes provisions to improve servicemembers’ quality of life, strengthen military communities, keep commitments to NATO allies and provide necessary oversight of the Trump administration,” said Rep. Larsen, who served for 22 years on the House Armed Services Committee. Larsen Priorities for AI, Education, Ukraine Included Several of Rep. Larsen’s priorities were included in the final NDAA: A Raise for Servicemembers – The NDAA includes a 3.8% pay raise for all servicemembers. AI Literacy for Members of the Military – Rep. Larsen’s AI Training for National Security Act to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to incorporate AI training into its annual cybersecurity training is included in the NDAA. More information about the legislation is available HERE. Impact Aid for Northwest Washington Schools – The bill authorizes $70 million for DoD Supplemental Impact Aid to support local school districts with large populations of military-connected students. Funding to Support Ukraine’s Self-Defense – The NDAA includes $400 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which builds Ukraine's capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports institutional transformation initiatives and advances U.S. political and military objectives. Supports Our NATO Allies – The NDAA supports our transatlantic partnerships by permanently authorizing the Baltic Security initiative and stopping Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from reducing the number of troops in Europe below 76,000. Oversight of Trump Administration – The NDAA also includes provisions strengthening congressional oversight of President Trump’s immigration agenda, including by requiring military personnel to display th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/washington-delegation-demands-answers-bp-pipeline-leak-0 Washington Delegation Demands Answers on BP Pipeline Leak 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. House Representative Emily Randall (WA-06), joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Adam Smith (WA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) in a letter calling on BP to answer questions surrounding the November leak of the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County. The leak released a reported 2,300 gallons of fuel into Snohomish County waterways and soil, and temporarily cut off fuel delivery to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for nearly two weeks, causing flight disruptions. “While we are relieved that the pipeline is now operational, this malfunction jeopardized airline operations, farmlands, water safety, wildlife habitat, and public health. Further, we are concerned because this spill is part of a decades-long history of spills and ruptures in the Olympic Pipeline,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BP North America CEO Murray Auchincloss. BP has agreed to brief the lawmakers on the leak and its impact on the region. The lawmakers outlined several outstanding questions they would like addressed and answered in writing by January 8, 2026: 1. What volume of refined products did the November 11, 2025 leak release? 2. What efforts are BP North America and the Olympic Pipeline undertaking to determine the full extent of refined products that may have leaked into surrounding water sources or soil? 3. Provide an outline of BP’s plan to remediate any contamination, including the timeline for these activities and an assessment of local businesses or residences impacted. 4. Do you commit to timely public disclosure of all spill data, such as volume, location, environmental sampling results, and remediation efforts, for review by public and relevant state and local agencies? If so, what is your projected timeline for this information disclosure? 5. Provide a complete list of spills and volume spilled since November 25, 2005 from any pipelines owned by BP in Washington State. 6. What corre… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schrier-votes-pass-ndaa Congresswoman Schrier Votes to Pass NDAA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an annual piece of legislation that authorizes defense programs to maintain military readiness and increase national security. The package includes provisions that will raise pay for service members, bolster access to quality healthcare and child care, and authorize millions to build new schools. This year’s legislation finally reclaims Congress’ war power authority, after delegating that responsibility to the president for decades. “This bipartisan bill makes vital investments to bolster our national security at home and abroad, and support those brave service members who protect our country,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I’m proud to cast my vote to give our service members a much-deserved pay raise, provide proper oversight of the Trump Administration, and strengthen healthcare and child care access for our military personnel.” The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 includes these key provisions: Provides a 3.8% pay raise for all service members and increases the Family Separation Allowance for deployed service members. Makes the most substantive reforms to the defense acquisition process and system in decades. Repeals the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq, preventing further involvement in the Middle East without appropriate congressional oversight. Fences funding until the Secretary of Defense provides unedited videos of strikes that have occurred in the Caribbean, as well as copies of related classified Executive Orders. Makes necessary investments to maintain our standing across the globe by strengthening nuclear deterrence, expanding missile defense, and providing critical resources and authorities to counter adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Authorizes $491 million to build new child care centers, extends the Child Care in Your Home pilot program, and improves the fee assistance program ra… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/10/strickland-statement-on-passage-of-national-defense-bill/ Strickland Statement on Passage of National Defense Bill 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Marilyn Strickland S001159 strickland.house.gov strickland https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on her vote for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (FY26 NDAA): “While the President and Speaker Johnson continue to disregard the historically bipartisan defense bill process, there are solid wins in the bill that support servicemembers and their families. They will receive a 3.8% pay raise, and the Basic Allowance for Housing calculation will be modernized. In addition, I secured $80 million for a new fire station that is desperately needed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and $55 million for a Command and Control Center at the base.” Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-final-opportunity-to-save-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-urges-republicans-to-stop-maga-health-care-hike-slams-unserious-and-harmful-republican-proposals-that-would-do-nothing-to-stop-premi/ Ahead of Final Opportunity to Save ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Urges Republicans to Stop MAGA Health Care Hike, Slams Unserious and Harmful Republican Proposals That Would Do Nothing to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray: “The Republican plan is like Squid Games for health care. You can’t afford quality health coverage? Here’s a coupon—spin the wheel and see if you make it through the year. If you lose—if you get cancer, if you get pregnant, or if you have any sort of medical emergency more expensive than a thousand bucks, you get buried in debt.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s full floor speech; DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, spoke forcefully on the Senate floor, calling on Republicans to support legislation to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits and prevent the massive premium hikes families are facing beginning January 1st because of Republicans’ refusal to act all year. Murray laid out how, at this point—well over a month into Open Enrollment—it is simply too late to pass anything more complicated than a clean extension of the tax credits, which is what Democrats’ bill does. Republicans had all year to propose and pass reforms to the tax credits—they chose not to—and proposals requiring the implementation of major reforms to the tax credits less than three weeks before coverage begins January 1st are not serious and would not stop health care premiums from skyrocketing. The latest polling from KFF found one in four ACA marketplace enrollees said they are very likely to go uninsured if the ACA tax credits aren’t extended, and one in three enrollees said they are very likely to shop for a plan with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Tomorrow, alongside a vote on Democrats’ legislation that would provide a clean, three-year extension of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, the Senate will also vote on a Crapo-Cassidy proposal that would kill … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-calls-out-republicans-for-blocking-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-applauds-consideration-of-two-commonsense-veterans-bills-to-help-constituents-in-wa-state/ At Hearing, Senator Murray Calls Out Republicans for Blocking IVF Coverage for Servicemembers, Applauds Consideration of Two Commonsense Veterans Bills to Help Constituents in WA State 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA.” Senator Murray’s Purple Heart Veterans Education Act and Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act among legislation considered at today’s hearing ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s exchange at the hearing*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing on pending legislation, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a former chair and senior member of the committee, spoke about how two of her bills on the hearing agenda would close critical gaps in current law to better serve veterans and their families. She also pressed witnesses on President Trump and Republicans’ deliberate efforts to deny servicemembers and veterans access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), after House Speaker Mike Johnson worked behind the scenes to strip a provision, based on Senator Murray’s legislation, that would ensure health care coverage for fertility services, including IVF, for all active-duty servicemembers. [IVF FOR SERVICEMEMBERS] In opening comments, Senator Murray said: “President Trump came into office saying that he would make IVF free. “Instead, not only has the President not done a thing to lower the cost of IVF, he stood by now as Speaker Johnson cut a very straightforward provision to make IVF more affordable for servicemembers as part of this year’s NDAA. “And on that note, I am really disappointed to see that my Veteran Families Health Services Act was left off of the agenda today. That bill would give more servicemembers and veterans the opportunity to grow their families—including through IVF—by expanding the fertility services that are covered under VA and DOD health care. “It just seems like Republicans and this administration really talk a big game about IVF. But when it comes to actual policy, it’s pretty clear who is in the driver’s… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-help-hearing-senator-murray-lays-out-how-trump-is-driving-up-costs-for-seniors-attacking-the-social-security-administration/ At HELP Hearing, Senator Murray Lays Out How Trump is Driving Up Costs for Seniors, Attacking the Social Security Administration 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how President Trump is driving up those costs and the uncertainty so many seniors are seeing across the board. I don’t think we can talk about retirement without talking about the health care crisis that is now causing premiums to skyrocket for families who rely on the ACA premium tax credits.” Los Angeles Times: ‘It’s a shambles’: DOGE cuts bring chaos, long waits at Social Security for seniors ***WATCH: Senator Murray Q&A with witnesses*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing titled “The Future of Retirement,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how Trump administration policies and Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act have undermined seniors’ ability to afford health care and other basics, and receive the Social Security benefits that they earned. Senator Murray also asked witnesses about how rising prices across the board have made it harder for working Americans to save for retirement, and how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Social Security Administration (SSA) workforce is making it harder for seniors to get the help they need to access their Social Security benefits. Witnesses at the hearing included: Chad Williams, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones; Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans; and James R. Copland, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. In opening comments, Senator Muray said: “The future of retirement is really an important topic—but I do think we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. “Because if Trump keeps driving up prices, and sabotaging health care, Social Security, and much more, then the future of retirement won’t even exist for many Americans. I mean, how many Americans will actually get to retire when everything in their lives is more expensive? “So we can’t talk about retirement without talking about how Preside… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-new-congressional-report-showing-trumps-tariffs-on-canada-are-hurting-wa-businesses-and-causing-steep-decline-in-tourism-from-canada/ Senator Murray Responds to New Congressional Report Showing Trump’s Tariffs on Canada are Hurting WA Businesses and Causing Steep Decline in Tourism from Canada 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper NEW FROM JEC: Declining Canadian Tourism is Harming American Businesses in States Along the United States-Canada Border ICYMI THIS WEEK: Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement in response to a new report from the U.S Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) which found that Trump’s tariffs on Canada and trade war provocations with our neighbor and close ally have led to a steep drop in Canadian tourism that is harming American businesses in Washington state and other states along the United States-Canada border. The JEC report found that every state along the United States-Canada border is facing declines in tourism and rising economic pressures. Many states along the border, like Washington state, are home to hundreds of businesses that rely on Canadian tourism to survive. Canadian tourism contributed $20.5 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 140,000 jobs in 2024. In 2025, between January and October, the number of passenger vehicles crossing the United States-Canada border declined by nearly 20 percent compared to 2024. In Washington state, passenger vehicle border crossings were down more than 24 percent for that time period. “While Trump hikes up tariffs via tweet and threatens to annex our close allies—businesses and communities in the United States are the ones who suffer. It’s both stupid and wrong. In Washington state, so many small businesses along the border rely on Canadian tourism and trade to survive—but Trump’s attacks on Canada have pushed our neighbors away and forced business and tourism to plummet. “I’ve heard firsthand this year how many small businesses in our state are being forced to raise prices or close their doors altogether. This isn’t just bad economic policy, it is real American families’ livelihoods being hurt, lost revenue for local bu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/10/baumgartner-issues-statement-on-final-passage-of-fy26-ndaa/ Baumgartner Issues Statement on Final Passage of FY26 NDAA 2025-12-10 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Michael Baumgartner B001322 baumgartner.house.gov baumgartner https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) issued the following statement upon the passage of the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “The passage of the NDAA is first and foremost about keeping faith with the men and women who wear the uniform and the families who stand behind them,” said Congressman Baumgartner. “It gives our troops in Eastern Washington a much-needed pay raise, safer barracks to sleep in, better homes for their families, and stronger hospitals and clinics when they need care. It also takes on the drugs flowing into our communities, stands shoulder to shoulder with our allies around the globe, and makes sure they can count on America when it matters most. Supporting this bill was an easy choice, because it honors the sacrifice of those who serve, keeps them safer on and off the battlefield, and reflects the values we share as a nation.” The passage of the FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion for the following national defense priorities including but not limited to: Improves the quality of life for our servicemembers with a 3.8% pay raise and increased benefits for military families; Authorizes $1 billion to fight drug trafficking; Authorizes over $1.5 billion for new construction of barracks and family housing; Authorizes over $335 million to renovate military hospitals and build new medical facilities; Streamlines and improves the international arms sales process to ensure that the United States remains the partner of choice for our allies; Advances the President’s “Peace Through Strength” initiative by authorizing $400 million for Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and by fully funding the U.S. commitment to defend Israel through joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs; and Authorizes funds to construct the Golden Dome Background: The NDAA passed the House on September 10, 2025, and the Senate passed their version on October 10, 2025. The House and Senate Armed Services Committees reached bipartisan, bicameral agreeme… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases/baumgartner-issues-statement-passage-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act Baumgartner Issues Statement on Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Michael Baumgartner B001322 baumgartner.house.gov baumgartner https://baumgartner.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following statement on the passage of the S.356, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. “Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program was long overdue, and today’s vote finally delivers the certainty our rural communities have been asking for. In counties like Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, and Columbia, these dollars keep teachers in classrooms, students on buses, and core programs running for families who live and work near our national forests. This is about keeping faith with our rural communities that have done their part for generations and deserve to know that their schools and kids won’t be left behind.” 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4068 Larsen Introduces Legislation to Improve Veterans’ Access to Transportation, Health Care 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Rick Larsen L000560 larsen.house.gov larsen https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx scraper Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced the introduction of the Veterans Access to Transit Act (H.R. 6451), legislation to establish a Department of Transportation (DOT) pilot program to provide veterans with public transportation to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities and veterans organizations. “Local veterans have told me consistently that lack of transportation is a significant barrier to health care, especially in rural and island communities,” said Rep. Larsen. “Introducing this bill is one important step toward ensuring Northwest Washington’s 47,000 veterans can access timely, quality health care.” In his time in Congress, Rep. Larsen has hosted more than 70 forums to hear directly from Northwest Washington state veterans about their needs, including five roundtables in September. Last month, he published ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington,’ a report capturing local veterans’ most pressing challenges and outlining policy recommendations for Congress and VA to address these concerns. Rep. Larsen recently submitted this report to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) to ensure Northwest Washington veterans’ voices impact the policy-making process. “This fall, I met with veterans and service providers in Everett, Bellingham, Burlington, Oak Harbor and Lummi Nation,” said Rep. Larsen in a letter to HVAC. “Based on those conversations, I wrote a report that analyzes the challenges veterans in my district are facing, based on the four pillars that guide my work in veterans’ policy: health care, housing, education and employment. I look forward to working with the Committee to ensure veterans in Washington’s Second District have access to timely health care, affordable housing, high-quality education and fulfilling employment opportunities.” Rep. Larsen also shared ‘Listening to Veterans in Northwest Washington’ with VA Secretary Doug Collins. “At these [September] roundtables, veterans raised concerns about a wide range of issues… [including] specific challenges… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-pro-nuclear-energy-legislation Newhouse Introduces Pro-Nuclear Energy Legislation 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the Parity for Nuclear Energy Investment Act to expand tax incentives for investments in U.S. nuclear energy development. "After protecting tax credits for nuclear energy in the Working Families Tax Cuts, it is time to expand investment opportunities for new projects in places like the Tri-Cities," said Rep. Newhouse. "The Administration is expediting efforts to produce more American nuclear energy, and Richland will be home to some of the first small modular reactors which will help achieve that goal. These projects will create new high-quality jobs, increase economic development, and make Central Washington a leader in the future of U.S. nuclear energy production." This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03) and Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and is supported by Energy Northwest, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Elementl Power, Constellation Energy, Holtec International, the U.S. Nuclear Industry Council, and X-Energy. Rep. Fleischmann said, "President Trump has made unleashing American energy dominance one of the top priorities of his Administration. The historic One Big Beautiful Bill ensures that nuclear communities in Tennessee and nationwide receive the tax credits they need to continue investing in new nuclear technologies that are essential to expanding nuclear power, which is critical to meeting our future energy needs and securing our energy independence. I am proud to lead this bill with my good friend, Rep. Newhouse, to ensure that we continue strengthening and supporting America's nuclear communities.” Bob Schuetz, CEO, Energy Northwest, said, "This important bill from Congressman Newhouse reflects the national imperative to lead on advanced nuclear. It ensures the new nuclear energy communities bonus tax credit will benefit the world-class workforce and residents of the Tri-Cities, bringing down the cost of the new nuclear projects needed for grid reliability in for the Pacific Northwest." Maria Korsnick, President and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-votes-reauthorize-secure-rural-schools-program Newhouse Votes to Reauthorize Secure Rural Schools Program 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon passage of S. 356, the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act of 2025, by the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 399-5. "The Secure Rural Schools program has provided critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than seven hundred counties across the country, including here in Central Washington," said Rep. Newhouse. "This longstanding commitment from the federal government helps rural areas where resources are stretched thin, and the program’s lapse has put a real strain on counties who historically depend on these funds. As a longtime supporter of SRS, I am pleased to see this program reauthorized, and I am thankful for the bipartisan support we have in making sure rural communities begin receiving this assistance again." Funding for the SRS program lapsed in 2023, resulting in school closures, delayed road and bridge maintenance, and reduced public safety services. This legislation, passed by the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent on June 18, 2025, reauthorizes the SRS program for rural communities who depend on it. Background Since 1908, federal law has required the U.S. Forest Service to share 25 percent of revenue generated on federal land with local governments for public schools and public roads of the county or counties in which the forest reserve is situated. For decades, timber sales were the largest source of revenue for local jurisdictions in these areas. However, as revenues declined, this created unexpected and prolonged fiscal challenges for local governments home to untaxed National Forest lands. In response, Congress enacted the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, giving counties the option to receive SRS payments to support public services like road maintenance, infrastructure, education, wildfire mitigation, and other efforts to address public safety. Congress has consistently reauthorized these payments with over… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/randall-cantwell-murray-bills-place-lower-elwha-klallam-tribe-and-quinault Randall, Cantwell, Murray Bills to Place Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Quinault Indian Nation Lands into Trust Passes House 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two major bills for Washington state Tribes, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act, and the Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act. Both bills initiate the first step to return land back to the Tribes by transferring ownership from the federal government to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust for the benefit of the Tribes. U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06), and U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the legislation in April 2025. The bills now go to the Senate for consideration. "Today, we took an important step in upholding our treaty obligations by passing legislation to transfer land into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation. As a freshman member of Congress who represents — alongside their elected Tribal leaders — over 15,000 Tribal members, this significance is not lost on me,” said Rep. Randall. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass these two bills to ensure we meet our trust responsibilities to restore Tribal lands.” “The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe led a historic regional effort to restore salmon runs by removing obsolete dams along Elwha River. Now, it’s time to return over 1,000 acres of land that was taken to build the dams and allow the Lower Elwha Klallam people to reclaim ancestral lands,” said Sen. Cantwell. “These bills take critical first steps to transfer land that the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and the Quinault Indian Nation have stewarded for centuries, back to Tribal ownership,” said Senator Murray. “This is about righting historic wrongs and fulfilling a commitment to our Tribes—and it’s also an investment in salmon recovery, habitat restoration, and the preservation of key ecosystems for future generations. I am thrilled to see these bills pass the House and will continue fighting to pass them through the Senate, so we can see through this important effort to restore Tribal ownership of culturally … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2025/12/09/strickland-statement-on-naming-military-bases-after-confederate-traitors/ Strickland Statement on Naming Military Bases After Confederate Traitors 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Marilyn Strickland S001159 strickland.house.gov strickland https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on her bipartisan Naming Commission for Military Assets amendment: “The President and Speaker Johnson were willing to reject the defense bill if it included my bipartisan amendment to remove Confederate names from military bases. Republican leadership and the White House like to call themselves the “party of Lincoln,” but prefer to honor racist, Confederate traitors who fought to protect the institution of slavery. This is an insult to the African-Americans who wear the uniform, and the 40% of enlisted servicemembers who are minorities.” Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-career-and-technical-education-senator-murray-calls-out-trump-admins-illegal-scheme-to-transfer-key-education-responsibilities-to-other-agencies-jeopardizing-support-students/ At Hearing on Career and Technical Education, Senator Murray Calls Out Trump Admin’s Illegal Scheme to Transfer Key Education Responsibilities to Other Agencies, Jeopardizing Support Students Count On 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ICYMI from Politico: The Education Department gave another agency power to distribute its money. It hasn’t gone well. ICYMI from Gov Exec: Trump admin acknowledges difficulties in transferring Education programs to other agencies, internal documents show ***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on how the Trump administration has increased bureaucratic hurdles for educators and harmed career and technical education*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) subcommittee hearing on career and technical education (CTE), U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—questioned witnesses on how the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the Department of Education (ED) by spinning off critical education responsibilities to other agencies are harming students and threatening education programs across the nation. President Trump signed an executive order in March seeking to eliminate the Department of Education. Federal law requires an act of Congress to close the department, and Secretary McMahon has repeatedly affirmed that only Congress can shut down the department. Knowing that Congress will not pass a law to abolish the Department of Education, she has nonetheless worked hard to dismantle the department from within. In July, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced that she planned to illegally transfer responsibility of CTE and adult education programs to the Department of Labor–leading to technical problems, communications breakdowns, bureaucratic hurdles, and logistical issues at the agency. Despite these problems, last month, the Trump administration announced that it would double down on this failure and attempt to illegally shutter even more of the Department of Education by moving significant responsibilities of almost all K-12 education programs and the majority of higher education grantmaking to other agencies with little to no education expertise—causing early literacy programs, preschool programs, and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-grills-trumps-trade-representative-over-administrations-reckless-tariffs-driving-up-prices-devastating-small-businesses/ Senator Murray Grills Trump’s Trade Representative Over Administration’s Reckless Tariffs Driving Up Prices, Devastating Small Businesses 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Murray raises example of Tacoma-made Almond Roca while pressing Trump administration on effect of trade war on American businesses Senator Murray has been outspoken about the harm Trump’s tariffs are causing in WA—one of the most trade-dependent states in the country; Murray has held numerous events in every corner of the state to hear from businesses, farmers, and border communities about effects of Trump’s trade war ***WATCH: Senator Murray exchange with U.S. Trade Representative on Trump’s tariffs*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on how President Trump’s unprecedented, chaotic, and ill-conceived tariffs are hurting American consumers and small businesses. Right now, the effective tariff rate in the U.S. is 16.8 percent, the highest tariff rate since 1934. Trump’s tariffs have already raised retail prices for families by 5 percent, and this year alone, Trump’s tariffs are expected to cost American households an additional $1,700 on average. One analysis found Trump’s tariffs will could push nearly 1 million Americans into poverty in 2026. In September, a nonpartisan analysis by the Washington State Office of Financial Management found that if the current Trump tariffs stay in effect for the next four years, they will cost Washington state up to 25,000 jobs—and if Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs are fully implemented, Washington state would lose $2.2 billion in economic output and 31,900 jobs over the next four years, and significantly drive up the cost of groceries, clothing, cars, and much more. Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. In 2024, Washington exported $57.8 billion of goods, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), making W… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://baumgartner.house.gov/2025/12/09/baumgartner-issues-statement-on-passage-of-secure-rural-schools-reauthorization-act-of-2025/ Baumgartner Issues Statement on Passage of Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 2025-12-09 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Michael Baumgartner B001322 baumgartner.house.gov baumgartner https://baumgartner.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Michael Baumgartner issued the following statement on the passage of the S.356, Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025. “Reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program was long overdue, and today’s vote finally delivers the certainty our rural communities have been asking for. In counties like Pend Oreille, Stevens, Ferry, and Columbia, these dollars keep teachers in classrooms, students on buses, and core programs running for families who live and work near our national forests. This is about keeping faith with our rural communities that have done their part for generations and deserve to know that their schools and kids won’t be left behind.” 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-usda-relief-payments Newhouse Statement on USDA Relief Payments 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement on the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of financial relief to farmers impacted by market disruptions. "Farmers across the United States, including in Central Washington, are reaching a breaking point because of supply chain issues, high input costs, and uncertainty around foreign market access. While this announcement primarily benefits row crop producers, other specialty crop growers will need additional assistance as they struggle to make ends meet due to continued high labor costs," said Rep. Newhouse. Newhouse added, "I appreciate President Trump and Secretary Rollins for rolling out a bridge to get farmers and ranchers through lean times. I know they understand, as I do, that producers would prefer market certainty over direct payments from the federal government. I look forward to continuing working with this Administration to lower labor costs, reduce regulatory burdens, implement the agriculture provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut, and ensure American farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to make it to the next growing season." According to USDA, $12 billion will be made available for one time bridge payments to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs impacting farmers. Of the $12 billion provided, up to $11 billion will be used for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program, which provides broad relief to U.S. row crop farmers who produce barley, chickpeas, corn, cotton, lentils, oats, peanuts, peas, rice, sorghum, soybeans, wheat, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame, and sunflower. The remaining $1 billion in bridge payments will be reserved for commodities not covered in the FBA Program such as specialty crops and sugar, for example, though details including timelines for those payments are still under development by USDA. USDA said farmers who qualify for the FBA Program can expect paymen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/ahead-of-this-weeks-vote-on-extending-aca-tax-credits-senator-murray-lays-out-the-stakes-urges-republicans-to-vote-yes-in-final-opportunity-to-stop-health-care-premiums-from-skyrocketi/ Ahead of This Week’s Vote on Extending ACA Tax Credits, Senator Murray Lays Out the Stakes & Urges Republicans to Vote Yes in Final Opportunity to Stop Health Care Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE TIMES: WA health insurance buyers fret as ACA subsidies remain in limbo NEW YORK TIMES: Running Out of Time, Republicans in Congress Still Lack a Health Plan Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits well over a year—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE HERE, DOWNLOAD HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a virtual press conference on the fight to save the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits ahead of the critical vote this week on a proposal to extend the tax credits for three years. Joining Senator Murray for the press conference were Ingrid Ulrey, CEO of the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange, and Lisa, a Washington resident of King County who buys her health care through the Marketplace and is facing skyrocketing premiums with the looming expiration of the ACA enhanced premium tax credits. At the press conference, Senator Murray discussed how inaction by Republican Members of Congress will force Washingtonians to pay significantly more for health care next year, and how this week’s vote on a clean, three-year extension of the ACA tax credits is the last chance to prevent skyrocketing health care premiums starting in January, when the tax credits expire. Due to Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Premiums are more than doubling on average for people who buy health coverage on the ACA Marketplace (Washington Healthplanfinder in Washington state), and these higher costs will push 4.8 million people off their health insurance coverage over the next decade. A Washington-state specific fact sheet on the ACA enhanced premium tax credits is HERE. “I’ve heard from fa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-senate-democrats-condemn-neo-nazi-hate-in-the-face-of-rising-antisemitism-and-mainstreaming-of-white-supremacists/ Murray, Senate Democrats Condemn Neo-Nazi Hate in the Face of Rising Antisemitism and Mainstreaming of White Supremacists 2025-12-08 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) to introduce a resolution—co-sponsored by every Senate Democrat—that strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes and condemns Tucker Carlson’s platforming of Fuentes. The resolution, “Condemning white supremacy, hate, and antisemitism, and efforts to give a platform to these dangerous ideologies” condemns Nazism and white supremacy in all its forms and urges all elected officials to condemn them as well. The text of the resolution lays out numerous examples of Nick Fuentes’ dangerous white supremacist ideology, noting that he is a Holocaust denier and supporter of Hitler who has expressed support for killing Jews and repeatedly peddled the dangerous “Great Replacement Theory” that claims that Jews are orchestrating the replacement of native white Europeans from their countries by non-white immigrants. The resolution also notes that, during Tucker Carlson’s lengthy interview with Fuentes on October 27, 2025, Fuentes perpetuated antisemitic conspiracy theories and Carlson did not push back on or reject the claims made by Fuentes during the interview, at times even validating his framing. Senate Democrats’ resolution concludes: “Resolved, That the Senate—(1) strongly rejects the views of and platforming of Nick Fuentes; (2) condemns the effort by Tucker Carlson to platform and mainstream Fuentes; (3) condemns Nazism, honors the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives to defeat the Nazis, and affirms that Nazi Germany and its collaborators murdered 6,000,000 Jews in the Holocaust; (4) unequivocally condemns antisemitism and white supremacy whenever and wherever they occur; and (5) urges all elected officials, thought leaders, and community leaders to reject and condemn white supremacy and antisemitism whenever and wherever they occur.” The full list of endorsing organizations includes: Union for Reform Judaism… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-and-valadao-introduce-bipartisan-charge-act-strengthen-energy-resilience Smith and Valadao Introduce Bipartisan CHARGE Act to Strengthen Energy Resilience at Community Health Centers 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and David Valadao (R-Calif) introduced the Community Health Access Through Resilient Grid Energy (CHARGE) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a new grant program at the Department of Energy to help Federally Qualified Health Centers install solar energy systems and battery storage technologies. These upgrades will ensure that community health centers can maintain operations during grid disruptions, extreme weather events, and other emergencies. “Community health centers are the backbone of care in underserved communities. Too many face dangerous gaps in power reliability during extreme weather or emergency situations,” said Smith. “The CHARGE Act is a smart and forward-looking investment that will help centers stay open, protect patients, and strengthen energy resilience across the country.” “Federally Qualified Health Centers are a lifeline for families across the Central Valley, and we need to make sure they can stay open—even when emergencies happen,” said Valadao. “The CHARGE Act creates a new grant program to help FQHCs install reliable energy storage systems so they can keep serving patients without interruption. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Smith on this bipartisan effort to strengthen local healthcare and lower energy costs.” Endorsements: TThe bill is endorsed by the National Association of Community Health Centers, Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), Solar United Neighbors, the Washington Association for Community Health, and HealthPoint. Original cosponsors include Representatives Ed Case, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and James Moylan. "Electricity powers every step of health care. When Community Health Centers lose power, diabetic patients miss visits, pregnant women miss prenatal care, children forgo vaccinations, and patients needing behavioral health services miss therapy. After Hurricane Helene alone, power outages caused more than 10,000 patient appointment cancellations in one state alone. The bipartisan CHARGE Act… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/05/jayapal-demands-answers-on-canceled-consumer-protection-actions/ Jayapal Demands Answers on Canceled Consumer Protection Actions 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper SEATTLE, WA — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) is demanding answers from Russ Vought, the Acting Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), regarding the Bureau’s ongoing push to drop pending enforcement actions involving billions of dollars in harm to American consumers. “When a corporation breaks the law, it is the federal government’s responsibility to hold them accountable, penalize their wrongdoing, and get relief for the people who were harmed,” wrote Jayapal. “Unfortunately, since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the CFPB has not only shut down all investigations into potential law-breaking, it has also been quietly dismissing or rolling back settled enforcement cases. This abdication of legal responsibility rigs the system in favor of the elite, allowing major corporations to get away with ripping off consumers and harming local communities.” Since its establishment in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB has held financial institutions accountable and returned over $21 billion to American consumers who have been scammed by illegal corporate actions. However, as of October 15, 2025, the CFPB has permanently dismissed 22 public enforcement actions that were pending when President Trump took office. The Trump Administration has also terminated or modified at least 20 settled actions where lawbreaking corporations had already agreed to compensate victims, pay fines, and cease illegal conduct. The full text of Jayapal’s letter, which outlines each of the dismissed cases, can be found here. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/05/jayapal-hosts-shadow-hearing-on-trumps-detention-abuses/ Jayapal Hosts Shadow Hearing on Trump’s Detention Abuses 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Full video of the hearing can be found HERE. WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, hosted a shadow hearing titled Kidnapped and Disappeared: Trump’s Detention Abuses. Twenty-five Members of Congress attended this hearing. “Today, according to ICE’s own statistics, 73 percent of people held in ICE detention have no criminal conviction and the vast majority of the remaining 27 percent have minor convictions such as traffic violations. ICE has been arresting people at courthouses when they’re trying to follow the legal process. They are profiling immigrants around the country, picking people up for the language they speak or the street corner they hang out on,” said Jayapal. “So immigration detention centers are full of mothers and fathers and beloved community members while those who pose a threat are free. Amidst this surge in detention, conditions have gone from bad to worse with terrible overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, long waits to get medical help if received at all, and inedible food, described by some as ‘dripping with blood.’ Multiple pregnant women have been shackled and even suffered miscarriages due to their mistreatment in detention. And since Trump took office, in just 10 months, there have been 23 in-custody deaths – a shocking number and more than any year since 2005. As Republicans refuse to conduct oversight, I will continue to hold these hearings to ensure that.” This hearing featured witness testimony from Sarah Owings, an attorney representing multiple formerly detained and currently detained immigrants, including 54 Korean workers from the Hyundai plant that was raided in September, Mildred Pierre, the wife of Rodney Taylor, who is currently being held at the Stewart Detention Center, Laura St. John, the Legal Director of the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, and Kate Voigt, a Senior Policy Counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “Overcrowding wors… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-welcomes-secretary-wright-visit-energy-innovation-and-hanford Newhouse Welcomes Secretary Wright for Visit on Energy Innovation and Hanford Mission 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Republican House WA Dan Newhouse N000189 newhouse.house.gov newhouse https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases scraper TRI-CITIES – This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) hosted U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in the Tri-Cities for visits to Department of Energy projects including the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Hanford Site. "It was a pleasure showing Secretary Wright how much Central Washington contributes to reliable, affordable, American energy. After several visits to some of our most important energy projects, the Secretary has seen firsthand how our region is leading the nation in both innovation and development," said Rep Newhouse. Newhouse added, "At Hanford, Secretary Wright witnessed how decades of hard work have resulted in the world’s largest vitrification plant and reaffirmed his commitment to the success of the Hanford mission. This Administration understands the role our national lab plays in the future of our nation's energy capabilities, that our Lower Snake River dams are the shining example of hydropower in our vast energy portfolio, and that Hanford is delivering on the government’s commitment to clean up the site." On December 4, Rep. Newhouse and Secretary Wright visited PNNL to hear from leaders and scientists on how the lab is supporting developing energy technologies and commissioned new technology to advance the mission of the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research program. The Secretary explained how our National Labs are "crown jewels" of the scientific community and that PNNL is a world-class institution. While at PNNL, Secretary Wright discussed President Trumps' recent Executive Order launching the Genesis Mission, a new national effort to use artificial intelligence to transform how scientific research is conducted and accelerate the speed of scientific discovery. U.S. National Labs will be a key piece of the mission. The Secretary also spoke on the importance of the four Lower Snake River dams after visiting the Ice Harbor Dam. He discussed how important our dams are in keeping rates low and ensuring grid reliability, eve… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-randall-ruiz-lead-18-dem-colleagues-letter-hhs-secretary-kennedy-address Reps. Randall, Ruiz lead 18 Dem Colleagues In Letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy to Address Gaps in Tribal Health Grant Funding 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, U.S. House Representatives Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Raul Ruiz (D, CA-25), led 18 Democratic colleagues in a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy raising concerns about recent changes to federal grant eligibility that could undermine health care services in Native communities. “Despite the high percentage of [American Indian and Alaska Native] people in urban areas, the urban Indian health line-item makes up only about 1 percent of the [Indian Health Service] (IHS) budget and for some [Urban Indian Organizations] (UIOs), IHS funding covers less than half of their budget,” the members wrote in the letter. “Because of this, UIOs rely heavily on other federal grants from multiple HHS agencies to carry out their functions. Cuts or changes to these grants will disproportionately impact UIOs ability to carry out their mission and serve their patients." The lawmakers warn that updated guidance limits eligibility to “Tribes” and “Tribal organizations,” excluding Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) from applying. This shift threatens critical funding streams that support high-quality, culturally grounded health care for American Indian and Alaska Native people — including the approximately 87% who live in urban areas. "As a result of HHS’s restricting, we are concerned that UIOs are now at risk of losing eligibility for funding streams that were previously available to the entire [Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Services, and Urban Indian Health Programs] (I/T/U) system because the language used in some grant eligibility criteria only mentions “tribes and tribal organizations” as eligible entities,” the members continued. “We believe this is an unintentional oversight caused by the mistaken belief that UIOs are considered Tribal Organizations, which they are not. UIOs are non-profit, IHS contracted agencies—a key component in the I/T/U system and exist as an extension of treaty rights to provide direct health services to citizens of federally recognized Tribes." In… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-kim-schrier-md-wa-08-blasts-dangerous-acip-decision-stop Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), Blasts Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), the first pediatrician elected to Congress, released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. "As expected and feared, RFK Jr.’s anti-vaxxer stacked Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) just ended the standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B, a terrible disease that infants can be exposed to at birth and from contact with people who unknowingly have hepatitis B. The ramifications of today’s decision – made without any indication that a newborn dose is unsafe – will be horrific. Ninety percent of those infected as newborns will go on to have chronic hepatitis B, and many of them will die prematurely from liver disease or liver cancer. "This is entirely preventable. We have already tried only immunizing people thought to be ‘at risk’, but did not see near elimination of new cases until universal vaccination at birth. Today's decision will cause our nation's children to get infected and die needlessly. I will do all I can to fight against this decision. Parents, please trust your pediatrician, not RFK, Jr." 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-doctors-caucus-condemns-dangerous-acip-decision-stop-recommending Democratic Doctors Caucus Condemns Dangerous ACIP Decision to Stop Recommending Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Kim Schrier S001216 schrier.house.gov schrier https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Democratic Doctors Caucus released the following statement after the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to stop recommending the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. “The Democratic Doctors Caucus unequivocally condemns the decision to end the decades-long standard practice of vaccinating every newborn against hepatitis B. Today’s decision—made without any scientific justification that a newborn dose is unsafe—will lead to more disease, more cancer, more preventable deaths, and will further increase the cost of health care in our nation. We call on Acting CDC Director O’Neill to reject this recommendation. The Democratic Doctors Caucus will keep up our fight against this administration’s continued attacks like this on basic science and do all we can to protect the health and well-being of the American people.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-condemns-egregious-use-of-force-by-ice-as-constituent-is-mauled-by-attack-dog-demands-release-from-nwipc-to-receive-appropriate-medical-care/ Senator Murray Condemns Egregious Use of Force by ICE as Constituent is Mauled by Attack Dog, Demands Release from NWIPC to Receive Appropriate Medical Care 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper ***(WARNING: Graphic Content) Photos of Wilmer’s injuries, photos of Wilmer and his children, and partial video of his detainment are available to the press HERE*** Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement condemning the violent and unwarranted assault of her constituent, Wilmer Toledo-Martinez, and calling for his immediate release from the Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC). “On November 14, 2025, my constituent Wilmer was mauled by an ICE attack dog even though he has consistently explained that he was not resisting arrest or attempting to flee. His wife and two of his young children, ages two and three, all U.S. citizens, were forced to watch helplessly as he was violently attacked and dragged away. For hours afterward, he was denied even basic medical care following this unprovoked assault. The photos documenting his injuries are horrific. This should shock the conscience of every one of us. I do not want to live in an America where federal agents can sic attack dogs on peaceful residents with impunity and face no consequences. “While Donald Trump’s entire mass deportation agenda has been nothing short of depraved, this is especially sickening. By now, everyone should realize, Trump is not going after violent criminals or the worst of the worst—he is terrorizing everyone, including U.S. citizens and their loved ones. “I am calling for Wilmer’s immediate release from NWIPC—he has no criminal convictions, he poses no threat to the community, and he urgently needs appropriate medical care since ICE is denying him the treatment he requires. I am grateful for Wilmer’s willingness to let me share his story—there’s no telling how many similar stories are not being told for fear of retaliation. Every one of us must demand justice and accountability and every one of us must speak out against these kinds of human rights abuses.” According to his attorney, Wilmer was violently detained by ICE and mauled by an attack dog despite not resisting arrest or attemptin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-rfk-jr-s-hand-picked-anti-vax-panel-has-destroyed-any-shred-of-credibility-with-dangerous-removal-of-universal-hep-b-vaccine-recommendation/ Senator Murray: RFK Jr.’s Hand-Picked Anti-Vax Panel has “Destroyed Any Shred of Credibility” with Dangerous Removal of Universal Hep B Vaccine Recommendation 2025-12-05 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper CDC vaccine advisory panel ends universal recommendation of Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, unless mother’s status is positive or unknown One in four children with chronic Hepatitis B will later die from liver disease Murray: “RFK Jr. should never have been confirmed, and until he does the only responsible thing and resigns—we should be working aggressively to push back against his parade of nonsense that is putting families in danger.” ICYMI: Senator Murray Slams Planned Changes to Hepatitis B Vaccine at Upcoming ACIP Meeting Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement after vaccine advisors handpicked by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to end the recommendation of vaccinating all newborns for hepatitis B at birth, without any new evidence prompting the change. Senator Murray has been a sharp critic of Secretary Kennedy, even before his confirmation—and has repeatedly called for him to be fired. This vaccine recommendation change comes despite robust evidence that the hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective, and has reduced infant hepatitis B infections by 99 percent since the U.S. first began recommending the first dose at-birth in 1991. “RFK Jr.’s hand-picked anti-vax panel has removed any doubt about their obvious bias, and destroyed any shred of credibility for their decision-making process. In their singled-minded march to end the long established Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation that has saved countless lives, they discarded decades of established science, misrepresented medical studies, and ignored all critics. CDC should reject this dangerous suggestion that will simply mean more babies die in the United States. “The painful truth is, much like Hepatitis B infections, this outcome was completely avoidable to anyone willing to look seriously … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4228 DelBene Announces WA-01 Winner of 2025 Congressional App Challenge 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced AnemoDx, coded by Isabella Li, Hiya Pandey, and Anya Mehta from Redmond High School, as the winner of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge from Washington’s 1st Congressional District. AnemoDx is an app that serves as a non-invasive, early warning system for people with anemia by helping users estimate their hemoglobin levels and alert them if they are too high or too low. It encourages users to seek out medical attention when necessary, making it especially useful to those who are prone to anemia and people in underprivileged or rural areas who may have limited access to regular blood tests or healthcare facilities. A demo of AnemoDx can be found here. The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges from our local technology community. The panel also awarded second place to BillBrain, created by Abhinav Bandaru, Vishvath Vinesh, Lohith Thimmichetty, and Ghirish Senthil Kumar from Lake Stevens High School, and third place to SwiftPermit, created by Arron Randhawa, Rohan Chilikuri, and Ishwin Baweja from Lake Washington High School. AnemoDx will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-randall-slams-speaker-johnson-over-inaction-solve-republican-created Rep. Randall Slams Speaker Johnson Over Inaction to Solve Republican-Created Health Care Crisis 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Emily Randall R000621 randall.house.gov randall https://randall.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON DC -- Today, U.S. Representative Emily Randall (D, WA-06) spoke on the House floor to raise the alarm on the Republican-created health care crisis. At the end of the month, the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits will officially expire, leaving 24 million Americans who currently purchase health care on the exchange to face skyrocketing monthly premiums. A full transcript of Rep. Randall’s remarks are below, video HERE: “Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I come to the floor today to raise the alarm on the Republican health care crisis. Speaker Johnson shut the government down for 43 days and kept the House out of session, effectively running out the clock to find solutions to address the health care affordability crisis created by my Republican colleagues. And now we have just 11 session days left before recessing for the holidays. “And my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have offered zero solutions. At the end of the month, the Affordable Care Act enhanced Premium tax credits will officially expire, leaving 24 million Americans who currently purchase health care on the exchange in an unimaginable position. “While Mike Johnson may be sleeping soundly and enjoying the holidays with his family, millions of Americans will be up at night worrying about how they are going to pay for health insurance -- on top of the affordability crisis the Trump administration created with reckless policies. “My family knows what this feels like. My sister Olivia was born with microcephaly, which means her brain was small and the doctors didn't know why. And even with insurance provided by my dad's civilian job at the Department of Defense, Olivia wouldn't have gotten the care that she needed to live for 19 years as healthy as possible if it weren't for the Washington State Legislature expanding Medicaid the year she was born. “And my family would have faced dire choices about which bills not to pay in order to meet Olivia's needs if it weren't for Medicaid access. Would we give up heating, groceries, scho… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-baldwin-sanders-schumer-colleagues-slam-latest-efforts-to-dismantle-the-department-of-education-call-on-mcmahon-to-reverse-illegal-moves-that-weaken-support-for-students/ Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, Schumer, Colleagues Slam Latest Efforts to Dismantle the Department of Education; Call on McMahon to Reverse Illegal Moves That Weaken Support for Students 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee; Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) led their colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Linda McMahon slamming the Department of Education’s recent announcement that it has signed interagency agreements (IAAs) to illegally outsource core functions that students and their families rely on—and calling on her to reverse these latest steps to dismantle the Department of Education. In addition to Senators Murray, Baldwin, Sanders, and Schumer, the letter was signed by Senators Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Tina Smith (D-MN), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mark Warner (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Gary Peters (D-MI), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO). “The actions you announced on November 18th to continue hollowing out the U.S. Department of Education are outrageous, illegal, and will jeopardize the funding and support that tens of millions of students, teachers, and families across the country rely on,” write the Senators. “Your brazen attempt to dismantle the Department by transferring to other federal agencies complex and foundational responsibilities that Congress specifically charged to the Department—including more th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-responds-to-speaker-johnson-working-to-strip-ivf-coverage-for-servicemembers-from-ndaa-betraying-trump-promise-to-increase-access-to-ivf/ Senator Murray Responds to Speaker Johnson Working to Strip IVF Coverage for Servicemembers from NDAA, Betraying Trump Promise to Increase Access to IVF 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper The NDAA provision is based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce in April; Murray has worked for decades to make IVF more accessible for veterans and servicemembers, leads legislation to help veterans grow their families Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement in response to reporting in MS NOW that House Speaker Mike Johnson is working behind the scenes to strip a provision—based on legislation Senator Murray helped introduce earlier this year— that would mandate TRICARE health care coverage for fertility services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), for all active-duty servicemembers. “Right now, servicemembers who risk their lives for our country can’t get the same IVF coverage that’s available to other federal employees—that’s plain wrong, and it’s outrageous that once again, Speaker Johnson and his anti-abortion allies are standing in the way of a simple legislative fix. Members of the military face a higher rate of infertility often because of their service to our country, but Republicans want to deny these servicemembers the ability to grow their families. “Speaker Johnson is among the most extreme anti-abortion radicals in Congress who believes embryos should have the same rights as living, breathing human beings—it’s disgraceful but not surprising that he is working behind the scenes to force servicemembers to suffer through infertility rather than grow their families through IVF. “I’ll keep pushing to protect every servicemember’s right to IVF—and Donald Trump, who purports to support IVF, should join with Democrats to protect this provision.” In April, Senator Murray joined Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) in introducing the IVF for Military Families Act, new bicameral legislation that would require TRICARE—which provides health coverage to active duty military servicemembers, retirees, and their families—to cover fertility service… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/senator-murray-statement-following-briefing-on-lethal-second-strike-of-boat-in-the-caribbean/ Senator Murray Statement Following Briefing on Lethal Second Strike of Boat in the Caribbean 2025-12-04 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement following a bipartisan briefing on the Trump administration’s follow-up strike of a boat it attacked in the Caribbean on September 2, which killed all remaining survivors. “I’m glad there is finally some bipartisan oversight of actions taken by this administration. That must continue. “What we heard today was truly disturbing, and more accountability and answers must be provided—not only on this second strike, but on the Trump administration’s broader unauthorized military campaign in the Caribbean. Full, unedited video of the second strike must be made public by the Department of Defense as soon as possible. “What’s also clear to me is that Pete Hegseth should be fired. Between overseeing this campaign in the Caribbean, risking U.S. servicemembers’ lives by sharing war plans on Signal, and so much else, it could not be more obvious that Secretary Hegseth is unfit for the role, and it is past time for him to go.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/smith-jayapal-introduce-legislation-end-inhumane-immigration-detention Smith, Jayapal Introduce Legislation to End Inhumane Immigration Detention Conditions 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Adam Smith S000510 adamsmith.house.gov adamsmith https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Adam Smith (WA-09) are today introducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to enact guardrails and oversight on immigration detention, and to ensure civil and human rights are protected. "We are witnessing appalling conditions for immigration detention and a clear disregard for basic human rights," said Smith. "No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that profit off of human suffering. This legislation establishes the oversight and guardrails needed to end these abuses and ensure that people are treated with dignity." “Under the Trump Administration, we have seen a shocking surge in the detention of people who have committed no crimes being locked up in increasingly horrifying conditions,” said Jayapal. “People are being held in squalor, largely in private, for-profit detention facilities, all to pad the bottom lines of prison corporations that donate to Donald Trump and Republicans. As Trump has struck down legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades, this will only continue to get worse. We must pass this legislation to protect dignity and civil rights in America.” Since President Trump returned to office, the use of immigration detention has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with over 66,000 people detained. During that period of time, 23 people have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Nearly 73 percent of those detained have no criminal convictions, and many of those with convictions have only minor offenses, including traffic violations. Detained people in these facilities are being held in inhumane living conditions, with reports of overcrowding forcing 35 men to share one toilet and sleep head to toe on concrete floors, of people being served only a cup of rice a day or rotting food, and of people having their medications withheld or being denied necessary me… 1 2026-04-04T05:28:40Z 2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4230 DelBene Leads Bipartisan Effort Urging USTR to Hold Canada Accountable for Dairy Trade Violations 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Suzan K. DelBene D000617 delbene.house.gov delbene https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27 scraper Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), Tony Wied (WI-8), Jim Costa (CA-21) led a bipartisan group of 74 members of the House of Representatives in a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, urging him to hold Canada accountable for failing to meet its dairy commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter calls on the administration to use the upcoming 2026 USMCA review process to address these longstanding concerns. During USMCA negotiations, Canada agreed to expand market access for U.S. dairy by creating new tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) reserved exclusively for American producers. Instead, Canada has undermined the agreement by allocating most TRQs to Canadian processors, who often have no incentive to import, rather than to retailers, restaurants, or food service providers who have the need and desire for high-quality, lower-cost U.S. dairy products. Canada has further distorted the market by offloading artificially low-priced nonfat milk solids onto the global marketplace, putting downward pressure on prices for U.S. producers. Despite repeated U.S. challenges, Canada has refused to uphold their commitments, making the 2026 review a critical opportunity to strengthen the deal and protect American dairy producers. The letter also highlights the strong gains made with Mexico under USMCA and stresses the importance of preserving that progress. “As a bipartisan group, we remain unified in our belief that the upcoming 2026 review of USMCA represents a critical opportunity to deliver to American dairy farmers, producers, and exporters the market access that was originally promised when the agreement entered into force,” wrote the Members. “USMCA raised the bar for what trade agreements could be, yet Canada has still failed to uphold its dairy commitments. This review is the appropriate mechanism to strengthen enforcement, close loopholes, and ensure that the benefits envisioned under the agreement are fully realized.” The effort is strongly … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/03/jayapal-casar-demand-action-in-wake-of-worsening-human-rights-crisis-in-pakistan/ Jayapal, Casar Demand Action in Wake of Worsening Human Rights Crisis in Pakistan 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Greg Casar (TX-35) today led 42 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging the administration to take concrete action to hold Pakistan’s military accountable and call for the release of political prisoners. “In recent years, U.S. citizens and residents who have spoken out against authoritarian abuses in Pakistan have faced threats, intimidation, and harassment — often extending to their families in Pakistan,” wrote the Members. “These tactics include arbitrary detentions, coercion, and retaliatory violence, targeting diaspora individuals and their relatives. These actions infringe upon the right to freedom of expression […], further, they set a dangerous precedent for foreign interference on U.S. soil.” As Pakistan faces an escalating crisis of authoritarianism, democratic institutions have been dismantled, and opposition leaders have been held without charge and denied fair trials. Pakistanis have been arrested for social media posts, and those living in other countries, including the United States, have been threatened or had their family threatened for exercising their right to free speech. The letter calls for real steps to be taken to address these injustices. “We urge you to swiftly impose targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes, against officials responsible for transnational repression, widespread human rights violations, and systematic repression in Pakistan,” continued the Members. “We have called out transnational repression in other countries before and will continue to do so; the same principled approach must be applied here.” The full letter can be read here. The letter was signed by Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (VA-08), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Judy Chu (CA-28), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús G… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://jayapal.house.gov/2025/12/03/jayapal-smith-introduce-legislation-to-end-inhumane-immigration-detention-conditions/ Jayapal, Smith Introduce Legislation to End Inhumane Immigration Detention Conditions 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat House WA Pramila Jayapal J000298 jayapal.house.gov jayapal https://jayapal.house.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Adam Smith (WA-09) are today introducing the Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act, legislation to enact guardrails and oversight on immigration detention, and to ensure civil and human rights are protected. “Under the Trump Administration, we have seen a shocking surge in the detention of people who have committed no crimes being locked up in increasingly horrifying conditions,” said Jayapal. “People are being held in squalor, largely in private, for-profit detention facilities, all to pad the bottom lines of prison corporations that donate to Donald Trump and Republicans. As Trump has struck down legal pathways and made it nearly impossible to come to or stay in this country, even for those who have been here for decades, this will only continue to get worse. We must pass this legislation to protect dignity and civil rights in America.” “We are witnessing appalling conditions for immigration detention and a clear disregard for basic human rights,” said Smith. “No one should be subjected to overcrowded cells, denied medical care, or held in facilities that profit off of human suffering. This legislation establishes the oversight and guardrails needed to end these abuses and ensure that people are treated with dignity.” Since President Trump returned to office, the use of immigration detention has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, with over 66,000 people detained. During that period of time, 23 people have died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. Nearly 73 percent of those detained have no criminal convictions, and many of those with convictions have only minor offenses, including traffic violations. Detained people in these facilities are being held in inhumane living conditions, with reports of overcrowding forcing 35 men to share one toilet and sleep head to toe on concrete floors, of people being served only a cup of rice a day or rotting food, and of people having their medications withheld or being denied necessary me… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-on-health-care-affordability-senator-murray-slams-republicans-for-massive-health-care-cuts-and-refusal-to-stop-premiums-from-skyrocketing-next-year-urges-extension-of-aca-tax-credits/ At Hearing on Health Care Affordability, Senator Murray Slams Republicans for Massive Health Care Cuts and Refusal to Stop Premiums from Skyrocketing Next Year, Urges Extension of ACA Tax Credits 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Saying ‘let’s start talking about fixing this now,’ a month into open enrollment, instead of at any point earlier this year when we actually had time to stop premiums from skyrocketing or look at some of these different reforms—well, that is about as serious as expressing concern about RFK Jr.’s anti-vax crusade after voting to make him the most powerful public health official in the country.” Senator Murray: “I do want to note that tomorrow, CDC’s Vaccine Committee is meeting to discuss the childhood vaccine schedule, and the Hepatitis B vaccines—something the chair of this Committee has said many times save lives. The CDC Advisory Committee is going to hear from who-knows-who… I am deeply alarmed that this Committee has not done more oversight, and we still have not done a thing to force RFK Jr. to come here and answer questions about his decision to fire the CDC Director Monarez and limit access to lifesaving vaccines. I hope that will change.” Senator Murray has been sounding the alarm on the looming health care cost cliff and calling on Republicans to work with Democrats to extend the ACA tax credits for YEARS—FULL TIMELINE HERE ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s remarks on health care and Q&A with witnesses*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on health care affordability, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)—a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee—slammed Republican hypocrisy on health care affordability and called on Republicans to support a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits to curb at least some of the damage from the massive health care premium hikes Republicans have already set in motion by refusing to lift a finger to extend the ACA tax credits earlier this year. Because of Republicans’ refusal to extend the ACA enhanced premium tax credits, 22 million Americans—including over 216,000 in Washington state—are seeing their health care costs for next year skyrocket. Pre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/at-hearing-senator-murray-highlights-russias-barbaric-kidnapping-of-ukrainian-children-slams-trump-for-eliminating-funding-for-efforts-to-track-victims/ At Hearing, Senator Murray Highlights Russia’s Barbaric Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children, Slams Trump for Eliminating Funding for Efforts to Track Victims 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Senator Murray: “Unfortunately, we simply cannot have this conversation without talking about the fact that, as Ranking Member Schatz mentioned, earlier this year the Trump Administration abruptly cut off funding to help track victims of Russian kidnapping and deliver justice.” ***WATCH: Senator Murray questions witnesses on holding Russia accountable for kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian children*** Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs hearing titled “The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation,” U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, questioned witnesses on how the United States can support efforts to hold Russia accountable for the kidnapping and forced re-education of thousands of Ukrainian children. A report from the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab concluded this September that Russia has kidnapped thousands of children from Ukraine to at least 210 facilities inside Russia and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine and subjected them to re-education or militarization at many of the facilities. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of the war crime of illegally deporting and transferring children from Ukraine. Earlier this year, the Trump administration abruptly terminated funding for the Yale lab’s ongoing research tracking Russia’s abduction of children, and there is still no ongoing funding from the United States for this specific research. In opening comments, Senator Murray said: “Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. I’m really glad that this hearing is being held to help shine a light on one of the darkest aspects of Russia’s bloody and unjustified war in Ukraine. “Thousands of Ukrainian children that you’ve talked about have been kidnapped by Russia since this terrible war began. They’ve been abduct… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-cortez-masto-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-reverse-harmful-provisions-in-republican-tax-law-and-protect-unaccompanied-immigrant-children/ Murray, Cortez Masto, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reverse Harmful Provisions in Republican Tax Law and Protect Unaccompanied Immigrant Children 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Representative Dan Goldman (D, NY-10), and Representative Delia C. Ramirez (D, IL-03) in introducing the Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act. This legislation would reverse provisions in the Republican tax law (H.R. 1) that harm unaccompanied children who are seeking safety from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation in their home countries. “Making a child pay an exorbitant amount of money just to escape human trafficking or violence is beyond cruel—it’s heartless,” said Senator Murray. “The Upholding Protections for Unaccompanied Children Act reverses provisions that should have never made it into law and takes an important step to protect the safety of unaccompanied children fleeing the most horrific of situations.” “As members of Congress, it’s our duty to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “That includes the unaccompanied children who come to the United States after escaping trafficking and abuse. It’s essential that we reverse the Republican tax law’s cruel provisions and protect these kids.” Passed in July, H.R. 1 imposed a new $5,000 Border Apprehension Fee on any child who arrives to the United States between ports of entry. This law also requires children to pay a mandatory asylum application fee, as well as new annual asylum maintenance fees for every year their case remains pending in the government’s yearslong backlog. For children fleeing human trafficking and extreme violence, these fees are often impossible to pay. Additionally, H.R. 1 provides funding for intrusive body examinations of minors who are often the victims of abuse and trafficking. H.R. 1 also provides funding for deporting unaccompanied children who have not been screened for signs of trafficking or allowed a full review of their case before an immigration judge. To reverse these provisions in the Republican tax l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-floodplain-bill-picks-up-dozens-of-key-endorsements-momentum-grows-as-commonsense-bipartisan-legislation-is-introduced-in-the-house/ Murray Floodplain Bill Picks Up Dozens of Key Endorsements, Momentum Grows as Commonsense Bipartisan Legislation Is Introduced in the House 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced dozens of endorsements from key stakeholders for the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act—bipartisan legislation Senator Murray introduced with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) this past May. The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act is a straightforward, commonsense bill that would create a new pathway for ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains that meet specific low-risk criteria—simplifying the approval for important restoration work while still upholding flood safety standards. On November 21st, U.S. Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Troy Downing (R, MT-02), Janelle Bynum (D, OR-02), and Bryan Steil (R, WI-01), introduced identical companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “I’m delighted to see momentum growing behind the bipartisan bill Senator Daines and I introduced earlier this year to simplify the approval process for critical ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains,” said Senator Murray. “It’s easy to see why everyone from environmental organizations, to Tribes, to local city and community partners, are excited about this legislation: it’s a simple, zero-cost fix that will cut red tape and allow critical environment restoration efforts across the country to move forward. The federal government should be making it easier to complete locally-supported environmental restoration projects—not harder. Passing this commonsense bill is one simple step we can take now to protect critical ecosystems and make government more efficient.” “Critical ecosystem restoration projects across Montana have been abandoned due to FEMA’s onerous and costly ‘No Rise’ rule,” said Senator Daines. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will reduce unnecessary burdens on important conservation and restoration work, while continuing to keep our communities safe from flooding. I’m glad to see companion legislation introduced by our colleagues in the House of Representatives… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-schiff-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prevent-inexperienced-temporary-immigration-judge-appointments-close-loopholes-exploited-by-trump-administration/ Murray, Schiff, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration 2025-12-03 2025 2025-12 Democrat Senate WA Patty Murray M001111 www.murray.senate.gov murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/category/press-releases/ scraper Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) to introduce the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration’s abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D, CA-52) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following the Trump administration’s mass firing of immigration judges and authorizing of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to speed up their mass deportation agenda – such as the lack of due process protections for individuals in immigration court proceedings. “The Trump administration has already fired or forced out over 100 immigration judges across the country as part of their callous anti-immigrant crusade, and now they are allowing attorneys with zero prior immigration law experience to serve as temporary judges in immigration cases, making hugely consequential decisions about families’ futures,” said Senator Murray. “Every person deserves a fair hearing. The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act is about making sure anyone serving as a judge in an immigration hearing has the basic qualifications to do the job, and that the Trump administration can’t keep unqualified temporary judges in place indefinitely.” The bill would: Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services; Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges; Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements; Establish basic training requirements. In addition to Senators Murray and Schiff, the bill is co-sponsored by Sen… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T20:09:11Z

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