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://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-un-passage-gaza-aid-resolution,Rep. Smith Statement on U.N. Passage of Gaza Aid Resolution,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"SEATTLE, WA – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for a surge in aid to civilians in Gaza.

“As I’ve said repeatedly, Israel has a right and duty to respond to the horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th and to do everything they can to ensure that Hamas is never able to commit such atrocities again. I also welcome today’s vote by the U.N. Security Council calling for actions to enable rapid access to crucially needed aid to civilians in Gaza.

“As the Biden Administration has made clear, the United States will continue to stand strong with Israel. It is also critical to ensure that more humanitarian aid reach those who need it in Gaza. I urge Israel, Egypt, and the United Nations to do all they can to facilitate rapid, safe access for humanitarian response efforts. It is also essential for Israel to heed the urgings of the Biden Administration and do everything they can to take a more targeted approach against Hamas militants to reduce civilian casualties and, in doing so, advance the long-term security of Israel.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2824,"Larsen, Smith, DelBene, Kilmer, Jayapal and Strickland Reaffirm Support for High Speed Rail in Washington and the Pacific Northwest",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, members of Washington’s House delegation led by Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, reaffirmed their support for high speed rail and improved intercity passenger rail service in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.

In a letter to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator Amit Bose, the lawmakers applauded FRA’s recent announcement of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants for the Cascadia High-Speed Ground Transportation (USHSGT) project and Amtrak Cascades corridors while emphasizing the importance of future federal investment in Cascadia UHSGT.

“These investments are an important first step in investing in rail in the region that will help create a long-term development pipeline of capital projects, take meaningful steps to link communities and improve intercity passenger rail service in the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to working with FRA and Washington state to unlock further funding...”

In addition to Larsen, Reps. Adam Smith (WA-09), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) signed the letter. To read the full letter, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3716,"Amid Nationwide Shortage, DelBene, LaHood Urge Passage of Legislation to Build More Affordable Housing",2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,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), Darin LaHood (IL-16), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) sent a bipartisan letter urging House Leadership to include provisions from the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act in any potential tax legislation brought to the floor.

The nationwide housing crisis continues to worsen. Currently, nearly one-in-four renters – over 10 million families – spend more than half of their household income on rent, cutting into other essential expenses like child care, medication, groceries, and transportation. At the same time, nearly 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness on any given day, an increase over pre-COVID levels.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would support the financing of nearly 2 million new affordable homes by:

Increasing the amount of credits allocated to each state. The legislation would increase the number of credits available to states by 50 percent for the next two years and make the temporary 12.5 percent increase secured in 2018 permanent—which has already helped build more than 59,000 additional affordable housing units nationwide.

Increasing the number of affordable housing projects that can be built using private activity bonds. This provision would stabilize financing for workforce housing projects built using private activity bonds by decreasing the amount of private activity bonds needed to secure Housing Credit funding. As a result, projects would have to carry less debt, and more projects would be eligible to receive funding.

Improving the Housing Credit program to better serve at-risk and underserved communities. The legislation would also make improvements to the program to better serve veterans, victims of domestic violence, formerly homeless students, Native American communities, and rural Americans.

The AHCIA has reached 200 cosponsors, with 100 Republicans and 100 Democrats in support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3718,"DelBene, WA Delegation Members Reaffirm Support for High-Speed Rail in the Pacific Northwest",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,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) joined members of the Washington congressional delegation in reaffirming support for high-speed rail and improved intercity passenger rail services in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest.

In a letter, the lawmakers applauded Federal Railroad Administration’s recent announcement of bipartisan infrastructure law grants for the Cascadia High-Speed Ground Transportation project and Amtrak Cascades corridors and emphasized the importance of future federal investment in the project.

“These investments are an important first step in investing in rail in the region that will help create a long-term development pipeline of capital projects, take meaningful steps to link communities and improve intercity passenger rail service in the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to working with FRA and Washington state to unlock further funding,” the lawmakers wrote.

The letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Adam Smith (WA-09), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-slams-final-package-actions-and-commitments-columbia-river,Newhouse Slams Final Package of Actions and Commitments in the Columbia River System Operations Mediation,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement upon the early release of the final package of actions and commitments in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation.

“This final package, which would make our region’s dams effectively defunct, confirms what we’ve all known for years. The Biden Administration is catering to the wishes of extreme environmental activists that do not understand both the importance of the dams to our region, and the consequences of their proposed actions,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “For the duration of this process, key stakeholders’ positions have been widely ignored in favor of secret, closed-door meetings. The Biden Administration has consistently ignored the science and doubled down on the fraudulent claim that salmon and the dams cannot coexist—a fact that his been disproven multiple times, most recently in the 2020 Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement. This package is a slap in the face to the residents of Central Washington under the guise of protecting salmon and I will not stand for it. I have said it before, and I will say it again—Congress alone has the authority to breach the Lower Snake River Dams, and as long as I am your representative, I will fight to ensure our dams remain in place.”

You can read the package of commitments, here.

Background:

The Biden Administration announced a 10-year stay in the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) mediation, alongside over $1 billion in funding for wild fish restoration in the Columbia River Basin.

Throughout the mediation process, key stakeholders and community members directly impacted by the litigation have been left in the dark as negotiations take place behind closed doors.

The Biden Administration and dam-breaching advocates are intent on achieving a “de facto” breach of the Four Lower Snake River Dams, by opening the gates to reduce the water below the minimum operating levels for hydroelectric generation.

Given that “breaching the dams” is mentioned 68 times total in the package, it is abundantly clear what the goal of this administration is.

This administration should not be making agreements which circumvent congressional authority to breach the dams by operationally breaching them with the agreement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/15/media-press-releases-strickland-supports-intergenerational-caregiving-seniors-and-children/,Strickland Supports Intergenerational Caregiving for Seniors and Children,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), alongside Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) and Rep. Ann Kuster (NH-02), introduced the bipartisan Care Across Generations Act. The bill would establish a grant program for long-term care facilities to operate or contract with a child care program and facilitate intergenerational activities.

“Caregiving is often overlooked as health care, and that must change,” said U.S. Rep. Strickland (WA-10). “It is a critical part of our economy, and this bill is an important step forward to improve the quality of care across generations while making investments to tackle the disjointed caregiving infrastructure.”

“We need to start thinking outside of the box on how to address the workforce shortage in long-term care facilities,” said U.S. Rep. Steil (WI-01). “Providing resources to create and maintain child care programs within long-term care communities is one way we can incentivize and retain health care workers. I’m confident this legislation brings us closer to alleviating the current caregiving crisis.”

“Our country is in the midst of a caregiving crisis, from a lack of reliable and affordable child care to staffing shortages in our long-term care facilities. For the sake of our country and our future, we must invest in innovative solutions to tackle these challenges,” said Congresswoman Kuster (NH-02). “The Care Across Generations Act does just that by creating child care programs that partner with long-term care communities, alleviating workforce shortages and improving the health and wellbeing of children and seniors. I look forward to seeing the joy these connections will bring to our seniors and kids!”

Intergenerational caregiving that combines senior and child day care services, increases the health and well-being of both young and older participants, reduces social isolation, and creates cost efficiencies. This popular care model helps to improve the quality of care both seniors and children receive, and can improve the live of families across the country.

This bipartisan bill is supported by the following organizations:

Washington Health Care Association (WHCA)

Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA)

Michigan Assisted Living Association (MALA)

Montana Health Care Association (MHCA) Arizona Assisted Living Federation of America (AZ-ALFA)

Arkansas Residential Assisted Living Association (ARALA)

Assisted Living Association of Alabama (ALAA)

California Assisted Living Association (CALA)

LeadingAge Colorado

Connecticut Assisted Living Association (CALA)

Florida Senior Living Association (FSLA)

Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA)

Indiana Assisted Living Association

Iowa Assisted Living Association (IALA)

LeadingAge Illinois

Kentucky Senior Living Association (KSLA) Louisiana Assisted Living Association (LALA)

Lifespan Network (Maryland, DC)

Massachusetts Assisted Living Association (MASS-ALA)

LeadingAge Minnesota

Missouri Assisted Living Association (MALA)

New Hampshire Association of Residential Care Homes (NHARCH)

Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCANJ)

Argentum New York

North Carolina Assisted Living Association (NCALA)

Ohio Assisted Living Association (OALA)

Oklahoma Assisted Living Association (OKALA)

Oregon Health Care Association (OHCA)

Pennsylvania Assisted Living Association (PALA)

Rhode Island Assisted Living Association (RIALA)

Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA)

Utah Assisted Living Association (UALA)

Virginia Assisted Living Association (VALA)

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-house-passage-fy-2024-national-defense-authorization-act,Rep. Smith Statement on House Passage of FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith today released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), sending the bill to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The bill passed by a vote of 310 to 118.

“Today’s passage of the NDAA adds to our long history on the House Armed Services Committee of delivering bipartisan and bicameral legislation that fulfills the obligation of Congress to provide for a strong national security and defense. This year’s bill invests in our service members, civilian workers, and their families by providing a 5.2% pay raise for service members and investing in housing, child care, career opportunities, health care, and other quality of life needs. It includes the highest level of funding authorization for HBCUs in any NDAA ever. It also continues our commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting clean energy by authorizing $650 million in energy resilience and energy conservation projects. The NDAA also prioritizes investments in innovation and technology to ensure that America stays at the cutting edge of emerging technologies. In this time of global crisis, the bill crucially reaffirms our commitments to our allies and partners to combat the threats we face throughout the globe and advance peace and stability.

“Importantly, this bill rejects the harmful provisions included in the bill House Republicans passed in July that attacked essential reproductive and LGBTQ+ health care for service members and their families, undermined President Biden’s executive orders on climate change, and drastically expanded the 1033 program. Democrats were successful in removing these provisions from the final bill to protect the health and well-being of service members and their families. The bill is far from perfect, but it reflects hard fought compromise in a time of partisan gridlock and a strong national defense that advances U.S. priorities at home and abroad.”

The final text summary of the FY 2024 NDAA can be found here.

As a senior member of Democratic Leadership in the House, Rep. Adam Smith serves as the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, where he helps shape the national defense bill and is a champion for our military members and their families and a long-time advocate of strengthening American diplomacy and development.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3714,"DelBene, Graves, Peltola, Wittman Call on Biden to Expand Sanctions on Russia’s Seafood Sector",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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), Garret Graves (LA-06), Mary Peltola (AK-At-Large), and Rob Whittman (VA-01) led 38 members of Congress in urging President Biden to strengthen U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s seafood sector.

The seafood industry is a major driver of Russia’s economy and has become a critical source of revenue for the Kremlin since the invasion began. To hold Russia accountable for its continued aggression, President Biden issued an Executive Order in March 2022 banning Russian-origin seafood and other revenue-generating Russian products from entering the United States. However, Russia has largely been able to side-step this ban by exporting its seafood to third countries for processing before entering the United States.

In a bipartisan letter, the lawmakers called on the Biden administration to address this loophole by expanding sanctions to cover Russian-harvested seafood, even if it is processed in third countries.

“New executive action to ensure U.S. sanctions apply to all Russian-harvested seafood—regardless of its movement through third countries—is an important step to drain Putin’s war chest and bring an end to this disastrous war,” the lawmakers wrote. “Excluding all Russian-harvested seafood from the U.S. market would impose immediate consequences on the Russian economy.”

Through October of this year, Russian exports to China are up more than 30% compared to last year and have more than doubled since 2021. Vast quantities of Russian-harvested seafood that is processed in China continue to enter the U.S. market as a “product of China” at a duty-free rate. Russia’s total seafood exports this year are already estimated at over $5 billion in value, and the Kremlin is raising record sums off this trade through fishing quota auctions, export tariffs, and increased fishing activity.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2822,Larsen: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Building Safer Streets and Roads in Northwest Washington,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) announcement of $4.27 million in Safe Streets and Roads for All funding for local projects aimed at improving road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All 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.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Northwest Washington communities have the resources needed to develop comprehensive action plans to expand safe and reliable transportation options for all people,” said Larsen, the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “Traffic fatalities on Washington roads and highways hit a 32-year high in 2022 – a crisis that disproportionally hurts pedestrians and cyclists. I look forward to continued partnership with local communities, stakeholders and Tribes to identify and invest in projects that keep people and the economy moving and improve safety outcomes and accessibility for all travelers.”

Local Projects Awarded Road Safety Grants

Several local projects were awarded Safe Streets and Roads for All grants totaling $4,278,318.

$2,870,000 for Puget Sound Regional Council Coordination of Ten Local Safety Action Plans – The Puget Sound Regional Council will develop comprehensive safety action plans. In Washington’s Second Congressional District, the City of Edmonds will be awarded $300,000 and Snohomish County will be awarded $250,000 of the $2.87 million grant.

$1,008,318 for Lummi Tribe Traffic Safety Action Plan – The Lummi Tribe will develop a comprehensive safety action plan and pilot demonstration activities at up to nine targeted intersections.

$300,000 for Skagit Council of Governments Regional Safety Action Plan – The Skagit Council of Governments will develop a comprehensive safety action plan.

$100,000 for City of Anacortes Action Plan – The City of Anacortes will develop a comprehensive safety action plan.

Local Leaders Applaud Road Safety Grants

Leaders from the Puget Sound Regional Council, the Skagit Council of Governments and the City of Anacortes celebrated the grant awards and emphasized their importance to local road safety initiatives.

“This additional round of Safe Streets and Roads for All grant funding means we will be working in close partnership with over 25 cities and counties in the region on safety planning to move us toward the important goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways in the Puget Sound region,” said Josh Brown, Executive Director of Puget Sound Regional Council. “We are grateful to Representative Larsen for these critical resources provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will help us advance regional safety goals,” said Josh Brown, Executive Director, Puget Sound Regional Council.

“This is great news that will lead to implementation of projects and programs that will make roads and streets in Skagit County safer for both pedestrians and drivers,” said Kevin Murphy, Executive Director, Skagit Council of Governments.

“Thank you, U.S. Department of Transportation, for funding the development of a Streets Safety Action Plan for our community. Once developed the plan will provide a road map of actions the city can take to increase the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The safety of our community is foundational to many of the City's functions, having an action plan customized to our communities' needs will increase safety of all who use our streets,” said Matt Miller, Mayor, City of Anacortes.

Additional Information

Thanks to Larsen’s leadership, $7.9 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been invested in Washington state infrastructure, with more than 460 specific projects identified for funding statewide. For more information on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is benefiting Northwest Washington, click here.

For more information on the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-votes-pass-ndaa-raise-pay-servicemembers,"Rep. Schrier Votes to Pass NDAA, Raise Pay for Servicemembers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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) for FY 2024. The NDAA is an annual piece of legislation that authorizes defense programs to maintain military readiness and increase national security.

“This bipartisan bill makes the vital investments we need to enhance our national security, take care of our service members, and ensure our priorities abroad,” said Rep Schrier. “I’m especially proud to vote for this year’s NDAA so that our service members get the appropriate pay raise and benefits that they rightly deserve.”

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/14/media-press-releases-strickland-secures-provisions-evaluate-pay-improve-housing-supply-strengthen/,"Strickland Secures Provisions To Evaluate Pay, Improve Housing Supply, Strengthen Food Security, & More In Annual Defense Bill",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington. D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Strickland secured several provisions to address quality-of-life issues facing servicemembers in the FY2024 NDAA.

“Since my first day in Congress, I have been committed to addressing quality-of-life issues facing servicemembers and their families here at JBLM and across our nation,” said Rep. Strickland. “In this year’s defense policy bill, I led the fight to improve housing access, update calculations for the basic needs allowance, re-evaluate the cost of living allowance to consider the rising cost of childcare, and more.”

Housing: A report directing the Department to assess the cost-effectiveness of housing unaccompanied junior enlisted servicemembers, and a report on the financial viability of military privatized housing projects.

Childcare & Compensation: Directing the Department to report on the methodology of Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) calculation and account for the price of childcare and improvements to the Special Needs Inclusion Coordinator pilot program

Firefighting: Secured $15 million for firefighting equipment. The Army has historically underfunded Fire and Emergency Services.

Food Access: The NDAA FY24 authorizes the Secretaries to remove the military housing allowance from income calculations for the Basic Needs Allowance, increasing access to a critical food security program.

Healthcare: A report on current resources available to prevent perinatal mental health conditions, including evidence-based programs, the availability of behavioral health providers, and resources for pregnant and postpartum members of the armed forces and their dependents at military treatment facilities, and a report on hiring practices to address nurses shortages at military hospitals.

Strengthening Joint Base Lewis-McChord: Funding for new on-base barrack housing to ensure servicemembers are safely and adequately housed. In total, over $226 million for JBLM military construction, maintenance, barracks, and more.

Strickland is supportive of more provisions that include: a $150 million increase in funding for HBCUs and the direction of the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a briefing on HBCU partnership plans in STEM fields.

Strickland also held the line against MAGA extremists to make sure that provisions that threaten Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), reproductive health, gender care, and COVID-19 vaccinations were all kept out of the FY2024 NDAA.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3712,DelBene Statement on House GOP’s Sham Impeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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) released the following statement after House Republicans voted to launch an impeachment inquiry against President Biden.

“After months of wasting time and taxpayer dollars on baseless attacks against President Biden and his family, House Republicans today caved once again to the most extreme wing of their party. Their decision to pursue a sham impeachment inquiry against the President, despite months of investigations that failed to produce any evidence of wrongdoing, is nothing more than an attempt to distract the American people from the fact that the Republicans have done nothing this entire year to address the urgent needs of American families.

“The American people deserve better than these petty political games. House Democrats will continue working with President Biden, and extending the hand of partnership, when possible, to lower costs for American families, support the middle class, and protect freedom and democracy in the U.S. and around the world.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-testifies-natural-resources-committee-hearing-protect-lower,Newhouse Testifies in Natural Resources Committee Hearing To Protect the Lower Snake River Dams,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) joined the House Committee on Natural Resources' Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee for a hearing to question stakeholders on the Biden Administration’s efforts to breach the four Lower Snake River Dams.

""The Columbia River System Operations, including the operation of the Lower Snake River dams, is of critical importance to Central Washington and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

If these dams are breached, those most negatively impacted will include electricity customers, transportation stakeholders, river-dependent ports and communities, farmers, and recreationists.""

Watch Rep. Newhouse’s line of questioning HERE:

Watch the full committee hearing here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-schriers-bill-improve-childrens-nutrition-passes-house,Representative Schrier’s Bill to Improve Children’s Nutrition Passes the House,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2023, a bill introduced by Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), by a vote of 330-99. This bipartisan legislation aims to improve the quality and nutrition of school lunches by allowing for reduced fat (2%) and whole milk to be served in public schools. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this bill by Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture.

Whole milk has been prohibited in school lunches for over a decade due to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. That billchanged nutrition standards for the National School Lunch Program and mandated that flavored milk be fat-free and traditional milk be, at most, 1% fat. Since the bill was enacted and whole milk was banned from school lunches, per capita milk consumption among children has steadily declined.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act amends the nutrition standards and allows for flavored and unflavored reduced-fat (2%) and whole milk to be served in school lunches.

“As a pediatrician, I have spent my career dedicated to the well-being of children and I know how important adequate nutrition is for growing kids,” said Rep. Schrier. “A healthy diet early in life leads to proper physical growth, improved academic performance, and a strong foundation for healthy eating habits as an adult. Milk, which provides essential calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D, is an essential part of that diet. Whole milk is a filling, nutritious option that will help ensure that our children are well-fed and healthy.”

""Milk is an essential building block for a well-rounded and balanced diet, offering 13 essential nutrients and numerous health benefits. However, out-of-touch and outdated federal regulations have imposed restrictions on the types of milk students have access to in school meals,” said Rep. Thompson. “I am pleased to see my bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act pass out of the United States House of Representatives, and I ultimately look forward to restoring access to these nutritious beverages in schools across the country.""

“Darigold, one of the nation’s largest dairy producers, along with our 300 farmer-owners, is pleased to offer its support for HR 1147, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Those of us in the dairy sector know first-hand that high-quality dairy products are a great source of key nutrients,” said Allan Huttema, dairy farmer and chairman and interim CEO of Darigold. “Too many children and adolescents don’t get enough dairy in their diets and this important legislation would help ensure that more of them benefit from the nutrient density and great taste of fresh, whole milk. We appreciate Rep. Schier’s leadership on this issue; as a pediatrician there is not a more credible advocate in Congress. We thank Reps. Schrier and Thompson for sponsoring HR 1147 and the House of Representatives for passing it.”

“NMPF applauds Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier for their leadership in increasing students’ access to crucial nutrition with their Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation. “This bipartisan measure helps address kids’ underconsumption of the vital nutrients milk provides. This bill allows schools to offer students healthful milk options that they are more likely to choose to drink by expanding the milk options schools can choose to serve to also include the most popular and also nutritious reduced fat and whole milk varieties. NMPF thanks Representatives Thompson and Schrier for spearheading this bipartisan, commonsense, widely supported solution to address students’ nutrition insecurity across the U.S.”

“IDFA applauds the strong bipartisan passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act by the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association. “This bill would allow schools to once again provide children with a wide variety of milk options that they will drink and that meet their individual needs—whether that be whole and 2%, low-fat milks, or lactose-free milks. Whole milk and reduced-fat milks alike provide children with 13 essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. A wide majority of parents and medical and nutrition professionals know that offering these options increases school meal participation, reduces food waste, and provides nutritionally valuable school meals for children and adolescents. IDFA is grateful to Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Rep. Kim Schrier, and the many other lawmakers who for years have championed this effort to reinstate the full suite nutritious milk options in school meals. We strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-enhance-hydropower-infrastructure-safety-and-fish,"Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Enhance Hydropower Infrastructure, Safety, and Fish Migration",2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023. This legislation would incentivize investments to strengthen hydropower safety, improve fish migration, and enhance river health.

The Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act would establish a 30 percent federal Investment Tax Credit for projects relating to dam safety, fish passage, environmental upgrades, and water quality. The bill also creates a new federal cost-share to incentivize the removal of obsolete river obstructions that harm river ecosystems and impede outdoor recreation. These investments will help restore river health, enhance public safety, and support the benefits of hydroelectricity.

Some of the investments eligible for this credit include projects that:

Add or improve fish passage or fish-friendly turbines at a qualified dam,

Improves and maintains water quality,

Manages river sediment transport and habitat maintenance,

Upgrade, repair, or reconstruct a qualified dam to meet the Federal dam safety and security standards,

Improves public use of and access to public waterways impacted by existing dams,

Removes obsolete river obstructions that no longer meet their intended purpose or benefit to society.

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Rep. Schrier. “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”

“As an affordable and highly sustainable source of energy, hydroelectric power is a valuable component of an all-of-the-above strategy for American energy dominance. H.R. 6653 addresses the primarily frontloaded development cost of hydropower to maximize infrastructure investment, energy savings, and stewardship of our natural resources,” said Rep. Smith. “In an increasingly competitive global energy market, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to increase energy production on the table. I thank Reps. DelBene, Tenney, Kuster, Fitzpatrick, Schrier and our colleagues in the Senate for their cooperation on this bipartisan legislation.”

“We must embrace an all-of-the-above approach to meet our clean energy goals – hydropower is a critical part of the effort,” said Rep. Kuster. “This legislation is a key step forward toward improving dam safety, increasing hydroelectricity production, and enhancing the health of our nation’s rivers. Let’s get this done!”

“Washington has long been a trailblazer in leveraging hydropower to provide clean, affordable energy and this legislation would help us build on that success,” said Rep. DelBene. “The bill would create a new tax incentive for hydropower facilities to enhance the safety of dams, protect and enhance fish habitat and passage across the Pacific Northwest, improve grid resiliency, and water quality. This will help lower energy costs for Washingtonians and help us meet our emissions reduction goals.”

“Incentivizing renewable energy, including hydroelectricity, is a proven way to transition to a clean energy future,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act implements a 30 percent investment tax credit for improvements to hydroelectric facilities to further tap into renewable energy resources in Pennsylvania and nationwide.”

“A clean energy grid requires water power to complement wind and solar for 24/7 reliability,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO of the National Hydropower Association. “I send my deepest gratitude to Representatives Smith and DelBene for carrying forward this vital priority in the House. Hydropower currently provides an estimated 30 million American homes with zero-carbon electricity. Yet almost half of the non-federal hydropower fleet faces expensive relicensing in the next several years, with 17,000 MWs of flexible, carbon-free generation at risk of premature retirement. This bill, like its Senate counterpart, will help preserve the existing fleet by enabling facilities to make environmental and dam safety enhancements – outcomes that will lead to healthier rivers and a more reliable grid. I urge Congress to pass this bill as soon as possible; our industry, our environment, and the energy needs of Americans can’t wait a moment longer.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/08/media-press-releases-strickland-advances-pipeline-public-safety-efforts/,Strickland Advances Pipeline Public Safety Efforts,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland’s (WA-10) proposal, the Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, was included in the final version of the bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023, which passed favorably out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

“Pipelines affect surrounding areas through safety, health, and the environment. The public must be fully informed on safety measures and regulations,” said Rep. Strickland. “Creating an Office of Public Engagement will allow PHMSA to ramp up their efforts to engage with local communities about pipeline safety.”

The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, in section 10 of the PIPES Act, designates the existing Community Liaison Services at PHMSA as the Office of Public Engagement and assigns specific duties to engage with the public, government officials, public safety organizations, and pipeline operators, as well as assist with inquiries regarding pipeline safety best practices and regulations. The Office will also promote the adoption and increased use of safety programs.

The PIPES Act reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety programs for the next four years. The act provides a framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure across the United States. The bill now awaits further consideration in the House of Representatives.

You can read the bill text for the PIPES Act of 2023, which includes Strickland’s proposal, here.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-groundbreaking-mercy-angle-lake-family-housing-project,Rep. Smith Statement on Groundbreaking of Mercy Angle Lake Family Housing Project,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sound Transit and Mercy Housing broke ground this week on the Mercy Angle Lake Family Housing project, located next to the Sound Transit Angle Lake Light Rail station in SeaTac. Sound Transit is the first in the country to use the Affordable Housing Disposition Method which extinguishes federal interest in properties transferred to nonprofits and community-based organizations for affordable housing. The Affordable Housing Disposition Method was made possible by the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act that Rep. Smith helped pass by including it in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

""We have a severe lack of affordable housing in Washington. That's why this groundbreaking is such a big deal.The Mercy Angle Lake Family Housing project - in collaboration with the Arc Legacy Center project - will bring new units of transit-friendly affordable housing to our region and simultaneously support people in our region with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, one of the groups most in need of affordable housing,"" said Rep. Adam Smith.""We need to build more housing to make housing more affordable, and this project is a great example of how to make that happen. I was thrilled to get the Promoting Affordable Housing Near Transit Act signed into law and it is great to see this legislation begin to make a positive impact in our region. I applaud all the partners in our state for their tireless efforts to make this project a reality. This groundbreaking is a big, historic win for affordable housing in King County.""

This year, Rep. Smith submitted a Community Project Funding request of $2 million for the Arc Legacy Center for consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations process and he has continued to push to get this funding across the finish line.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-streamline-regulation-support-farmers-ranchers-and,"Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Streamline Regulation, Support Farmers, Ranchers, and Dairy Producers",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,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) introduced the Innovative Feed Enhancement and Economic Development Act of 2023 (Innovative FEED Act). This bipartisan legislation would update FDA processes to create a more efficient approval process for livestock feed additives. Representative Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Greg Pence (IN-06), Angie Craig (MN-02), and Jim Baird (IN-04).

Feed additives are an important tool for American farmers, as they play a crucial role in ensuring livestock health, improving productivity, and reducing the presence of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli. While innovation in feed additives has increased significantly in recent years, FDA regulatory processes have remained the same. This discrepancy has left the door open for new products to be stuck in a prolonged approval process. The subsequent lack of access to innovative feed additives is detrimental to American farmers, especially as other countries have already made similar changes to their regulatory process.

To resolve this issue, the Innovative FEED Act would:

Create a new category of animal feeds named “zootechnical animal food substances” and define them as substances that only act within the gastrointestinal tract of animals to lower food pathogens, reduce byproducts from animals, or affect their gut microbiome.

Make clear that zootechnical animal food substances would be regulated within FDA’s existing Food Additive Petition (FAP) process for market approval, rather than the New Animal Drug Application process, saving innovators significant time and money to market. FAP requires FDA to review the safety and efficacy of these substances before market authorization.

Spur more innovation in feed products that can provide American farmers with more tools to help nourish their animals and support farmers’ profitability.

The approach of this legislation is broadly consistent with the regulatory approaches of other countries, thereby creating a level playing field for American innovators and farmers.

“Our farmers, ranchers, and dairymen are essential to our nation’s economy and well-being, and they rely on innovative products like new feed additives to help keep their animals healthy and businesses secure,” said Rep. Schrier. “Some additives even reduce methane emissions from cows and can have an outsized impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation makes much needed updates to the FDA’s regulatory process that will improve animal health, reduce emissions, and support American farms.

“As a farmer-owned co-op representing hundreds of family farms across the Northwest, we are always interested in measures that make it easier for farmers to raise their animals in ways that are better for the environment, farm operations, and the animals themselves,” said Allan Huttema, dairy farmer and Darigold Chairman and interim CEO. “That support very much includes an interest in emerging products like feed additives already approved and used in major milk producing countries around the world. We appreciate this bipartisan effort to improve the FDA’s process for reviewing and approving these important products. I hope that the full House will join Representatives Schrier, Pence, Baird, and Craig by showing support for our nation’s dairy farmers and back the Innovative FEED Act and ensure that it is enacted into law.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/07/media-press-releases-icymi-strickland-op-ed-we-wont-let-far-right-hijack-americas-security/,ICYMI – Strickland Op-Ed: We Won’t Let Far Right Hijack America’s Security Priorities,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"“Now more than ever, America must demonstrate strong global leadership to protect our national security, and that of our allies. Sound policy must be the basis of this leadership. To respond to these threats, Congress must act to pass the bill that addresses our critical defense needs – the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).”

Washington, D.C. — Today, New Democrat Coalition (NDC) National Security Task Force Chair Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) penned an op-ed in Newsweek emphasizing the importance of passing a strong, bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to ensure America can address present and future national security threats.

Read the full op-ed here and below:

The United States and our allies around the world face security threats at a level not seen since World War II. Ukraine continues its fight against Russia for the freedom and sovereignty of its people. Israel is defending itself in response to the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7. Tensions continue to rise as authoritarian aggression threatens our allies in the Indo-Pacific, including Taiwan.

Now more than ever, America must demonstrate strong global leadership to protect our national security and that of our allies. Sound policy must be the basis of this leadership. To respond to ongoing threats, Congress must act to pass the bill that addresses our critical defense needs—the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Through my work as chair of the National Security Task Force of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC)—a group of nearly 100 center-left Democrats committed to breaking through partisan gridlock in Congress—I’m leading my colleagues in the effort to find common ground and get a bipartisan bill across the finish line before the end of the year.

For over six decades, Congress has passed an annual defense bill that fosters American innovation, ensures that our servicemembers’ and their families’ needs are met, and strengthens our military’s readiness.

This year, however, we are in danger of breaking this 60-year streak. Why? Because House Republicans drove a partisan wedge through the NDAA by adding extreme far-right amendments that risk delaying or preventing its passage. And let’s not forget that one senator held up 450-plus military promotions for 10 months because he opposes reproductive freedom for those who serve our country.

We must reconcile our differences before the end of 2023 so we can send a bill to President Joe Biden for his signature. Despite partisan tensions in Congress, it is essential that we meet this critical moment in our history by coming together to pass a bicameral and bipartisan bill that answers the global call for American leadership.

That’s why the NDC National Security Task Force is pushing Congress to include our five key priorities for the NDAA, which we released last June. Our commitment to continuing support for our allies, prioritizing climate resiliency and energy security, supporting servicemembers and their families, investing in research and innovation, and strengthening our defense industrial base and supply chains has guided our work.

A strong NDAA is essential to ensure that we have the resources, personnel, and capabilities required to keep Americans, our allies, and innocent people imperiled by conflicts around the world safe. But the work of Congress does not end here.

Congress must also take swift action to pass President Biden’s national security supplemental funding request for security and much-needed aid in support of Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. We also cannot ignore the need for funding to help address migration across the U.S. southern border.

As the member of Congress who represents Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast with more than 40,000 servicemembers and their families, I will continue to work with my New Dem colleagues, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the Biden administration to deliver durable, bipartisan solutions to protect the American people and those who serve at home and abroad.

Rep. Marilyn Strickland, a Democrat, represents Washington’s 10th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/bipartisan-legislation-introduced-streamline-tsa-security-clearance-process,Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Streamline TSA Security Clearance Process for Transportation Workers,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee), Garret Graves (Chairman, House Aviation Subcommittee), and Mark Green (Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security), along with Representatives Michael Guest, Dina Titus, and Salud Carbajal, have introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 5840 - the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act - to eliminate the redundant fees and background checks for essential transportation workers. The bill cuts through red tape to allow workers to apply existing valid background checks to multiple TSA-managed credentialing programs, preventing workers from going through identical processes multiple times.

This new streamlining legislation reduces costs and hassle for workers like truck drivers, pipeline operators, longshoremen, and warehouse managers, among many others, who must obtain these credentials as a condition of employment.

""I've heard from many transportation workers in my district who have had to spend a significant amount of time and money to keep their required credentials up to date. The legislation we introduced would create a more streamlined application and renewal process, reducing unnecessary hurdles for transportation workers, a crucial workforce in our economy,"" said Rep. Adam Smith. ""I am thrilled to have the support of Teamsters, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Washington State Labor Council, and the American Trucking Association and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important piece of legislation.""

""Ridiculous regulations and red tape have crushed America's supply chain workers. We need to expedite the time it takes to put an essential worker into our workforce, not requiring people to stand in line for security credentials only to have them get back in line to obtain a redundant background check for another TSA credential,"" Graves said. ""The supply chain crisis has contributed to higher consumer costs and shortages, and this effort is part of the solution to make sure our transportation workforce is able to work at full speed. I look forward to working with this strong group of bipartisan lawmakers to ensure that this legislation strengthens our economy and supply chain while reducing costs and headaches.""

""I am pleased to join this important legislation that would help create efficiencies in credentialing for our front-line transportation workers. Through this legislation, we are working to improve our supply chain challenges by addressing burdensome regulations for these critical workers. I look forward to working toward passage of H.R. 5840 during the 118th Congress,"" said Rep. Michael Guest.

""Critical supply chain workers should not be subject to redundant and outdated government red tape which delays their employment,"" said Rep. Titus. ""By streamlining the credentialing process across TSA-managed programs, we ensure that our supply chains are secure and ease the burden on applicants, including truck drivers, warehouse managers, and pipeline operators. Supporting these essential transportation workers will not only strengthen our economy, but also lower costs for consumers.""

""Eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies in these credentialing processes will ensure we avoid supply chain disruptions and undue burden on the transportation workers - who should be focused on doing their critical jobs, not juggling varying expiration dates and fees,"" said Rep. Carbajal. ""This bipartisan bill will ensure our essential workers can smoothly navigate their security credentials without cutting corners on safety.""

""Subjecting essential supply chain workers to continually repeat the same exact background check multiple times in order to receive different credentials—all from the same, one agency—does nothing to enhance security,"" said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. ""This system only serves to pad government coffers by forcing truckers and other transportation workers to pay duplicative fees for a background check they've already cleared. Congress should not allow the inefficiencies of government bureaucracy to impede the efficiency of our supply chain, especially at the expense of those hardworking men and women who keep our economy running. We thank Congressman Graves for his strong leadership on this important issue for trucking.""

Background

The Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act does not make any modifications to the back-end security assessment conducted on individual applicants, ensuring that applicants must undergo the same level of review as they do under current law. This bill simply modernizes the consumer-facing applicant process to reduce the burden on American transportation workers who must maintain more than one TSA credential, such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credentials and Hazardous Materials Endorsements.

A fact sheet for the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act can be found here.

A full list of endorsements can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3710,DelBene Announces WA-01 Winner of 2023 Congressional App Challenge,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,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 the winner of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge from Washington’s 1st Congressional District. The winning app, ViziBox, was created by Aryav Taneja, from Redmond.

ViziBox is used to read aloud text on documents or labels that are difficult for the visually impaired. A small device is used to take a picture of the text and then the text-to-voice app audibly reads to the user through the phone’s speakers. A demo of ViziBox can be found here.

The winning app was selected by a panel of impartial judges from our community. ViziBox will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for the next year, along with winning apps from other congressional districts.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3711,"DelBene, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Boost Domestic Manufacturers, Tackle Climate Change",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) introduced legislation to make American companies more competitive in the global marketplace and address major sources of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions by creating a carbon border adjustment. The legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Don Beyer (VA-08), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Ami Bera (CA-06) and Senators Brian Schatz (HI) and Martin Heinrich (NM).

American manufacturers are less carbon-intensive than most foreign competitors. The U.S. economy is almost 50 percent less carbon intensive than the global average. The Chinese economy is over three times as carbon-intensive as the U.S., and India is nearly four times as carbon-intensive.

The Clean Competition Act would impose a carbon border adjustment on energy-intensive imports, while incentivizing decarbonization of domestic manufacturing. Starting in 2025, the adjustment would apply to 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 2027, it would be expanded to include imported finished goods that meet certain weight or value thresholds, such as cars.

The fee would be based on the weight of a particular good, beginning at $55 per ton, and increase over time. 75 percent of revenues raised would fund grants to help domestic industries invest in the new technologies necessary to reduce their carbon footprints. The remaining 25 percent would be used by the State Department to help developing countries decarbonize.

“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, which resulted in the loss of over 700 good-paying union jobs. To address the climate crisis while defending American industries, the Clean Competition Act would level the playing field by imposing a fee on imports from high-carbon producers,” said DelBene. “A carbon fee would incentivize industries from around the world to prioritize decarbonization and create a level playing field for American workers in these sectors.”

“American manufacturers doing the right thing on climate are often at a disadvantage compared to high-polluting foreign competitors,” said Whitehouse. “Our Clean Competition Act would give domestic companies a step up in the global marketplace while lowering carbon emissions at home and abroad, and ultimately steering the planet toward climate safety. There is bipartisan momentum for a carbon border adjustment in the Senate – this a solution endorsed by industry and experts across the political spectrum.”

“The Clean Competition Act is a smart use of trade policy that would advance both our climate and economic agenda by incentivizing domestic energy-intensive industries to become more efficient and pushing for manufacturers overseas to do the same,” said Beyer. “I greatly appreciate the work of Rep. DelBene and Sen. Whitehouse on this important bill and look forward to advancing it through the legislative process.”

“As we work to reduce climate pollution and boost American jobs, we need a renewed focus on leveling the playing field for American goods and products that compete against products from countries that pollute and use unfair advantages. The Clean Competition Act is an important complement to the new wave of American manufacturing jobs boosted by the historic Inflation Reduction Act. American industries are leveraging a wide range of technologies to drive down industrial air pollution and achieve greater sustainability,” said Castor. “Our Clean Competition Act will help reward these innovations, strengthen America’s industrial base, and protect us from unfair competition in the global marketplace while ensuring that China and other nations are doing their part to reduce pollution and environmental impacts.”

“American manufacturers often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to prioritizing environmentally responsible practices in comparison to competitors in other countries with less environmentally friendly approaches,” said Bera. “The Clean Competition Act will help level the playing field for American companies with our trading partners while addressing the urgent threat of climate change. By introducing a carbon border adjustment that targets imports from the world’s dirtiest polluters, we are incentivizing the transition of heavy industry towards the adoption of cleaner and more energy efficient practices and helping re-invest in American clean manufacturing here at home.”

“Manufacturing accounts for nearly one-quarter of U.S. climate pollution and is a rapidly growing sector globally. Reducing climate pollution is vital for a stable climate and healthy, thriving communities. The Clean Competition Act can create a race to the top among global competitors as part of a larger effort to move toward a low-carbon economy, while opening a dialogue about additional efforts needed to address local pollution impacts on frontline communities,” said Elizabeth Gore, Senior Vice President for Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-champions-central-washington-farm-bill-priorities,Newhouse Champions Central Washington Farm Bill Priorities,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) testified before the House Committee on Agriculture to promote key provisions and urgency for the Farm Bill reauthorization.

Watch Rep. Newhouse’s testimony HERE or read his remarks as prepared below:

""As Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, and as a third-generation farmer representing Central Washington, it is a privilege to work with the Members of this distinguished Committee.

As we continue to address rural policy issues and support our farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture industry, I appreciate the opportunity to testify today and want to highlight several important provisions as you develop the next Farm Bill.

The Farm Bill impacts all Americans, and this legislation must be carefully crafted to promote American agriculture, preserve our premiere research institutions, improve forest health to prevent catastrophic wildfires, and provide a safety net to ensure the long-term success of America’s agriculture industry.

Trade continues to be critical for American farmers and ranchers, and American agricultural products are a key part of the global food supply.

The Farm Bill must ensure that agricultural exports are prioritized in market promotion and that U.S. food aid continues to support American producers.

It should reauthorize, and consider expanding, the Market Access Program (MAP), which is the main export promotion program that helps producers increase exports of American agricultural products.

Additionally, the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), the Emerging Markets Program, and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops all play an important role in establishing new international markets for American products in foreign countries.

My bill, H.R. 648, the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023 would expand and extend the MAP and FMD programs to ensure that American farmers and ranchers have the support they need to grow their businesses.

My district is home to a significant number of organic growers and I am concerned by the lack of urgency and collaboration from USDA in updating organic standards.

Consumer trust in organics relies on strong and consistently updated voluntary standards that reflect the latest facts on environmental and ecological data, consumer demands, and innovative best practices.

To address this issue, I, along with others on this Committee and with overwhelming support from organic growers, introduced H.R. 5973, the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act.

This legislation establishes a five-year repeating process where USDA, its advisory board, and stakeholders work together to ensure evolving market data is included in modern organics practices.

For farmers, land managers, and other users not in the organic space, the ability to produce abundant food, feed, and fiber relies on access to safe and effective pesticides. However, some states have begun to regulate pesticides in a manner counter to the decades of scientific guidance from the EPA.

The lack of certainty on EPA-approved, science-based labels will erode access to current and future pesticides. It will threaten crops, grower incomes, conservation practices, public health, vital infrastructure, and ultimately raise food prices for families amidst record-high inflation.

My friend, and the distinguished Representative from South Dakota, Dusty Johnson, introduced H.R. 4288, the Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act, to reaffirm federal pesticide labeling uniformity and prevent state and local governments from adopting inconsistent labeling or packaging that disrupts access to these vital tools.

Growers and users need assurance that while states have authority to regulate pesticides within their jurisdiction, they cannot impose labeling or packaging requirements in addition or different from the scientific conclusions of the EPA.

In closing, the pursuit of a healthy farm economy must be a top priority, and it is crucial to protect those that keep food on our shelves.

I encourage urgency as you continue to develop the next Farm Bill, and I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration.""

The Farm Bill was extended through the stopgap funding measure passed by Congress and signed by the President last month. It will now expire September 30, 2024.

To watch the full hearing, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-fights-tribal-law-enforcement-parity-bill-natural-resources,Newhouse Fights for Tribal Law Enforcement Parity Bill in Natural Resources Hearing,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) participated in a hearing with the House Committee on Natural Resources to discuss his bill, H.R. 4524—the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act, which would improve hiring and increase retention for tribal law enforcement officers in order to better protect native communities, increase law enforcement presence in all rural communities, and help address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIW).

Watch Rep. Newhouse’s opening remarks HERE or read excerpts as prepared below:

“Chairwoman Hageman and Ranking Member Leger-Fernandez, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak at today’s hearing as a guest and for all the vital work you do on behalf of Indian Country.

“I am here today to introduce the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as on behalf of my legislation H.R. 4524 – the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act which is included in today’s legislative hearing.

“H.R. 4524 aims to improve hiring and increase retention for tribal law enforcement officers to better protect native communities and help address the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

“Across the country, and especially in Washington’s Fourth Congressional District, many tribes have serious problems recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement officers who serve on reservation land. Often times this is a result of training limitations, the bureaucratic nature of credentialling tribal officers, and sub-par pay.

“This often leaves tribal communities with an inadequate law enforcement presence. The consequences of this can be fatal as tribal communities work to combat the opioid crisis, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls crisis, and protect their families and local businesses.

“H.R. 4524 will fix this issue by classifying tribal law enforcement officers as federal law enforcement officers for the purposes of federal benefits and pensions amongst several other provisions.

“It has strong bipartisan and organizational support. Back in July, I introduced this legislation with Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) and Rep. Davids (D-KS). And, today, this legislation boasts 14 bipartisan cosponsors and 9 tribes and Native American organizations who support it.

“One of these supporters is the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Today, they are represented by Chairman Jarred Erickson who is a resident of Nespelem, Washington.

“Welcome, Chairman Erickson. And, thank you for attending this legislative hearing and most importantly for always being willing to work with my office on policy issues important to Indian Country.

“Your support of H.R. 4524 has been essential in moving it through the legislative process and I look forward to hearing your testimony on it here today.

“I also look forward to hearing the testimony of all the other witnesses here today.

To learn more and watch the full hearing, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-resolution-condemning-antisemitism,Rep. Smith Statement on Resolution Condemning Antisemitism,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"December 5, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today released the following statement on the resolution condemning antisemitism.

""Today I voted to advance a resolution condemning antisemitism. Since the October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel, there has been a tragic rise in antisemitism throughout the world. We must strongly condemn this hatred and bigotry and stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and neighbors, many of whom are living in fear. I do not agree, however, with a line in the resolution that states that anti-Zionism is antisemitism. Conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism ultimately undermines our ability to reach peace and combat the real and growing danger of antisemitism globally. Despite this, I believe it is of the upmost importance to condemn antisemitism, and that is why I voted for the resolution on the floor today.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/representative-smith-and-senator-merkley-lead-bicameral-action-ban-hedge-fund,Representative Smith and Senator Merkley Lead Bicameral Action to Ban Hedge Fund Ownership of Residential Housing,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) teamed up to introduce the bicameral End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act of 2023. This legislation responds directly and forcefully to a persistent and growing problem — What Happens When Wall Street Buys Most of the Homes on Your Block? The purchasing of single-family homes by hedge funds, especially in the current housing market, has made it more difficult for middle-class Americans to become homeowners and is contributing to America's twin crises of housing unaffordability and wealth inequality.

""In 1971, my father was able to buy the house I grew up in for $15,000 on the salary he earned as a baggage handler at SeaTac Airport. That same house would cost nearly $500,000 today yet wages for workers like my father have not kept up. Too many families in the Puget Sound region and across the country are struggling to afford to rent or buy a home. This crisis has been exacerbated in recent years by an increasing number of large investors purchasing a significant percentage of single-family homes, squeezing out prospective buyers,"" said Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.). ""Congress must take action to crack down on corporate greed and get hedge funds out of the single-family home market. The bill I'm introducing today with my colleagues would ban these problematic hedge funds from the single-family housing market and claw back some of the homes they already own so that more American families have a fair shot at becoming homeowners.""

""The housing in our neighborhoods should be homes for people, not profit centers for Wall Street. Yet, in every corner of the country, giant financial corporations are buying up housing and driving up both rents and home prices,"" said Senator Merkley. ""It's time for Congress to put in place commonsense guardrails that ensure all families have a fair chance to buy or rent a decent home in their community at a price they can afford.""

Following the 2008 housing crisis, large private equity firms and hedge funds bought substantial portfolios of foreclosed homes as an investment opportunity. The federal government enabled this growth through bulk sales of federally backed mortgages and foreclosed properties. This decision excluded ordinary families and mission driven non-profits from buying these homes and returning them to families in need of stable housing.

In 2011, no single entity owned over 1,000 single-family rental units. As of June 2022, the Urban Institute estimates that large hedge funds and other institutional investors owned roughly 574,000 single-family homes. To meet investors' return expectations, hedge funds and other investors maximize profits by imposing high rent increases, inflating fees, and delaying home maintenance and improvements, which diminishes the quality of housing over time.

The End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act seeks to put an end to this harmful practice of hedge funds buying up single-family homes by banning hedge funds from owning these types of homes and requiring them to sell at least 10% of the total number of single-family homes they currently own to families per year over a 10-year period. After a 10-year full phase-out, all hedge funds will be completely banned from owning any single-family homes.

The fact sheet for the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

In addition to Smith, this bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA-05) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38). In addition to Merkley, this bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN).

""Without access to housing, nothing else in your life works. Not your job, your health, your education or your family,"" said Senator Smith. ""The housing crisis is devastating communities all across the country, and corporate executives are exploiting it to put more money in their pockets. We shouldn't allow private equity firms to buy up vast quantities of American homes and create a generation of lifelong renters. Congress needs to act fast and help promote access to safe, affordable housing and homeownership for American families, not Wall Street.""

""When people buy homes, doors open to opportunity. When hedge funds buy homes, those doors shut,"" said Rep. Nikema Williams, a member of the Executive House Committee on Financial Services. ""This is painfully true in Atlanta, where my constituents are priced out of homeownership while investors purchase homes 10 or more at a time. Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools to close the racial wealth gap, and that power is diminished when hedge funds dominate the housing market. I am introducing the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act so that people can buy homes and enjoy the opportunity homeownership provides —no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.""

""Working families should be able to rent or buy a home, no matter where they live. Unfortunately, greedy corporations all too often buy up residential properties for their own financial benefit - especially in neighborhoods like mine in Southern California - which takes affordable options away from potential buyers and drives up home and rent prices across the board,"" said Rep. Linda Sánchez. ""That's why I'm proud to cosponsor this legislation that will bring down housing prices, giving more families the opportunity to purchase a home and set their families up for a bright future.""

The End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act is endorsed by the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, CONSUMER ACTION, National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients), Washington Low-Income Housing Alliance, National Housing Resource Center, Americans for Financial Reform, and the National Housing Law Project.

""Corporate housing consolidation harms tenants and destabilizes communities by making it harder for working people to afford shelter.Thisbillwill address theroot cause of the consolidation issue, providing meaningful intervention that stops homes from being used as a means for generating profit."" - Madeline Bankson, Housing Research Coordinator, Private Equity Stakeholder Project

""Large corporate investors are gutting the U.S. housing market and making in nearly impossible for the average person to purchase a single-family home. This is destroying the American dream,"" said Ruth Susswein, Consumer Action's Director of Consumer Protection. ""The End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act creates the sorely needed incentive to curb corporate homeownership and reinvest in underserved communities by imposing a hefty 50% tax on hedge funds that insist on gorging on single family homes."" - Ruth Susswein, Director of Consumer Protection, CONSUMER ACTION

""The National Consumer Law Center, on behalf of its low-income clients, supports the End Hedge Fund Control of American Homes Act legislation because it centers the needs of communities and families over the profits of hedge funds by seeking to keep homeownership in the hands of individuals and families. By limiting access of institutional investors to neighborhood homes, especially in communities of color, the bill recognizes the importance of owner-occupied homeownership to the growth of thriving neighborhoods and to narrowing the racial wealth gap."" - Alys Cohen, Senior Attorney, National Consumer Law Center

""Very large private equity companies are buying up thousands of affordable houses that traditionally are the homes for first-time-homebuyers, and converting them to long term and high priced rentals.Homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in the United States and these private equity investment companies are shutting that out for too many of our families. The National Housing Resource Center supports strong legislation that can keep homeownership affordable for first-time-homebuyers and stops large national investment companies from outbidding the average homebuyer."" - Bruce Dorpalen, Executive Director, National Housing Resource Center

Rep. Smith introduced the Saving Homes from Acquisition by Private EquityAct in 2022,which would create a significant federal real estate transfer tax on institutional investors and private equity firms who purchase single-family homes on the open market. He has continued to be outspoken about the challenge of housing affordability in Washington's Ninth District and across the country and the need to make it more possible for individuals and families to afford to rent or buy homes.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/05/media-press-releases-strickland-appointed-newest-member-new-democrat-coalitions-leadership-team/,Strickland Appointed Newest Member of the New Democrat Coalition’s Leadership Team,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,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) and New Democrat Coalition Chair (NDC) Annie Kuster (NH-02) announced that Strickland will join the Coalition as a Leadership Member. Following Rep. Lori Trahan’s (MA-03) election to the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC), Chair Kuster appointed Rep. Strickland to fill her position on the NDC Leadership team.

“The New Democrat Coalition stays focused on getting things done and making progress for the American people,” said U.S. Rep. Strickland. “I’m honored to be part of this leadership team as we seek bi-partisan solutions when possible, to deliver for our communities at home.”

“I am thrilled to congratulate our New Dem colleagues, Reps. Trahan and Strickland, on their new leadership positions,” said New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster. “Lori Trahan has brought a fresh and unique perspective as an essential Member of our NDC leadership team this Congress, and our entire Coalition looks forward to working with her as she joins the DPCC. As Lori transitions to her new role, we are excited to welcome Marilyn Strickland as a New Dem Leadership Member! Marilyn’s strong involvement on our National Security Task Force, her unwavering commitment to advancing common-sense solutions, and her dedication to supporting our battleground Members make her the perfect person to take on this important role within the Coalition.”

The New Democrat Coalition is a group of nearly 100 House Democrats who are committed to governing and breaking through the gridlock in Washington D.C. to deliver real solutions for issues Americans face.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the CBC whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2821,Seattle Times: Op-Ed: NATO must continue to stand with Ukraine,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"In October, representatives from NATO member countries, including the United States, gathered in Copenhagen, Denmark, for the 69th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The primary focus of this year’s session was NATO allies’ and partners’ unwavering support for Ukraine.

As a member of the Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee, I presented my second report on Ukraine’s ongoing fight for freedom and the international response to Putin’s illegal war. The report outlines the evolution of the war, NATO’s support for Ukraine and the impact the war is having on Ukraine, the region and the world.

The report also outlines six recommendations to reaffirm and strengthen NATO’s commitment to Ukraine as Putin’s war of aggression grinds through its second year. Those recommendations are:

● NATO countries must sustain and boost military and financial support for Ukraine to enable Ukraine to defend itself from aggression and recapture territory seized by Russian forces;

● NATO countries must support the continuity of deterrence and defense missions; for example, by investing in critical weapons stockpiles;

● NATO countries must tighten sanctions on Putin and his enablers to greatly limit the Kremlin’s ability to prosecute its illegal war;

● NATO countries must throw their political and diplomatic weight behind Ukraine and rally the world to support the young democracy;

● NATO countries must look ahead and plan for Ukraine’s reconstruction to enable Ukraine to consolidate its significant democratic gains;

● NATO countries must consider the global context of Putin’s war.

Putin’s war has changed accelerated competition between the United States and China. Putin’s war has also revealed a global division between democracies and revisionist states looking to upend the rules-based international order. These dynamics will have a profound impact on the future of the world’s political organization and on American security.

The NATO alliance was founded on democratic values after World War II. Nearly 75 years after its founding, NATO countries must again defend the rules-based order, an order that has greatly benefited the United States.

NATO allies and partners have learned that Ukraine’s victory will be neither quick nor easy. Defending democracy, self-determination and sovereignty is no small task. But NATO countries, including the United States, cannot allow authoritarian actors like Putin to violate these principles with impunity.

That is why Congress must soon pass legislation that fully funds the president’s request for security and humanitarian aid in support of Ukraine. And that is why Congress and our NATO allies must stand by our values and reaffirm that we will support Ukraine as long as it takes for the young democracy to control its own borders, select its own leaders and determine its own future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/12/04/media-press-releases-strickland-sens-murray-and-budd-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation/,"Strickland, Sens. Murray and Budd Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Retain Skilled Nurses in Military Health Care System",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ted Budd (R-NC), introduced new bipartisan, bicameral legislation aimed at addressing the nursing staff shortages in the military health care system as personnel shortages remain a major issue for patients and staff at Department of Defense (DoD) healthcare facilities.

The Retain Educated Workers and Registered Nurses Developing (REWARD) Experience Act would help the military health care system retain experienced nurses by removing unnecessary hiring requirements that incentivize nurses in the system to leave for the private health care sector. Specifically, the legislation would empower hiring officials to promote qualified and skilled nurses already working in the military health care system, allowing them to receive recognition for their service and the expertise gained in their previous position. This bill provides a solution to current laws that force nurses interested in staying in the military health care system to take a pay cut for higher responsibility.

“The bicameral, bipartisan REWARD Experience Act of 2023 will allow skilled and dedicated nurses to stay in the Military Health System while they pursue higher education,” said Rep. Strickland. “This change retains nursing talent that wish to become more skilled and prioritizes patient care for servicemembers, their dependents, and veterans.”

Over 85 percent of DoD facilities reported nursing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and in January 2023, 80 percent of civilian vacancies in the Defense Health Agency were health care personnel positions. The Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Tacoma had the largest percentage of vacant positions—38 percent, or 1,615 personnel—of all the Military Treatment Facilities sampled. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses will be needed across the U.S. between 2020 to 2030.

“Our new bipartisan legislation would provide a common-sense fix to incentivize nurses to stay in the military health care system, where their skills are so important to getting servicemembers and their families timely access to high-quality care,” said Senator Murray. “Staffing shortages are a challenge for health care facilities across the country, and we must keep working to find ways to retain qualified and experienced nurses in military health care facilities and ensure servicemembers and their families get the care they deserve—I’m proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get that done.

“As our country faces a shortage of qualified nurses, this bipartisan proposal provides a common-sense fix that would cut through bureaucratic requirements to help the military keep dedicated healthcare professionals on the job without taking a pay cut,” said Senator Budd. “I’d like to thank Senator Murray for co-leading this bill with me.”

This legislation is supported by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the National Military Family Association (NMFA)

“MOAA supports the REWARD Act that will help military hospitals and clinics retain experienced civilian nurses as they further their education and achieve higher levels of licensure. MOAA’s spring advocacy campaign last year raised concerns about health care workforce challenges, so we appreciate that the REWARD Act will help DoD retain experienced nurses by addressing a barrier in hiring policy,” said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) President and CEO Lt Gen Brian Kelly, USAF (Ret).

“Service members and military families need and deserve the very best health care. Nurses are an essential part of that equation,” said Besa Pinchotti, CEO of the National Military Family Association (NMFA). “The REWARD Experience Act is common-sense legislation that incentivizes nurses to remain with the military health system as they progress in their careers.”

The bill text for the REWARD Experience Act can be found here.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the CBC whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-vandalism-his-home,Rep. Smith Statement on Vandalism at His Home,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"December 1, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today released the following statement on the vandalism against his home in Bellevue, Washington regarding the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

""Last night, my house was vandalized by people advocating for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. This attack is sadly reflective of the coarsening of the political discourse in our country, and is completely unwarranted, unnecessary, and harmful to our political system.

""Throughout the course of my career, my staff and I have continually met with groups from all parts of the political spectrum, including Pro-Palestinian and left-wing activists, and I remain open to meeting with these groups and discussing our differences and where we can come together in a productive and peaceful way. We must engage with politics in this way and reject the rise in political violence that we have witnessed over the past several years.

""The extremism on both the left and right side of our political spectrum is a threat to a healthy, functioning democracy and has been condoned for far too long. The simple truth is that extremism on both sides is degrading to our political system and must be rooted out for our democracy to be able to persist.

""The world is increasingly complicated and full of tough challenges that require strong leaders. I am committed to taking on these challenges and this act of vandalism has only made me more determined to remain in politics to ensure that we resolve our differences in a peaceful way that truly reflects representative democracy.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2819,Larsen: Bipartisan PIPES Act Makes Northwest Washington Safer,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"The bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023 reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program for the next four years and provides an efficient and effective framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure nationwide.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, announced the introduction of a bipartisan bill to improve pipeline safety in the Pacific Northwest and across the United States.

The bipartisan Promoting Innovation in Pipeline Efficiency and Safety (PIPES) Act of 2023 reauthorizes the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) pipeline safety program for the next four years and provides an efficient and effective framework to advance the safety of energy infrastructure nationwide.

“I have worked for years to raise the bar on pipeline safety after the tragic 1999 explosion in Bellingham, and the PIPES Act of 2023 continues the momentum of progress,” said Larsen. “I will continue to fight to reduce the risk of pipeline incidents, promote transparency of pipeline safety information for local communities and increase accountability for pipeline operators.”

Larsen Has Long Supported Pipeline Safety

Larsen has prioritized pipeline safety throughout his time in Congress:

Following the tragic pipeline explosion in Bellingham in 1999, Larsen helped write the 2002 Pipeline Safety Improvement Act, as well as the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011, the PIPES Act of 2016 and the PIPES Act of 2020.

In August 2021, Larsen toured Whatcom Falls Park with then-PHMSA Acting Administrator Tristan Brown and Pipeline Safety Trust Office staff to discuss the 1999 explosion and how to further improve pipeline safety.

In 2021, Larsen supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant initiative. The initiative, which is administered by the PHMSA, makes available $200 million per year for five years to a municipality or community owned utility (not including for-profit entities) to repair, rehabilitate or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline systems or to acquire equipment to improve safety.

What the PIPES Act Does

Specifically, the PIPES Act of 2023:

Ensures PHMSA and State Pipeline Safety Inspectors Have Necessary Resources

Invests $804 million over four years for PHMSA, including $78 million for pipeline safety – a $20 million increase in the first year and $7 million increases in subsequent years.

Requires PHMSA to submit state pipeline safety program funding information to Congress.

Prepares for Emerging Pipeline Infrastructure

Requires a carbon dioxide pipeline rulemaking to ensure PHMSA oversees the safety of pipelines used for transporting carbon dioxide to sequester locations.

Directs the GAO to study how natural gas pipeline systems blend hydrogen into their pipelines.

Allows for rules related to the safety of hydrogen-natural gas blending to make sure its transportation is safe and to support the build out of hydrogen infrastructure.

Holds Pipeline Operators Accountable

Increases the maximum civil penalty PHMSA can assess on pipeline operators by 25 percent.

Requires studies to determine whether integrity management rules are making communities safer, the costs of a pipeline failure, and the efficacy of existing geohazard mitigation requirements, including for seismicity and flooding.

Increases Transparency

Creates an Office of Public Engagement to educate local governments, public safety organizations, pipeline operators and the public about pipeline safety best practices and regulations.

Requires PHMSA to assess how pipeline operators engage the public on safety and emergency response plans and allows PHMSA to create guidance to improve pipeline safety information sharing with the public.

Requires a study on the need and ability to create a localized emergency alert system in the event of pipeline accidents or incidents.

Additional Information

The full text of the PIPES Act of 2023 can be found here.

A section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.

###

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https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-introduces-bill-increase-reliable-affordable-clean-energy,"Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Increase Reliable, Affordable, Clean Energy Production",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,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. (D-WA) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that aims to improve the permitting process for nuclear energy.

Nuclear power contributes nearly 20% of the electricity generated in the United States. In Washington State, the Columbia Generating Station contributes 1,207 megawatts of generation capacity to the grid. With a projected increased demand for permits and a lengthy nuclear licensing process, there is a significant need to streamline permitting for advanced nuclear reactors.

Congresswoman Schrier’s bill would cut through this issue by:

Requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to make licensing decisions for nuclear reactor applications that use previously licensed designs on the same nuclear site within 25 months of application submission.

Directing NRC to identify and issue guidance or regulations for licensing issues for microreactors.

Excluding prospective nuclear projects on Department of Energy (DOE) land or critical national security infrastructure sites from NRC preapplication or early site permit review fees.

Requiring DOE to enter into at least one long-term nuclear power purchasing agreement for power generated by a nuclear reactor, with a priority for advanced reactors that provide power to high-value assets or remote locations for energy security.

“In our home state of Washington, we have adopted an ambitious goal to completely eliminate carbon emissions from our energy generation portfolio by 2045,” said Rep. Schrier. “This means we need to construct new emissions-free capacity resources like advanced nuclear, in addition to wind and solar and the abundant hydropower we already benefit from. By expanding our nuclear portfolio, in addition to hydroelectric baseload power, we can integrate renewables onto the grid, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping energy bills affordable.”

""Energy Northwest applauds the introduction of the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act (ANDA), which provides important regulatory improvements to facilitate the deployment of next generation nuclear energy in the U.S.,” said R.E. Schuetz, Chief Executive Officer of Energy Northwest. ""Energy Northwest is committed to providing clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to the Pacific Northwest, and advanced nuclear has a vital role to play in the region’s transition to a carbon-free grid. By providing for more efficient licensing that recognizes advancements in safety, expediting the process for new builds on sites with an existing reactor, and allowing long-term federal power purchase agreements, this legislation includes important policies necessary to swiftly deploy new nuclear energy technologies.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2817,"Larsen, Smith, DelBene, Kilmer and Jayapal Applaud $4.8 Million to Refurbish Washington State Ferries",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded $4.8 million to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to refurbish aging passenger spaces on six Issaquah-class ferries. The funding comes from FTA’s Urbanized Area Passenger Ferry grant program, which was reauthorized in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

WSDOT plans to use the federal funding to help address passenger spaces on the M/V Cathlamet, M/V Chelan, M/V Issaquah, M/V Kitsap, M/V Kittitas, and M/V Sealth, which were built between 1979 and 1982. WSDOT estimates the project will extend the useful life of the aging vessels for another five to ten years.

What WA Leaders and Stakeholders are Saying

Members of Washington’s House delegation, led by Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and WSDOT Secretary Roger Millar celebrated FTA’s announcement.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, WSDOT can upgrade its aging ferry fleet to ensure passengers can safely travel to and from Snohomish County, Whidbey Island, Skagit County, the San Juan Islands and communities across Northwest Washington,” said Larsen. “In Washington state, ferries are a necessity, not a luxury. I will continue to be a champion of increased federal funding for Washington’s ferry systems so people in our state can have cleaner, greener, more accessible, more reliable and more frequent service.”

“WSDOT sincerely appreciates the work of Washington’s Congressional delegation in helping secure $4.8 million in federal funding to refurbish passenger spaces on six Washington State Ferries Issaquah class vessels,” said Millar. “This federal support will extend the useful life of these aging forty-year-old vessels for another five to ten years and allow them to remain in service while new vessels are built. Without this critical funding for refurbishment, these vessels would continue to deteriorate and service disruptions would become even more commonplace preventing emergency travel and interfering with riders’ ability to access home, work, school and other quality of life necessities.”

“Many people in Washington ride ferries to get to school, work, and to get around, but there have been a growing number of service disruptions because many of our ferries need repair. That’s why Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: to modernize and upgrade our transportation and infrastructure. The funding announced today means that Washington State Ferries will be able to refurbish several ferries to make sure they run smoothly for years to come,” said Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09). “I’m excited to see these dollars come to our region as part of President Biden’s agenda to invest in America.”

""Ferries play a critical role in our state’s transportation network, helping Washingtonians commute to work, visit loved ones, and explore our beautiful state,"" said Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01). ""This nearly $5 million bipartisan infrastructure law investment will improve and expand Washington’s ferry system, helping ensure ferry networks are reliable and accessible in our communities.""

“Having the federal government step up and assist Washington State Ferries in its efforts to improve service for folks in our region has been a priority for me – and for our community,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06). “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the costs of these improvements won’t be borne just by folks in our neck of the woods, including local taxpayers and ferry passengers. Investments like this are winners for our economy!”

“Ferries are critical to our state’s infrastructure and play a major role in our economy,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, this funding will help to keep our ferries running safely and improve service reliability. I am proud that the federal government is investing in connecting our communities and enhancing regional transportation mobility.”

The BIL is Working for Washington Ferries

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed by Congress and signed by President Biden two years ago, provides record ferry funding through both dedicated annual funding, and competitive grants. In the first year of the law, Washington state received $42 million in dedicated yearly funding for its ferry system, the largest ferry system in the United States. In January 2023, FTA awarded $11.6 million in competitive grant funding to WSDOT for three projects:

FTA announced $6.7 million in grant awards for two WSDOT projects to upgrade Washington State Ferries’ electronic payment system and build a new Southworth Ferry Terminal.

FTA also awarded $4.9 million to build an electric charging facility at the Clinton Ferry Terminal, part of WDOT's plan to electrify the Mukilteo-Clinton Ferry Route.

In July, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited Mukilteo and Port Orchard to emphasize the importance of investing in reliable ferry service in Washington state.

Additional Information

Since 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has invested $7.9 billion in Washington state with more than 460 specific projects identified for funding. For more information on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is working for Washington state, click here.

For more information on FTA’s Urbanized Area Passenger Ferry grant program, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-northwest-lawmakers-request-additional-information-package,"Newhouse, Northwest Lawmakers Request Additional Information on Package of Actions and Commitments To Determine the Future of the Lower Snake River Dams",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and a group of Northwest lawmakers sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting additional information on a “package of actions and commitments” the United States Government negotiated with plaintiffs, states, and tribes in ongoing litigation over Columbia River System Operations (CRSO).

In a letter to President Biden and administration officials, U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), and Russ Fulcher (ID-01) write:

“As best we can tell, this document reflects the negotiating positions of the U.S. Government (USG) in the long-standing mediation concerning the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO). Due to the document’s use of vague and imprecise language, it appears susceptible to misinterpretation.”

“It is imperative that our constituents, whose livelihoods depend on the Columbia River System, have a comprehensive understanding of this document’s contents so they can anticipate and prepare for the wide-ranging impacts that will inevitably be felt across the region should the commitments detailed in this document be realized,” they continue. “Additionally, as Members of Congress representing the Pacific Northwest and tasked with oversight of the Executive Branch, it is our duty to ensure any actions committed to as part of this agreement do not circumvent by any means the congressional authorization that would be required to execute certain proposed provisions, such as the removal of certain dams.”

Throughout the letter, the lawmakers raise numerous questions about provisions in the document that require clarification from the Biden administration.

On how the agreement would establish the “Pacific Northwest Tribal Energy Program”:

Why does this program apply to only four of the more than 40 federally recognized Tribes in the Pacific Northwest?

Does the USG seek to advance efforts to breach the Lower Snake River dams after securing this “replacement” power?

Will these actions reduce the independence of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in effectuating ratemaking decisions, assessing its statutory responsibilities, and setting its rates? If so, what will be the impact to ratepayers in the region?

On how the document states that “[t]he science is clear, and now so must be our path forward”:

On what specifically is the science clear?

Did the USG rely on any additional scientific reports or studies, other than the NOAA report, which show categorically the science on salmon recovery in the Columbia River basin is clear? If so, why is this the only report cited by the USG in this document?

During the RFI process, was ample time and consideration given to peer-reviewed sources provided by stakeholders in the region?

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), salmon face several health impacts from impaired water quality in the Puget Sound. Why is the USG relying on a report that does not take this and other factors that impact salmon runs into account?

Did the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) play a role at any stage in the development of the NOAA report? If so, please describe the nature of their involvement.

On the section of the document advancing an “urgent, comprehensive strategy to (a) restore salmon and steelhead to healthy and abundant levels”:

How are the terms “healthy and abundant” defined?

What is the plan to fund the $200,000,000 commitment for the Phase 2 Implementation Plan for salmon reintroduction?

On determining “replacement” energy services for the Lower Snake River dams:

Will this “accounting mechanism” incorporate grid reliability, including the 24/7 baseload energy deployment potential these dams provide, as a factor in determining replacement energy services?

Will this accounting approach also solicit input from power providers in the region prior to the release of any guidance pertaining to the replacement of these resources?

On potentially breaching the four Lower Snake River dams:

Is your administration hoping the studies and actions funded by this report will substantiate enough “evidence” to undermine the economic viability of the hydroelectric system?

Is there any scenario that would lead your administration to proceed with breaching without express authorization from Congress?

Is it your official position at this point in time that these dams should ultimately be breached?

On securing appropriations to implement this package of actions and commitments:

Are appropriations from Congress being relied upon to fund any of the commitments contained in these Actions and Commitments, and if so, what specific commitments will appropriated funds be sought for?

Have there been consultations with any Members of Congress in drafting either this section or any of the other commitments made in the document? If so, have written assurances of authorizing appropriations of these funds been made?

What happens should the necessary “authorizations and appropriations” not be secured?

In conclusion, the members write, “we respectfully request that a list of groups and individual voices that were included in the development of this package be provided so we can ensure it truly reflects what is in the best interest of the people we serve, as well as the marine populations it aims to protect. Furthermore, we have attached the ‘package of commitments’ to this letter to assist you in providing us with answers to the questions presented above. It is crucial that clarity and certainty is provided so we can achieve our common goal of a durable, long-term strategy for the future of the CRSO.”

You can read the full letter, which includes the package of commitments, by clicking here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-hostage-release-gaza,Rep. Smith Statement on Hostage Release in Gaza,2023-11-27,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding the hostage release in Gaza.

""I welcome the agreement to secure the release of 50 hostages, including Americans, who were among those abducted by the Hamas terrorist organization during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7th and held captive in Gaza. I am thankful for the efforts of President Biden and his Administration, in partnership with Qatar and Egypt, in securing this agreement, which also provides for an extended humanitarian pause to allow for additional life-saving humanitarian aid to reach innocent civilians in Gaza. The success of this agreement depends upon all parties adhering to the commitments made and ensuring full implementation, and I am hopeful that this will be done.

""Finally, it's crucial this agreement serves as a foundation to build on continual progress, including the release of all the remaining hostages and ensuring additional measures are taken to alleviate the humanitarian disaster for civilians in Gaza.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3706,"DelBene Statement on Hostage Release, Temporary Ceasefire in Gaza",2023-11-22,2023,2023-11,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) released the following statement on the Biden administration-negotiated agreement to release hostages held by Hamas and temporarily pause fighting in Gaza.

“I commend President Biden’s leadership in successfully negotiating a temporary ceasefire agreement with Israel and Hamas that should free at least 50 hostages, including Americans. All of the hostages have faced a horrific ordeal since their capture, and I strongly support the Biden administration’s commitment to freeing every one of them.

“Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks and the ensuing war have tragically resulted in the deaths of many innocent lives and the suffering of countless more. This agreement will allow much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza in larger quantities and help protect civilians.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3704,"DelBene Delivers $481K for Enhanced Mobile Mental Health Services in Monroe, Sky Valley",2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,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) delivered a $481K ceremonial check to the City of Monroe to expand mental health and dispatch services across the Sky Valley region. DelBene secured the funds in the FY23 federal funding law.

The project, led by the Cities of Monroe and Sultan in partnership with Volunteers of America Western Washington, is funding a dedicated social worker/mental and behavioral health provider to collaborate with first responders. This partnership will deliver frontline mental health services, crisis support, and resource navigation to community members in need of mental health support, including to those experiencing homelessness. This will establish a bridge for residents and their families, ensuring they receive essential care and support.

“This investment will play a pivotal role in expanding mental health services in the Skykomish Valley by bringing in trained and experienced experts to support residents facing mental health crises and substance use disorders,” said DelBene. “I’m pleased to have secured this federal funding that will make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

“I am thankful for the support we received from Congresswoman DelBene to start and operate our Mobile Mental Health Unit,” said Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas. “I am also thankful for the partnership we have formed with the Volunteers of America. Together, we are helping people in need by supporting more positive outcomes than traditional response alone could provide.”

“Here at Volunteers of America Western Washington we are grateful for the continued support and shared vision of Congresswoman DelBene’s office, Snohomish County, and our partners with the cities of Monroe and Sultan. Through the generous support of this coalition, we have been able to create a model for meeting the urgent behavioral health needs of the people in the Skykomish Valley within their own communities. We look forward to continued growth of this program as we meet the growing needs of the individuals within the communities we serve,” said Brandon Foister, Clinical Director, Behavioral Health, Volunteers of America Western Washington.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-demands-transparency-access-secret-package-columbia-river,"Newhouse Demands Transparency, Access to Secret Package in Columbia River System Operations Mediation",2023-11-20,2023,2023-11,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) led Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02) in a letter to Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, requesting the council grant immediate access to the “package of actions and commitments” recently negotiated in the mediation concerning the Columbia River System Operations.

On October 31, 2023, the legal stay in the long-running court litigation related to the Columbia River System Operations expired. A 45-day stay extension was approved to allow federal mediation to continue. Shortly thereafter, federal defendants and plaintiffs filed a report to the court regarding the future of the litigation. In the status update report, the document noted the following:

“During the extended stay, representatives from the United States, and staff teams for the National Wildlife Federation et al. Plaintiffs, the State of Oregon, the State of Washington, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the Nez Perce Tribe (collectively, “Parties”), have developed a package of actions and commitments that they intend to discuss with the other regional sovereigns and litigation parties and, following conferral, present to the Parties’ decision-makers for final review and approval. If approved, the Parties intend to ask this Court to enter a multi-year stay of the litigation to allow the Parties to implement this package of actions and commitments.”

The Members wrote in the letter:

“In addition to expecting the immediate transmittal of the proposed USG commitments, we find it necessary to remind you Congress alone has the authority not only to order the breach of the Lower Snake River Dams, but also exclusive authority to direct the study of breaching or to authorize replacement resources.

This is statutory fact, and we warn the Administration not to attempt to circumvent that fact through clever wordsmithing.”

The letter is supported by stakeholders directly affected by the results of the mediation including TRIDEC, Washington Wheat Association, Public Power Council, and Pacific Northwest Waterways’ Association:

“The four lower Snake River dams, along with the energy, navigation, and irrigation benefits they provide, are critically important to the Tri-Cities and the entire Pacific Northwest. The many stakeholders who stand to be impacted by the outcome of this mediation deserve a seat at the table and to have their voices heard. This is a basic tenet of our system of government, and it is fundamentally unfair for select groups to be left out of the decision-making process on an issue that affects them directly. We sincerely appreciate Representatives Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, Fulcher, and Bentz for their work to address this concern, and we hope that in the future all impacted parties will have an opportunity to participate,” said Karl Dye, President & CEO, TRIDEC

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director, Washington Wheat Association, said ""We are appreciative of the efforts of Reps. Dan Newhouse, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Russ Fulcher, demanding transparency in federal processes that have broad-reaching impacts on stakeholder communities including, the Washington wheat industry. We have said all along that healthy salmon and dams can coexist, but this can only happen through cooperative work and the ability for all stakeholders to come together in a productive way. Lack of clear direction and transparency from the Federal government only hinders the ability of that progress.”

“The people of the Pacific Northwest have really been let down by this so-called process being run by the Council on Environmental Quality,” said Scott Simms, CEO & Executive Director of the Public Power Council (PPC). “Our non-profit, community-owned member utilities and their customers were never given a real chance from the get-go, as we just recently learned a few parties in the litigation were working secretly with the federal government for more than six months on a ‘package of actions and commitments.’ We can’t wait for the day when the current confidentiality gag order is lifted on those proposed actions and commitments and everyone gets to see for themselves the level of uncertainty and prospective new costs that are being proposed for Northwest citizens as a result of these secret dealings.”

Neil Maunu, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Waterway's Association, stated ""We are deeply disappointed in the flawed process that resulted in the creation of the USG Actions and Commitments document. Despite our organization's extensive efforts to contribute as industry and subject matter experts, our input was overlooked for months while the plaintiffs engaged in secretive negotiations with the Council on Environmental Quality. This failure to consider the expertise and perspective of our members who rely on the critical navigation services provided by the system has left us with grave concerns about the credibility and fairness of the resulting package of actions and commitments. We urge transparency and fairness in this process and call on this administration to do so.""

Read the full letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-celebrates-20th-anniversary-millennium-challenge-corporation,Rep. Smith Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Millennium Challenge Corporation,2023-11-17,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution celebrating the 20th anniversary of the creation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), established by Congress to reduce global poverty and promote good governance. Rep. Smith has long advocated for the MCC, helping to secure billions of dollars over the past twenty years to support their work around the world.

""The Millennium Challenge Corporation has had tremendous success over the past 20 years reducing poverty, building sustainable economic growth, and promoting good governance in lower income countries. MCC's model improves people's lives in the countries they partner with and promotes stability, resilience, and growth, advancing U.S. global development priorities and national security goals,"" said Rep. Adam Smith. ""I commend the incredible work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for the last 20 years and look forward to its continued success.""

""Over the last 20 years Millennium Challenge Corporation has partnered with some of the most underdeveloped nations in the world and successfully reduced poverty and promoted democracy and economic growth. I am grateful to recognize the dedication and hard work of the Millennium Challenge Corporation to better the lives of people around the world while promoting our shared global ideals. Improving the livelihoods of other nations ismutuallybeneficial to the United Statesas it improves stability and alliances around the world while increasing trade and economic growth. I want to wish theMillennium Challenge Corporation and all of its dedicated staff over the years a happy anniversary and my best wishes for their continued success,"" said Rep. Joe Wilson.

""We're celebrating more than MCC's anniversary, we're commemorating 20 years of impactful solutions that change lives, strengthen democracy, and move us toward a better world.Many thanks to Representatives Smith and Wilson for introducing MCC's 20th Anniversary Commemorative Resolution, and for their tireless support of MCC. Bipartisan and bicameral Congressional support has empowered MCC to partner with 47 emerging democracies to provide effective, evidence-based foreign assistance. This work is improving the lives of more than 300 million people around the world and delivering security and economic benefits for the American people,"" said MCC CEO Alice Albright.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation partners with the world's poorest countries that are committed to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investing in their populations. MCC provides time-limited grants promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions. MCC programs complement other U.S. and international development programs and encourage private sector investment to tackle challenges like agriculture and irrigation, energy, transportation infrastructure, health care, education, and anti-corruption to the benefit of developing countries and U.S. taxpayers.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3702,"DelBene, LaHood Lead Effort to Reverse Biden Administration's Abandonment of Key Bipartisan Digital Trade Proposals",2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-16), Co-Chairs of the Digital Trade Caucus, led a bipartisan letter with 38 members of Congress urging U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to reconsider her agency’s decision to abandon important bipartisan digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization.

The decision to walk away from key digital trade proposals, which was made without sufficient consultation with Congress, runs counter to the interests of American workers and businesses of all sizes, while ceding more leverage to foreign powers, like the People's Republic of China (PRC), to write the rules that will govern the global digital economy for years to come.

“American leadership in shaping digital trade rules is critical for competing globally in the long-term and countering the unfair trade practices of other foreign powers, including the PRC. We are especially concerned by the PRC’s efforts to advance a model of digital governance domestically and through its Digital Silk Road Initiative that permits censorship, surveillance, human and worker rights abuses, forced technology transfers, and data flow restrictions,” the lawmakers wrote. “The void created by this decision will harm American workers, companies, security, and innovation, while benefitting our largest competitors in the digital space. We reiterate our request for the administration to reassess its decision.”

Recently, DelBene and LaHood issued a statement opposing the Biden Administration's decision.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-introduces-bill-expand-access-pre-apprenticeships-and-create-more,Rep. Smith Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Pre-Apprenticeships and Create More Pathways to Good Jobs for American Workers,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today introduced the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act, which would help fund transportation, housing, and childcare stipends, pay for lost hourly wages, and cover certification costs for those enrolled in pre-apprenticeships. The bill would increase access to these programs and ultimately give more people a pathway to good-paying, high-quality jobs.

""We must work to ensure that folks across the country - whether they go to college or not - have access to good-paying jobs. That means expanding access to high-quality job training programs like pre-apprenticeships that prepare workers for in-demand jobs. The bill I'm introducing today would provide stipends to cover costs associated with pre-apprenticeship programs so that more workers can enroll in and complete these programs,"" said Rep. Adam Smith. ""The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act will create more pathways to good-paying, high-quality jobs and give more people a chance at a better life.""

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act is endorsed by the Machinists Institute, ANEW, and YouthCare.

Statements of Support for the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act

""The Machinists Institute is incredibly grateful to Representative Adam Smith for his support of State recognized pre-apprenticeship programs. Pre-Apprenticeship has proven to be one of the most successful strategies to increase access for communities historically excluded from registered apprenticeship pathways. These students often face significant barriers and Rep. Smith's bill directing the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible applicants to provide stipends to individuals enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship program, and for other purposes shows commitment to creating opportunities for individuals to find success in family sustaining, quality jobs and careers, resulting in economic stability for individuals and communities."" - Shana Peschek, Executive Director, Machinists Institute

""Education is the beacon of opportunity, and the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap Around Support Service Act shines a light on the path forward for ANEW's pre-apprenticeship students facing barriers. This legislation is a vital investment in their future, offering the guidance and resources they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. In unity, we bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all."" - Karen Dove, Executive Director, ANEW

""We are in strong support of Rep. Smith's Pre-Apprenticeship Wraparound Support Services Fund Act. YouthCare provides services to over 1,500 youth experiencing homelessness annually. And while pre-apprenticeships can provide a strong pathway to economic stability for our young people, being able to complete these programs is often heavily impeded by lack of access to basic needs, including housing, transportation, and childcare. This bill would change that reality by allowing our clients to both work towards a future in a family wage industry, while ensuring that they are able to stabilize and thrive in the present."" - Jessie Friedmann, Director of Public Policy and External Affairs, YouthCare

""Training the next generation of skilled workers through pre-apprenticeships is the key to keeping Washington State a workforce leader in innovation. We need allies like U.S. Representative Adam Smith and his sponsorship of bills such as the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-around Support Services Fund Act of 2023 to continue this success. This important legislation directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants available to eligible individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs, eliminating a significant hurdle facing many students enrolled in these programs. Pre-apprenticeships change lives in our communities, often creating pathways to generational, family-wage Union jobs. IAM District 751 will always support legislation ensuring future workers have the tools needed to carry on our great state's legacy of training the next generation of workers."" - Jon Holden, President, IAM District 751

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act will establish a new grant program to fund transportation stipends, pay for lost hourly wages, and cover certification costs for those enrolled in pre-apprenticeships. These grants will expand access to pre-apprenticeships, create new pathways to apprenticeships, and ultimately help hardworking Americans recover from the economic effects of the pandemic.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act:

Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a new grant program which provides stipends to individuals enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs.

Allowable use of stipends includes costs associated with transportation, lost hourly wages, housing, childcare, and certification costs.

Eliminates barriers many individuals face when attempting to complete pre-apprenticeship programs.

Requires a report to be submitted to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House and Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate on the progress and outcomes of the grant program.

A fact sheet for the Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-Around Support Services Fund Act can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3699,DelBene Celebrates Second Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,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) released the following statement celebrating the second anniversary of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:

""Two years ago, President Biden and Congress made the largest investment in America’s infrastructure since the interstate highway system. In the years since, the law has continued to drive Washington forward, delivering nearly $8 billion to rebuild, restore, and strengthen our infrastructure. These investments are making tangible improvements in our communities by addressing critical road and bridge repairs, expanding affordable broadband across our state, and creating good-paying jobs. Moving forward, the law will continue to deliver long-term investments that will make our communities safer, healthier, better connected, and more accessible.""

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Impact in Washington thus far:

$3.6 billion for roads, bridges, roadway safety, and other major projects.

$1.2 billion to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet.

$336 million to provide clean and safe water and to improve major water infrastructure.

$753.4 million to improve public transportation options.

$40.7 million to expand the state’s EV charging network.

$332.1 million for clean energy, energy efficiency, and power initiatives.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Impact in Washington’s 1st Congressional District thus far:

$100 million for Woodinville-based Group 14 for battery component manufacturing to support the growing EV market.

$33.5 million for King County Metro's electric bus fleet conversion.

$30 million for Snohomish County Public Utility Department’s grid resiliency improvement project in Snohomish County.

$19 million for Bothell Way NE Multimodal Improvements.

$3.25 million for the City of Mountlake Terrace’s Lake Ballinger Ecosystem Restoration project.

$4.8 million for the Puget Sound Regional Council to help local cities including Redmond develop local safety plans for pedestrians and cyclists.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schriers-bills-improve-patient-care-pass-through-health-subcommittee,Rep. Schrier’s Bills to Improve Patient Care Pass Through Health Subcommittee,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced two bills introduced by Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act and H.R. 6369, which are focused on improving health care access and outcomes, received overwhelming, bipartisan support from the subcommittee.

H.R. 6369 focuses on improving patient care by incentivizing health care providers to transition to alternative payment models. Alternative payment models (APMs) are reimbursement models wherein physicians are reimbursed based on their ability to provide high-quality, cost-effective care.

“H.R. 6369 is an earnest effort to make our health care system more efficient and create an environment where providers are rewarded for transitioning to ways of providing health care that don’t compensate based on numbers of visits or procedures, but based on patient outcomes, "" said Rep. Schrier, M.D. ""This bill incentivizes coordinated and value-based care for our seniors by expanding access for Medicare patients. It has proven to save billions of dollars for taxpayers while improving care, and is exactly the type of pragmatic, bipartisan legislation that we can move through this Congress.”

The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act will improve care for individuals with diabetes by increasing patient access to diabetes self-management training (DSMT). DSMT provides information and guidance on various issues related to diabetes management including diet, exercise, emergency training, insulin use, and more. Representative Schrier’s bill would:

Expand which providers can refer patients to diabetes self-management training.

Ensure that patients have at least 10 hours of this training available.

""As someone who has managed my own Type-1 Diabetes for almost 40 years, I understand the importance of education in managing this disease. Without proper understanding of the roles of insulin, food, exercise, and illness on blood sugar, people with diabetes can quickly end up in the hospital,"" said Rep. Schrier. “We know that self-management training helps people with diabetes live healthy lives and stay out of the hospital, and I am proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to introduce this important bill and remove barriers to self-management training.”

By providing diabetes patients with these self-management resources they will be empowered to take control of their own health and well-being, and we can help mitigate the negative impact this disease has on them and their families,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

“The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists (ADCES) thanks Congresswoman Schrier (D-WA-08), the original co-sponsors, and the members of the subcommittee for recognizing the importance of access to diabetes self-management training for Medicare beneficiaries,” said ADCES President Lucille Hughes, DNP, CDCES, BC-ADM. “The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management-Training Act of 2023 will help address the biggest barriers to care we see in practice.”

Having now passed the Health Subcommittee, these two bills will move on to a vote before the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

The Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act is a priority of the Diabetes Advocacy Alliance, including the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Diabetes Association, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Endocrine Society, National Kidney Foundation, Omada Health, Inc., and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2814,House Unanimously Passes Larsen-DelBene Bill to Add Mount Vernon Court Location to Western District of Washington,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 786, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02), Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) that would add Mount Vernon as a court location in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington by voice vote.

This change would make it easier for Skagit, Snohomish and Island County residents to access federal justice system services and attend court. Currently, the Western District of Washington has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma and holds hearings in Bellingham and Vancouver.

Larsen and DelBene, who previously introduced similar legislation in the 117th Congress and 116th Congress, celebrated House passage of the bill.

“Including Mount Vernon as a court location for the Western District of Washington is great news for residents of Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties who need to access the federal justice system. This will benefit many defendants, attorneys, witnesses and staff who live and work in Northwest Washington,” said Larsen and DelBene. “We urge the Senate to take up this sensible proposal soon.”

The additional court location is supported by the judges of the Western District of Washington, the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, the Federal Public Defender for Western Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, federal law enforcement agents who come to court, the Skagit County Bar Association, and the Whatcom County Bar Association.

H.R. 786 now goes to the Senate for consideration. The bill’s text can be read here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2815,"Larsen: Extreme GOP Bill Restricts Reproductive Health Care, Hurts Northwest Washington Families",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the below statement in response to House Republicans’ extreme health spending bill (H.R. 5894), which includes several anti-choice provisions:

“MAGA Republicans are more concerned about restricting reproductive health care than protecting families,” said Larsen. “Instead of working toward a harmful national abortion ban, Congress must protect and expand safe reproductive health care and enable families to choose what is best for them.”

How the House GOP Bill Hurts Northwest Washington Families

The extreme House GOP bill restricts several successful reproductive health care initiatives that families rely on. The bill:

Defunds Planned Parenthood – The bill eliminates funding for Planned Parenthood, which would block people from accessing critical preventive services like sexually transmitted infections testing, breast and cervical cancer screenings, contraception and sex education at Planned Parenthood health centers like those in Everett, Lynnwood, Bellingham, Mount Vernon and Friday Harbor.

Eliminates Title X Family Planning Funding and Information – The bill eliminates critical funding for Title X, which provides lifesaving preventative care, including contraceptive services, cancer screenings, and sexually transmitted infections testing and treatment. In addition, the bill curtails the availability of information related to abortion, including referrals, in some areas.

Restricts Access to Abortion Care After Dobbs Decision – The bill blocks implementation of Executive Orders aimed at expanding access to abortion and other reproductive health care services for people hurt by state abortion bans following the misguided Dobbs decision.

Larsen’s Efforts to Protect the Right to Choose, Reproductive Health Care

Larsen is a champion of ensuring access to abortion and reproductive health care nationwide. Larsen supports suspending the filibuster to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which re-establishes a nationwide right to abortion and enshrines the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He also supports protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country, including in rural communities.

Additional Information

For more information on House Republicans’ extreme bill, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-colleagues-introduce-bill-support-pnw-seafood-industry,"Newhouse, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Support PNW Seafood Industry",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Yesterday, Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced bipartisan tax legislation to support on-duty meal services for Pacific Northwest offshore seafood workers.

“The men and women in this industry are the front-line workers in our seafood supply chain, and this legislation will promote greater access to employee meal services in remote areas, enhancing their ability to compete with other maritime actors,” said Congressman Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “The reduced deductions we have seen in recent years have not only hurt the seafood industry and its workers but could seriously interrupt the workforce pipeline if it is eliminated as planned in 2025. It is vital we protect an industry that significantly contributes to our economy and communities.”

This legislation would allow the cost of employer-provided meals served on commercial fish processing vessels and at remote fish processing facilities to be fully deductible. It would be a reversal of a 2017 tax law that cut the deductions for employer-provided meals to 50 percent with the intention to eliminate the deduction by 2025.

The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Mary Peltola (AK-At-Large), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06).

The Pacific Seafood Processors Association supports the legislation, and the full bill text can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-demands-regulation-clarity-wotus,Newhouse Demands Regulation Clarity on WOTUS,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"November 14, 2023

Today, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) led 71 Members of Congress in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor regarding the lack of clarity on the agencies’ regulatory definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS) following the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA.

“Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in Central Washington deserve certainty and safeguards from federal government regulations dictating how they use their land,” said Congressman Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “By going direct-to-final rulemaking and skipping a public comment period, the Biden Administration is attempting to bring their illegal WOTUS rule in-line with the Sackett decision by using ambiguous terms in a calculated manner to expand their regulatory authority. Central Washington deserves better, and that’s why I am leading a coalition in demanding clarity on how the Administration is planning to enforce WOTUS post-Sackett.”

Signers of the letter are Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), GT Thompson (PA-15), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Jason Smith (MO-08), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Garret Graves (LA-06), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Mike Bost (IL-12), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Mike Flood (NE-01), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), David Valadao (CA-22), John Duarte (CA-13), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ken Calvert (CA-41), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Barry Moore (AL-02), Eli Crane (AZ-02), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), James Moylan (Guam-AL), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Alex Mooney (WV-02), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Aumua Amata Radewagen (American Samoa-AL), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Mark Alford (MO-04), Jim Baird (IN-04), Mike Carey (OH-15), Matt Rosendale (MT-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-09), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Austin Scott (GA-08), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Greg Murphy (NC-03), John “Judge” Carter (TX-31), Roger Williams (TX-25), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05).

Background:

On May 25, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled against the Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule in Sackett v. EPA, limiting the scope of definition of “waters of the United States.” This forced the Biden Administration to amend their final rule from December 2022 to comply with the decision.

The Congressional Western Caucus has long been active in fighting against the burdensome WOTUS ruling, their actions include:

On January 26, 2023 Chairman Newhouse sent a letter, along with 195 House Republicans—including the entire Western Caucus, to the Biden Administration urging them to rescind their premature and reckless rule.

On December 30, 2022, Chairman Newhouse and 22 Members of the Congressional Western Caucus spoke out against the Biden Administration releasing a final WOTUS rule—on the last business day of the year—before the Supreme Court has decided Sackett v. EPA.

In April 2022, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, and Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court for Sackett v. EPA outlining the importance of environmental federalism and how a poorly-defined Clean Water Act hinders environmental protections.

On March 9, 2022, Chairman Newhouse, Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (MO-06), and Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member David Rouzer (NC-07) led over 200 House Republicans – including every Member of the Western Caucus – in calling for the Biden Administration to drop its plan to expand the scope of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) until Sackett v. EPA is decided by the Supreme Court. Click here to learn more.

In January 2022, Chairman Newhouse and Rep. Miller-Meeks called on the Administration to halt the rulemaking process, based on the Supreme Court’s decision to take up the Sackett case.

Chairman Newhouse hosted Rep. Davis, Illinois Farm Bureau President Rich Guebert, and Charles Yates of the Pacific Legal Foundation, one of the contributing lawyers in the Sackett v. EPA case, to discuss the impacts WOTUS has on rural communities and potential implications of the Supreme Court decision. Click here to listen.

When the Biden Administration announced their intention to revise and remand the Trump Administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule, Chairman Newhouse, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Senator Steve Daines (MT), and Senator Joni Ernst (IA) led Western Caucus Members in a bicameral letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express their serious concerns and demand answers about the Administration’s plans to reopen the definition of “waters of the United States.” Click here to read the letter and learn more.

In November of 2021, Western Caucus Members from across the country issued statements in response to the Administration’s proposed rule. Click here to read more.

###

Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3697,"DelBene, Newhouse Introduce Bill to Bring Tax Relief to PNW Seafood Industry",2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,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) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure tax fairness for meals provided to workers on certain Pacific Northwest fish processing vessels and remote facilities.

The 2017 Republican tax law restricted deductions for employers providing free meals as a perk of employment, even when off-premises food and beverage options were readily available. The law reduced tax deductions for employer-provided meals to 50% and eliminated the deduction altogether after 2025. However, this change disproportionately hurt the seafood processing industry, particularly workers on Washington state fish processing vessels who travel north to remote seafood facilities in Alaska. Their employers must provide all meals, leaving them unable to fully deduct these expenses, while offshore oil and gas platforms continue to enjoy this tax benefit.

The Remote Seafood Employee Meals Tax Parity Act would correct this inequity and support these workers by allowing the cost of employer-provided meals served on commercial fish processing vessels and at remote fish processing facilities to be fully deductible again.

“The 2017 tax law had serious unintended consequences on the Pacific Northwest’s seafood industry,” said DelBene. “Our proposal would restore the balance and fairness Congress originally intended and address inadequate meal expense deductions, recognizing that some industries have no other means to support their workforce. We must do more to protect these dedicated workers who feed our communities and boost our economy, and our bill fills a critical need.”

“The men and women in this industry are the front-line workers in our seafood supply chain, and this legislation will promote greater access to employee meal services in remote areas, enhancing their ability to compete with other maritime actors,” said Newhouse. “The reduced deductions we have seen in recent years have not only hurt the seafood industry and its workers but could seriously interrupt the workforce pipeline if it is eliminated as planned in 2025. It is vital we protect an industry that significantly contributes to our economy and communities.”

The Remote Seafood Employee Meals Tax Parity Act is cosponsored by Representatives Mary Peltola (AK-At-Large), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), and Derek Kilmer (WA-06).

“Members of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association are struggling under the weight of excessive costs, among other challenges, including loss of the tax deduction for the costs of employer-provided meals,” said Julie Decker, President, Pacific Seafood Processors Association. “Remote Alaskan seafood processing plants – which take fish deliveries from thousands of Washington-based fishermen – may house up to hundreds of employees for short processing seasons, and processors must provide thousands of meals daily per plant as an essential function. Loss of this deduction was an unintended outcome of the 2017 tax act, and our members have urgently sought to restore this deduction since then. We applaud the leadership of Congresswoman DelBene and Congressman Newhouse in leading this bipartisan bill, along with Reps. Peltola, Larsen, Kilmer, Gluesenkamp Perez, and Strickland – they understand that rectifying this unintended outcome will not only restore parity with other remote industries, but it will restore a vital tool for controlling costs of processing North Pacific seafood – an economic driver for our region that produces 60% of U.S. harvests.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3700,House Unanimously Passes Bill to Add Mount Vernon Court Location to Western District of Washington,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 786, bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larsen (WA-02), and Tony Gonzalez (TX-23). This bill would add Mount Vernon as a federal court location in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.

Currently, the Western District of Washington has courthouses in Seattle and Tacoma and holds hearings in Bellingham and Vancouver. This change would make it easier for Skagit, Snohomish, and Island County residents to access federal justice system services and attend court hearings.

“Including Mount Vernon as a court location for the Western District of Washington is great news for residents of Skagit, Island and Snohomish counties who need to access the federal justice system. This will benefit many defendants, attorneys, witnesses and staff who live and work in Northwest Washington,” said DelBene and Larsen. “We urge the Senate to take up this sensible proposal soon.”

The additional court location is supported by the judges of the Western District of Washington, the U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, the Federal Public Defender for Western Washington, the U.S. Marshals Service, federal law enforcement agents who come to court, the Skagit County Bar Association, and the Whatcom County Bar Association.

Larsen and DelBene previously introduced similar legislation in the 117th Congress and 116th Congress.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/11/11/media-press-releases-strickland-reintroduces-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-tackle-americas-housing/,"Strickland Reintroduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Tackle America’s Housing Crisis, Boost Public Transit Use",2023-11-11,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined Representatives Scott Peters (CA-50), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5) and Senators Brian Schatz (HI) and Mike Braun (IN) in reintroducing the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act to encourage the construction of low- and middle-income housing in transit-served, walkable locations. The introduction of the bill follows the Department of Transportation’s recentannouncement on how their lending authorities can be used to finance housing near transit at below-market interest rates.

“Washington state simply does not have the housing supply to keep up with demand, driving the cost of living and home prices up and making home ownership unattainable for too many families,” said Rep. Strickland. “Common sense solutions like the Build More Housing Near Transit Act are necessary to addressing the housing crisis, with the added benefit of helping protect the environment and boosting our public transit ridership.”

“San Diego, like many communities across the country, faces a growing housing crisis that forces people to move far from where they work,” said Rep. Peters. “Our bill will maximize federal investments in transit and increase housing options for cost-burdened Americans to alleviate this pressure. On top of that, it boosts our efforts to protect the environment by growing transit ridership and getting more cars off the road.”

“It’s no secret that many cities across America, including Spokane, are facing unprecedented workforce and housing shortages,” said Rep. Rodgers. “Our bipartisan bill aims to address these challenges by expanding access to affordable housing near transit centers that will help people live more comfortably in and around the communities where they work.”

“The clearest way out of our national housing shortage is by building more housing,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bipartisan bill will incentivize cities to build housing when they expand or redevelop their public transit systems. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution. It’s a win for everyone.”

“For too long, transit and housing issues have run in parallel,” said Senator Braun. “This bill finally marries the two by giving local governments the tools they need to encourage high density and mixed use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis. This bill gives local communities the resources they need to build more housing near transit systems and encourages them to enable their economies to grow through more housing options for families.”

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the United States has a shortage of 7.3 million rental affordable homes, and 11.3 million Americans spend more than half of their income on housing. In California, there is a shortage of 1.3 million homes for extremely low-income renters. The Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2023 aims to facilitate the construction of more housing, increase transit ridership, and maximize federal investments. The bill will also help slow climate change, as research shows that building housing near transit lines has vast potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Build More Housing Near Transit Act would direct the Department of Transportation to incentivize local governments to promote housing development and regional growth in and around the transit corridors of future New Starts projects. Specifically, this bill will amend U.S. Code Section 5309, which governs the application process for capital investment grants to:

Direct the Secretary of Transportation to boost a transit project’s rating if the project includes pro-housing policies for areas along the project route;

Define pro-housing policies as state or local action to remove regulatory barriers to constructing or preserving housing, reduce or eliminate parking minimums or minimum lot sizes, establish by-right approval processes for multi-family housing, commit substantial public property to affordable housing development or preservation, and eliminate or raise residential property height limits; and

Engage the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop a methodology to evaluate the merits of the pro-housing policies documented in a CIG application.

In addition to Reps. Strickland, Peters and Rodgers, original House cosponsors of the bipartisan Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2021 include Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA-6), Ami Bera (D-CA-6), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Jeff Jackson (D-NC-14), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8), Kim Schrier (D-WA-8), and David Trone (D-MD-6).

“America is experiencing a severe shortage of homes, and nowhere is this crisis more acute than in transit-served neighborhoods,” said Mike Kingsella, CEO of Up for Growth Action. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act addresses the critical link between transportation and housing, and will help spur the creation of more walkable, livable, and equitable communities. If passed, this legislation will increase public transportation ridership and encourage the creation of housing that uses less land, taking cars off the road, and enabling more Americans to live closer to their jobs and other opportunities. We applaud the lead sponsors in the U.S. House and Senate for introducing the Build More Housing Near Transit Act of 2023 and their ongoing leadership on this critical issue.”

“Effective planning that coordinates transit, housing, jobs, and land use is vital to tackling today’s housing supply and affordability crisis,” said American Planning Association, Angela Brooks, FAICP. “The Build More Housing Near Transit Act will spur better coordination of housing and transportation promoting public transit projects that also increase mobility options and access to housing. This legislation encourages local governments to improve their housing and zoning policies through land use and zoning reforms, such as reducing parking minimums, allowing missing middle housing, and making use of public land for mixed-income housing. The American Planning Association is proud to support this legislation as a catalyst for housing reform and to ensure transportation provides the highest benefit to the nation’s communities.”

“YIMBY Action and our chapters across the country call for the swift introduction and passage of the Build More Housing Near Transit Act,” said Laura Foote, Executive Director, YIMBY Action. “Housing and transit go together, and this commonsense approach will help us build more housing in walkable, transit-served areas. The national housing shortage has dramatically driven up the cost of living, eroding the middle class and driving millions of Americans into poverty. The Build More Housing Near Transit Act takes critical steps to help us build more sustainable communities, rich with opportunity for all.”

“Our nation’s longstanding affordability crisis – fueled by a lack of housing at all price points – demands responsible and sustainable action from lawmakers, and the National Apartment Association (NAA) is proud to support the Build More Housing Near Transit Act as an important step in the right direction,” said Bob Pinnegar, President and CEO of NAA. “By incentivizing local governments to increase critically-needed housing supply with close access to public transportation, this bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help improve housing access for generations of Americans to come. NAA thanks Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) – as well as Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.) – for their steadfast leadership on this endeavor.”

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-colleagues-blast-inslee-gao-puget-sound-salmon-report,"Newhouse, Colleagues Blast Inslee on GAO Puget Sound Salmon Report",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report that cites poor water quality as the key factor in the declining salmon populations in the Puget Sound:

“It doesn’t require an advanced degree to understand that years of dumping raw sewage and pollution into the Puget Sound would decimate salmon populations. That simple fact is now indisputable with this GAO report, which exposes what we’ve known to be true all along: Governor Inslee and the Washington Department of Ecology are responsible for killing Puget Sound salmon and must be held accountable for their negligence.”

“For the last decade, this administration has been so distracted by misguided efforts to breach the Lower Snake River dams that they completely ignored the salmon being poisoned in their own backyard. Their consistent failure to meet water quality assessment deadlines – while turning a blind eye to ongoing pollution – not only violated federal law, but it also suffocated the salmon most critical to the health and sustainability of Puget Sound Orcas. Hypocritical and politically motivated does not even begin to describe this blatant dereliction of duty.”

The new report found that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology violated The Clean Water Act by missing deadlines, by several years, for action plans on bodies of water that do not meet quality standards.

The report also cites that missing these deadlines hampers authorities’ work to improve water quality, and that the EPA and Department of Ecology have still not developed a written plan to prevent further missed deadlines.

View the GAO report here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/11/09/media-press-releases-strickland-statement-us-representative-derek-kilmer/,Strickland Statement On U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer’s (WA-06) announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024:

“Congressman Derek Kilmer has faithfully served the Puget Sound for decades, and I am proud to call him a colleague and a dear friend.

The state of Washington and our nation are stronger and more resilient because of his leadership. Derek has been a champion for federal support of the health and restoration of the Sound, he has been an advocate for our tribal nations, he has consistently supported economic opportunity for all people, and he has been a fierce advocate for our military service-members – particularly those living and stationed in Kitsap County.

I am appreciative of our long-standing working relationship that started when I was Mayor of Tacoma. Derek has been an important partner in the fight for our democracy and never lost sight of why our communities sent us to Washington D.C. – to govern for the people. While I’m disappointed that my friend will not seek re-election in 2024, I look forward to working alongside him for the next year.”

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/representatives-smith-and-huffman-introduce-voluntary-grazing-permit-retirement,Representatives Smith and Huffman Introduce Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act to Promote Conservation of Public Lands,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Adam Smith (D-Wash.) and Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) today introduced the Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act, which would give grazing permit holders the flexibility to voluntarily waive their permits on federal lands. This legislation will enable smart land-use practices that compensate ranchers at a fair rate and conserve public lands across the country.

""Retiring grazing permits eases grazing pressure on public lands to the benefit of wildlife and surrounding ecosystems, but the current process for ranchers to retire their permits is difficult, confusing, and costly. The legislation I'm introducing today would give ranchers the flexibility to voluntarily waive their grazing permits on federal lands for market value compensation, removing unnecessary hurdles and creating better outcomes for ranchers and public lands,"" said Rep. Adam Smith. ""The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act will support America's ranchers and advance environmental goals reflected in the Biden-Harris Administration's ‘America the Beautiful' initiative to conserve and restore our lands, waters, and wildlife.""

""Voluntarily retiring grazing permits to advance conservation goals on public lands shouldn't be difficult or costly. I'm glad to join Congressman Smith in this legislation to advance conservation and promote smart land-use by giving ranchers the flexibility they need to overcome barriers to voluntary permit retirement,"" said Rep. Jared Huffman. ""On top of the benefits to permit holders, this will ease grazing pressure on public lands and help natural ecosystems recover and thrive. It's a win-win-win for taxpayers, ranchers, and the environment.""

The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act is endorsed bySierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife, American Bird Conservancy, Wilderness Watch, Western Watersheds Project, Predator Defense, Horses for Life Foundation, Animal Welfare Institute, Center for Biological Diversity, Kettle Range Conservation Group, WildEarth Guardians, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, and Oregon Natural Desert Association.

Background

The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act uses market-based incentives to reduce conflicts on federal public lands and increase flexibility for federal grazing permittees. Current laws and regulations either do not allow for the retirement of grazing permits or else they make the process unnecessarily difficult and uncertain.

The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act would allow grazing permit holders the option to voluntarily waive their permits to graze on federal lands in exchange for equitable compensation paid by private parties. The federal agency would then be directed to retire the associated grazing allotment from further grazing activity. The legislation would place a cap on the number of permits that can be retired each year.

The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act would:

Give ranchers more options.

Create market-based and voluntary conservation opportunities.

Reduce conflicts between livestock, recreation, hunting, wildlife, and more.

Allow appropriate local response to drought and climate change.

Allow for permanent existing conservation agreements to become permanent.

Reduce federal government costs, which are not covered by very low grazing fees.

Allow soils and vegetation to sequester carbon, especially in marginal grazing land.

Reduce conflict with cougars, grizzly bears, wolves, and coyotes.

Reduce disease spread between livestock and wildlife (e.g., bighorn sheep).

Help create landscape connectivity for wildlife migration corridors.

A fact sheet for the Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act can be found here.

The bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/11/08/media-press-releases-strickland-signs-joint-statement-rejecting-use-river-sea-amid-ongoing-hamas/,Strickland Signs Joint Statement Rejecting Use Of “From The River To The Sea” Amid the Ongoing Hamas-Israel War,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C.— Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joined dozens of colleagues in signing onto the following joint statement regarding the phrase “from the river to the sea” and the ongoing Hamas-Israel War.

The text of the statement reads:

“We reject the use of the phrase “from the river to the sea”— a phrase used by many, including Hamas, as a rallying cry for the destruction of the State of Israel and genocide of the Jewish people. We all feel deep anguish for the human suffering caused by the war in Gaza. Hamas started this war with a barbaric terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, and neither the Palestinian nor Israeli people can have peace as long as Hamas still rules over Gaza and threatens Israel.

“This war is tragic and deeply painful for everyone, especially those who identify with the land and the people—Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. Every civilian killed, every family torn apart, Palestinian and Israeli, is a tragedy. Every human being deserves dignity and respect, and each of us must do all we can to always see the humanity of the innocent people caught in the middle of this war.

“We support Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself — to protect its citizens, secure its borders, and rescue its people held hostage in Gaza. Israel also has the obligation to, as best as possible, protect civilians, and in all its actions adhere to international humanitarian law (notwithstanding Hamas’ complete disregard for the same).

“We also recognize the desperate needs of the civilians in Gaza, and fully support doing everything possible to expand safe zones, provide transit corridors, and deliver life-sustaining humanitarian aid. A humanitarian pause of limited space and time, the release of the more than 240 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, the cessation of rockets fired by Hamas at Israel from civilian neighborhoods in Gaza, and the release of all Palestinian civilians being detained by Hamas as human shields in Gaza would go far toward achieving these goals.

“We are grateful for President Biden’s extraordinary leadership, for his steadfast support of our ally Israel, and for his unwavering commitment to pursuing a lasting solution to the conflict.”

The statement was signed by Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), Shontel Brown (D-Ohio), Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Sean Casten (D-Ill.), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), J. Luis Correa (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Christopher Deluzio (D-Pa.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Jared Huffman (D-Calif.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.), William Keating (D-Mass.), Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), Greg Landsman (D-Ohio), Susie Lee (D-Nev.), Mike Levin (D-Calif.), Kathy Manning (D-N.C.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Grace Meng (D-N.Y.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.), Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), Brittany Pettersen (D-Colo.), Stacey Plaskett (D-U.S. Virgin Islands), Katie Porter (D-Calif.), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), Patrick Ryan (D-N.Y.), Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.), Bradley Schneider (D-Ill.), Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.), Kim Schrier (D-Wash.), David Scott (D-Ga.), Terri Sewell (D-Ala.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), Eric Sorensen (D-Texas), Darren Soto (D-Fla.), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Dina Titus (D-Nev.), Norma Torres (D-Calif.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), David Trone (D-Md.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla).

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3693,"DelBene, Hoyle Push Federal Agencies to Issue Wildfire Smoke Alerts",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Val Hoyle (OR-04) led 20 lawmakers in calling on federal agencies to equip communities facing increasing wildfire smoke incidents with better tools and data to keep them safe.

In a letter, the lawmakers urged the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to utilize the Wireless Emergency Alerts system to issue nationwide smoke notifications. These would be similar to how the system notifies communities about wildfires and other natural disasters. They also call on the federal government to create a nationwide smoke concentration dataset and a smoke mortality databank. These actions would make sure communities have the proper tools at their disposal to help reduce the negative health effects of air pollution, improve public awareness of air quality and associated health impacts, and save lives.

“We believe these are three commonsense steps that your agencies could take today to ensure our communities have the tools needed to properly understand and respond to wildfire smoke,” the lawmakers wrote.

Background:

A bipartisan infrastructure law-created federal commission issued a report earlier this year that also called for some of these changes.

During the 2023 wildfire season, smoke from wildfires in Eastern Canada has blanketed the Midwest and the East Coast of the United States.

In states across the West and Pacific Northwest, wildfire smoke events have become increasingly common in recent years.

A new study reveals that several states, including Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico, have seen a 50 percent or more increase in air pollution since 2000 due to wildfire smoke

In many cases, wildfire smoke is more lethal than the fires themselves, resulting in 6,300 annual deaths.

The letter was also signed by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Josh Harder (CA-09), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Mike Levin (CA-49), Joe Neguse (C0-02), Eleanor Norton (DC-At-Large), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-24), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Katie Porter (CA-47), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Paul Tonko (NY-20).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-israel-aid-package,Newhouse Statement on Passage of Israel Aid Package,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,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 (R-WA) released the following statement on yesterday's passage of the Israel Supplemental Appropriations Package.

“I have been and remain a staunch advocate for Israel and her interests. The violence we have seen from Hamas in the past weeks is unconscionable and is a direct reflection of the radical interests of this group. I proudly cosponsored the SHIP Act and H. Res 798, both aimed at condemning these violent attacks and ensuring our allies have the resources they need,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""In order to participate in a funeral service for my wife's parents, I was unable to be present in the House Thursday to vote YES on the Israel supplemental aid package that I cosponsored. I am proud to see my colleagues working to support the sole true democracy in the Middle East and pass this vital piece of legislation. I am looking forward to continuing to lead the charge for our ally when I return.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-passage-legislative-branch-appropriations-bill,Newhouse Statement on Passage Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"“Yesterday, the House continued its work in funding the government by passing the bill that keeps Congress working for the people. From increasing the budget of Capitol Police to reigning in millions of taxpayer dollars on overfunded programs, this bill is a strong statement on the kind of spending we want to see in the House,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “I thank Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei for his leadership on this bill, and I am proud to support his efforts to ensure the House remains open and that we have the resources to do the job we were sent here to do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/11/01/media-press-releases-strickland-calls-feds-investigate-financial-impact-digital-store-issued/,"Strickland Calls on Feds to Investigate Financial Impact of Digital Store-Issued Coupons on Seniors, Low-Income Shoppers",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led 13 House colleagues in a letter to Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate the potential financial impacts of digital store-issued coupons on seniors, low-income persons, and others without reliable digital access as more and more stores switch to digital-only formats.

“The digital divide continues to leave behind seniors and price-sensitive shoppers, who benefit from store-issued coupons and deals,” said U.S. Rep. Strickland. “The FTC must investigate how the switch to digital-only store-issued coupons affects the people who need and use them most.”

Approximately 25% of seniors never go online, shutting them off from accessing store-issued coupons at retailers that have switched to exclusively offering digital store-issued coupons. Meanwhile, 17 million seniors in the U.S. are considered to be economically insecure, making access to store-issued coupons important to their financial well-being.

Strickland’s efforts urging FTC research and data collection are to better understand the scope of impact and how to improve certain populations’ access to store-issued coupons and the savings that come with them.

The letter was endorsed by Consumer World, Consumer Action, and Consumer Reports and signed by U.S. Representatives André Carson, Troy Carter, Greg Casar, Pramila Jayapal, Barbara Lee, Stephen Lynch, Seth Magaziner, Eleanor Norton, Mark Pocan, Adam Schiff, Jill Tokuda, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Nikema Williams.

Strickland continues to champion economic well-being for seniors, families, and low-income Americans through her work in Congress.

A full copy of the letter is available here.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-house-republicans-delaying-support-israel,Rep. Smith Statement on House Republicans Delaying Support for Israel,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"October 31, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding House Republican Leadership's partisan proposal for aid to Israel.

""Instead of helping Israel, House Republican Leadership is playing partisan politics. Not only does this proposal fail to include humanitarian funding, the inclusion of a partisan rider to cut unrelated funding is unprecedented in an emergency supplemental bill. This proposal will delay and undermine our ability to pass funding for Israel and is a clear political stunt. The bill completely ignores Ukraine even as Iran and Russia work together to threaten both Israel and Ukraine. It is past time for House Republican leadership to work in a bipartisan way with the Senate and White House to pass an emergency supplemental package that addresses national security and national defense needs.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/case-you-missed-it-newhouse-attends-grizzly-public-comment-session,In Case You Missed It: Newhouse Attends Grizzly Public Comment Session,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"OKANOGAN – Yesterday, October 30th, Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) attended the first in-person public comment session on introducing grizzly bears to the North Cascades and delivered his personal comment in opposition to the proposal.

“As a farmer, I worry not only about the bears destroying my crops, but for the safety and well-being of myself, my family, and my on-farm hands,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse at the session.

Newhouse continues, “It is clear you all know that grizzlies can and probably will move out of the zone in which you drop them in, yet rather than letting common sense prevail, are continuing to push forward with this dangerous plan.”

The session was attended by approximately 200 citizens of North-Central Washington where third party moderators conduced a lottery-style selection of speakers to address the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), as well as the National Parks Service (NPS).

The session also produced an overwhelming majority of speakers who opposed both the 10(j) proposal and the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) with nearly 50 attendees speaking in opposition. Six speakers rose in support of the proposal.

“So tell me, what is the agencies’ plan for dealing with crop loss and livestock depredation that is inevitable from the introduction of these predators? What is the timeline for issuing lethal permits? And how much will citizens have to lose before they can defend themselves from this predator in their backyard?” Newhouse concluded.

“The question in front of us today is not whether we have 10(j) or 4(d) to manage these bears, it’s whether or not to introduce grizzly bears to this region at all.”

Photos from the event can be found here.

The public comment period on the Draft EIS runs from September 28 - November 13, 2023. You can find more information on how to participate in public comment meetings or leave a public comment here.

The list of upcoming public comment session can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3691,"DelBene Welcomes Biden AI EO, Urges Congress to Act on Data Privacy",2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,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) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s executive order on artificial intelligence.

“The United States must be in the driver’s seat as artificial intelligence expands around the world and President Biden clearly understands that. I welcome the president’s executive order to ensure AI is implemented in a safe and secure way, especially his focus on consumer privacy protections.

“But executive action can only take us so far. Congress’ delay in passing a strong national data privacy standard risks the U.S. falling further behind other countries and dilutes America’s longstanding global technology leadership. Privacy goes beyond just artificial intelligence and would set clear rules of the road to protect Americans and their data in our increasingly digital world. This effort has had bipartisan momentum, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this over the finish line.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2812,Larsen to Host Veterans Forums in November,2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"During the month of November, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) will host a series of five in-person Veterans Forums and one Veterans Telephone Town Hall. The forums and telephone town hall are opportunities for veterans to receive updates on legislation benefiting them and their families and to get answers to questions about the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), health care, job training, housing and more.

“Veterans know their communities better than anybody,” said Larsen, who served as a member of the Armed Services Committee for 22 years. “That is part of the reason these forums are so important. Answering questions and hearing directly from local veterans is the best way for me to continue being a strong veterans’ advocate in Congress.”

Larsen is committed to ensuring the women and men who have served in the U.S. military and their families have access to the resources and services they need. Since being elected to Congress, Larsen has held more than 70 public Veterans Forums to hear directly from local veterans about how he can better serve them in Congress.

Last year, Larsen supported the PACT Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances like Agent Orange and PFAS can access the care and benefits they need. In addition, Larsen supports legislation to give wounded veterans the opportunity to build a family and enable veterans who live in rural communities to get to and from their medical appointments.

Washington state is home to more than 620,000 veterans, including more than 48,000 veterans who call Washington’s Second Congressional District home. Larsen encourages any Northwest Washington veteran who needs assistance to contact his Everett office at 425-252-3188.

Details are subject to change.

In-Person Veterans Forums

Monday, November 6

Larsen will host a Veterans Forum in Bellingham

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. PST

American Legion Post 7

1688 West Bakerview Road

Bellingham, WA

98226

Larsen will host a Veterans Forum in Anacortes

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. PST

Depot Arts Center

611 R Avenue

Anacortes, WA

98221

Tuesday, November 7

Larsen will host a Veterans Forum in Eastsound

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PST

American Legion Post 93

793 Crescent Beach Drive

Eastsound, WA

98245

Wednesday, November 8

Larsen will host a Veterans Forum on Camano Island

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. PST

Camano Island Annex

121 N East Camano Drive

Camano Island, WA

98282

Larsen will host a Veterans Forum in Everett

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. PST

Everett Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC)

220 Olympic Boulevard

Everett, WA

98203

Veterans Telephone Town Hall

Thursday, November 9

Larsen will host a Veterans Telephone Town Hall

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 pm PST

Public may dial in at 5:00 p.m. PST: 855-962-0954

Sign up to participate in telephone town halls at https://larsen.house.gov/live/.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-israel-and-gaza,Rep. Smith Statement on Israel and Gaza,2023-10-28,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"October 28, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) issued the following statement regarding Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

""I strongly support the goal of significantly degrading and ultimately eliminating the Hamas terrorist organization. Israel must do all they can to make sure Hamas is never again able to carry out terrorist attacks. The horrors of the October 7th attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas militants should make that clear to everyone.

""This goal, however, will be more likely to be achieved if we also recognize and work to reduce the suffering of Palestinian civilians. Much more can be done right now by Israel, the United States, and others to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Food, water, medical supplies, and fuel must be allowed into Gaza—with appropriate safeguards—to reduce the suffering of the civilian population. I understand the risk that, no matter the safeguards, some of these supplies might fall into the hands of Hamas. But the risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza if these supplies are not let in is far greater. The human toll would be devastating. The anger at that cost will without question serve as fertile terrorist recruiting ground for Hamas and other extremist organizations, while also increasing the risk the conflict would expand to other parts of the Middle East.

""More efforts must also be taken to reduce the impacts of Israel's military campaign on the civilians in Gaza. Israel should allow for humanitarian pauses in fighting so that more aid can be brought into Gaza. The bombing campaign and ground incursions must also be done to the greatest extent possible to minimize civilian casualties.

""Again, there is risk to Israel in taking this approach. Hamas uses civilians as human shields and hides fighters and weapons in civilian locations like schools and mosques. But Israel must understand that the struggle against the Hamas terrorist organization will not be won in weeks or months. It will be a long struggle, one more likely to be won if Israel shows that, unlike Hamas, they value all lives and will work to reduce the suffering of all civilians in this horrific conflict.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-bill-targeting-urban-canal-repairs,Newhouse Introduces Bill Targeting Urban Canal Repairs,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,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 (R-WA) introduced The Urban Canal Modernization Act alongside Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02).

This legislation allows the Bureau of Reclamation to authorize a 35 percent non-reimbursable cost share to help repair and rehabilitate “urban canals of concern,” canals through urban areas that would cause significant property damage or possible loss of life if the canal were to fail.

“As a proud primary co-sponsor of The Urban Canals Modernization Act, I recognize the need to address the increasingly difficult task of maintaining and modernizing our urban canal systems,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “As these structures continue to age, it is crucial to supply local managers with the resources needed to protect both property, and people, from a potential disaster. Access to these waterways is vital to Central Washington particularly in communities most impacted by this issue like Soap Lake, Ephrata, and Quincy., We must ensure these canals remain healthy and reliable for the people who depend on it every day.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3689,"DelBene, LaHood Statement on USTR Decision to Abandon Digital Trade Leadership at the WTO",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,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) and Darin LaHood (IL-16), Co-Chairs of the Digital Trade Caucus, released the following statement on the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) decision to withdraw support for important digital trade proposals at the World Trade Organization (WTO):

“USTR’s decision to abandon important, longstanding, and bipartisan U.S. digital trade priorities at the WTO runs contrary to American interests. Instead of promoting policies that Congress set in the bipartisan U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement that protect against the forced transfer of American technology, enable the free flow of information across borders, and defend American industries, small businesses, and workers against discrimination, USTR has unilaterally decided to walk away from these important rules without the consent of Congress. This decision provides more leverage for other foreign powers, including the Chinese Communist Party, to write the rules of the global digital economy into the future. We strongly urge the Biden administration to reconsider its approach.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3690,"DelBene, Obernolte Introduce Bill to Remove Barriers for Organ Donors",2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,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) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the number of living organ donors eligible for federal assistance through the National Living Donor Assistance Center. The Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act will allow more donors to qualify for wage, travel, and caregiver reimbursement when donating organs.

Burdensome income restrictions limit who can be reimbursed for being a living donor. Currently, a donor can only be reimbursed if the income of the recipient and donor combined is less than 350% of the HHS poverty level, roughly $51,000 a year. As a result, 91% of donors finance their own donations. The HOLD Act would no longer limit donor eligibility based on the income of the intended recipient.

This bill would benefit over 37 million Americans living with kidney diseases, including more than 800,000 with kidney failure. People with kidney failure are likely on dialysis and patiently waiting for a kidney donation. Medicare spends approximately $150 billion annually, which is over 18 percent of the total spending, on people with kidney diseases. Managing kidney failure through dialysis and related care accounts for roughly $50 billion in Medicare spending each year. The cost of transplantation and post-transplant care is substantially less.

""The HOLD Act is an important step toward eliminating unnecessary barriers to organ donation,"" said DelBene. ""We must support heroic living donors who give the incredible gift of life to those in need. This legislation would encourage more life-saving donations, improve health outcomes, and ultimately reduce costs to Medicare and our health care system.”

“When deciding whether or not to perform the selfless act of donating an organ, the financial burden of donation stops far too many potential donors who are motivated and medically suitable,” said Obernolte. “Donating an organ often involves taking time off work for invasive medical procedures. The HOLD Act will ensure more individuals can recoup this personal cost and help give the gift of life to others.”

“The Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act will provide low income living organ donors with a cost neutral organ donation by removing recipient income from the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) application and focusing solely on the critical factor, donor income,” said Waitlist Zero. “NLDAC, a federal living donor reimbursement system, currently requires that for donors to qualify for funding both donor and recipient income be below $51,000 for an individual. Many low-income Americans, especially rural Americans, cannot bear the cost of being a living organ donor due to the travel expenses to the transplant center as well as the lost wages incurred while they recover from the surgery. Reps. Obernolte and DelBene’s HOLD Act, will reduce the kidney and liver donor waitlist by increasing the number of living organ donations, the gold standard for patients with chronic kidney and liver disease.”

“The Honor Our Living Donors Act will simplify access to financial support for living donors through the National Living Donor Assistance Center by using donors’ own income to determine their eligibility to receive support for donation-related costs”, said the American Society of Nephrology. “Currently, donors’ eligibility to receive support is determined using the organ recipient’s income. This policy change is an important step towards supporting living donors who need financial help as they provide the gift of life.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3688,DelBene Statement on Election of New House Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,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) released the following statement on the election of a new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Mike Johnson will not solve the problems facing Americans, he will only exacerbate them. After shutting down the House of Representatives for over three weeks, Republicans chose to elevate a key architect of the conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, an ardent supporter of a national abortion ban, and someone who attacks the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans to one of the most consequential positions in our nation and second in line to the Presidency. Instead of joining Democrats in a bipartisan path forward – the only way anything can get done in Congress – they chose to cave to the most far-right in their party yet again.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-election-speaker-house-representatives,Newhouse Statement on Election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) released the following statement after the election of the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

“Today I was proud to vote for Congressman Mike Johnson from Louisiana for Speaker of the House,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse.

Newhouse continues, “Rep. Johnson is a committed, common-sense conservative and has long been a strong voice in the Republican Conference. He has laid out a plan to get Congress back on track, and to get us back to doing the work we were sent here to do.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/10/25/media-press-releases-strickland-calls-expanded-access-basic-needs-allowance-servicemembers/,Strickland Calls for Expanded Access to Basic Needs Allowance for Servicemembers,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) joins 19 colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter to Senate and House Armed Services Committee leadership, urging them to retain language in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) eliminating the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from income calculations when determining eligibility for the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Basic Need Allowance (BNA) program.

“Caring for servicemembers and their families is the foundation of military readiness. It is unacceptable that the men and women who serve our country worry about putting food on the table,” said Rep. Strickland. “I am proud to join my colleagues and support the expansion of the Basic Needs Allowance Program to help take care of military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and across the nation. We must uphold our end of the promise to our servicemembers and put an end to military hunger.”

The BNA program provides a monthly allowance to eligible low-income servicemembers with dependents. Removing BAH from income calculations when determining eligibility for the BNA would expand servicemember access and allow the DoD to meaningfully address food insecurity faced by some military families, support long-term efforts in solving military hunger, and improve overall military readiness.

According to a July 2022 study from the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, 24 percent of all active duty servicemembers experienced some level of food insecurity over the prior 12 months, totaling more than 286,000 individuals. As it is currently implemented, the BNA reaches fewer than 3,000 servicemembers.

This bipartisan, bicameral letter was also signed by U.S. Representatives Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-GA-02), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02) and Susan Wild (D-PA-07) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Peter Welch (D-VT).

Strickland continues to champion improvements for servicemembers and veterans quality-of-life issues as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the committee’s Qualify of Life Panel.

A full copy of the letter is available here.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/10/25/media-press-releases-strickland-statement-election-speaker-mike-johnson/,Strickland Statement On Election of Speaker Mike Johnson,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on the election of Speaker Mike Johnson:

“The House Republican conference has chosen to elevate one of the chief architects behind the effort to overturn the 2020 election as second in line to the Presidency, showing how mainstream the MAGA movement has become. Instead of standing up for the American people, the House GOP continues to bend to the extremist wings of their party that seek to undermine democracy and the very foundations of our nation.

Despite the radicalization of the Republican party, I will continue to prioritize delivering for my constituents in the 10th District of Washington and doing bipartisan work to uplift the families, seniors, servicemembers, and veterans that are depending on Congress to build a nation that is more just, more safe and more secure. I look forward to working with my Democratic colleagues to protect Social Security and Medicare, voting rights, and women’s reproductive rights from the agenda of an anti-democratic Speaker.”

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-and-100-house-members-send-letter-president-biden-situation-middle,Rep. Smith and 100+ House Members Send Letter to President Biden on Situation in the Middle East,2023-10-20,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) joined over 100 members of the House of Representatives in sending a letter to President Biden regarding the situation in the Middle East. See below for the full letter.

""We write to thank you for your strong leadership during a tragic and dangerous moment in the Middle East. The horrific attack on October 7 against Israel by the terrorist organization Hamas took the lives of over 1,400 people, injured over 3,000 more, and resulted in the capture of nearly 200 people - including many American citizens - who are being held as hostages in Gaza. You have rightly condemned these actions as pure evil and expressed the United States' steadfast support for our ally Israel in a moment of need and horror.

""We stand with you in supporting Israel and are ready to provide whatever assistance the state and people of Israel need to defend themselves and to ensure that hostages return home and those who perpetrated these crimes against humanity are held accountable.

""We are grateful as well for your clear statements regarding the fundamental importance of ensuring that the humanitarian needs of the civilian population of Gaza are met, and that all possible steps are being taken to ensure the safety of civilians and noncombatants in the Strip. Reportedly, more than 3,000 people have been killed and more than 9,700 wounded in Gaza, making it imperative that we act to prevent further loss of innocent lives. We agree with you that Israel's response must be in accordance with international law and our shared democratic values.

""We support the efforts that Secretary Blinken and your entire administration are making to ensure that the basic necessities of life for Gaza's civilians are available, such as food, water, and medicine. In addition, we must enable those civilians and noncombatants who want to seek refuge temporarily in safe zones in southern Gaza to be given safe passage, and to ensure that they have the ability to return to their communities in Gaza when the war is over.

""A commitment to Israel's security and right to respond to terror is not incompatible with a commitment to the humanitarian needs of the innocent people of Gaza. Indeed, you are correctly charting a path that promotes American values and interests when we pursue both goals together.

""We further support the efforts that your administration is undertaking to prevent the conflict from escalating to other fronts in this war, including to Israel's north, as evidenced by the decision to deploy carrier strike groups to the Eastern Mediterranean. In particular, we urge your administration to work closely with Israel and regional partners to ensure stability on the West Bank and to prevent any escalation of violence in that region.

""Even after this war between Israel and Hamas is over, the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians cannot be solved ultimately by any military means. When this crisis ends, your leadership together with regional partners will be needed to create a path to a sustainable future because, as you have so often pointed out, both Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, security, opportunity and dignity. There will never be an end to the violence until that goal is achieved, and we know that the United States will have a significant role in the pursuit of the peaceful coexistence between Israel and its neighbors.

""Thank you again for your steady and determined leadership at this critical time. We look forward to continuing to work with you in defense of Israel and, ultimately, in pursuit of peace in the Middle East.""

A full copy of the letter can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3686,"DelBene, Miller, Cárdenas, Bucshon Urge Medicare to Expand Access to Home Dialysis",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Carol Miller (WV-01), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand access to home dialysis for Americans on Medicare.

In a letter, the lawmakers urged Medicare to expand coverage for home dialysis to Medicare patients at risk of or currently diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) in the agency’s final 2024 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system rule.

“We strongly urge Medicare to do all in its power to expand access to home dialysis, including for AKI patients,” the lawmakers wrote. “Increasing access and improving outcomes for AKI patients is especially important because these patients have the potential to recover kidney function and avoid permanent kidney failure requiring years of dialysis or transplant.”

AKI treatment often requires a hospital stay during which patients receive dialysis with the hopes of regaining kidney function. A high percentage of ICU patients, including 20-40% with COVID-19 during the peak of the pandemic, developed AKI and required emergency dialysis.

While Medicare covers both in-center and home dialysis for people with kidney failure, AKI patients currently can only access in-center dialysis, leaving thousands without the option of dialyzing at home. Home dialysis for AKI would allow patients to receive care in a more comfortable setting, have more control over their schedules, and potentially avoid their condition worsening to kidney failure that requires permanent dialysis or transplant.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-fights-best-practices-organic-agricultural-industry,Newhouse Fights for Best Practices in the Organic Agricultural Industry,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act, which would modernize the process for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to respond to changes in organic and better align organic standards authored by the agency with industry best practices and consumer demands.

“Our agricultural sector is constantly evolving, and in order to keep progress moving forward, we must keep up with best-in-practice standards,” said Rep. Newhouse. “As a third-generation farmer, I understand how crucial it is to ensure transparency in our organics process—for both producers and consumers—and it's imperative that we provide our growers certainty. This is how we spark further innovation and improvement within the organic industry.""

“Central Valley farmers are the ones who feed the world, with many voluntarily providing high-quality organic products that are held to a significantly higher standard than other agricultural commodities. It is critical that these farmers, producers, and growers are not held back from bringing their goods to market by bureaucratic red tape and outdated regulations,” said Rep. Valadao. “This bipartisan bill will ensure organic standards from USDA are accurate, transparent, and responsive to the latest science. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve and grow our organic agriculture sector.”

“As the organic market continues to expand, producers need clear and reliable information on changing standards and regulations,” said Rep. Panetta. “This bipartisan legislation empowers farmers by setting clear priorities for organic standards and instituting a predictable process for stakeholder input. As California’s 19th Congressional District leads the country in organic farming, I’ll continue working to promote and perpetuate this innovative industry.”

“The number one industry in my district is agriculture, and the farms in my region put delicious food on shelves and on dinner tables all over the United States. It’s critical that when families go to their local store for food marketed as organic, they know and trust the standards that our growers are meeting, and that red tape isn’t preventing organic growers from getting their goods to market,"" said Rep. Carbajal

“For far too long, organic producers have been waiting for the Department of Agriculture to move forward with numerous consensus recommendations to improve organic standards and protect the integrity of the organic label,” said Rep. Pingree. “As an organic farmer and Co-Chair of the House Organic Caucus, I am proud to support this bill to hold the USDA accountable so we can continue to move the National Organic Program forward.”

“Ensuring continuous improvement for organic is our highest priority in the 2023 Farm Bill, and this legislation goes far to address that objective,” said Tom Chapman, CEO and Executive Director of the Organic Trade Association. “I wish to express our sincere thanks to Representatives Newhouse, Panetta, Carbajal, Valadao and Pingree for their leadership and for working with a broad coalition of farmers, industry, environmental and other organizations to ensure organic continues to be a dynamic opportunity for growth and able to meet the future needs and desires of both producers and consumers.”

""Technology and production methods have changed a lot since the national organic standards were created over 20 years ago, and domestic farmers need relevant organic standards to compete in the growing organic marketplace. Organic Farmers Association supports the CIAO bill for streamlining rulemaking to keep organic regulations relevant,"" says Kate Mendenhall, Executive Director of the Organic Farmers Association.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

The Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards (CIAO) Act will:

Require the USDA to request public input on recommended changes to organic standards at least once every five years and establishes a five-year working period for the USDA, in consultation with the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), to implement the recommendations.

Ensure the USDA and NOSB considers the best available information – including environmental and ecological data, consumer and market data, organic production and handling practices, organic research, and scientific data – when implementing the recommended changes.

Background:

Organic agriculture became increasingly popular in the early 1900’s but it wasn’t until the 1990 farm bill which included the Organic Foods Production Act that a certification program and national organic standards were established. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Program is a voluntary regulatory program for farmers and businesses who choose to meet a strict federal standard and market their products under the USDA organic seal, which bolsters consumer confidence in the legitimacy of organic products.

Since the first nationwide organic standards were officially established in 2000, the strict and comprehensive network of federal requirements and regulations that monitor and check the organic industry – from the farm gate to the dinner plate – have been driven by stakeholders throughout the supply chain and organic community. This unique private-public partnership has made the organic regulatory system the gold standard for food and agricultural systems around the world. In fact, the organic sector has thrived, growing to more than a $67 billion U.S market, with the USDA Organic seal recognized as one of the most trusted consumer labels in the marketplace.

To maintain this exponential growth, organic standards need to be responsive to changes in scientific information, environmental and ecological data, as well as consumer demands. However, in the last several years, the federal regulatory apparatus has fallen behind, slowing innovation and continuous improvement within the industry.

CIAO sets forth the pathway to bring federal regulations up to speed with the evolving organic industry and is critical to keep the organic sector growing.

CIAO was originally introduced in the 117th Congress.

The Continuous Improvement and Accountability in Organic Standards Act is endorsed by the Organic Trade Association, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, Organic Farmers Association, National Organic Coalition, and Organic Produce Association.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-announces-communications-staff-update,Newhouse Announces Communications Staff Update,2023-10-16,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced a new staff appointment for the 4th Congressional District’s D.C. Office.

Matt Reed joined Rep. Newhouse’s office as Communications Director following Mike Marinella’s departure. Reed will be the point of contact for media inquiries for the office going forward.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3684,PNW Chosen as U.S. Hydrogen Hub,2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,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 that the Pacific Northwest has been named a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, receiving a $1 billion investment. The designation for the Pacific NW Hydrogen Hub, a collective of private sector, government, academic, research, and philanthropic communities across Washington, Oregon, and Montana, aims to accelerate clean hydrogen technology, production, and deployment.

This program, funded by the bipartisan infrastructure law, includes up to $7 billion spread across up to 10 regional clean hydrogen hubs across America selected by the U.S. Department of Energy. They are designed to help communities across the country benefit from clean energy investments, create good-paying jobs, and improve America’s energy security.

Clean hydrogen is a key player in our efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By 2050, the clean hydrogen economy will generate approximately $140 billion in revenue and create 700,000 jobs. The Pacific Northwest is poised to lead this industry.

“Washington has long been a trailblazer in clean energy technology, and today’s announcement will help solidify our position as a hydrogen powerhouse,” said DelBene. “This achievement will not only drive economic growth across the region but also contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. The congressional delegation’s strong support for this designation signifies the broad appeal of these types of investments and jobs across our region.”

In March 2023, DelBene and members of the Washington and Oregon congressional delegations sent a letter of support for Pacific NW Hydrogen Hub’s application to DOE’s Hydrogen Hub. The letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-washington-oregon-delegation-secures-funding-pnw-hydrogen-hub,"Rep. Schrier, with Washington, Oregon delegation, Secures Funding for PNW Hydrogen Hub to Create a Robust Clean Energy Economy",2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,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) with members of the Washington and Oregon House delegations celebrated the Department of Energy’s announcement naming the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association’s (PNWH2) as a recipient of one of seven nationwide hydrogen hubs that will share a total $7 billion DOE investment.

Earlier this year, Rep. Schrier and Sen. Cantwell led a bipartisan group in writing a letter of support for the PNWH2’s application to the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program (H2Hubs).

PNWH2 is a public-private partnership made up of the region’s key stakeholders in a future hydrogen industry: the private sector, government, academic, research and philanthropic groups. Under their proposal, hydrogen will be produced by harnessing existing clean, low-cost, and abundant hydropower resources in the region, resulting in the greenest hydrogen in the nation. Their proposal demonstrated how clean hydrogen can support decarbonization efforts already being made in the transportation, maritime, industrial, and agriculture sectors, as well as the rapidly expanding zero-carbon aviation sector being pioneered in our region. The funding is critical to creating a clean hydrogen network and will propel the region to be a leader in the production, processing, delivery, storage, and use of clean hydrogen while creating clean energy jobs.

“In Washington state, we are blessed with a wealth of affordable hydropower. Washington’s clean electricity provides a great opportunity to generate green hydrogen using excess power not needed on the grid,” said Rep. Schrier (WA-08). “This investment means the Pacific Northwest will house the greenest hydrogen in the nation, will create thousands of good paying, clean energy jobs, and will provide a massive boost to our economy. It will put Washington State and the 8th District at the forefront of global clean energy innovation.”

“Washington has long been a trailblazer in clean energy technology, and today’s announcement will help solidify our position as a hydrogen powerhouse,” said Rep. DelBene (WA-01). “This achievement will not only drive economic growth across the region but also contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. The congressional delegation’s strong support for this designation signifies the broad appeal of these types of investments and jobs across our region.”

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Northwest Washington will be a leader in cleaner and greener energy production,” said Rep. Larsen(WA-02), who serves as the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “This historic investment in the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub will create thousands of jobs while reducing costs for working families, pulling more pollution out of transportation, agriculture and industry, and building a cleaner and greener future in our communities.”

“Today’s federal investments in green hydrogen production in the Northwest including in Centralia will lead to good clean energy and construction jobs, promote energy security across Southwest Washington, and contribute to a cleaner future,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03). “Clean energy can’t happen without rural economies like ours, and I am so proud to fight for hardworking people who believe in investing in the future. It’s an honor to fight to secure these federal funds alongside the Washington state delegation.”

“This is a big deal. With this announcement, the Pacific Northwest is poised to lead the nation in the clean hydrogen revolution,” said Rep. Kilmer (WA-06). “Harnessing our region’s extraordinary resources, the PNWH2 will not only showcase the potential of an integrated hydrogen economy but will also serve as a beacon for sustainable innovation across America.”

“Today’s announcement is the result of a partnership between environmental, labor, industry, and public sector stakeholders to advance a strong vision for the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub. Hydrogen energy will allow us to decarbonize multiple sectors of the economy and create a clean electrical grid, which is crucial to cleaning up the environment,” said Rep. Smith (WA-09). “Thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program is working to create clean energy technologies and create good-paying jobs in the clean energy economy. The selection of the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub furthers the work being done to make Washington a leader in hydrogen energy.”

“The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub is a critical part of advancing our environmental goals and growing our clean energy economy,” said Rep. Strickland (WA-10). “Today’s funding is a deep investment in our region, our people, and our future. This solidifies a path forward for bringing online another renewable energy source to help us transition to a cleaner energy future for the Pacific Northwest and our nation.”

“Clean hydrogen energy is a key aspect of decarbonizing our electric grid,” said Rep. Blumenauer (OR-03). “With today’s investment, the Pacific Northwest will become a national model for what that looks like in practice—creating a resilient, thriving clean energy economy.”

Rep. Schrier serves as the Vice Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Energy Subcommittee. The announcement follows more than a year of dialogue with Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm about the importance of directing this funding to Washington state, including an Energy subcommittee hearing with Secretary Granholm in April 2022.

In addition to Rep. Schrier and Sen. Cantwell, the letter was signed by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-05), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Adam Smith (D, WA-09), Val Hoyle (D, OR-04), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10), Andrea Salinas (D, OR-06), Lori Chavez DeRemer (R, OR-05), Derek Kilmer (D, WA-06), Earl Blumenauer (D, OR-03), and Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) as well as Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/10/13/media-press-releases-strickland-wa-delegation-secure-funding-pnw-hydrogen-hub-create-robust-clean/,"Strickland, WA Delegation Secure Funding for PNW Hydrogen Hub to Create A Robust Clean Energy Economy",2023-10-13,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and other members of the Washington and Oregon delegations celebrated the Department of Energy’s (DOE) announcement naming the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association (PNWH2) as a recipient of one of seven nationwide hydrogen hubs. Funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), together these centers will share a total of $7 billion in DOE funds aimed at supporting clean energy initiatives.

PNWH2 is a public-private partnership made up of the region’s key stakeholders in a future hydrogen industry. Under their proposal submitted to the DOE, hydrogen will be produced by harnessing existing clean, low-cost, and abundant hydropower resources in the region, resulting in the greenest hydrogen in the nation.

“The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub is a critical part of advancing our environmental goals and growing our clean energy economy,” said Rep. Strickland. “Today’s funding is a deep investment in our region, our people, and our future. This solidifies a path forward for bringing online another renewable energy source to help us transition to a cleaner energy future for the Pacific Northwest and our nation.”

The PNWH2 proposal demonstrated how clean hydrogen can support decarbonization efforts already being made in the transportation, maritime, industrial, and agriculture sectors, as well as the rapidly expanding zero-carbon aviation sector being pioneered in the Pacific Northwest. This funding is critical to creating a clean hydrogen network and will propel the region to be a leader in the production, processing, delivery, storage, and use of clean hydrogen while creating clean energy jobs.

Earlier this year, Rep. Strickland led a bipartisan group in writing a letter of support for the PNWH2’s application to the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program (H2Hubs). The letter was signed by Reps. Kim Schrier (WA-08), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Rick Larson (WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Adam Smith (WA-09), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03) and other House members from the Washington and Oregon delegations. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) also signed on to this letter.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2810,Larsen Joins Bipartisan Rural Health Caucus,2023-10-12,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) recently joined the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to improve understanding and coordinate policies that address rural health issues in Northwest Washington. The Rural Health Caucus, which relaunched on September 20, is led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) recently joined the bipartisan Rural Health Caucus to improve understanding and coordinate policies that address rural health issues in Northwest Washington. The Rural Health Caucus, which relaunched on September 20, is led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI).

“Ensuring access to high quality, affordable health care is essential for people who live in rural Northwest Washington communities,” said Larsen. “My goal in joining the Rural Health Caucus is to better understand and address the unique challenges rural communities face in delivering health care to enable all people to live healthy lives.”

Larsen is Working to Break Down Barriers to Rural Health Care

Larsen is a champion of federal investments in resources and innovative solutions to lower drug prices and improve health care access and outcomes in rural communities.

Listening to Rural Health Care Providers - Larsen recently met with representatives from Island Health, PeaceHealth and Skagit Regional Health to discuss the need to address nurse workforce shortages. Larsen also met with WhidbeyHealth and Verity Solutions to discuss the importance of protecting the 340B program, which enables health care providers to reduce the cost of specialty drugs for low-income residents, and increasing access to specialized health care services in rural communities.

Lowering Costs for Working Families and Seniors - Last year, Larsen supported the Inflation Reduction Act, which enables Medicare to directly negotiate the price of prescription drugs with drug companies, caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 per year and insulin copays at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries and extends for three years the Affordable Care Act tax credits included in the American Rescue Plan. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, in Washington state, more than 28,000 Medicare beneficiaries will save an average of $603 per year on insulin, and more than 96,000 Medicare beneficiaries will save an average of $73.31 on covered vaccines.

Larsen is Focused on Rural Health Care Priorities

Larsen is committed to raising awareness about and addressing the unique health care needs affecting rural Northwest Washington residents, including through:

Improving Access to Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment - Rural area residents struggle to receive specialized substance abuse treatment and are more likely to be prescribed opioids due to a lack of alternative pain management options compared to residents in urban areas. Additionally, rural communities face a shortage of medications to treat opioid use disorder. Larsen applauded the Health Resources and Services Administration’s recent announcement to award $990,557 to provide more medication and counseling and behavioral therapy services to combat opioid use disorder on Whidbey Island.

Breaking Down Barriers for Military Families and Veterans – The Department of Defense’s Naval Health Clinic in Oak Harbor is only open Monday through Friday. Military families who need health care on weekends or outside of business hours have access to limited options. Last Congress, Larsen reintroduced the bipartisan Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act to make it easier and safer for veterans to keep their medical appointments and access quality health care, regardless of where they live. In addition, WhidbeyHealth has struggled with solvency issues because much of the population they serve benefits from TRICARE or Medicare/Medicaid, which reimburses health care providers at a relatively low rate. Lower reimbursements have led to lower availability of critical care in rural areas.

Increasing the Number of Beds for Long-Term Care and Pediatric Behavioral Health – Northwest Washington is home to three rural access hospitals in Friday Harbor, Coupeville and Sedro-Woolley that provide 24/7 emergency care services but are limited to 25 or fewer beds. Additionally, youth struggling with behavioral and mental health are particularly underserved: Washington state has fewer than 100 long-term inpatient psychiatric beds for youth to serve the state’s 1.1 million children ages 18 and under. Larsen supported the Helping Kid’s Cope Act to invest in pediatric mental health care.

Addressing Workforce Shortages – A lack of affordable housing and insufficient child care options disincentivizes health care professionals from living and working in the rural communities they serve. Larsen supported the Child Care for Working Families Act which would expand child care options and affordability. To further support the health care workforce, Larsen supports increasing funding to train and educate health professionals and address nursing education, practice, retention and recruitment.

Improving Access to Reproductive Health Care – There are currently no in-person abortion services available in Island County. Larsen supported protecting a doctor’s ability to prescribe medication abortion via telehealth to reach patients across the country. Rural residents also face barriers to reproductive health care because of insufficient health care capacity. Larsen supported additional funding for sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics to respond to a rise in monkeypox, which particularly harmed men who have sex with men in rural areas.

###

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January 8, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Larsen Releases Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting

December 14, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-legislation-stop-biden-administration-introducing,Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Stop the Biden Administration from Introducing Grizzly Bears to the North Cascades,2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"October 11, 2023

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced legislation which would withdraw the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposed 10(j) rule and the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Draft Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan.

“Central Washingtonians have consistently voiced their concerns and opposition over the introduction of grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem, yet unelected bureaucrats from the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service continue to try to force these predators upon our communities,” said Rep. Newhouse. “These agencies should listen to the people who would be most impacted by these actions and immediately withdraw their proposed rule and draft EIS statement so members of the region can rest safely knowing that an 800 pound apex predator is not going to enter into their backyard.”

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Background:

The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Central Washington communities surrounding the North Cascades National Park were not provided an adequate opportunity to give their input on the proposal.

In March 2017, Rep. Newhouse wrote to North Cascades National Park Service Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich to express opposition to the plan, citing an inadequate level of local community input and encouraging federal agencies to defer to state and local authorities on grizzly bear management efforts.

On April 12, 2018, Rep. Newhouse wrote a letter to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing his deep concern regarding the then-Secretary’s support for the proposal.

On June 6, 2018, the House Appropriations Committee approved Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Interior to be used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades until local communities had the chance to adequately submit their public comments. The amendment was included in the passage of the final FY19 Interior Appropriations language.

On July 19, 2018, the full House of Representatives approved legislation containing Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to deny funding used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

In October 2019, hundreds of North Central Washington residents attended a public listening session – requested by Rep. Newhouse – in Okanogan, Washington, where officials from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife listened to local concerns on the proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife Rob Wallace was at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex as many of the more than 600 North Central Washington residents provided up to two minutes of oral comment on the record. As reported by Capital Press, 50 people spoke in opposition to grizzly bear introduction, and 12 people spoke in support.

On July 7, 2020, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt visited North Central Washington, where he announced after following the federal rulemaking process, reviewing hundreds of local public comments, and hosting a public comment listening session in Okanogan County, DOI concluded that grizzly bears will not be introduced into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

On November 10, 2022, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with four virtual meetings to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington.

Over 6,200 comments were received on the draft EIS, with the vast majority coming from outside of Washington state.

On September 28, 2023, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced their intention to seek public comment on a proposed rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act related to the potential introduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

On October 6, 2023 Rep. Newhouse demanded the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service extend their public comment period to accommodate locals who want to respond to the Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington State proposal.

###

Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-introduces-resolution-stand-israel,Newhouse Introduces Resolution to Stand with Israel,2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced a resolution alongside 391 of his House colleagues to stand with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

""I strongly condemn the horrific attack on Israel, and Iranian-backed Hamas must be held accountable,"" said Rep. Newhouse. ""As our strongest ally and sole democracy in the Middle East, the United States must stand with Israel unequivocally while they continue to defend themselves against this invasion. It is imperative that this conflict concludes with an Israeli victory, and we should provide appropriate humanitarian and military aid to secure this outcome.”

Click here to read the full resolution.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-condemning-terrorist-attacks-israel,Rep. Smith Statement Condemning Terrorist Attacks in Israel,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"October 7, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement in response to Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel.

""I vehemently condemn today's attack against the people of Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. It is becoming increasingly apparent this was a well-planned and coordinated attack; intent on killing civilians and causing as much destruction as possible. There is simply no justification for this type of cowardly and senseless assault.

""I remain steadfast in my support of Israel and its right to defend itself. I will continue to work with Congress and the Administration to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself and repel future attacks.

""My thoughts are with the victims of this brutal and horrific act ofterrorist violence, including their loved ones.

""I will continue to closely monitor this situation.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/10/07/media-press-releases-strickland-statement-deadly-attack-israel-hamas/,Strickland Statement On The Deadly Attack On Israel By Hamas,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Lacey, WA – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement on the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas:

“America’s ally and the only democracy in the Middle East is under attack from Hamas terrorists. I condemn this attack, and stand firmly with Israel and its people as it defends itself.”

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-demands-extension-comment-period-additional-public-meetings-0,"Newhouse Demands an Extension of Comment Period, Additional Public Meetings on Grizzly Introduction in Central Washington",2023-10-06,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"October 6, 2023

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) demanded the National Park Service (NPS) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) extend the public comment period on a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and accompanying 10(j) proposal under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on the Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem in Washington State.

“Time and again, Central Washingtonians have expressed their deep concerns about the introduction of grizzlies into the North Cascades, as they are a danger to the safety of their communities,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Despite this opposition, the Biden Administration is set on moving forward with the introduction of these apex predators against the will of locals. That’s why I’m demanding an extension of the public comment period on this proposed relocation of bears so that the members of our region impacted by this have adequate time to review and respond.”

Joining Rep. Newhouse on the letter are Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Russ Fulcher (ID-01), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), and Matt Rosendale (MT-02).

Read the full letter here.

Background:

The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Central Washington communities surrounding the North Cascades National Park were not provided an adequate opportunity to give their input on the proposal.

In March 2017, Rep. Newhouse wrote to North Cascades National Park Service Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich to express opposition to the plan, citing an inadequate level of local community input and encouraging federal agencies to defer to state and local authorities on grizzly bear management efforts.

On April 12, 2018, Rep. Newhouse wrote a letter to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing his deep concern regarding the then-Secretary’s support for the proposal.

On June 6, 2018, the House Appropriations Committee approved Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Interior to be used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades until local communities had the chance to adequately submit their public comments. The amendment was included in the passage of the final FY19 Interior Appropriations language.

On July 19, 2018, the full House of Representatives approved legislation containing Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to deny funding used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

In October 2019, hundreds of North Central Washington residents attended a public listening session – requested by Rep. Newhouse – in Okanogan, Washington, where officials from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife listened to local concerns on the proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife Rob Wallace was at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex as many of the more than 600 North Central Washington residents provided up to two minutes of oral comment on the record. As reported by Capital Press, 50 people spoke in opposition to grizzly bear introduction, and 12 people spoke in support.

On July 7, 2020, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt visited North Central Washington, where he announced after following the federal rulemaking process, reviewing hundreds of local public comments, and hosting a public comment listening session in Okanogan County last year, DOI concluded that grizzly bears will not be introduced into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

On November 10, 2022, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with four virtual meetings to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington.

Over 6,200 comments were received on the draft EIS, with the vast majority coming from outside of Washington state.

On September 28, 2023, the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced their intention to seek public comment on a proposed rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act related to the potential introduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

###

Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-schrier-celebrates-federal-investment-expand-broadband-access,Rep. Schrier Celebrates Federal Investment to Expand Broadband Access,2023-10-06,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Kim Schrier,S001216,schrier.house.gov,schrier,https://schrier.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"GRANITE FALLS, WA – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) visited Granite Falls Library to learn more about the facility’s digital navigator program and celebrate a recent federal investment to expand broadband access. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Granite Falls Library will add 750 new loanable computers and hotspots to its current inventory. This technology will be available to the public and will help to bring reliable internet access to residents in the area.

“In today’s world, dependable broadband access is in many ways as important as electricity and water. Reliable internet is needed for everything from education to remote work, telehealth, and much more,” said Rep Schrier. “Investing in high-speed internet access is especially crucial for our rural communities, which have too often been left behind. I am proud to have consistently voted and advocated for expanding broadband access and am eager to see the impact that this federal investment will have on the community.”

Since entering Congress, Representative Schrier has been a strong supporter of expanding broadband access for rural Washingtonians. In 2021, Congresswoman Schrier voted for the American Rescue Plan Act, which brought more than $25 billion in investment towards affordable high-speed internet and connectivity. Additionally, Representative Schrier voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which has funded approximately $1.2 billion in federal grants to Washington state agencies.

The $1.5 million needed for this project came through American Rescue Plan funding and is part of the $5 million from ARPA funding that Snohomish County has allocated toward broadband efforts. Broadband access is a top concern for rural Washington and was mentioned directly by constituents during a previous town hall located in Granite Falls.

“At Sno-Isle Libraries, we are committed to connecting more residents to vital internet access. Your local library gives customers reliable Internet access so they can participate in job interviews and Telehealth appointments. The library provides free access to online tutoring, homework help and other experiences they value. Our libraries bring people together through digital and community connections. I appreciate Congresswoman Schrier’s work and commitment to bridge the digital divide facing far too many communities, including Granite Falls, and our collective goal in moving us forward toward greater inclusivity and accessibility,” said Lois Langer Thompson, executive director, Sno-Isle Libraries.

“Isn’t it time that rural broadband is considered a basic utility? As an educational system, we strive for equity. Our district has been successful in student laptop distribution and technology in the classrooms, but during the pandemic it was revealing how many students did not have internet access due to economic and/or geographic challenges. For us to prepare students for future success, we need to provide them today with resources, and to me, that includes broadband service,” said Dr. Josh Middleton, superintendent of Granite Falls School District.

“Many of the people in Granite Falls and the surrounding area often find themselves without internet that is consistent. In this day of instant communication and networking, it is critical that everyone has access to broadband that they can count on. People should not be at a disadvantage because they live in a rural area. Recognition of our situation, and investment by Snohomish County and the federal government will go a long way to giving us reliable internet. We appreciate Representative Kim Schrier's commitment to the people of Granite Falls with her support in this effort,” said Matt Hartman, mayor of Granite Falls.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/10/04/media-press-releases-strickland-adams-brown-warnock-introduce-new-legislation-increase-transparency/,"Strickland, Adams, Brown, Warnock Introduce New Legislation to Increase Transparency in Land-Grant University Funding",2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10), U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and U.S. Representative Alma Adams (NC-12), introduced the Land-Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act, a new bill that would help ensure states provide Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) 1890s land-grant institutions with their fair share of state funding.

“Supporting 1890 Universities, also known as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), is vital to long-term investment in Black students and communities in this country,” saidRep. Strickland. “The Land-Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act will hold states accountable by increasing equitable fulfillment of these state funds and help HBCUs provide quality education for our next generation of Black leaders. We must ensure that these historic institutions have equal access to funding they rightfully deserve.”

“1890 land-grant universities have fostered generations of African American students, farmers, and scientists – opening doors for students who might otherwise have been denied the quality education and fair shot that all Americans deserve,” said Sen. Brown. “I will continue fighting for investment in these institutions so they can continue creating opportunity and preparing future leaders in Ohio and around the country.”

“Our 1890 Land-Grant institutions have been punching way above their weight for far too long, so this legislation will bring us one step closer to ensuring historically Black Land-Grant universities get the funding they’re due,” said Sen. Reverend Warnock. “This is a win for Georgia students, Georgia farmers, and Georgia’s economy. I’m proud to join with Chairman Brown on this important legislation. Let’s get this done.”

“Our 1890 Universities are at the leading edge of making our food and agriculture system safer, more productive, and fairer, and they need resources and funding to maintain that edge” said Congresswoman Adams, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, and co-chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “This bill brings greater accountability to ensuring that the federal funds the 19 historically Black 1890s need to train the next generation of leaders are matched by their respective home states. As a proud 1890s graduate, I am honored to introduce this bill, which both strengthens and brings parity to our nation’s land-grant system.”

Under federal law, states are obligated to provide an equitable distribution of state funding for all land-grant universities. However, historically Black land-grant universities have often been overlooked and don’t always receive the funding they deserve. The Land-Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act would require governors to annually attest publicly whether or not the state plans to provide funding to each 1890s land-grant institution.

The House version of the bill is being co-sponsored by Representatives Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), and Shontel Brown (D-OH-11). Other supporters include the Century Foundation and the Council of 1890 University Presidents.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-speaker-kevin-mccarthy,Rep. Smith Statement on Speaker Kevin McCarthy,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"October 3, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement regarding the vote to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

""Kevin McCarthy has been one of the worst Speakers in the history of this country. He has been wholly partisan, refusing to work with Democrats at every turn and launching a completely baseless impeachment inquiry into President Biden to appease Donald Trump and the MAGA base. The one occasion he worked with Democrats - to avoid a catastrophic default on our debt - he lied and went back on the deal almost immediately. His word means nothing. For how terrible he has been, Democrats still have to decide whether to help him retain his Speakership. The answer is clearly no. Some say removing him could lead to chaos or that someone more extreme could replace him, but the reality is that his Speakership has been defined by chaos. He has been MAGA's Speaker since day one, bringing us to the brink of a default on our debt and then to the brink of a government shutdown.

""The bottom line is that Kevin McCarthy has done irrefutable damage to the institution of Congress and no Democrat should have any part in helping him retain his Speakership. He sided with Donald Trump and the insurrections over January 6, undermining a bipartisan investigation into the attack on Congress. He has continued to support Donald Trump at every turn, even as the former President has set his sights on destroying this country. Kevin McCarthy does what's best for Kevin McCarthy, putting his own interests above the interests of the American people.

""Previous Speakers have had the respect to step down when they no longer have the support of their conference, but not McCarthy. He continues to argue today that he should remain Speaker for the good of the institution. That could not be further from the truth. The sooner that Kevin McCarthy is not Speaker, the sooner we can start reducing the damage that he has done. As long as McCarthy is Speaker, the institution of Congress will continue to be pummeled.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3680,"DelBene Announces $1.1B in Road, Bridge, and EV Charging Funding for WA",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,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 nearly $1.1 billion in bipartisan infrastructure law funding for Washington state. These investments will be used for road and bridge repairs and replacements around the state and to build out a nationwide electric vehicle charging network.

The resources Washington will receive from the U.S. Department of Transportation for FY 2024 include:

$934 million for road replacements and improvements.

$131 million to repair and rebuild bridges.

$15 million to build electric vehicle chargers.

“The bipartisan infrastructure law continues to drive Washington forward. These federal investments will make tangible improvements in our communities from fixing crumbling roads and bridges to helping build out the electric vehicle charging network that is critical to supporting cleaner cars. These projects will also create good-paying jobs in our state that will be here to stay,” said DelBene.

There are an estimated 423 bridges and over 5,547 miles of highway in poor condition in Washington. Two years in, the bipartisan infrastructure law is already rebuilding our roads and includes the single largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Based on formula funding alone, Washington is expected to receive approximately $5.3 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges. Washington should also expect to receive roughly $71 million in formula funding over five years to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging in the state.

More information about the bipartisan infrastructure law’s impact in Washington can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3682,DelBene Statement on House Republican Leadership Crisis,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,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) released the following statement after the passage of the Motion to Vacate in the House of Representatives.

“House Republicans have proven once again that they cannot govern. From day one of this Congress, they have put their extreme, unpopular agenda ahead of the interests of the country. They have lurched from one manufactured crisis to another trying to get their way, putting families and our economy at risk. House Republicans alone started this leadership crisis and they alone can resolve it.

“I am here in Congress to govern and address the issues facing families across Washington and the nation. I stand with House Democrats united around Leader Jeffries, and we will continue to find common ground where we can to advance the interests of the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2809,"Larsen: Highway, Bridge and EV Funding Announcements Mean More Jobs and Better Infrastructure Coming to Northwest Washington",2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced it is awarding $1.08 billion in formula funding to the Washington State Department of Transportation to build and repair highways, bridges and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure statewide.

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the announcement and what it means for Northwest Washington.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more funding is on its way to Northwest Washington to create more jobs and build a cleaner, greener, safer and more accessible transportation system,” said Larsen, who serves as the lead Democrat on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. “This historic investment will enable local communities to get more shovels in the ground and put people to work to reduce congestion and pollution, improve safety, and keep people and the economy moving.”

Historic Investments in Washington Highways, Bridges and EV Infrastructure

The FHWA issued three notices announcing the distribution of formula funding to state Departments of Transportation like WSDOT. The funding is sourced from the Highway Trust Fund and advance appropriations under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Funding includes:

$934.4 million for Washington highways

$130.7 million for Washington bridges

$15.1 million for Washington EV charging infrastructure

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Working for Northwest Washington

Larsen is a champion of bold, long-term investments in infrastructure to create more jobs and drive economic growth in local communities. So far, $6 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding has been announced and is headed to Washington state with more than 420 specific projects identified for funding. Last month, Larsen asked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about ongoing implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including how the BIL is helping states like Washington repair and replace fish barrier culverts, invest in rural and underserved communities, and ensure all communities benefit from the BIL’s historic provisions.

For more on how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is benefiting Washington, click here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3679,DelBene: Government Not Shutdown Today Because Democrats Held Fast Against GOP Extremism,2023-10-02,2023,2023-10,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart to discuss how Congress successfully avoided a Republican-led government shutdown.

The video can be found here and the transcript is below.

Capehart: Congresswoman, welcome back to The Sunday Show. Just, before we talk about why you’re really here, your reaction to Congressman Matt Gaetz saying he’s going to follow through on his threat to try to remove the Speaker?

DelBene: Well, he’s been talking about this kind of constantly this entire Congress, so I guess that’s not surprising. It kind of adds to the chaos and dysfunction we’ve seen from the Republican Caucus this Congress. Folks want to see us govern, and unfortunately this is the Republican Party—chaos, dysfunction, and dissent. So that’s unfortunate because we have got a lot of work to do.

Capehart: Right and the reason why Congressman Gaetz is threatening the Speaker now, saying he’s going to follow through on his threat, is because a clean continuing resolution was put on the floor, one, and two, it passed with Democratic votes. Now that this threat looks like he is going to follow through, will Democrats—will you—vote to knock down that Motion to Vacate to help Speaker McCarthy hang on to that gavel?

DelBene: Well, first, we’re going to see what happens in this upcoming session and see what he files. But we want to govern. We have important things we have to get done. We have to fund the government. We may not be shut down today, but we have to make sure that the government is funded for the whole fiscal year. We’re not there yet. There is a ton of work to do. We’re behind, and we’re behind because of Republican dysfunction. So, we want to understand what it is going to take to make sure folks are governing, and frankly, we need strong leadership. That’s a big part of my job is to make sure we have strong leadership, because I think Hakeem Jefferies would be a great Speaker.

Capehart: In reading up on the machinations—the dramatic machinations—of yesterday, this question came up to a member of the Democratic minority where the question was: would you vote—would Democrats vote—to save McCarthy and the person was quoted saying “yeah, we would have to extract a thousand pounds of flesh.” What would you want to see from Speaker McCarthy in order for Democrats to even consider helping him in the mess that he is in?

DelBene: Well, we want to govern, and we haven’t seen any ability for Republicans to govern, so what’s going to take place so that we can govern? So that we don’t go through the games that we just went through where we ended up on the brink of a shutdown and finally did what we could have done months ago? We could have passed a continuing resolution many, many weeks ago to make sure that we could continue to negotiate. But frankly, the fiscal year always starts on October 1st. It turns out it does every year. And so, we should have been passing appropriations bills in a bipartisan way a long, long time ago. So, the key is, we need leadership that understands that the only way that we get anything done is in a bipartisan way through the House and the Senate—we have to get bills through the House and the Senate to get it to the President’s desk—and so what’s going to happen to make sure that we have that leadership?

Capehart: I am going to get you to react to something that OMB Director Shalanda Young just said in the previous segment when I asked if the White House and the President, now in this in this 45/47-day period, would be more involved in trying to get these bills passed. The Director, I think rightly, said “what’s there to talk about? The toplines were already agreed to early in the summer in a law.” Is that the right stance, and is that the stance Democrats will take? What is there to talk about if the topline figures are a matter of law?

DelBene: There was a deal. There was a deal that Speaker McCarthy negotiated with President Biden, that we voted on in Congress, and just a few days after that deal was put in place, Speaker McCarthy backed off. So, the only way we’re going to get things done is to have leaders who keep their word and who are working together in a collaborative way. That’s—again—get things done, it has to be bipartisan. There is no way we’re going to get anything done. So, we have an opportunity in the House, working with the Senate, to put together funding bills to fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year, it’s got to be bipartisan. So, I think it’s on Congress right now, but in particular, on House Republicans because they’ve been the ones who have been blocking everything so far.

Capehart: In the minute that we have left, I’m going to come back to where we started this conversation and that is Congressman Gaetz saying he is going to follow through on his threat to try and remove this Speaker. Since you’re all in town, have there been any emails or conversations about the Democratic Caucus meeting to have a conversation about what to do once this happens—once a Motion to Vacate is filed?

DelBene: We are going to go back into session Monday evening, so there will be meetings called no-doubt, as we look at what the legislative business will be for the week. We meet regularly anyway. So I am sure we will have a discussion around this, and what we need to do to make sure the government is funded and that we don’t end up on the brink again in the future. But, in the end we’re going to hold fast—that’s why we’re not shut down today, because we did hold fast. We need to make sure that Republicans are doing their part. Unfortunately, they haven’t been, they’ve been dysfunctional, and I worry that we’re going to see more dysfunction here in the coming weeks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-smith-statement-house-passage-short-term-government-funding-bill,Rep Smith Statement on House Passage of Short-Term Government Funding Bill,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Adam Smith,S000510,adamsmith.house.gov,adamsmith,https://adamsmith.house.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted 335-91 for a 45-day continuing resolution to avert a federal government shutdown.

""Yet again, extreme MAGA Republicans have brought our country to the brink of disaster, risking tanking the American economy, and threatening the well-being of hardworking Americans as well as our national defense, to fill their campaign coffers and fuel their far right base. That they did this is not a surprise. Everyone could see this chaos coming months ago. Leading up to today, Speaker McCarthy repeatedly refused to work in a bipartisan way to do the sensible thing, choosing to protect his title over the needs of all Americans and our allies and partners.

""Though the Speaker finally brought a continuing resolution to the floor that House Democrats could support, it came at a staggering cost. By stripping supplemental funding to Ukraine from the funding bill, the Speaker has broadcast a dangerous message to Putin and the world. Our competitors and enemies around the globe are watching. Also watching are our allies and partners, those who stand and fight with us in the face of autocratic threats that seek to dismantle our democracy and the rules-based international order that we have fought for generations to establish.

""I and the vast majority of my Democratic and Republican colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee voted for this continuing resolution because shutting down the government was simply not an option that hard working Americans and their families could afford. There remains bipartisan, bicameral support for Ukraine. We will aggressively pursue all options to ensure that Ukraine continues to receive the tools they need to resist Russia so that Putin will be forced to negotiate peace and so that Ukraine will remain a free, democratic, and independent country. We will do this for democracy worldwide and because it is the right and just thing to do.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3678,DelBene on House Passage of Bill to Temporarily Avert a Republican Shutdown,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a 45-day stopgap funding bill that will avert a federal government shutdown.

“After months of putting forward one extreme proposal after the other, House Republicans today finally accepted what has always been true of the government funding process: to avoid a government shutdown that would harm our economy and hardworking families across the country, they must work with Democrats.

“While House Democrats held the line and avoided a worst-case scenario, Speaker McCarthy will confront the same reality again in 45 days. House Republicans must use this time to work with Democrats and the Senate to reach a bipartisan path forward to fund the federal government for the entire fiscal year. They must abandon extreme Republican policy riders and harmful program cuts and include funding that supports Ukraine. That is the only viable path forward to get legislation through the House and the Senate and signed into law.”

The House stopgap measure is expected to be taken up immediately by the Senate ahead of today’s midnight funding deadline.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/09/30/media-press-releases-strickland-statement-vote-keep-federal-government-open/,Strickland Statement On Vote To Keep The Federal Government Open,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) released the following statement in support of a 45-day bipartisan Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government:

“When House Democrats lead, we deliver the vast majority of votes on a bipartisan bill to fund the government and defeat MAGA extremists,” said U.S. Rep Strickland. “Our votes end the uncertainty for American families, service members, workers, seniors, and veterans who rely on critical government services. The American people deserve nothing less than a functioning and effective Congress.”

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2807,Larsen Reintroduces Bill to Boost Federal Response to Seasonal and Pandemic Flu,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Rick Larsen,L000560,larsen.house.gov,larsen,https://larsen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) introduced the Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act (“The Influenza Act”) to bolster the federal response to seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Reps. Deborah Ross (NC-02), Ami Bera (CA-07), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Ritchie Torres (NY- 15) and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.-At-Large) signed on as original cosponsors of the bill.

“Getting the flu can mean missed time with loved ones, lost time at work and school, and long-term health and financial consequences. Congress must make a strong investment in seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure to keep people healthy and safe and ensure the country is prepared to tackle the next public health emergency,” said Larsen.

The Coalition to Stop Flu expressed its support for the Influenza Act.

“Seasonal influenza is perhaps our country’s most predictable, preventable public health crisis,” said former Senate Majority Leader and Chairman of the Coalition to Stop Flu Tom Daschle. “And right now, the world is experiencing the worst ever outbreak of avian influenza. More can, and must, be done to protect our nation’s health and economic prosperity. The Influenza Act provides commonsense solutions to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to seasonal and pandemic flu.”

For a video of Larsen and Daschle discussing the importance of the bill, click here.

What the Influenza Act Does

The Influenza Act would build on the National Influenza Vaccine Modernization Strategy, as well as lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, to increase access to vaccines and therapeutics, strengthen and diversify vaccine development, manufacturing and supply chains, and promote research and development of new technologies to detect, prevent and respond to flu. For a one-pager on the bill, click here.

Why the Influenza Act Matters

Often underestimated, seasonal and pandemic flu are real and enduring challenges to public health. During the 2022-2023 flu season, 262 people in Washington state died from flu – the deadliest flu season in five years. Nationwide, the CDC estimates as many as 640,000 flu hospitalizations and 57,000 flu deaths occurred between October 1, 2022, and April 29, 2023 – more than the number of Americans who died in motor vehicle accidents.

Larsen’s Actions to Combat Flu

Larsen is focused on ensuring communities in Washington state and across the country have the resources they need to keep people healthy and safe. Larsen supports prioritizing funding for seasonal and pandemic flu infrastructure. Last year, Larsen’s bill, the National Aviation Preparedness Plan Act, was signed into law to require the development of a national aviation preparedness plan for future public health emergencies.

Get Your Flu Shot!

The vaccine is the best protection against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including young children and people over the age of 65. Visit vaccines.gov for more information and to find a flu vaccine location near you.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/09/29/media-press-releases-strickland-leads-bill-improve-public-engagement-pipeline-safety/,Strickland Leads Bill To Improve Public Engagement On Pipeline Safety,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C.– Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) introduced the Pipeline Safety Engagement Act, legislation to create an independent Office of Public Engagement within the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

“Pipelines affect surrounding areas including safety, health, and the environment. This is why the public must be fully informed on safety measures and regulations,” said Rep. Strickland. “Creating an Office of Public Engagement will allow PHMSA to ramp up their efforts to engage with local communities about pipeline safety.”

The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act allocates $12 million to build on PHMSA’s preexisting efforts to engage community members that have been impeded by a lack of independence, training, and funding from the agency. The funding would boost services to educate the public on pipeline safety, including by providing information in different languages.

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is the only African-American woman who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. She is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress and is the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3677,DelBene Announces $1.3M for Kirkland Jail Addiction Treatment Program,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Suzan K. DelBene,D000617,delbene.house.gov,delbene,https://delbene.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to establish a new comprehensive substance use treatment program at the Kirkland City Jail.

The city will use this funding to create a holistic and evidence-based program that includes screenings, on-site treatment, support services, and reentry planning for incarcerated people with substance use issues. Through partnerships with peers and community resources, the program aims to reduce repeat offenses, overdose cases, and the tragic impacts of substance use in the community.

“People in our jails and prisons are disproportionately living with substance use issues while also lacking the critical support needed to address these conditions. This new program in Kirkland will help provide incarcerated people with the necessary tools to combat the disease of addiction and better prepare them to reintegrate into society,” said DelBene. “This initiative represents a crucial step in breaking the cycle of substance use within our community and providing a path toward recovery and a brighter future.”

“We all know our region is experiencing a drug crisis. Although the issues and solutions surrounding this crisis are complicated and complex, this important grant will support the City of Kirkland in preventing opioid use disorder and overdose deaths for community members awaiting their due process through our legal system,” said Kirkland Mayor Penny Sweet. “This is a critical step in helping Kirkland and our region bridge the gap between public safety and public health.”

In 2018, over 47,000 Washingtonians were regular opioid users, and over half of them were expected to be released from a Washington jail. The number of overdose deaths in King County increased from 422 in 2019 to 1,002 in 2022, a 137% increase.

This funding is part of a broader initiative to bridge the gap between public safety and public health. It represents a significant step in improving the quality of life for those facing substance use disorders while fostering a healthier, safer community.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-condemns-nps-and-fws-announcement-grizzlies-north-cascades,Newhouse Condemns NPS and FWS Announcement on Grizzlies in North Cascades,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"September 28, 2023

Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement reacting to an announcement from the U.S. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service seeking public comment on a proposed rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act related to the potential introduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

“The National Parks Service and Fish and Wildlife Service should end this process immediately by rescinding the draft EIS and proposed 10(j) rule. The introduction of grizzlies into the North Cascades would be devastating for our North Central Washington communities,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Time and again, our communities have spoken to express staunch opposition to the introduction of these apex predators, which would be detrimental to our families, wildlife, and livestock alike. The introduction of grizzlies has also been deemed illegal by the Washington state legislature since 1995. I’m beyond disappointed that the Biden Administration is ignoring our concerns by moving forward with the introduction while putting on the façade of seeking more public input after their decision has clearly been made. It’s past time for the Biden Administration to listen to my constituents’ voices, who overwhelmingly oppose this decision, instead of forcing bad policy on us from D.C. bureaucrats and environmental activists in California.”

Background:

The North Cascades Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement was first proposed by the Obama Administration. Central Washington communities surrounding the North Cascades National Park were not provided an adequate opportunity to give their input on the proposal.

In March 2017, Rep. Newhouse wrote to North Cascades National Park Service Superintendent Karen Taylor-Goodrich to express opposition to the plan, citing an inadequate level of local community input and encouraging federal agencies to defer to state and local authorities on grizzly bear management efforts.

On April 12, 2018, Rep. Newhouse wrote a letter to former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, expressing his deep concern regarding the then-Secretary’s support for the proposal.

On June 6, 2018, the House Appropriations Committee approved Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to the FY19 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Interior to be used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades until local communities had the chance to adequately submit their public comments. The amendment was included in the passage of the final FY19 Interior Appropriations language.

On July 19, 2018, the full House of Representatives approved legislation containing Rep. Newhouse’s amendment to deny funding used for the transport of grizzly bears in the North Cascades.

In October 2019, hundreds of North Central Washington residents attended a public listening session – requested by Rep. Newhouse – in Okanogan, Washington, where officials from the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife listened to local concerns on the proposal to introduce grizzly bears into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish & Wildlife Rob Wallace was at the Okanogan County Fairgrounds Agriplex as many of the more than 600 North Central Washington residents provided up to two minutes of oral comment on the record. As reported by Capital Press, 50 people spoke in opposition to grizzly bear introduction, and 12 people spoke in support.

On July 7, 2020, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt visited North Central Washington, where he announced after following the federal rulemaking process, reviewing hundreds of local public comments, and hosting a public comment listening session in Okanogan County last year, DOI concluded that grizzly bears will not be introduced into the North Cascades Ecosystem.

On November 10, 2022, the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process with four virtual meetings to evaluate options for restoring and managing grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington.

Over 6,200 comments were received on the draft EIS, with the vast majority coming from outside of Washington state.

###

Issues: Public Lands",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-statement-biden-administrations-plan-four-lower-snake-river,Newhouse Statement on the Biden Administration’s Plan for the Four Lower Snake River Dams,2023-09-27,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) released the following statement after the Biden Administration released a memorandum outlining its plan for fish mitigation in the Columbia River Basin:

“The direction from President Biden proves that his Administration and dam-breaching advocates will continue to pretend to hear feedback from the community to give the perception that residents and stakeholders are being heard. The sad truth is, this has not been a collaborative process all along and they are only seeking to accomplish one predetermined outcome: a breach of the Four Lower Snake River Dams,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Rep. Newhouse continued: “While there may not be explicit recommendations to breach the Lower Snake River Dams in this memorandum, that is the goal of this Administration. This announcement is bureaucracy at its worst and the fact remains that these dams are vital to our economy, our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and the ability to send our commodities overseas. The Columbia River Basin is one of our most valuable natural resources in the Pacific Northwest and I will continue to fight each and every day against this Administration’s efforts to breach these vital dams.”

Background:

On Wednesday, September 27th, the Biden Administration released a memorandum titled “Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin,” outlining its plan for fish mitigation in the Columbia River Basin.

A stay in long-running litigation over the Snake River Dams has been extended for 60 days from August 31st to October 31st to allow federal mediation to continue, but key stakeholders and community members directly impacted by the litigation are being left in the dark as negotiations take place behind closed doors.

The Biden Administration and dam-breaching advocates are intent on achieving a “de facto” breach of the Four Lower Snake River Dams by opening the gates to reduce the water below the minimum operating levels for hydroelectric generation.

Rep. Newhouse has been leading the efforts to protect the Four Lower Snake River Dams:

This month, in a House Committee on Natural Resources hearing examining the systematic overreach from the Biden Administration’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), he addressed the lack of transparency and public input throughout the mediation process of the Four Lower Snake River Dams.

On September 13, 2023, Rep. Newhouse sent a letter to CEQ Chair Brenda Mallory alongside House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Chair Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Russ Fulcher (R-ID), and Matt Rosendale (R-MT) expressed their concerns with the mediation process.

In June, Rep. Newhouse and the House Committee on Natural Resources hosted a field hearing in Richland, WA to discuss the importance the four Lower Snake River Dams have to Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

This Congress, Rep. Newhouse introduced the Northwest Energy Security Act to protect the Four Lower Snake River Dams. The legislation supports the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) and the many benefits it brings to our region by improving and maintaining hydropower assets, ensuring operations throughout the system are conducted in accordance with the latest federal scientific review, and continuing to allow native salmon to recover at record rates.

In September 2020, the “Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision” for the Columbia River System Operation Environmental Impact Statement (CRSO EIS) published by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration, found that the Lower Snake River Dams should not be breached. Rather, efforts should be focused on improving and maintaining hydropower assets while working to improve salmon passage and conditions.

In May 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray publicly rebuked plans to breach the Lower Snake River Dams.

On October 15, 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray announced plans to assess the breaching of the Lower Snake River Dams.

On October 21, 2021, the Department of Justice announced a settlement reached between the CRSO EIS plaintiffs and federal agencies on injunctive relief, including a stay on the CRSO EIS litigation until July 2022.

On October 22, 2021, Governor Inslee and Senator Murray announced the next steps to deliver a report intended to justify breaching the Lower Snake River Dams by July 2022. Reps. Newhouse, McMorris Rodgers, and Jaime Herrera Beutler released a joint statement reacting to the announcement.

In June 2022, Rep. Newhouse led Congressional Western Caucus Members from across the United States on a field tour of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, including a tour of the Ice Harbor Dam.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/newhouse-secures-funding-replace-methow-river-water-main,Newhouse Secures Funding to Replace Methow River Water Main,2023-09-25,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,WA,Dan Newhouse,N000189,newhouse.house.gov,newhouse,https://newhouse.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced the Town of Winthrop’s request for Community Project Funding to replace the existing water main over the Methow River was officially awarded.

“As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I have a unique opportunity to submit essential funding requests for the communities of Central Washington,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The water main in the Town of Winthrop is critical to the livelihood of the Winthrop community as it serves more than 70% of the town's residents and businesses, but it is failing. I’m proud to help provide the town with a reliable and safe water system for years to come.”

“Congressman Newhouse introduced the appropriation process and supported the Water Line Replacement Project for the town. Securing funding for these projects is difficult for a small community and replacement of this pipe is essential to providing safe reliable water to our residents and businesses. This appropriation will service Winthrop for another 50 years,” said Town of Winthrop Mayor Sally Ranzau.

Background:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $667,000 to the Town of Winthrop for the Water Main Reconstruction Project, as identified in the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

In FY 2023, Congress appropriated resources for 715 congressionally directed water infrastructure projects (EPA Community Grants) totaling $1.47 billion under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117 – 328). These projects provide a valuable source of federal funding for water infrastructure that will complement the resources Congress provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the annual appropriations process.

The existing water main over the Methow River was installed in 1965 and is failing. It is the only water main across the Methow River and serves more than 70% of the town’s population and businesses as well as the sole supply for firefighting.

As the representative of Washington’s 4th Congressional District, Rep. Newhouse has the opportunity to submit up to 15 requests for Community Project Funding. These requests are meant to restore Congress’s Article I powers by ensuring that federal funding is directly targeted toward projects that benefit surrounding communities and the district as a whole.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z
https://strickland.house.gov/2023/09/23/media-press-releases-strickland-recognized-planned-parenthoods-2023-champion-reproductive-health/,Strickland Recognized As Planned Parenthood’s 2023 Champion of Reproductive Health,2023-09-23,2023,2023-09,Democrat,House,WA,Marilyn Strickland,S001159,strickland.house.gov,strickland,https://strickland.house.gov/category/press_release/,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) received Planned Parenthood’s 2023 Champion of Reproductive Health Award for her work highlighting how the Dobbs decision – which repealed the constitutional right to abortion – disproportionately affects low-income families and particularly women of color. Strickland is a leader in the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and the Congressional Black Maternal Health Caucus.

“I’m honored to be Planned Parenthood’s 2023 Champion of Reproductive Health,” said Strickland. “In the face of increasing and systematic restrictions on women’s rights, I am committed now more than ever to ensuring that all women, regardless of where they live or their economic background, have equitable access to safe and affordable reproductive healthcare.”

The Champion of Reproductive Health Award honors leaders of reproductive healthcare who continue to support the right to choose within Black communities.

Strickland has a strong record and commitment to championing reproductive healthcare, protecting a woman’s right to choose, and using her platform to highlight how the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe disproportionately affects women of color. Last Congress, the House passed her Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, which would protect women’s right to travel across state lines for reproductive care including abortions, without criminal punishment. She also led a bicameral push to create a reproductive health travel fund to provide grant assistance for women who are forced to travel long distances for reproductive and abortion care.

Planned Parenthood also honored other influential champions for reproductive rights, including actress Leslie Jones who received the Entertainer of the Year award, journalist Imara Jones who received the Advocate of the Year award, the PP Gen Action Chapter which received Planned Parenthood Generation Action’s HBCU Youth Award, and Kentucky State University student Eric McPheeters who received the Human Rights Campaign’s HBCU Youth Award

U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is the Congressional Black Caucus whip, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress, and the first African-American elected to represent the Pacific Northwest at the federal level.

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